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popular ice-cream spots are set to open for the 2016 season. Sargent Sundae, across Portage from Assiniboine Park, will dish up their first serving on Friday.
The Bridge Drive-in on Jubilee Avenue and Riverdale Street, at the foot of the Elm Park pedestrian bridge, has been getting stock deliveries for the past week in preparation for its opening on Saturday at noon, said owner Justin Jacob.
This just in: <a href="https://twitter.com/sargentsundae">@sargentsundae</a> will be open TODAY! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Winnipeg?src=hash">#Winnipeg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/icecream?src=hash">#icecream</a> <a href="https://t.co/gO3tlgCNVR">pic.twitter.com/gO3tlgCNVR</a> —@susie_parker Temperatures are forecast to push into double-digit daytime highs by Sunday, just as clocks spring ahead one hour for daylight time.
But if you think this is an earlier-than-normal ascent of temperatures, well, how soon you forget. On this weekend just one year ago, Winnipeg broke a record high on Saturday and came close to another one on Sunday.
The BDI opened, as did restaurant patios and driving ranges as people got out to soak up the vitamin D.Salvation Army doughnuts during World War I. (Courtesy of Salvation Army)
A century ago, not long after the United States entered World War I, the Salvation Army deployed hundreds of volunteers to France to soothe and bolster American troops.
The men were homesick. They were hungry. They wanted a slice of apple pie.
But that, of course, was impossible. The many indignities of war include this undeniable one: A fox hole is a terrible place to bake.
Listen to this story on “Retropod”:
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So the Salvation Army troops improvised, frying dough in soldier helmets, producing such delicious doughnuts that when the war was over, when the troops finally came home, the government produced a guide for veterans to open doughnut shops.
This is how the doughnut came to America. This is what led to National Doughnut Day. This is why the line at Dunkin’ Donuts was extra long on a recent Friday morning — free doughnuts, not as a marketing ploy (well, maybe a little), but to remember the sacrifices those men made and the Salvation Army volunteers who comforted them.
[The U.S. joined the ‘Great War’ 100 years ago. America and warfare were never the same.]
They called those volunteers, mostly women, “Doughnut Lassies.”
“As they dipped doughnuts for their boys, they dispensed motherhood,” John T. Edge wrote in “Donuts: An American Passion,” a seminal volume in the genre of historic deliciousness.
The recipe called for:
“Doughnut Lassies” and troops. (Courtesy of Salvation Army)
5 C flour
2 C sugar
5 tsp. baking powder
1 ‘salt spoon’ salt
2 eggs
1 3/4 C milk
1 Tub lard
The most important instruction: “Dust with powdered sugar. Let cool and enjoy.”
Edge, a food historian (what a gig!), identified three important rounds in the popularization of doughnuts. The first was the Salvation Army effort.
“By the close of World War I, the Salvation Army was among the strongest charitable forces in America,” Edge wrote, “and their chosen totem, the doughnut, was an ingrained symbol of home.”
The second was the invention of — the following words are completely true — the Wonderful Almost Human Doughnut Machine, invented by Adolph Levitt, a Jewish immigrant from Eastern Europe.
“When filled with his proprietary dough mix, it cranked out hundreds of perfectly round doughnuts per hour,” Edge wrote. “Placed in a window for all to see, the machine stopped traffic in Times Square.”
Let us pause to consider whether any other food has stopped traffic at The Crossroads of the World.
Nope.
Anyway, there’s one more round — the third. Edge calls this one “glamour.” It takes place during the Great Depression. By this time, doughnuts are an industry — not big and important like, say, steel, but important. And tasty.
“As the nation slid into economic depression, the industry feared that doughnuts might go the way of the street corner apple,” Edge writes. “So they aligned themselves with America’s emerging aristocracy, the ladies and gentlemen of Hollywood.”
Frank Capra put doughnuts in his movies. There’s that scene in “It Happened One Night” where Clark Gable teaches, as Edge puts it, “doughnut etiquette.” On Shirley Temple’s list of works is this: “Dora’s Dunking Donuts.” Laurel and Hardy posed for photos holding doughnuts.
And you know what?
Doughnuts survived the Great Depression. Hurrah for doughnuts.
While their nutritional value is questionable, their patriotic value is as certain as the round hole at their center, through which eaters can look back through time and see not just food history, but the story of America — of our soldiers fighting for what’s right, fueled by what would become the country’s favorite pastry.
We believe you can fry – beautiful yeasted doughnuts. You'll need a kitchen scale and instant-read thermometer for this recipe. (Ashleigh Joplin,Bonnie Benwick/The Washington Post)
Read more Retropolis:
Mail that baby: A brief history of kids sent through the U.S. Postal Service
Jefferson fled Monticello to avoid being captured by the British. And he was mocked for it.
Blood in the water: Four dead, a coast terrified and the birth of modern shark mania
“Great God, he is alive!” The first man executed by electric chair died slower than Thomas Edison expected.
JFK’s last birthday: Gifts, champagne and wandering hands on the presidential yacht
Reporters once carried daggers to deal with unruly politiciansBritish Prime Minister David Cameron at a NATO summit on May 20, 2012, when Brexit and lukewarm airport pizza were just a twinkle in his eye. John Gress/Getty Images
In the sprawling fallout of the “Leave” victory in the U.K.’s Brexit referendum, one incredible detail about how the referendum may have come to be to begin with has been the subject of controversy. It involves, of all places, Chicago.
This all started with a referendum postmortem by the Financial Times’ George Parker and Alex Barker, published this morning. In the piece, Parker and Barker describe the behind-the-scenes discussions in 2012 between Cameron and former foreign secretary William Hague about what a referendum would mean for the Tories. They were awaiting their flight home after the NATO conference held in Chicago that year:
Mr Cameron backed by William Hague, the former foreign secretary, concluded that the only way to hold the party together through the 2015 general election campaign was to promise an EU referendum.
The setting for that fateful decision: a pizza restaurant at Chicago O’Hare airport, where Mr Cameron met with Mr Hague and Ed Llewellyn, his trusted chief of staff and an old-hand in Brussels.
Reread that sentence.
According to Parker and Barker, the decision to go forward with a referendum that led this morning to Cameron’s resignation as prime minister, the collapse of the British pound, a rout in global markets and could yet lead to a recession as well as the dissolution of the European Union and the 300-year old United Kingdom itself—once the seat of the largest empire mankind has ever known—was made over a meal of airport pizza in Chicago.
Parker and Barker aren’t the only ones to have described a pizza summit.
In August, the Daily Mail’s Anthony Seldon also alluded to a meeting between Hague and Cameron at O’Hare:
But by spring 2012, the pressure for Cameron to commit to a referendum is virtually unstoppable. Having been initially reluctant, Osborne is won round. And on May 21 at the improbable location of a pizza restaurant at Chicago’s O’Hare airport it is settled.
Cameron sits down with William Hague and they agree to offer a referendum before the end of 2017. Osborne still has reservations. But Cameron can hold out no longer and the referendum is duly announced.
Predictably, reaction to the news that Brexit had been set in motion over airport grub thousands of miles away from 10 Downing was unkind.
david cameron glumly chews his gelatinous o’hare pizza. “this pizza,” he thinks, "this pizza is technocratic globalization." — Whet Moser (@whet) June 24, 2016
O’Hare does make one sometimes contemplate suicide but never on a national level https://t.co/4z0tE3LBJm — Joel Braunold (@braunold) June 24, 2016
And understandably so. Still, this listing from Eater of O’Hare’s dining options in 2012 suggests that Brexit could have begun even less auspiciously. Just imagine. What if Cameron had opted instead to launch the effort that would unseat the U.K. as the world’s fifth-largest economy while sipping a vanilla shake at Smoothie King? What if the door to the independence Scots may now try again to pursue after centuries of union had been opened at Burrito Beach? Isn’t it plausible Cameron may just as easily have initiated the final embarrassment of a nation that once lorded over nearly a fourth of the world’s land mass while picking cheesecorn out of his teeth at Nuts on Clark?
But hours after the Financial Times piece went up, Chicago Aviation Spokesman Owen Kilmer told the Chicago Tribune that the meeting never happened:
Kilmer said Friday that Cameron, who was in Chicago for a NATO summit at the time, was whisked straight from his private flight straight into a vehicle that took him downtown and that security measures meant that “he was never in any of the terminals at O’Hare … when he arrived or when he departed.” It’s therefore not possible that Cameron ate at an O’Hare restaurant, although he may have grabbed a slice somewhere else, Kilmer said.
And so would’ve concluded the greatest food story in British politics since Ed Milliband’s unfortunate bacon sandwich breakfast in 2014—exactly two years to the day after Cameron’s alleged pizza summit—but for the fact that Cameron’s meal was apparently observed by multiple eyewitnesses.
Little did they know: These two guys witnessed David Cameron negotiating #Brexit, five years ago. pic.twitter.com/gNUIFA0Cyg — Dan Diamond (@ddiamond) June 24, 2016
Slate has reached out to both Kvam and ITV’s Robert Moore and has yet to receive comment. Moore was also the author of a piece published the day after his tweet that described the phantom meeting in more detail and claimed Cameron departed Chicago on a commercial American Airlines flight:
Last night, as I passed through Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, the Prime Minister was eating at a fast-food cafe, surrounded by fellow passengers, waiting for an American Airlines flight back to London. I was with Cameron’s National Security Adviser Kim Darroch. “Austerity Britain,” he smiled.
Moore’s account raises additional questions. How would Cameron have been able to hold a private and tremendously consequential meeting while rubbing elbows with other passengers? And if Hague and Llewellyn were present, why were they not mentioned as Cameron’s National Security Adviser Kim Darroch was?
In any case, it seems that either the Chicago Aviation Authority is wrong or multiple people experienced roughly the same hallucination that evening at O’Hare, a place that, in fairness, induces transient bouts of insanity in innumerable travelers every single day.
So where would this meeting have happened if it did in fact happen? One restaurant seems like a particularly likely candidate.
Brexit was likely birthed in a Pizzeria UNO in O’Hare’s Terminal 3, the hub for all American Airlines flights. As Eater’s listing indicates, the location has been in the terminal since at least late 2012 and was the only probable sit-down pizzeria in the terminal at the time the list was compiled.
The Terminal 3 location doesn’t seem to have a page online, but reviews of UNO’s O’Hare locations in general have been decidedly mixed, with some comparing the “watery” pizzas served unfavorably with Chicago’s locally beloved deep-dish pizzas as offered at chains such as Giordano’s:
Other customers seem pleased with Terminal 5’s location, even going as far as to vouch for the authenticity of UNO’s pies:
Cameron’s meeting could also plausibly have been held at one of the two other sit-down places in the terminal serving pizza at the time—a Macaroni Grill and a Wolfgang Puck restaurant. After all, Moore says that Cameron’s meal was at a “fast-food” place and not necessarily a pizzeria. But the Grill and the Puck restaurant don’t really seem to fit the bill as “fast-food” joints, either. (Eater’s list describes them as “leisurely” spots.) It seems a good bet that the pizza restaurant specified in the Financial Times and the Daily Mail pieces was, in fact, a pizza restaurant. Terminal 3 also had a Reggio’s in 2012, but a Yelp search suggests both that Reggio’s lacks seating and that the quality of its pizza makes a Cameron meeting there simply too horrible to contemplate.
Slate has yet to hear from the food management company at O’Hare about Cameron’s meeting or plans for a commemorative plaque. But diners at the Terminal 3 Pizzeria UNO—now, it seems, an UNO’s Pizza Express—have good reason to believe their pies are being served in one of the most consequential spots in geopolitical history. Thanks to Cameron, we have an addition to make to the list of meeting places that have changed the modern world: Versailles, Yalta, Bretton Woods, and the Terminal 3 Pizzeria UNO at O’Hare.
Read more Slate coverage of the Brexit vote.Christian leader Lou Engle tells a youth group they must pray in schools so gays and lesbians can be converted
An American Christian leader has said he wants to recruit 100,000 former gay men and women to ‘pray AIDs away’ in a new video.
Lou Engle told a youth Christian group he had prophesized a ‘first wave’ of ex-gay men and women who would bring about ‘radical salvations and healings of AIDs’.
In the video discovered by Right Wing Watch yesterday (5 July), Engle says: ‘God, give us 100,000 gay lesbian men and women to be radically transformed.
‘Begin to pray it in your youth groups! Begin to pray it in your schools! Pray it in your devotions! Lift your voices today!’
At the same rally for the youth group, he said new film The Avengers, directed by gay friendly atheist Joss Whedon, was a good example of how to ‘fight demons’.
Engle said: ‘I want to be the Hulk. I was so deeply moved in that movie when the music’s going and Hulk’s coming – boom, boom.
‘I start weeping in the movie I am so moved by the Holy Spirit. Now you really think I’m crazy.’
Engle is well known in North America for pioneering religious movement The Call, and hosting events which include 12-hour prayer sessions.
In May 2010, Engle traveled to Uganda and organized a rally there in which he praised the government’s efforts to combat homosexuality, including the bill which called for life imprisonment or the death penalty.
However after criticism, he said he opposed the anti-homosexuality bill, saying he had ‘no prior knowledge’ of it before the rally.
Check out the videos here:A Mexican journalist has been shot dead while he attended his son’s school Christmas pageant as attacks on the country’s press continue unabated.
Mexico: murders of women rise sharply as drug war intensifies Read more
Gumaro Pérez Aguilando was attending the school event in the town of Acayucan on Tuesday, when a pair of gunmen burst into the building and killed him in front of a classroom full of schoolchildren, witnesses told local media.
His death marked the 12th murder of a media worker in Mexico in 2017, according to the press freedom organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The killing puts Mexico alongside Syria as the most murderous country for journalists, according to RSF.
Pérez covered police matters for several publications and founded the news site La Voz del Sur in the violent city of Acayucan, in Veracruz state, where drug cartel and organised crime activities have been rife. He also worked in the communications department of the local government.
Pérez had not reported any threats against him, said Ana Laura Pérez Mendoza, president of the State Commission for the Care and Protection of Journalists.
He was third journalist murdered in the Acayucan in recent months. Cándido Ríos Vázquez, a reporter with El Diario de Acayucan, was killed with two others outside a convenience store in August, even though he was enrolled in a federal government protection program after receiving threats from a mayor in the region, according to media reports.
A month earlier, photojournalist Edwin Rivera Paz, a Honduran national, was shot and killed by gunmen on a motorcycle in Acayucan, site of a Mexican immigration processing centre. Rivera had fled Honduras earlier in the year after a colleague there was killed.
Veracruz, which stretches along Mexico’s Gulf coast, has become notorious as one of the most dangerous places in the world to work in journalism. At least 19 reporters were murdered there during the 2010-2016 administration of former governor Javier Duarte, who fled Mexico, but was brought back to face corruption accusations in court.
“It continues being the same nightmare,” said Miguel Ángel Díaz, founder of Plumas Libres, an online news site in the state capital Xalapa. “Nothing and no one protects us. Criminals have permission to do as they want.”
'We work under siege': the journalists who risk death for doing their jobs Read more
Despite promises of action from the authorities several high-profile killings of journalists in 2017 have brought no charges or convictions.
Miroslava Breach, who covered criminal activities in northern Chihuahua state, was shot dead in March as she drove her child to school. One of the publications she contributed to, the newspaper Norte in Ciudad Juárez, subsequently closed, with the owner citing journalist safety as a motive.
Javier Valdez, founder of the newsweekly Ríodoce in western Sinaloa state, was pulled from his car and shot in the street as he left his office in May.
Pérez’s murder comes as Mexico remains convulsed with violence. The country recorded 20,878 homicides over the first 10 months of 2017, making it the most murderous year since the government began tracking such data in 1997.Les "Survivorman" Stroud, the infinitely wise godfather of survival TV, needs no introduction. From hosting Discovery Channel's Shark Week to producing the NHL Celebrity Survival Challenge (to making a cartoon cameo appearance on King of the Hill), Les is a prolific broadcasting personality whose acclaimed Survivorman series has racked up some of the highest ratings in reality show history. Currently working on new projects with National Geographic and Harper Collins books, this Canada crowned-jewel has yet to meet an audience he cannot captivate.
Without further ado, CottageCountry.com presents the man, the myth, the legend...
* * *
You live in cottage country all year around, correct?
Correct -- when I am not on the road filming or performing.
Were you born and raised in Muskoka?
No, I was originally raised in Etobicoke, Ontario, but all of my summers were spent in Muskoka.
What is it about living in cottage country that appeals to you and has kept you there?
It is simply one of the most beautiful places on the planet -- it has it all -- and I have seen a lot of the world.
What is your favorite cottage country?
I am torn between Muskoka and Temagami.
How do you spend the perfect 24 hours in cottage country?
• Morning: Coffee and baileys on the dock
• Early day: Reading while the gang wakes itself up
• Lunch: Eating with a bunch of friends on the deck
• Afternoon: Anything at all that gets you out on the water
• Dinner: BBQ, of course
• Night: Guitar playing by the fire with come cold beer
• Late Night: Board game
• Snack: Toast with smooth peanut butter
• Bed: Fall asleep while listening to the wood thrush...
When you go camping, what are the five staple things you put in your pack?
1. Power bars
2. Dark chocolate
3. A surprise bottle of single malt for the rainy day
4. Travel scrabble
5. My harmonica
Favorite wilderness memory?
Lying on my back on a sun warmed rock watching clouds roll by...
Lakes or mountains?
That's way too hard to answer but I guess I could give a slight nudge towards lakes.
What is your biggest fear?
Mediocrity.
What are your favorite cottage country landmarks -- restaurants, museums, shops, cafes, scenic destinations?
Any campsite in Wabakimi Provincial Park or Temagami, the Algonquin Park museum, anything North Shore of Lake Superior, Mugzy's cafe in Huntsville, Henriettas Bakery in Dwight, The Busy Bee in Temagami, The Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Rosseau, Marty's in Bracebridge, and Webers in Orillia.
Most people would think living in cottage country is adequately off the beaten track. Why do you venture even farther into the back of beyond for weeks at a time? What is it about the wild that captivates you?
All of the adventurous things I have been able to do. Filming Survivorman, filming Beyond Survival, and filming Shark Week have all stemmed from my general love for adventure, and especially any adventure that is all about the wilderness. Whether that wilderness is a forest, or a jungle, or a desert or the arctic, I just have an all consuming passion for adventure and a love for Mother Earth and her natural beauty. Her natural unspoiled beauty captivates me. Isn't that enough?
What can people learn from spending time in cottage country?
Well, what I hope they would learn is that cottage country fosters a different kind of community -- it can promote a real togetherness for people and families. Yet, I fear that that is changing so I am hopeful that we can learn to bring it back. I think by spending time in cottage country people can learn to be less uptight in their lives.
What can people learn from spending time in nature?
Connection to nature is the essence of life -- it will be the only thing that keeps our world alive and vibrant. Without it we risk becoming a scene from Blade Runner. Spending time in nature will teach you how to be open -- to take in the energy of life and let it flow unobstructed by the stresses and noise of the city.
The Canadian population is clustered in cities -- for a country that is geographically dense with wilderness, its citizens are largely urban dwellers and do not connect with nature on a daily basis. How do we connect people with nature again? Is it important?
It is not only important -- it is vital -- it is everything we need. We are told that we have NDD -- Nature Deficit Disorder -- an actual scientific name for it now! Well, the cure is simple isn't it? Spend time in nature. You dont have to do something as grand as going to a jungle or some distant remote land, and you don't have to own a 7000 square foot waterfront home. You can feel the healing energies of nature simply by visiting the park down the street. Going to my family cottage connected me with nature on a one-to-one basis and it has carried me through my life, sometimes out of reach, sometimes surrounding me. I dont think we need to devise all kinds of complex ways of connecting people with nature, I think we just need to get them out there -- nature will take it from there. Getting them out there is the key.
What has the rural cottage country setting taught you over the years?
That nature is fragile. Voices to control, change and interrupt nature's flow can sometimes be very loud and win the day. However, when we leave nature -- when we go back to the city, when we have packed up our coolers and water toys, when we leave the dirt road and start back down the highway -- the nature we leave behind continues on. The brook is still babbling, the leaves are still fluttering, the grey jays are still swooping from branch to branch and the ripples on the lake are still reaching the far shore. With or without us, cottage country remains as beautiful as when you witness it from across that second hand table you put in front of the window that overlooks the bay.
Board sports (adventure and adrenaline) or board games (brainpower and strategic thinking)?
Board sports for the day and board games for the night.
What is the craziest thing people can eat in cottage country that comes from the wild?
The potato salad your aunt brought for the pot luck....oh....and worms.
Favorite season up North?
The one that starts Jan 1st and ends Dec 31st.
Thank you Les for sharing your wisdom and insight. Keep on keepin' on...Shane Jones jokes and sings as he leaves Parliament VERNON SMALL
Parliament TV
Shane Jones had the House in stitches during his valedictory speech.
Opinion poll Will you be sad to see the back of Shane Jones? Yes, it's a sad day for Labour. No, he was a liability for Labour. Not sad, but I will miss the 'colour' he brought to debates. Pleased to see the back of him. Yes, it will make life easier for National. Vote Result Fairfax NZ NO REGRETS: Shane Jones. Related Links Shane Jones' Valedictory speech Relevant offers
Labour MP Shane Jones has said goodbye to Parliament with a few bars from Please release me and a characteristic speech full of rhetoric and jokes at his own expense.
In between he called on his fellow MPs to recognise New Zealand was a bicultural country and "to not untether our waka from that essential narrative entered into in the Treaty of Waitangi".
Speaker David Carter joked he had arrived half an hour early to ensure he had a seat in the packed House.
The public galleries gave Jones a standing ovation as he left for the last time with a "this is me, I’m out".
Jones had the House in stitches as he traced his history from the Far North to St Stephen’s School, Harvard University, the chair of the Maori Fisheries Commission and to nine years in Parliament.
Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell was his head prefect at St Stephen’s and Mana leader Hone Harawira was a fellow pupil.
"I was the altar boy and Hone nicked the cross," Jones said.
Former Labour prime minister Helen Clark had enticed him into politics, but his background meant he had always been a champion of business and free trade, he said.
Jones, who in recent months made it clear he was opposed to any Labour deal with the Green Party, said businesspeople were "lions in the boardroom and lambs in public".
They mistakenly thought that climate change was the "political province of Lotus eaters".
"They make that error and imperil their long-term profitability."
That Sir Roger Douglas, Richard Prebble, Ron Mark, Willie Jackson and John Tamihere were in the House to hear his valedictory speech spoke for the nature of his politics.
Jones admitted he had never grown to love door-knocking, and preferred to get his message out through the media.
As a result, some of his colleagues saw him as a "something of a headline hussy".
"I was big-picture man."
He said he had always been willing to front even when things were going badly for him, such as when Prime Minister John Key "in a fit of enthusiasm" had decided to release Jones’ credit card details.
They showed Jones, who had once been tipped as the first Maori prime minister, had booked adult movies on his ministerial credit card – a low point that wounded his career.
His advice to his replacement list MP, Kelvin Davis, was to avoid Parliament’s purchase cards. ‘‘Cash is king, bro’’.
A highlight of his political career was his unsuccessful tilt at Labour’s leadership last year, which he said was "liberating".
Nevertheless, he had to admit more people from Labour were coming to his farewell and seafood banquet at the Backbencher pub "than bloody well voted for me".
Earlier as his last day in Parliament began, Jones said he's got "no remorse about hopping on the other waka".
Jones also appeared to have fired one last shot at Labour leader David Cunliffe, saying he wished him all the best, but hinted David Shearer, whom Cunliffe ousted as leader, was not given the chance he deserved.
Jones had warned that his valedictory speech to Parliament would be less reserved than his maiden speech as a "third-former" nine years ago.
"What I remember about the [maiden] speech is you had to give an early copy to Helen Clark who then handed it on to Margaret Wilson, who was the then speaker of the house, to ensure that it was of an acceptable quality," he said on Breakfast.
"As I looked back on it, it appears slightly wooden."
Jones announced his resignation last month from Parliament and the party he's represented as a list MP since 2005.
He is set to take up a government economic development role in the Pacific, focusing on fisheries - a role created by Foreign Affairs Minister and key National Party strategist Murray McCully.
The announcement was described by political pundits as a disaster for Labour. The party was shown to be in disarray when it became clear in the hours after the news broke, that key senior MPs in the Labour caucus had no knowledge of Jones' decision.
Today, Jones said he had no regrets about leaving Labour to take up a role with the Government.
"What's that term when you go to buy a car? Buyer remorse? No, I've disembarked from this waka and there's no remorse about hopping on the other waka," he said.
Jones said the role was still to be finalised, but discussions with McCully were progressing.
"It lies with Minister McCully to make the necessary announcements, but I've indicated I'm very keen. I've got both the energy and the connections.
"There are a host of major economic challenges in the Pacific, and working closely with our Pacific neighbours and ensuring that New Zealand's profile and New Zealand's influence as a force for good in the Pacific remains strong, and we continue to grow the momentum."
Among the people Jones said he would miss the most would be no one in his own caucus – but the media.
"I think they've acknowledged that I've always fronted up, and Lord knows I had various occasions where I did need to front up," the MP said.
"I think I've enjoyed the contact with the media. I was a chap who was lucky - I had both languages; English and Te Reo, and I think with speeches and communications with the media to the public is something that I will miss."
Among those occasions on which Jones said he needed to "front up" was a scandal after using a tax-payer funded credit card to purchase TV porn movies while staying in hotels.
But Jones potentially saved his most stinging shot, for last when he all but endorsed Shearer as the better Labour leader.
Jones said he didn't "want to curse anyone", but there were "some strong people coming through and I wish David Cunliffe all the best".
"We had our own competition race and I've also acknowledged that David Shearer in my view made a very credible contribution and New Zealanders were beginning to know him and possibly embrace him."
- StuffMidfielder began life at Arsenal as part of a prized quintet of which only he and Aaron Ramsey are left standing – and both are vital to the club’s future
When Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain signed for Arsenal a week before his 18th birthday, little could he have imagined that Arsène Wenger would consider handing him the keys to the club’s future six years down the line. At various points his development has looked quite the conundrum. Spells in a variety of positions, erratic form and shaky confidence levels have made him a puzzling player to assess. But on the back of a convincing period in difficult circumstances, the manager’s faith in the 23-year-old seems stronger than ever. “I want him to be part of Arsenal Football Club for the next 10 years,” the Frenchman says.
With Oxlade-Chamberlain nearing the final year of his deal and rival clubs watching closely, such a bold statement might appear tactical. But Wenger sounds genuine when he expands on why he feels Oxlade‑Chamberlain is one of the players he wants to carry the club’s flame. The story goes back to the time Oxlade-Chamberlain first joined Arsenal in the summer of 2011. It was a turbulent month, with Cesc Fàbregas and Samir Nasri exiting at the same time. Wenger had pinned his faith in the best young global talent he could find but a string of departures, chasing the bigger bucks and broader ambition, made him refocus on talent that was closer to home and, in theory, less likely to fly off.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was part of what became known as the British core, a vision crystalised in a photograph taken in December 2012 of five young internationals sitting side by side, pens hovering over their contracts, smiling as they collectively extended their deals to be part of a new future. Left to right the photograph captures Carl Jenkinson, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Oxlade-Chamberlain (one 19, three 20 and one 23).
Right now, on the eve of an FA Cup semi-final that feels loaded for Arsenal far beyond what happens on the pitch, it is fair to say the plans for that quintet have not exactly worked out as Wenger imagined. Wilshere, the shiniest gem in 2012, is once again confronting the disappointment of injury and questions over whether he can revive his career to the full. Jenkinson and Gibbs have become peripheral members of the squad who must consider a change of scene if they want regular football. Ramsey has endured a difficult season, beset by knocks and struggles, unable to show the glittering form that made him one of the stars of Euro 2016. Of the five, Oxlade-Chamberlain appears to be in the best place, one of Arsenal’s most positive performers in what has been a beleaguered couple of months.
“He looks like he is on an upward curve,” Wenger says. “He has had little problems, but now he’s getting a little stability and more freedom to play. Before he played a bit inhibited and now he plays with the feeling ‘I’m a player’ and you feel that when he takes the ball. Chamberlain is a player who questions himself a lot. He always wondered: ‘Will I be as good as people want me to be?’ So he has matured – because he is an intelligent boy and gets to the level now where his mental level has adjusted with his football level.”
For those tempted to write off the British core as a failed experiment, Wenger is adamant that Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ramsey remain vital within the club. His faith in them is wholehearted enough to suggest that their futures are more meaningful for Arsenal than his own. “These guys have to take charge of what we have built and the values of the club,” he says. “They should lead and take responsibility to say: ‘Yes, that is how we want to behave, this is how we want to play, let’s go together.’ If they didn’t want to, that would be a huge disappointment. A lot is said about my future but what is more important is the value and spirit of what we have built in 20 years than my own person.”
It is not so much the Britishness as the core that matters to him. “What I love above a passport are players who integrate the values of the club. They have to be ready to defend these values. It’s more natural for local players because they have been educated in Arsenal.”
Wenger will not give up on Ramsey despite the interruptions that have severely limited his effectiveness. “For Aaron it is a very frustrating season. I looked the other day, he started his eighth game in the Premier League. When I realised that it was unbelievable. Injuries, injuries, injuries, injuries and not big ones. But every time niggling and when he came back – boom – a little calf – boom – a little hamstring.
“I hope he will have a strong end to the season because he is an important player for me. When you look at the start of the season, you count [Santi] Cazorla, you count Ramsey to be important players. You come to the end of the season – no Cazorla since October and Ramsey has played less than 10 games.” That goes a long way to explaining the flaws that have been so exposed in Arsenal’s midfield for much of this campaign.
Wenger fondly remembers Ramsey at his peak, scoring the decisive goal in the 2014 final. “A Lampard type,” he says, reflecting on a season when those high-stamina runs into the box yielded 16 goals. This term Ramsey has two, against Preston North End and Lincoln City in the FA Cup.
The long-term future is for another day. On Sunday afternoon, Ramsey and Oxlade-Chamberlain will need to be on song in midfield against Manchester City to give Arsenal a fighting chance of reaching another FA Cup final.Stanford student Feross Aboukhadijeh, in a nod to the recent unveiling of Google Instant, has created a real-time search engine for YouTube videos — and it’s caught the attention of YouTube CEO Chad Hurley.
After spotting YouTube Instant, Hurley Tweeted over to Aboukhadijeh, saying he loved the idea and asking if he wanted a job.
Aboukhadijeh, who goes by the Twitter handle FreeTheFeross, sent a message back to find out if Hurley was serious about the offer — because, after all, this is the Internet. It looks like Hurley was, indeed, quite serious.
Aboukhadijeh announced the launch of YouTube Instant on Y Combinator’s Hacker News feed, a news aggregation site similar to Digg and Reddit. It behaves much the same way Google Instant does |
on the basis that the policy would help shape transformation.
However the respondents, while accepting this objective, suggested that in practice it would not achieve this aim and furthermore would take away business from those who were previously disadvantaged and had the correct skill set.
The SCA's judgement was based on an understanding that "affirmative action measures are designed to ensure that suitably qualified people, who were previously disadvantaged, have access to equal opportunities and are equitably represented in all occupation categories and levels".
The court found that while "measures directed at affirmative action may in some instances embody preferential treatment and numeral goals," it "cannot amount to quotas".
The judgement suggested that in advancing transformation, "flexibility and inclusiveness is required" as "measures must not, however, encroach, in an unjustifiable way, upon the human dignity of those affected by them," which would be unconstitutional.
The court also suggested that the policy was prejudiced to young black men and women who had recently qualified.
On Sunday, Solidarity trade union, which was one of the respondents, said that it welcomed the judgment as it showed up the policy as one that "highlights the absurdity of government’s racial classification system".
"There is no regard for skills; only race is taken into account," it said.Most people think that climate change is real and is already impacting the world. But not many people think that climate change is affecting them. And that’s understandable when you’re focusing on impacts like warmer winters or more intense storms that never happen to hit you. So think about this more direct impact on your life instead: imagine paying way more for coffee that tastes worse.
Does it feel real yet? Because it does to coffee growers, and if they’re worried you should be too. A new report, just the latest in a long string of studies on climate change and coffee production, found that over half of Ethiopia’s current coffee crop grows in areas that won’t be suitable for agriculture in the near future. The findings were published in the journal Nature Plants. Other reports have similar prognostications for the rest of the world: Brazil, Indonesia, Colombia. All these places will see their coffee-producing lands cut in half by 2050.
We’re used to seeing global warming affecting cold places. Polar bears float on tiny icebergs and penguins wander around on exposed mud. But as the name implies, it is a global phenomenon. Coffee grows in hot climates, so we might not think of it as being at risk. If it gets hotter, so what? Coffee already likes it hot.
We don’t grow coffee just anywhere
Just because coffee plants grow in hot places doesn’t mean they can grow in all hot places. What’s more, those specific locales have a direct impact on the coffee’s taste. Arabica beans, like wine grapes, have something called terroir—the environment in which they grow changes their flavor. That’s why the same varietal of coffee bean grown in two different countries (or even on two sides of the same mountain) will have differing flavor profiles.
One potential “solution” to a shrinking amount of useful land is to move coffee production to a higher altitude where it will be cooler. This recent report found that you could actually increase the available land fourfold. But you can’t just move to a higher altitude environment without changing how the coffee tastes. You may need to change plant varietals, and at a minimum you’ll have different soil quality up there. And that’s not to mention the fact that there’s a limit to how high up you can go. That mountain does reach a peak at some point.
And lest we forget, the task of moving all coffee production to new areas isn’t just about tackling plant problems. Humans grow those beans and those humans will have to change their whole lives to grow coffee differently. Millions of arabica and robusta farmers worldwide would need to physically move and adapt to a new growing culture. That’s no small feat—and it’s not free.
Changing how we grow coffee will cost money
Some of the cost of a changing coffee culture will be shouldered by investors. Companies will need to figure out ways to adjust the agricultural side of things. Maybe if people become more comfortable with genetic engineering, we could try making arabica plants more resistant to heat and drought—but right now public opinion inhibits that tactic. Otherwise, consumers will shoulder the costs of having to establish new farms and try different growing techniques.
Unless we have some proactive measures (and maybe in spite of them), we’re likely to have coffee shortages. And shortages drive prices up. When Brazil had a drought in 2014, coffee prices doubled. What will happen when every country in the world has droughts?
That’s what’s already happening in Ethiopia. Longer, hotter dry seasons have made it difficult for farmers to produce the same volume and quantity of beans. Arabica plants are quite sensitive to small changes in the environment, and they don’t adapt well. Even wild coffee plants are in danger. Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and it still has plenty of wild varietals that farmers use as seed stocks. It’s basically the backup for the world’s coffee supply—and it’s at risk of dying off. Maybe you won’t notice a small year-to-year rise in temperature. But you’re sure as heck going to notice when you can’t afford your coffee anymore and it suddenly tastes awful. So the next time you have a chance to curb your greenhouse gas emissions, don't just do it so your grandchildren inherit a decent planet: do it for your morning joe.In this photo, reviewed by the U.S. Military, a sign marks a closed-off area, at Camp Justice, the location of the U.S. Military Commissions court for war crimes, at the U.S. Naval Base, in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, January 19, 2009. REUTERS/Brennan Linsley/Pool
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. president Barack Obama said in a TV interview set for broadcast on Sunday that he will do “everything I can” to close the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, after four Afghan detainees held there were sent home.
Obama promised to shut the internationally condemned prison when he took office nearly six years ago, saying it was damaging America’s image around the world. But he has been unable to do so, partly because of obstacles posed by the U.S. Congress.
“I’m going to be doing everything I can to close it,” Obama said on CNN’s “State of the Union with Candy Crowley,” program in an interview taped on Friday.
“It is something that continues to inspire jihadists and extremists around the world, the fact that these folks are being held,” he said.
“It is contrary to our values and it is wildly expensive. We’re spending millions for each individual there. And we have drawn down the population there significantly,” he added.
In the latest step in the gradual push to close the prison, four Afghans held for over a decade at Guantanamo have been sent home, the Pentagon said on Saturday.Pedro de la Rosa is confident Pirelli's new 2011 tyres will make racing more interesting and has predicted two or three pit stops per race.
Last year the Bridgestone tyres were particularly hardwearing, meaning most drivers at most circuits made just one pit stop. At races where tyre degradation was higher, the action was often more interesting as drivers had to balance pace against tyre wear.
From an early stage in the development of the 2011 tyres, Pirelli hinted that it would factor in more degradation in order to make racing more exciting. Several teams reported a severe drop off in rear tyre grip at the Abu Dhabi test at the end of the season and since then Pirelli has continued to refine the characteristics of the tyre.
De la Rosa, who has been the Italian firm's main tester since he lost his drive at Sauber last year, reckons the tyres are now capable of producing better racing than in previous years.
"The races will be more interesting, because they have designed a tyre for the show - especially the super soft which is very fast but also has a very big degradation," he told Barcelona radio Rac1.
He added that he thinks the outcomes of the races will be "more open" with each driver making "2 or 3 stops per grand prix".
But he played down speculation that the new tyres, combined with adjustable rear wings and the return of KERS, will mean that qualifying is far less important than before.
"Qualifying will always be 70% of the outcome of the race," said de la Rosa. "Of course, it is true that the difference between the first and the second choice of compounds is very large. So those who start further back than eleventh will have a chance to fight for points because the harder tyre will last much longer than the soft. But that's only speculation."
De la Rosa has just completed a two-night test in Abu Dhabi, working on Pirelli's wet tyres. But with Pirelli's solo testing reaching a respite (the teams will start testing again on February 1), he said he was back in the market for an F1 drive.
"The truth is I don't know what will happen next," he said. "In January the contract with Pirelli ends and my priority is to find a seat in Formula One."
He agreed that the current situation for aspiring F1 racers is "very difficult".
"If I don't race I would be happy to continue in F1 as a reserve driver," announced de la Rosa.
He spent several years as McLaren's main test driver, but insists he is currently "not close to any teams, even McLaren."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.A multi-billion-dollar government program launched by Obama to help families hit by the housing crisis squandered millions on parties, employee bonuses, cars, and superfluous data storage. The program is known as Hardest Hit Fund and operates under the Treasury Department, which does little to oversee it and sits by as federal audits expose pervasive fraud and waste. The findings of the latest probe were released this month by the inspector general of another reckless Treasury gem, the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), Obama’s disastrous initiative to rescue the nation’s ailing financial institutions.
The findings are documented in an exhaustive 93-page report that should enrage every American taxpayer. For those who don’t have the stamina to get through the entire document, here are some highlights; $3 million in expenses, deemed “unnecessary” by the watchdog, were spent on picnics, barbecues, gift cards, a new customer center, employee bonuses, cars, and more. Here’s a breakdown straight out of the federal audit; $598,374 went to car allowances, free parking, and other transportation perks; $342,728 was spent on settlements, severance, and other employee legal expenses; $342,407 went to employee bonuses, cash debit cards, gifts, and other perks; $258,333 was spent on “avoidable” data storage expenses; $150,618 on barbecues, parties, picnics, steak and seafood dinners, and other food and beverages. The rest was spent on unemployment payments to former employees and a customer center in Rhode Island that had already received federal money years earlier for a new office.
“Taxpayers are paying more for this program than is necessary, and losing Federal dollars to waste, because Treasury is not following its own contract to limit TARP spending to only expenses necessary to modify loans or demolish blighted houses,” the inspector general writes in the report. “Treasury has also allowed state agencies to charge TARP for expenses not included in the Permitted Expenses, such as food and beverages, which are not necessary to modify loans or demolish blighted houses.” The probe was requested by a U.S. senator in the aftermath of a 2016 audit exposing $8.1 million in waste in Nevada’s Hardest Hit Fund. In that case the money was blown on outrageous things like employee outings, staff lunches and gifts, parties, a fancy car for a supervisor, and severance pay for a top official. The Treasury Department never bothered trying to recover the money, according to the audit, and the fraud continues to grow.
The Hardest Hit Fund was created by Obama in 2010 to help struggling families negatively impacted by the housing crisis that began in 2007. The former commander-in-chief asserted that homeowners in regions with high unemployment needed the government’s help to make their mortgage payment and prevent foreclosure. The government has contributed more than $9 billion dollars to the cause and the money will be available until the end of 2020. In the Obama administration’s last year, the fund got an additional $2 billion to assist struggling homeowners and communities. “While the housing market has strengthened in recent years, there are still many homeowners and neighborhoods experiencing the negative effects of the financial crisis,” said the Treasury’s Deputy Assistant Secretary of Financial Stability when the money was doled out, assuring that the funds would help stabilize local communities and help struggling families avoid foreclosure.
Like a lot of government programs during Obama’s eight years, this one ballooned and kept receiving boatloads of cash with virtually no oversight. It started off as a $1.5 billion initiative focused on the five states with the steepest declines in home prices and grew to a $9.6 billion boondoggle encompassing 18 states and the District of Columbia. The money goes to mortgage payment assistance for unemployed or underemployed homeowners, principal reduction to help homeowners get into more affordable mortgages, and blight elimination and down payment assistance efforts. California has received the biggest chunk of money ($2,358,593,320) followed by Florida ($1,135,735,674), Ohio ($762,302,067), Michigan ($761,204,045), and North Carolina ($706,507,564). Nevada got a total of $202,911,881, nearly $9 million of it just months before the publication of that scathing inspector general report documenting $8.1 million in fraud.According to reports, the Minnesota Timberwolves have traded point guard Ricky Rubio to the Utah Jazz for a 2018 first-round pick (originally belonging to the Oklahoma City Thunder, acquired as part of the Enes Kanter trade).
ESPN’s Marc Stein tweeted out the details of the trade, citing the Salt Lake City Tribune‘s Tony Jones:
I'm told Minnesota will be get a 2018 first-round pound to trade Ricky Rubio into Utah cap space. @tribjazz first to report deal happening — Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 30, 2017
Breaking from @tribjazz: guard Ricky Rubio is coming to Utah after trade with Minnesota https://t.co/YTp8mS7dJn pic.twitter.com/09ncAAEFRU — SL Tribune Sports (@sltribsports) June 30, 2017
Minnesota Timberwolves Trade Ricky Rubio to Utah Jazz
Timberwolves’ Point of View
After several failed attempts, the Minnesota Timberwolves finally traded Rubio to the Jazz for a protected 2018 first-round draft pick.
#Twolves acquire 2018 1st-round draft pick (originally belonging to Oklahoma City) from Utah in exchange for Ricky Rubio. Release: pic.twitter.com/OLap3UG8i0 — Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) June 30, 2017
Timberwolves President and Head Coach Tom Thibodeau graciously thanked Rubio for his time with the team. “Ricky has been a consummate professional over my time in Minnesota and has done tremendous things in the community,” Thibodeau said. “We appreciate all he’s done for the organization and wish him the best of luck in Utah.”
This trade has repercussions on the free agency market, as the Timberwolves need to sign a point guard. Less than a week ago, the Timberwolves traded Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine (both of whom played at least some minutes at point guard) to the Chicago Bulls as part of the Jimmy Butler deal. This trade most significantly leaves the Timberwolves with an estimated $32 million in salary cap space entering free agency.
According to Stein, the New York Knicks are convinced that point guard Jeff Teague is already committed to signing with Minnesota in free agency:
The Knicks have abandoned their hopes of meeting with Jeff Teague, league sources say, convinced Teague has already committed to Minnesota — Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 30, 2017
Other potential replacements for Rubio include free agent point guards Kyle Lowry, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick Rose.
Jazz’s Perspective
In Rubio, the Jazz acquired a creative point guard with six seasons of NBA experience. Rubio is a pass-first playmaker, which will help him fit perfectly with the Jazz’s offensive philosophy. He is also an elite defender. With Rubio’s salary for the 2017-18 season of just $14 million, the Jazz must consider it a bargain compared to what incumbent free agent starter George Hill would demand. Consequently, this means that Hill is most likely on the move again after just one season in Utah.
NBA free agency officially commences July 1 at midnight.
Main Photo:
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 28: Ricky Rubio (9) of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a foul by teammate Gorgui Dieng (5) against the Denver Nuggets during the second half of the Nuggets’ 105-103 win. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, December 28, 2016. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images)It might look like something plucked straight from the future, but Chevrolet’s latest innovation is actually their vision of tomorrow’s self-driving electric vehicle.
Called the Chevrolet-FNR, it boasts a futuristic capsule design among other interesting features.
The car is only a concept for now, but offers a glimpse and what some manufacturers are planning for the upcoming self-driving car era.
General Motors has unveiled the Chevrolet-FNR car (shown). It has 'dragonfly' swing doors that open upwards and 'crystal laser headlights'
The car was unveiled at the Shanghai General Motors Gala Night this week.
It was developed in Shanghai by GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Centre (PATAC) joint venture.
Chevrolet said the car offered a ‘glimpse at mobility of the future.’
The ‘aim was to create a unique, intelligent vehicle for tomorrow’s younger consumers by utilizing innovative car networking technology,’ said GM.
It has crystal laser headlights and taillights and ‘dragonfly’ dual swing doors that open upwards.
The car also has magnetic hubless electric wheel motors and a wireless autocharging system.
Sensors and roof-mounted radar are used to map the environment nearby for self-driving mode, and you can even turn on the car with your eyes, thanks to its iris recognition start.
The car is self-driving, electric, and the front chairs can swivel round (shown). And using iris recognition software you can start it using only your eyes
The car was unveiled at the Shanghai General Motors Gala Night this week (shown)
Chevrolet said the car offered a ‘glimpse at mobility of the future'
The ‘aim was to create a unique, intelligent vehicle for tomorrow’s younger consumers by utilizing innovative car networking technology,’ said the company
While in self-driving mode, the front seats of the vehicle swivel 180 degrees to face the rear seats, so the driver can talk to their passengers.
Using a gesture control feature, though, the driver can switch to manual control mode whenever they want.
Chevrolet notes that the car is just a concept, so there is no release date or planned production date yet.
‘The FNR concept reaffirms Chevrolet’s commitment to offer electric vehicles that meet customer’s lifestyles and are within their reach,’ said Alan Batey, head of global Chevrolet.
At the event Chevrolet also unveiled a new car in its Malibu range, the Bolt EV Concept vehicle and the 2015 Captiva.
COULD DRIVERLESS CARS INCREASE TRAVEL SICKNESS? Self-driving cars may be a way to take your eyes off the road and relax a little, but they can also increase travel sickness, research has found. The research was carried out by Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. They asked more than 3,200 adults across the US, India, China, Japan, Great Britain and Australia what kinds of activities they would do instead of driving in a fully self-driving vehicle. More than a third of Americans said they would do things that increase the likelihood and severity of motion sickness, including reading, texting, watching movies or television, playing games or working. More than half of Indians, 40 per cent of Chinese and up to 30 per cent of adults in Japan, Great Britain and Australia said they would also engage in these kinds of activities. The figures suggest that once autonomous vehicles become more mainstream as many as 12 per cent of people will feel ill in the vehicles at some point during a journey.
The car also has magnetic hubless electric wheel motors and a wireless autocharging system
Sensors and roof-mounted radar are used to map the environment nearby while in self-driving mode
Chevrolet notes that the car is just a concept, so there is no release date or planned production date yet
At the event Chevrolet also unveiled a new car in its Malibu range (shown), the Bolt EV Concept vehicle and the 2015 CaptivaFASTHockey will provide live free-for-view streaming coverage of the fifth annual CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game that will take place September 22, 2016, at Wells Fargo Center, home of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers.
The event features 42 of the top American-born prospects eligible for the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Of the 42 players named to this year’s game, 35 appear on the 2016-17 NHL Central Scouting Futures List, which highlights players that have potential to be selected in the first three rounds of the draft.
Those interested can find a link to the live broadcast here beginning at 6:45 p.m. ET on September 22. Tom Willms will handle play-by-play duties and Joe Sindoni will provide color commentary for the game.
NOTES: Mark Howe (Detroit, Mich.) and John LeClair (St. Albans, Vt.), both U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame members and former Philadelphia Flyers, will serve as head coaches at the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game … For the full roster of the 42 players competing in this year’s game, click here … Players selected to compete in the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game were chosen by USA Hockey in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting … The Philadelphia Flyers and Wells Fargo Center are hosting the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game for the first time. Previous host sites for the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game include Buffalo, New York (2012, 2014, 2015) and Pittsburgh (2013) … Philadelphia will also serve as host of the 2016 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Celebration, which is set for November 30. The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2016, which includes Bill Belisle, Craig Janney and the 1996 U.S. World Cup of Hockey Team, will be formally enshrined at the event.Risk-dominance and a general evolutionary rule in finite populations
October 18, 2012 by Artem Kaznatcheev
In coordination games, the players have to choose between two possible strategies, and their goal is to coordinate their choice without communication. In a classic game theory setting, coordination games are the prototypical setting for discussing the problem of equilibrium selection: if a game has more than one equilibrium then how do the players know which one to equilibrate on? The standard solution concept for this is the idea of a risk dominance. If you were playing a symmetric coordination game:
where and, then how would you chose your strategy not knowing what your opponent is going to do? Since the two pure strategy Nash equilibria are the top left and bottom right corner, you would know that you want to end up coordinating with your partner. However, given no means to do so, you could assume that your partner is going to pick one of the two strategies at random. In this case, you would want to maximize your expected payoff. Assuming that each strategy of your parner is equally probably, simple arithmetic would lead you to conclude that you should chose the first strategy (first row, call it C) given the condition:
Congratulations, through your reasoning you have arrived at the idea of a risk dominant strategy. If the above equation is satisfied then C is risk dominant over D (the second strategy choice), more likely to be selected, and the ‘better’ Nash equilibrium.
Since many view evolutionary game theory as a study of equilibrium selection, it is not surprising to see risk-dominance appear in evolution. In particular, if the risk dominance condition is met, then (for a coordination game and replicator dynamics) C will have a larger basin of attraction than D. If we pick initial levels of cooperators at random, then in your well-mixed and extremely large population, the risk-dominant strategy will dominate the population more often. If you are feeling adventurous, then I recommend as exercise to calculate the exact probability of C dominating in this setting.
From our experience with ethnocentrism and discrete populations, we know that replicator dynamics is not the end of the story. The second step is to consider finite inviscid populations where we can’t ignore dynamical stochasticity. Kandari et al. (1993) studies this setting and for a population of size concluded that C would be a more likely than D if:
Nowak et al. (2004) looked at this problem from the biological perspective of Moran processes. In a Moran process, there is no mutation, and thus the conclusion of dynamics is the absorbing state of either all C or all D. The quantity of interest becomes the fixation probability: the fixation probability of C is the probability that a single C mutant invades (leads to an all C absorbing state) a population of all D (vice-virsa for
fixation of D). Nowak et al. (2004) found that the fixation probability of C (in the weak selection limit) is higher than that of D in a population of agents if and only if the above equation is satisfied.
Antal et al. (2009) concluded this research program. They showed that the above condition was necessary for the case of arbitrary mutations, a wide range of evolutionary processes, and any two player, two strategy game. It is true for pair-comparison (Fermi rule), exponential Moran processes, and weak-selection Moral processes with arbitrary mutation rates. In general, any update process that satisfies the two requirements: (i) additive payoffs, and (ii) evolutionary dynamics depend only on the payoff differences.
Let us visualize this result. As we learnt in a previous post we know that a two strategy cooperate-defect games do not need 4 parameters to specify, and can be rewritten with just two. The symmetry arguments we applied before preserve the authors’ result, so let’s apply the transformation:
This lets us simplify the risk-dominance and finite population rules to:
Now it clear why we discussed risk-dominance before diving into finite populations. As the population size gets arbitrarily large ( ), our finite population rule reduces to risk-dominance and replicator dynamics. In the other extreme case is (can’t have a game with smaller populations) the rule becomes.
In the above picture of U-V space, we can see the two extreme conditions. In the green region, C is more likely than D for any population size, and in the blue it is true in the limit of infinite population. For particular you get a different division line in the blue region parallel to the two current ones. Give a specific game in the blue region, you can calculate the threshold:
For games in the blue region, if your population exceeds the threshold then C with be more likely than D.
For those interested in the mathematical details, I recommend sections 2.3 and 4 of Antal et al. (2009). In particular, I enjoy their approach in section 2.3 of showing that when the game is on the dividing line then we have a symmetric distribution around and due to the well-behaved nature of deformations of the game matrix we can extend to the non knife-edge case. The only missing study in Antal et al. (2009) is a study of the second moment of the population. In regions 5, 9, and 10 we expect a bimodal distribution, and in 2-4 and 6-8 a unimodal. Can we use the probability of mutation to bound the distance between the peaks in the former, and the variance of the peak in the latter? Another exercise for the highly enthusiastic reader.
References
Antal, T., Nowak, M.A., & Traulsen, A. (2009). Strategy abundance in games for arbitrary mutation rates Journal of Theoretical Biology, 257 (2), 340-344 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2008.11.023
Kandori, M., Mailath, G.J., & Rob, R. (1993). Learning, mutation, and long run equilibria in games. Econometrica 61(1): 29-56.
Nowak, M.A., Sasak, A., Taylor, C., & Fudenberg, D. (2004). Emergence of cooperation and evolutionary stability in finite populations. Nature 428: 646-650.SAN FRANCISCO — For Apple, the hard part — making a smartwatch — is nearly over.
Soon it will be time for the harder part: selling the long-anticipated Apple Watch to consumers who, so far, are not very excited about the idea of wearing computers on their bodies.
The first batch of smartwatches from companies like Samsung Electronics, Motorola and LG did not sell well, nor were they particularly well reviewed. And wearable devices like the Google Glass eyewear that got mainstream attention — if not sales — were greeted with considerable skepticism.
But Apple has been in this situation before. Most consumers didn’t care about computer tablets before Apple released the iPad, nor did they generally think about buying smartphones before the release of the iPhone. In both cases, the company overcame initial skepticism.
The Apple Watch, which Apple introduced last September and is expected to be in stores in April, is a miniature computer worn around the wrist, with a touch screen and a crown for navigating the device. There are three different models sold at different prices and the bands are interchangeable.ADVERTISEMENT
I've argued before that President Obama is not overreaching on his ambitious second-term agenda because a severely divided Republican Party gives the president more flexibility that his re-election vote margin might otherwise allow.
And now, two new polls suggest it's the Republicans who are overreaching.
A USA Today/Pew Research poll finds President Obama "starts his second term with a clear upper hand over GOP leaders on issues from guns to immigration that are likely to dominate the year. On the legislation rated most urgent — cutting the budget deficit — even a majority of Republican voters endorse Obama's approach of seeking tax hikes as well as spending cuts."
Greg Sargent points out that on every one of the major issues facing Congress — with the exception of the proposed assault weapons ban — the GOP position is favored by roughly one-third or fewer Americans.
Meanwhile, a new Bloomberg poll finds President Obama enters the latest showdown with Congress with his highest job approval in three years while Republicans' popularity stands at a record low.
More from Bloomberg: "Obama's positive standing with the public provides him with political leverage as Americans assess blame for any furloughs, disruption of government services or damage to the economy if the spending cuts aren't averted."
The Republican Party is in an exceptionally weak position right now and President Obama is using it to his political advantage.Columnist
Unable to produce an actual analysis of its tax plan, the Trump administration has resorted to cooking the books.
Again.
White House officials and Republican lawmakers have repeatedly claimed that their tax plan will unleash such tremendous growth that the bill will pay for itself.
Of course, no one remotely credible backs this up. Not the Tax Policy Center, not the Tax Foundation (which uses relatively rosy assumptions about growth), not the Penn-Wharton Budget Model, not Goldman Sachs, not the usual gang of Republican economists.
Not even the Joint Committee on Taxation, Congress's nonpartisan internal scorekeepers on such matters, has found that the bill would be self-financing. Its most recently available analyses determined that even after accounting for economic effects, both the Senate and House bills would still cost about $1 trillion over the coming decade.
And that's assuming many of the tax cuts actually expire after a few years, as the bills are currently written. If you take out the budget gimmicks and instead assume these tax cuts will be extended by future Congresses — as Trump officials and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) have promised — the price would be closer to $2 trillion, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
Faced with such dismal assessments of their party's signature policy proposal, Trump officials have scrambled to find counterevidence.
In November, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin claimed that the administration had already published a study proving that the bill paid for itself, though Treasury could not actually point to any such study. If anything, the department had removed research from its website that proved inconvenient for its claims about trickle-down economics.
But finally, on Monday, Treasury produced a report that purported to support the administration's conclusions.
Well, "report" is a strong word. It was, in fact, a one-page news release containing no actual analysis or data, just fairy dust.
Rather than calculating the growth rate produced by the Senate tax plan, or any tax plan at all, the release merely... assumed a big growth rate. Then it said that if that growth rate happened to materialize, the plan would produce a whole lotta revenue. Enough to plug a big budget hole, even!
Which is a pretty big if.
"If I can assume I could serve at 150 mph, I could derive the conclusion that I could compete with Roger Federer," Harvard economist and former Obama administration official Lawrence H. Summers cracked on Twitter.
Treasury assumes the economy would grow at 2.9 percent, which is much higher than what officials at the Federal Reserve and the Congressional Budget Office expect under current law. (Both project closer to 1.8 percent.) In other words, the Treasury one-pager suggests an enormous boost from the Trump agenda.
This 2.9 percent figure is pretty specific, though, giving it a veneer of precision. How exactly did the Treasury Department choose that number from all the possible numbers in the world, you ask?
It lifted it from a forecast in the President's Fiscal 2018 Budget, a sloppy, error-riddled document that came out in May.
There are, oh, a few problems with this sourcing.
First, that budget was released before a tax bill was ever even written. The president's budget did vaguely describe a tax- reform proposal, but it departed in critical ways from the ones the Senate and the House passed.
Second, the 2.9 percent figure in the president's budget was supposed to reflect the effects of the president's entire policy agenda, including infrastructure development, welfare reform and deregulation. In other words, it includes the economic effects of policy proposals that are not only unrelated to taxes but also don't even yet exist.
Despite months of teases, the Trump administration has released neither an infrastructure plan nor a comprehensive welfare-reform package. Deregulation has, of course, begun, though you'd be hard-pressed to find a deregulatory action so far that — whatever its effects on the public's well-being — is likely to have major effects on national economic growth. (Does anyone believe that allowing airlines to continue hiding baggage fees, or even rescinding the Clean Power Plan, will trigger an economic renaissance?)
And third, even those comprehensive economic growth effects may be plucked from thin air.
As I wrote in February, in putting together estimates for the budget, Trump transition officials directed staffers to assume growth rates of about 3 percent, and then backfill the other numbers in their models to get the final numbers to add up.
To be clear, none of this is how policy projections usually work.
Sure, previous administrations have selectively cited studies or assumptions that favor their pet projects. But this kind of stuff? It's fan fiction, not economics.Virginia Tech is totally cool with free speech, just so long as it doesn’t come from a black conservative who might offend the delicate sensibilities of cloistered campus progressives.
Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Riley says he was disinvited from speaking at Virginia Tech due to “concerns” among faculty members about topics raised in his book, “Please Stop Helping Us: How Liberals Make It Harder for Blacks to Succeed.”
And how did Virginia Tech respond to claims that it disinvited a black conservative from speaking on campus? University officials claim that Riley couldn’t be disinvited because he was never invited to speak in the first place. That’s right: Virginia Tech’s response to the charge of specifically blacklisting a prominent minority voice is that it’s impossible because the school wouldn’t dare ask a black conservative to address the school’s faculty or students.
Riley pushed back against the university’s statement, explaining that Douglas Patterson, a finance professor at the university, sent him a written invitation in April which included an offer to pay for Riley’s expenses and to provide an honorarium for his time.
.@virginia_tech disinvited me to speak and now says I was never invited. Paper trail shows that’s a blatant lie. https://t.co/csaNUcCUtC Jason Riley (@jasonrileywsj) May 4, 2016
“I don’t buy this line that I wasn’t invited,” Riley told The Roanoke Times. “Based on my understanding of the English language it sounded like an invitation to me.”
Last week, Patterson wrote an e-mail to Riley explaining that other faculty members were reluctant to allow Riley to speak. Why? Patterson told Riley that faculty nixed Riley’s appearance because they were “worried about more protests” from campus progressives.
“[They] are worried about more protests from the looney left if you [Riley] were to give the lecture,” Patterson reportedly wrote in an email to Riley.
“I explained that if we allow ourselves to be intimidated by these people they win, and we lose,” Patterson wrote, according to Riley. “It was no use arguing, their minds were made up. Fear of a possible protest is more important than free speech or the values that a university is supposed to stand for.”
In a column published by the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, Riley wrote while this was his first time being disinvited from speaking on a college campus, his experience isn’t unprecedented:
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been approached by conservative students after a lecture to a mostly liberal audience and thanked, almost surreptitiously, for coming to speak. They often offer an explanation for their relative silence during question periods when liberal students and faculty are firing away. ‘Being too outspoken would just make it more difficult,’ |
assez blâmer la sotte arrogance et témérité d’aucuns de notre nation, qui, n’étant rien moins que Grecs ou Latins, déprisent et rejettent d’un sourcil plus que stoïque toutes choses écrites en français, et ne me puis assez émerveiller de l’étrange opinion d’aucuns savants, qui pensent que notre vulgaire soit incapable de toutes bonnes lettres et érudition, comme si une invention, pour le langage seulement, devait être jugée bonne ou mauvaise. A ceux-là je n’ai entrepris de satisfaire. A ceux-ci je veux bien, s’il m’est possible, faire changer d’opinion par quelques raisons que brièvement j’espère déduire, non que je me sente plus clairvoyant en cela, ou autres choses qu’ils ne sont, mais pour ce que l’affection qu’ils portent aux langues étrangères ne permet qu’ils veuillent faire sain et entier jugement de leur vulgaire.
Chapitre II. Que la langue française ne doit être nommée barbare [ modifier ]
Pour commencer donc à entrer en matière, quant à la signification de ce mot Barbare : Barbares anciennement étaient nommés ceux qui ineptement parlaient grec. Car comme les étrangers venant à Athènes s’efforçaient de parler grec, ils tombaient souvent en cette voix absurde Barbaras. Depuis, les Grecs transportèrent ce nom aux moeurs brutaux et cruels, appelant toutes nations, hors la Grèce, barbares. Ce qui ne doit en rien diminuer l’excellence de notre langue, vu que cette arrogance grecque, admiratrice seulement de ses inventions, n’avait loi ni privilège de légitimer ainsi sa nation et abâtardir les autres, comme Anacharsis disait que les Scythes étaient barbares entre les Athéniens, mais les Athéniens aussi entre les Scythes. Et quand la barbarie des moeurs de nos ancêtres eut dû les mouvoir à nous appeler barbares, si est-ce que je ne vois point pourquoi on nous doive maintenant estimer tels, vu qu’en civilité de moeurs, équité de lois, magnanimité de courages, bref, en toutes formes et manières de vivre non moins louables que profitables, nous ne sommes rien moins qu’eux ; mais bien plus, vu qu’ils sont tels maintenant, que nous les pouvons justement appeler par le nom qu’ils ont donné aux autres. Encore moins doit avoir lieu de ce que les Romains nous ont appelés barbares, vu leur ambition et insatiable faim de gloire, qui tâchaient non seulement à subjuguer, mais à rendre toutes autres nations viles et abjectes auprès d’eux, principalement les Gaulois, dont ils ont reçu plus de honte et dommage que des autres. A ce propos, songeant beaucoup de fois d’où vient que les gestes du peuple romain sont tant célébrés de tout le monde, voire de si long intervalle préférés à ceux de toutes les autres nations ensemble, je ne trouve point plus grande raison que celle-ci : c’est que les Romains ont eu si grande multitude d’écrivains, que la plupart de leurs gestes (pour ne pas dire pis) par l’espace de tant d’années, ardeur de batailles, vastité d’Italie, incursions d’étrangers, s’est conservée entière jusques à notre temps. Au contraire, les faits des autres nations, singulièrement des Gaulois, avant qu’ils tombassent en la puissance des Français, et les faits des Français mêmes depuis qu’ils ont donné leur nom aux Gaules, ont été si mal recueillis, que nous en avons quasi perdu non seulement la gloire, mais la mémoire. A quoi a bien aidé l’envie des Romains, qui, comme par une certaine conjuration conspirant contre nous, ont exténué en tout ce qu’ils ont pu nos louanges belliques, dont ils ne pouvaient endurer la clarté : et non seulement nous ont fait tort en cela, mais, pour nous rendre encore plus odieux et contemptibles, nous ont appelés brutaux, cruels et barbares. Quelqu’un dira : pourquoi ont-ils exempté les Grecs de ce nom? Parce qu’ils se fussent fait plus grand tort qu’aux Grecs mêmes, dont ils avaient emprunté tout ce qu’ils avaient de bon, au moins quant aux sciences et illustration de leur langue. Ces raisons me semblent suffisantes de faire entendre à tout équitable estimateur des choses, que notre langue (pour avoir été nommée barbare, ou de nos ennemis ou de ceux qui n’avaient loi de nous bailler ce nom) ne doit pourtant être déprisée, même de ceux auxquels elle est propre et naturelle, et qui en rien ne sont moindres que les Grecs et Romains.
Chapitre III. Pourquoi la langue française n’est si riche que la grecque et latine [ modifier ]
Et si notre langue n’est si copieuse et riche que la grecque ou latine, cela ne doit être imputé au défaut d’icelle, comme si d’elle-même elle ne pouvait jamais être sinon pauvre et stérile : mais bien on le doit attribuer à l’ignorance de nos majeurs, qui, ayant (comme dit quelqu’un, parlant des anciens Romains) en plus grande recommandation le bien faire, que le bien dire, et mieux aimant laisser à leur postérité les exemples de vertu que des préceptes, se sont privés de la gloire de leurs bienfaits, et nous du fruit de l’imitation d’iceux : et par même moyen nous ont laissé notre langue si pauvre et nue qu’elle a besoin des ornements, et (s’il faut ainsi parler) des plumes d’autrui. Mais qui voudrait dire que la grecque et romaine eussent toujours été en l’excellence qu’on les a vues du temps d’Homère et de Démosthène, de Virgile et de Cicéron? et si ces auteurs eussent jugé que jamais, pour quelque diligence et culture qu’on y eût pu faire, elles n’eussent su produire plus grand fruit, se fussent-ils tant efforcés de les mettre au point où nous les voyons maintenant? Ainsi puis-je dire de notre langue, qui commence encore à fleurir sans fructifier, ou plutôt, comme une plante et vergette, n’a point encore fleuri, tant s’en faut qu’elle ait apporté tout le fruit qu’elle pourrait bien produire. Cela certainement non pour le défaut de la nature d’elle, aussi apte à engendrer que les autres, mais pour la coulpe de ceux qui l’ont eue en garde, et ne l’ont cultivée à suffisance, mais comme une plante sauvage, en celui même désert où elle avait commencé à naître, sans jamais l’arroser, la tailler, ni défendre des ronces et épines qui lui faisaient ombre, l’ont laissée envieillir et quasi mourir. Que si les anciens Romains eussent été aussi négligents à la culture de leur langue, quand premièrement elle commença à pulluler, pour certain en si peu de temps elle ne fût devenue si grande. Mais eux, en guise de bons agriculteurs, l’ont premièrement transmuée d’un lieu sauvage en un domestique ; puis afin que plus tôt et mieux elle pût fructifier, coupant à l’entour les inutiles rameaux, l’ont pour échange d’iceux restaurée de rameaux francs et domestiques, magistralement tirés de la langue grecque, lesquels soudainement se sont si bien entés et faits semblables à leur tronc, que désormais n’apparaissent plus adoptifs, mais naturels. De là sont nées en la langue latine ces fleurs et ces fruits colorés de cette grande éloquence, avec ces nombres et cette liaison si artificielle, toutes lesquelles choses, non tant de sa propre nature que par artifice, toute langue a coutume de produire. Donc si les Grecs et Romains, plus diligents à la culture de leurs langues que nous à celle de la nôtre, n’ont pu trouver en icelles, sinon avec grand labeur et industrie, ni grâce, ni nombre, ni finalement aucune éloquence, nous devons nous émerveiller, si notre vulgaire n’est si riche comme il pourra bien être, et de là prendre occasion de le mépriser comme chose vile, et de petit prix. Le temps viendra (peut-être) et je l’espère moyennant la bonne destinée française que ce noble et puissant royaume obtiendra à son tour les rênes de la monarchie, et que notre langue (si avec François n’est du tout ensevelie la langue française) qui commence encore à jeter ses racines, sortira de terre, et s’élèvera en telle hauteur et grosseur, qu’elle se pourra égaler aux mêmes Grecs et Romains, produisant comme eux des Homères, Démosthènes, Virgiles et Cicérons, aussi bien que la France a quelquefois produit des Périclès, Nicias, Alcibiades, Thémistocles, Césars et Scipions.
Chapitre IV. Que la langue française n’est si pauvre que beaucoup l’estiment [ modifier ]
Je n’estime pourtant notre vulgaire, tel qu’il est maintenant, être si vil et abject, comme le font ces ambitieux admirateurs des langues grecque et latine, qui ne penseraient, et fussent-ils la même Pithô, déesse de persuasion, pouvoir rien dire de bon, si n’était en langage étranger et non entendu du vulgaire. Et qui voudra de bien près y regarder, trouvera que notre langue française n’est si pauvre qu’elle ne puisse rendre fidèlement ce qu’elle emprunte des autres ; si infertile qu’elle ne puisse produire de soi quelque fruit de bonne invention, au moyen de l’industrie et diligence des cultivateurs d’icelle, si quelques-uns se trouvent tant amis de leur pays et d’eux-mêmes qu’ils s’y veuillent employer. Mais à qui, après Dieu, rendrons-nous grâces d’un tel bénéfice, sinon à notre feu bon roi et père François premier de ce nom, et de toutes vertus? Je dis premier, d’autant qu’il a en son noble royaume premièrement restitué tous les bons arts et sciences en leur ancienne dignité : et si a notre langage, auparavant scabreux et mal poli, rendu élégant, et sinon tant copieux qu’il pourra bien être, pour le moins fidèle interprète de tous les autres. Et qu’ainsi soit, philosophes, historiens, médecins, poètes, orateurs grecs et latins, ont appris à parler français. Que dirai-je des Hébreux? Les saintes lettres donnent ample témoignage de ce que je dis. Je laisserai en cet endroit les superstitieuses raisons de ceux oui soutiennent que les mystères de la théologie ne doivent être découverts, et quasi comme profanés en langage vulgaire, et ce que vont alléguant ceux qui sont d’opinion contraire. Car cette disputation n’est propre à ce que j’ai entrepris, qui est seulement de montrer que notre langue n’a point eu à sa naissance les dieux et les astres si ennemis, qu’elle ne puisse un jour parvenir au point d’excellence et de perfection aussi bien que les autres, attendu que toutes sciences se peuvent fidèlement et copieusement traiter en icelle, comme on peut voir en si grand nombre de livres grecs et latins, voire bien italiens, espagnols et autres traduits en français par maintes excellentes plumes de notre temps.
Chapitre V. Que les traductions ne sont suffisantes pour donner perfection à la langue française [ modifier ]
Toutefois ce tant louable labeur de traduire ne me semble moyen unique et suffisant pour élever notre vulgaire à l’égal et parangon des autres plus fameuses langues. Ce que je prétends prouver si clairement, que nul n’y voudra (ce crois-je) contredire, s’il n’est manifeste calomniateur de la vérité. Et premier, c’est une chose accordée entre tous les meilleurs auteurs de rhétorique, qu’il y a cinq parties de bien dire : l’invention, l’élocution, la disposition, la mémoire et la prononciation. Or pour autant que ces deux dernières ne s’apprennent tant par le bénéfice des langues, comme elles sont données à chacun selon la félicité de sa nature, augmentées et entretenues par studieux exercice et continuelle diligence : pour autant aussi que la disposition gît plus en la discrétion et bon jugement de l’orateur qu’en certaines règles et préceptes, vu que les événements du temps, la circonstance des lieux, la condition des personnes et la diversité des occasions sont innumérables, je me contenterai de parler des deux premières, à savoir de l’invention et de l’élocution. L’office donc de l’orateur est, de chaque chose proposée, élégamment et copieusement parler. Or cette faculté de parler ainsi de toutes choses ne se peut acquérir que par l’intelligence parfaite des sciences, lesquelles ont été premièrement traitées par les Grecs, et puis par les Romains imitateurs d’iceux. Il faut donc nécessairement que ces deux langues soient entendues de celui qui veut acquérir cette copie et richesse d’invention, première et principale pièce du harnais de l’orateur. Et quant à ce point, les fidèles traducteurs peuvent grandement servir et soulager ceux qui n’ont le moyen unique de vaquer aux langues étrangères. Mais quant à l’élocution, partie certes la plus difficile, et sans laquelle toutes autres choses restent comme inutiles et semblables à un glaive encore couvert de sa gaine, l’élocution (dis-je) par laquelle principalement un orateur est jugé plus excellent, et un genre de dire meilleur que l’autre : comme celle dont est appelée la même éloquence, et dont la vertu gît aux mots propres, usités, et non aliénés du commun usage de parler, aux métaphores, allégories, comparaisons, similitudes, énergie, et tant d’autres figures et ornements, sans lesquels toute oraison et poème sont nus, manqués et débiles ; - je ne croirai jamais qu’on puisse bien apprendre tout cela des traducteurs, parce qu’il est impossible de le rendre avec la même grâce dont l’auteur en a usé : d’autant que chaque langue a je ne sais quoi propre seulement à elle, dont si vous efforcez exprimer le naïf dans une autre langue, observant la loi de traduire, qui est n’espacer point hors des limites de l’auteur, votre diction sera contrainte, froide et de mauvaise grâce. Et qu’ainsi soit, qu’on me lise un Démosthène et Homère latins, un Cicéron et Virgile français, pour voir s’ils vous engendreront telles affections, voire ainsi qu’un Protée vous transformeront en diverses sortes, comme vous sentez, lisant ces auteurs en leurs langues. Il vous semblera passer de l’ardente montagne d’Ætné sur le froid sommet du Caucase. Et ce que je dis des langues latine et grecque se doit réciproquement dire de tous les vulgaires, dont j’alléguerai seulement un Pétrarque, duquel j’ose bien dire que, si Homère et Virgile renaissant avaient entrepris de le traduire, ils ne le pourraient rendre avec la même grâce et naïveté qu’il est en son vulgaire toscan. Toutefois quelques-uns de notre temps ont entrepris de le faire parler français. Voilà en bref les raisons qui m’ont fait penser que l’office et diligence des traducteurs autrement fort utiles pour instruire les ignorants des langues étrangères en la connaissance des choses, n’est suffisante pour donner à la nôtre cette perfection et, comme font les peintres à leurs tableaux, cette dernière main, que nous désirons. Et si les raisons que j’ai alléguées ne semblent assez fortes, je produirai, pour mes garants et défenseurs, les anciens auteurs romains, poètes principalement, et orateurs, lesquels (combien que Cicéron ait traduit quelques livres de Xénophon et d’Arate, et qu’Horace baille les préceptes de bien traduire) ont vaqué à cette partie plus pour leur étude, et profit particulier, que pour le publier à l’amplification de leur langue, à leur gloire et commodité d’autrui. Si aucuns ont vu quelques oeuvres de ce temps-là, sous titre de traduction, j’entends de Cicéron, de Virgile, et de ce bienheureux siècle d’Auguste, ils ne pourront démentir ce que je dis.
Chapitre VI. Des mauvais traducteurs, et de ne traduire les poètes [ modifier ]
Mais que dirai-je d’aucuns, vraiment mieux dignes d’être appelés traditeurs, que traducteurs? vu qu’ils trahissent ceux qu’ils entreprennent exposer, les frustrant de leur gloire, et par même moyen séduisent les lecteurs ignorants, leur montrant le blanc pour le noir : qui, pour acquérir le nom de savants, traduisent à crédit les langues, dont jamais ils n’ont entendu les premiers éléments, comme l’hébraïque et la grecque : et encore pour mieux se faire valoir, se prennent aux poètes, genre d’auteurs certes auquel si je savais, ou voulais traduire, je m’adresserais aussi peu, à cause de cette divinité d’invention, qu’ils ont plus que les autres, de cette grandeur de style, magnificence de mots, gravité de sentences, audace et variété de figures, et mille autres lumières de poésie : bref cette énergie, et ne sais quel esprit, qui est en leurs écrits, que les Latins appelleraient genius. Toutes lesquelles choses se peuvent autant exprimer en traduisant, comme un peintre peut représenter l’âme avec le corps de celui qu’il entreprend tirer après le naturel. Ce que je dis ne s’adresse pas à ceux qui, par le commandement des princes et grands seigneurs, traduisent les plus fameux poètes grecs et latins : parce que l’obéissance qu’on doit à tels personnages ne reçoit aucune excuse en cet endroit : mais bien j’entends parler à ceux qui, de gaîté de coeur (comme on dit), entreprennent telles choses légèrement et s’en acquittent de même. O Apollon! ô Muses! profaner ainsi les sacrées reliques de l’antiquité! Mais je n’en dirai autre chose. Celui donc qui voudra faire oeuvre digne de prix en son vulgaire, laisse ce labeur de traduire, principalement les poètes, à ceux qui de chose laborieuse et peu profitable, j’ose dire encore inutile, voire pernicieuse à l’accroissement de leur langue, emportent à bon droit plus de modestie que de gloire.
Si les Romains (dira quelqu’un) n’ont vaqué à ce labeur de traduction, par quels moyens donc ont-ils pu ainsi enrichir leur langue, voire jusques à l’égaler quasi à la grecque? Imitant les meilleurs auteurs grecs, se transformant en eux, les dévorant ; et, après les avoir bien digérés, les convertissant en sang et nourriture : se proposant, chacun selon son naturel et l’argument qu’il voulait élire, le meilleur auteur, dont ils observaient diligemment toutes les plus rares et exquises vertus, et icelles comme greffes, ainsi que j’ai dit devant, entaient et appliquaient à leur langue. Cela fait (dis-je), les Romains ont bâti tous ces beaux écrits que nous louons et admirons si fort : égalant ores quelqu’un d’iceux, ores le préférant aux Grecs. Et de ce que je dis font bonne preuve Cicéron et Virgile, que volontiers et par honneur je nomme toujours en la langue latine, desquels comme l’un se fut entièrement adonné à l’imitation des Grecs, contrefit et exprima si au vif la copie de Platon, la véhémence de Démosthène et la joyeuse douceur d’Isocrate, que Molon Rhodian l’oyant quelquefois déclamer, s’écria qu’il emportait l’éloquence grecque à Rome. L’autre imita si bien Homère, Hesiode et Théocrite, que depuis on a dit de lui, que de ces trois il a surmonté l’un, égalé l’autre, et approché si près de l’autre, que si la félicité des arguments qu’ils ont traités eût été pareille, la palme serait bien douteuse. Je vous demande donc vous autres, qui ne vous employez qu’aux translations, si ces tant fameux auteurs se fussent amusés à traduire, eussent-ils élevé leur langue à l’excellence et hauteur où nous la voyons maintenant? Ne pensez donc, quelque diligence et industrie que vous puissiez mettre en cet endroit, faire tant que notre langue, encore rampante à terre, puisse hausser la tête et s’élever sur pieds.
Chapitre VIII. D’amplifier la langue française par l’imitation des anciens auteurs grecs et romains [ modifier ]
Se compose donc celui qui voudra enrichir sa langue, à l’imitation des meilleurs auteurs grecs et latins, et à toutes leurs plus grandes vertus, comme à un certain but, dirige la pointe de son style ; car il n’y a point de doute que la plus grande part de l’artifice ne soit contenue en l’imitation : et tout ainsi que ce fut le plus louable aux anciens de bien inventer, aussi est-ce le plus utile de bien imiter, même à ceux dont la langue n’est encore bien copieuse et riche. Mais entende celui qui voudra imiter, que ce n’est chose facile de bien suivre les vertus d’un bon auteur, et quasi comme se transformer en lui, vu que la nature même aux choses qui paraissent très semblables, n’a su tant faire, que par quelque note et différence elles ne puissent être discernées. Je dis ceci parce qu’il y en a beaucoup en toutes langues qui, sans pénétrer aux plus cachées et intérieures parties de l’auteur qu’ils se sont proposé, s’adaptent seulement au premier regard, et s’amusant à la beauté des mots, perdent la force des choses. Et certes, comme ce n’est point chose vicieuse, mais grandement louable, emprunter d’une langue étrangère les sentences et les mots, et les approprier à la sienne : aussi est-ce chose grandement à reprendre, voire odieuse à tout lecteur de libérale nature, voir en une même langue une telle imitation, comme celle d’aucuns savants mêmes, qui s’estiment être des meilleurs quand plus ils ressemblent un Heroët ou un Marot. Je t’admoneste donc (ô toi qui désires l’accroissement de ta langue et veux exceller en icelle) de non imiter à pied levé, comme naguères a dit quelqu’un, les plus fameux auteurs d’icelle, ainsi que font ordinairement la plupart de nos poètes français, chose certes autant vicieuse comme de nul profit à notre vulgaire : vu que ce n’est autre chose (ô grande libéralité!) sinon de lui donner ce qui était à lui. Je voudrais bien que notre langue fût si riche d’exemples domestiques, que n’eussions besoin d’avoir recours aux étrangers. Mais si Virgile et Cicéron se fussent contentés d’imiter ceux de leur langue, qu’auraient les Latins outre Ennie ou Lucrèce, outre Crasse ou Antoine?
Chapitre IX. Réponses à quelques objections [ modifier ]
Après avoir, le plus succinctement qu’il m’a été possible, ouvert le chemin à ceux qui désirent l’amplification de notre langue, il me semble bon et nécessaire de répondre à ceux qui l’estiment barbare et irrégulière, incapable de cette élégance et copie, qui est en la grecque et romaine : d’autant (disent-ils) qu’elle n’a ses déclinaisons, ses pieds et ses nombres, comme ces deux autres langues. Je ne veux alléguer en cet endroit (bien que je le pusse faire sans honte) la simplicité de nos majeurs, qui se sont contentés d’exprimer leurs conceptions avec paroles nues, sans art et ornement : non imitant la curieuse diligence des Grecs, auxquels la Muse avait donné la bouche ronde (comme dit quelqu’un), c’est-à-dire parfaite en toute élégance et vénusté de paroles : comme depuis aux Romains imitateurs des Grecs. Mais je dirai bien que notre langue n’est tant irrégulière qu’on voudrait bien dire : vu qu’elle se décline, sinon par les noms, pronoms et participes, pour le moins par les verbes, en tous leurs temps, modes et personnes. Et si elle n’est si curieusement réglée, ou plutôt liée et gênée en ses autres parties, aussi n’a-t-elle point tant d’hétéroclites et anormaux monstres étranges que la grecque et latine. Quant aux pieds et aux nombres, je dirai au second livre en quoi nous les récompensons. Et certes (comme dit un grand auteur de rhétorique, parlant de la félicité qu’ont les Grecs en la composition de leurs mots) je ne pense que telles choses se fassent par la nature desdites langues, mais nous favorisons toujours les étrangers. Qui eût gardé nos ancêtres de varier toutes les parties déclinables, d’allonger une syllabe et accourcir l’autre, et en faire des pieds ou des mains? et qui gardera nos successeurs d’observer telles choses, si quelques savants et non moins ingénieux de cet âge entreprennent de les réduire en art, comme Cicéron promettait de faire au droit civil : chose qui à quelques-uns a semblé impossible, aux autres non. Il ne faut point ici alléguer l’excellence de l’antiquité, et comme Homère se plaignait que de son temps les corps étaient trop petits, dire que les esprits modernes ne sont à comparer aux anciens. L’architecture, l’art du navigage et autres inventions antiques certainement sont admirables, non, toutefois, si on regarde à la nécessité mère des arts, du tout si grandes qu’on doive estimer les cieux et la nature y avoir dépendu toute leur vertu, vigueur et industrie. Je ne produirai, pour témoins de ce que je dis, l’Imprimerie, soeur des Muses et dixième d’elles, et cette non moins admirable que pernicieuse foudre d’artillerie, avec tant d’autres non antiques inventions qui montrent véritablement que, par le long cours des siècles, les esprits des hommes ne sont point si abâtardis qu’on voudrait bien dire : je dis seulement qu’il n’est pas impossible que notre langue puisse recevoir quelquefois cet ornement et artifice, aussi curieux qu’il est aux Grecs et Romains. Quant au son, et je ne sais quelle naturelle douceur (comme ils disent) qui est en leurs langues, je ne vois point que nous l’ayons moindre, au jugement des plus délicates oreilles. Il est bien vrai que nous usons du prescript de nature, qui pour parler nous a seulement donné la langue. Nous ne vomissons pas nos paroles de l’estomac, comme les ivrognes ; nous ne les étranglons de la gorge, comme les grenouilles ; nous ne les découpons pas dedans le palais, comme les oiseaux ; nous ne les sifflons pas des lèvres, comme les serpents. Si en telles manières de parler gît la douceur des langues, je confesse que la nôtre est rude et malsonnante. Mais aussi nous avons cet avantage de ne tordre point la bouche en cent mille sortes, comme les singes, voire comme beaucoup mal se souvenant de Minerve, qui jouant quelquefois de la flûte et voyant en un miroir la déformité de ses lèvres, la jeta bien loin, malheureuse rencontre au présomptueux Marsye, qui depuis en fut écorché. Quoi donc, dira quelqu’un, veux-tu à l’exemple de ce Marsye, qui osa comparer sa flûte rustique à la douce lyre d’Apollon, égaler ta langue à la grecque et latine? Je confesse que les auteurs d’icelles nous ont surmontés en savoir et faconde : lesquelles choses leur a été bien facile de vaincre ceux qui ne répugnaient point. Mais que par longue et diligente imitation de ceux qui ont occupé les premiers, ce que nature n’a pourtant dénié aux autres, nous ne puissions leur succéder aussi bien en cela, que nous avons déjà fait en la plus grande part de leurs arts mécaniques, et quelquefois en leur monarchie, je ne le dirai pas car telle injure ne s’étendrait seulement contre les esprits des hommes, mais contre Dieu, qui a donné pour loi inviolable à toute chose créée, de ne durer perpétuellement, mais passer sans fin d’un état en l’autre : étant la fin et corruption de l’un, le commencement et génération de l’autre. Quelque opiniâtre répliquera encore : Ta langue tarde trop à recevoir cette perfection. Et je dis que ce retardement ne prouve point qu’elle ne puisse la recevoir : ainsi je dis qu’elle se pourra tenir certaine de la garder longuement, l’ayant acquise avec si longue peine, suivant la loi de nature qui a voulu que tout arbre qui naît, fleurit et fructifie bientôt, bientôt aussi envieillisse et meure ; et au contraire celui durer par longues années qui a longuement travaillé à jeter ses racines.
Chapitre X. Que la langue française n’est incapable de la philosophie, et pourquoi les anciens étaient plus savants que les hommes de notre âge [ modifier ]
Tout ce que j’ai dit pour la défense et illustration de notre langue appartient principalement à ceux qui font profession de bien dire, comme les poètes et les orateurs. Quant aux autres parties de littérature, et ce rond de sciences, que les Grecs ont nommé encyclopédie, j’en ai touché au commencement une partie de ce que m’en semble : c’est que l’industrie des fidèles traducteurs est en cet endroit fort utile et nécessaire : et ne les doit retarder, s’ils rencontrent quelquefois des mots qui ne peuvent être reçus en la famille française, vu que les Latins ne se sont point efforcés de traduire tous les vocables grecs, comme rhétorique, musique, arithmétique, géométrie, philosophie, et quasi tous les noms des sciences, les noms des figures, des herbes, des maladies, la sphère et ses parties, et généralement la plus grande part des termes usités aux sciences naturelles et mathématiques. Ces mots-là donc seront en notre langue comme étrangers en une cité : auxquels toutefois les périphrases serviront de truchements. Encore serais-je bien d’opinion que le savant translateur fît plutôt l’office de paraphraste que de traducteur, s’efforçant donner à toutes les sciences qu’il voudra traiter l’ornement et lumière de sa langue, comme Cicéron se vante d’avoir fait en la philosophie, et à l’exemple des Italiens qui l’ont quasi toute convertie en leur vulgaire, principalement la platonique. Et si on veut dire que la philosophie est un faix d’autres épaules que de celles de notre langue, j’ai dit au commencement de cette oeuvre, et le dis encore, que toutes langues sont d’une même valeur, et des mortels à une même fin d’un même jugement formées. Par quoi ainsi comme sans muer de coutumes ou de nation, le Français et l’Allemand, non seulement le Grec ou Romain, se peut donner à philosopher : aussi je crois qu’à chacun sa langue puisse compétemment communiquer toute doctrine. Donc si la philosophie semée par Aristote et Platon au fertile champ attique était replantée en notre plaine française, ce ne serait la jeter entre les ronces et épines, où elle devînt stérile : mais ce serait la faire de lointaine, prochaine, et d’étrangère, citadine de notre république. Et par aventure ainsi que les épiceries et autres richesses orientales, que l’Inde nous envoie, sont mieux connues et traitées de nous, et en plus grand prix, qu’en l’endroit de ceux qui les sèment ou recueillent : semblablement les spéculations philosophiques deviendraient plus familières qu’elles ne sont ores, et plus facilement seraient entendues de nous, si quelque savant homme les avait transportées de grec et latin en notre vulgaire, que de ceux qui les vont (s’il faut ainsi parler) cueillir aux lieux où elles croissent. Et si on veut dire que diverses langues sont aptes à signifier diverses conceptions : aucunes |
Judge Emmet Sullivan granted conservative legal advocacy group Judicial Watch a partial victory after they sought to question the Democratic nominee in person and under oath as part of a long-running public records lawsuit.
Judicial Watch must submit its questions by October 14, giving Clinton 30 days to respond in a timetable that could push her answers past November's election.
The State Department will also have to release any emails recovered by the FBI's probe into Clinton's server by September 30, according to the court order.
US District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan ordered Clinton to answer questions from Judicial Watch in writing. The conservative legal advocacy filed a public records lawsuit against the State Department
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell (pictured in 2008) said he once sent Clinton a memo touting his use of a personal email account for work-related messages
Judicial Watch pushed for an in-person testimony to better follow up on Clinton's responses, but the presidential nominee argued a deposition would be 'unnecessary', according to Sullivan's memorandum opinion.
She conceded that she could provide information in writing rather than'repeating her prior statements or stating that she has no knowledge of certain topics.'
Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, said: 'We will move quickly to get these answers. The decision is a reminder that Hillary Clinton is not above the law.'
Judicial Watch has also been granted a sworn deposition from John Bentel, who was formerly in charge of IT security issues at the State Department.
In a 2010 meeting with Bentel, a staff member raised concerns that messages sent or received using the private server could contain documents that needed to be preserved under federal regulations.
Bentel told the staff member that State Department legal staff had'reviewed and approved' the server— though the inspector general's review found no evidence such a review had ever occurred.
Bentel directed the staff members to 'never to speak of the secretary's personal email system again.'
Clarence Finney, a State Department employee responsible for managing records and FOIA responses, was excused from giving a deposition.
Judicial Watch is among several groups, including The Associated Press, that have sued the State Department over access to government records from Clinton's tenure as the nation's top diplomat between 2009 and 2013.
Republicans are pressing to keep the issue of Clinton's email use alive after the FBI closed its investigation last month without recommending criminal charges.
Powell (left) said he told Clinton his use of personal email 'vastly improved' communications within the department, which at the time did not have an equivalent internal system
In a separate development Friday, former Secretary of State Colin Powell said he once sent Clinton a memo touting his use of a personal email account for work-related messages after she took over at the State Department in 2009.
Powell said he emailed Clinton describing his use of a personal AOL account for unclassified messages while leading the State Department under President George W. Bush.
Powell, a Republican, said he told Clinton his use of personal email 'vastly improved' communications within the department, which at the time did not have an equivalent internal system.
Clinton has used Powell in her public defense of her behavior - which she now says was a'mistake' - but only as an example of a previous secretary who relied solely on private email to conduct government business.
Powell, a retired Army general and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he used a secure computer on his desk at the State Department to manage classified information.
Powell relied on a commercially available service to host his personal email account, while Clinton's private server was located in the basement of the New York home she shared with her husband, former President Bill Clinton.“With us,” Murray continued, “when you're on a planet, you can see as far as the curvature of that planet. If you walked for years, you could walk all the way around it, arriving back exactly where you started. Our day to night cycle is happening because the planet is rotating on its axis as it spins around the sun. There is real physics to that. We have people that will fly down from a space station onto a planet and when they fly back up, the station isn't there anymore; the planet has rotated. People have filed that as a bug.”
On the monitor before us, cryptic fragments of source code flash by. While earthly physicists still struggle to find a unified mathematical framework for all phenomena—the No Man’s Sky equivalent already exists. Before us are the laws of nature for an entire cosmos in 600,000 lines.
The universe begins with a single input, an arbitrary numerical seed—the phone number of one of the programmers. That number is mathematically mutated into more seeds by a cascading series of algorithms—a computerized pseudo-randomness generator. The seeds will determine the characteristics of each game element. Machines, of course, are incapable of true randomness, so the numbers produced appear random only because the processes that create them are too complex for the human mind to comprehend.
Physicists still debate whether our own universe is deterministic or random. While some scientists believe that quantum mechanics almost certainly involves indeterminacy, Albert Einstein famously favored the opposing position, saying, “God does not play dice.” No Man’s Sky does not play dice either. Once the first seed number is entered into the void within the program, the universe is unalterably established—every star, planet, and organism. The past, present, and future are fixed indelibly, with change to the system only possible from a force outside the system itself—in this case, the player.
In one sense, because of the game’s procedural design, the entire universe exists at the moment of its creation. In another sense, because the game only renders a player’s immediate surroundings, nothing exists unless there is a human there to witness it.
“Whatever is around you,” Murray mused, “it actually doesn't matter whether it exists or not, because even the things you don’t see are still going about their business. Creatures on a distant planet that nobody has ever visited are drinking from a watering hole or falling asleep because they’re following a formula that determines where they go and what they do; we just don’t run the formula for a place until we get there.”
The creatures are generated through the procedural distortion of archetypes, and each given their own unique behavioral profiles. “There is a list of objects that animals are aware of,” Artificial Intelligence programmer Charlie Tangora explained. “Certain animals have an affinity for some objects over others which is part of giving them personality and individual style. They have friends and best friends too. It's just a label on a bit of code—but another creature of the same type nearby is potentially their friend. They ask their friends telepathically where they’re going so they can coordinate.”Understanding the Block Size Debate
The crux of the issue
Jordan Clifford Blocked Unblock Follow Following Sep 26, 2017
Background
No issue in the history of cryptocurrencies has been debated as passionately, as often, or as forcefully as the bitcoin block size. To an outsider, it must be quite comical to witness folks debating a consensus parameter within the bitcoin network — no joke — as if it were a matter of life or death. To insiders, the stakes are high, tribal lines are drawn, and crossing them risks your reputation among your peers.
The block size limit entered the world innocuously enough. A maximum block size limit of 1MB was added by Satoshi Nakamoto without any fanfare, or even any explanation, in July of 2010. Satoshi’s intent remains a debated topic, yet the parameter’s effect is clear — it limits the size of a block, the size of the batch of updates to the global ledger.
Recall that the Bitcoin network batches transactions into blocks that are released to the network approximately every ten minutes. To participate in the bitcoin network without a trusted third party, all of this blockchain data must be downloaded and verified in more or less real time. The more data that needs to be downloaded and verified to keep pace with the network, the larger the system requirements (bandwidth, cpu, storage) will necessarily be.
The Bitcoin max block size limits the rate at which information is etched into the blockchain. Essentially, it acts to throttle the entire system. This limits the number of “on-chain” transactions that can be processed. The parameter’s value is of great consequence as it dictates the transactional throughput of the base layer. It also dictates the system requirements for participating in Bitcoin without needing to trust another party.
Let the debate begin
Chronicling the debate in its entirety is outside the scope of this post. There are too many characters, complexities and interactions to capture them all, but a few defining moments stand out.
The earliest moments of the debate can be seen in this seminal post from Jeff Garzik in 2010. Jeff is one of the earliest contributors to Bitcoin, first committing to the project in March of 2011. Jeff thought Bitcoin supporting more than 3–10 tps (transactions per second) would win Bitcoin favor in the court of public opinion. He offered a simple patch to scale up the network to Visa levels. Theymos, moderator of bitcointalk.org and /r/Bitcoin, correctly pointed out this is a consensus parameter change, and deployment would need to be coordinated across the network. The patch was rejected.
The thread went dormant after Satoshi suggested that the change could be later phased in when needed. Satoshi left the community before executing on his strategy. Gavin Andresen took over in 2010 after Satoshi disappeared. He stewarded the project until 2014 when he stepped back to focus on the longer term vision for Bitcoin.
Discussion and debate of the block size would linger as background noise until Gavin posted a series of blog posts in May of 2015. The debate stage was now set, but without Satoshi, the Bitcoin community at large would struggle for years to converge on a path forward.
All in favor
The existing Visa credit card network processes about 15 million Internet purchases per day worldwide. Bitcoin can already scale much larger than that with existing hardware for a fraction of the cost. It never really hits a scale ceiling. If you’re interested, I can go over the ways it would cope with extreme size.
— Satoshi Nakamoto, April 2009
Proponents of increasing the block size primarily argue one reason to raise the block size: capacity. If bitcoin is going to become a useful global currency, then it must have enough transactional capacity to service its users’ needs. Not just the users of today or yesterday, mind you, but the users of the future as well.
Big blockers contend that larger blocks allows room for more users and makes Bitcoin more useful as money and more competitive as a payment solution. They believe that Bitcoin is ultimately a product that must compete in the market for adoption. A congested network with slow confirmation times and high fees pushes users elsewhere — an outcome that should be avoided.
Furthermore, many believe capacity should not be subject to an enforced production quota at all. Rather, Bitcoin miners should be allowed to produce additional capacity until supply meets demand. A planned quota introduces economic inefficiency by preventing mutually consensual activity.
Additionally, many big blockers posit that larger blocks would not adversely impact decentralization. With a larger block size, the network would accommodate more users with cheaper fees — enticing more parties to join. While larger blocks may raise the barrier to entry for participation, big blockers argue it would actually diffuse control over more parties.
All opposed
The decentralized Bitcoin blockchain is globally shared broadcast medium — probably the most insanely inefficient mode of communication ever devised by man.
— Gregory Maxwell, September 2016
Opponents to a block size argue that increasing the block size limit is unimaginative, offers only temporary relief, and damages decentralization by increasing costs of participation. Increasing the block size may set dangerous precedent for future increases. Additionally, introducing a social/technical process for a hard fork risks that very same process becoming a future attack vector within Bitcoin.
Small blockers argue that effort should instead be spent optimizing use of the block space we already have. They favor scaling solutions that push transactions off chain, and have no problem being patient while they are developed.
Small blockers believe Bitcoin’s main value proposition is its censorship-resistant nature and ability to minimize needed trust. They contend that these properties can only come from a Bitcoin that cannot be controlled. To evade control [read: attacks] from government regulators, mining cartels, and other adversaries, the system should strive to remain maximally decentralized, avoiding single points of failure or control.
In order to preserve decentralization, system requirements to participate should be kept low. To understand this, consider an extreme example: very big blocks (1GB+) would require data center level resources to validate the blockchain. This would preclude all but the wealthiest individuals from participating.
A low barrier to entry preserves the ability for individuals and small parties to participate fully in the network, without needing trusted third parties. Small blocks also increase network nimbleness by reducing the time it takes to bring new nodes online. This allows seamless network reconfigurations in the event of an attack.
Who’s in charge anyway?
With so many stakeholders with very different priorities, the scaling debate has failed to converge. The Bitcoin network must stay in consensus with itself, so without different factions able to agree on a path forward, the status quo prevails. As a meta problem, creating a process to increase the block size remains controversial. Any process, action and/or inaction results in winners, losers, and possibly dangerous precedent.
The small blockers prefer not to change the block size limit, believing that it is too risky. They instead argue for a proposal called Segregated Witness (SegWit), a backwards compatible change that allows for additional capacity, opens the door to future scaling improvements, and also changes the fee calculus to help combat bloat.
Big blockers worry that activating SegWit, especially without being paired with a simple block size increase, puts a nail in the coffin in the idea of Bitcoin ever acting as a scaled payment network. Miners like Jihan Wu refused for months to activate SegWit without a block size increase.
Compromise?
Compromise efforts have given us signed agreements attempting to bust the stalemate, notably the Hong Kong agreement in Feb 2016 (SegWit + 2MB), and more recently the New York Agreement (NYA) in May 2017 (essentially identical to the Hong Kong agreement). However, these proposals to modify the block size limit have run in to staunch resistance.
The NYA — an active proposal set to activate SegWit followed by a doubling of the block size within 6 months — does not satisfy everyone. Big blockers and small blockers alike groan that the agreement may ruin Bitcoin. Small blockers believe a hard fork block size increase is not needed, and a closed door meeting deciding Bitcoin’s fate is a deal breaker, while big blockers argue that the agreement vindicates the small block philosophy, offering only temporary relief without enough future capacity growth.
What’s next?
Differences in priorities and visions have already led to a permanent split in the community. On August 1st, 2017, a minority contingent of miners and exchanges, upset with the the prioritization of SegWit and lack movement on the block size, launched Bitcoin Cash.
In November of this year, it looks likely that we have the ingredients for another split. Jeff Garzik’s btc1 project aims to become the new Bitcoin reference client upon activating a 2MB hard fork, completing the NYA agreement. The NYA currently boasts signaling from 90+% of the hash rate and support from some of the most prominent Bitcoin companies [Coinbase, BitPay, Bitmain, etc.]. Core developers remain vehemently opposed to the agreement.
Ultimately, Bitcoin is an anarchic system. There is no official governance structure to it, which can be a feature or a bug, depending on your point of view. Disputes are settled via code that users choose to run and the tokens they choose to value. Exchanges and miners are two important Schelling points for coordination on which software version to run. The Bitcoin Core developers also have sway over many users. However, it’s ultimately up to the market [read: millions of users] to decide what Bitcoin is.Hewlett-Packard's rehabilitation into a more financially-sound corporation still has a long way to go, and CEO Meg Whitman is still the first person who will tell you that based on her comments at the company's analyst meeting on Wednesday.
The tech giant published an update on the HP's self-defined "turnaround" process along with guidance for fiscal 2014.
HP is projecting non-GAAP earnings per share to fall between $3.55 and $3.75 per share.
That proved to be good enough as Wall Street was forecasting estimates of $3.62 per share.
As the news trickled out of the analyst meeting at HP's San Jose headquarters, HP shares were up initially by approximately five percent.
Revenue has been a tricky spot for HP, to say the least, up until now.
But reiterating once again that 2013 was simply a transition year, HP leadership asserted that 2014 will be more profitable, with CFO Cathie Lesjak promising that "HP expects the year-over-year revenue decline in fiscal 2014 will moderate from fiscal 2013."
Furthermore, HP highlighted that it has reduced operating company net debt by almost $8 billion over the last year and is now approaching a goal of zero.
A big fixture of HP's revised business strategy hovers around IT, with plans to invest approximately 12 cents per share of savings from its restructuring program into this arm of the company in fiscal 2014.
Defined as the "New Style of IT," HP said this strategy will focus on the integration of a number of moving parts that are some common buzz terms all over the market right now -- namely cloud, mobile, big data, and security.
Bill Veghte, executive vice president and general manager of HP’s Enterprise Group, highlighted the Converged Cloud as a bright spot, noting that the platform has signed on more than 1,900 enterprise customers -- approximately 60 percent year-over-year customer growth.
Here's a glimpse, by department, on what HP has in store for itself in 2014:A decision on planning permission for a mosque in Tralee, Co Kerry has been delayed pending confirmation on whether a call to prayer public address system is to be included in a 23 metre tall minaret attached to the building.
The application, the second in recent years, was lodged with Kerry County Council on behalf of the Kerry Islamic Cultural Centre in April.
The proposal concerns a 2.24 acre site in a business park at Killerisk, on the eastern edge of Tralee. The business park contains an Eircom exchange and is bounded by housing.
The mosque will have an 18 metre high dome, 23.6 metre high minaret,parapets and an assembly hall. It is primarily designed to act as a prayer centre for the local community, but accommodation for visitors is also proposed.
An earlier application was refused last year primarily on the grounds of traffic concerns. There are few footpaths and the road would need to be realigned if permission is granted.
Since 2006 there have been a number of applications for Islamic prayer centres in the Killerisk area, which is a short distance from Kerry General Hospital, the Manor shopping centre and Kerry County Council.
A full traffic study has been included in the application and it says daily prayers begin at 4.30am and end at 10pm.
Call to prayer
Planners are now requesting further information, particularly on the possibility of calling to prayer is to take place from a public address system. The council planners are also informing the applicants they may need written consent from adjoining landowners and householders for the development to go ahead, a planning spokesperson said.
A number of houses are likely to be over-looked by the mosque.
“A decision is on hold pending further information on around nine different areas,” the spokesperson said.
No objections have been received from third parties. However a group calling itself Pegida Ireland which is attached to a German anti-Islamic organisation has begun an online petition against the Tralee mosque, which has been signed by 212 people.
Pegida members campaigned in Tralee at the weekend and handed out leaflets against the mosque and calling on people to preserve their Celtic culture. A spokesman said they planned to start a party called The Celtic People’s Party shortly. Flyers handed out on Saturday called on Kerry people to say no to Islam and no to the mosque. The group denies it is racist.
Kerry has the highest number of Muslims outside of Cork, Dublin and Limerick, and Islam is now Kerry’s third biggest religion. Some 833 Muslims live in Tralee and more than 1,500 in all live in Co Kerry, according to 2011 census figures. However the numbers are believed to have been increased since the census.Production Associates inspect cars moving along assembly line at Honda manufacturing plant in Alliston, Ontario March 30, 2015. REUTERS/Fred Thornhill
OTTAWA, April 3 (Reuters) - The pace of growth in the Canadian manufacturing sector rose in March for the sixth month in a row as production and new orders picked up, while employment hit its highest level in close to five years, data showed on Monday.
The Markit Canada Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ index (PMI), a measure of manufacturing business conditions, increased to a seasonally adjusted 55.5 last month from 54.7 in February.
A reading above 50 shows growth in the sector.
The figures were the latest to point to a strong start to the year for Canada after better-than-expected growth in January put the economy on track for a solid first quarter.
Companies said they saw stronger domestic demand in March, particularly among the energy sector, which is recovering from the collapse in oil prices.
That helped new orders edge up to 56.4 from 56.0, though new export orders were unchanged at 51.0. The measure of output rose to 56.7 from 55.2.
Employment rose to its highest level since June 2012 at 54.6 from 54.3, which could bode well for the wider labor market report due on Friday. ECONCA
But input prices also rose as companies were pinched by the strong U.S. dollar and higher raw materials prices. The index was up at 63.7 from 61.3."Marriage is for idots and poor people. Divorce is too easy for women. It's not hard for a woman to navigate a divorce. The only thing she's navigating is how much of this man's hard earned money she's going to take from him for the rest of his life." And this: "Give me a stinkin break, and of course our careless, pompous, sex-driven population is happier after divorce because they're finally FREE, to do and screw whoever they want. I witness it with people I work with and it's disgusting. Vows, family and child-rearing is not taken nearly as seriously as it should be and really times need to change because it's getting out of control. Ugh." It seemed to many as though these women were being inconsiderate (at best) and conniving (at worst). People were outraged that women might march so lightly down an aisle when the emotional and financial impact of their actions could be so devastating. Gauvain attempted to clarify the post with this follow up blog.
"The doubts [the women spoke of] were not the garden-variety nerves that typically accompany any life-changing decision," she said. "They weren't just 'cold feet' or 'wedding day jitters.' Rather, the women in my study talked about issues, concerns, doubts and other red flags that existed throughout the course of their relationship." She explained that the reasons the women ignored these doubts were often complicated and fear-driven. Of the (simplified) reasons given for marrying the wrong guy, Gauvain said the most common were: 1. We've dated for so long I don't want to waste all the time we have invested in the relationship. 2. I don't want to be alone.
3. He'll change after we get married. 4. It is too late, too embarrassing and/or too expensive to call off the wedding. 5. He is a really nice guy; I don't want to hurt his feelings. "When it comes to nice guys, it can be hard to figure out why you aren't happy together," she said. "The reality is, he may be a solid, good guy on his own. But as a couple, the equation does not add up. "The idea of "two becoming one" should not equal instant discomfort. However, when the relationship is solid and true, there is very little doubt, internal conflict or questions. And for the naysayers, I said very little doubt; I did not say no doubt whatsoever."
In an article published last week, Debbi Dickinson, post-divorce coach and founder of Stepping Into Joy shared her own story and spoke of the nagging doubts she had ignored when she got married. She wrote about her dreams of wedded bliss; of the image, that she had held close since childhood, of it being a 'beautiful day'. But she knew despite her dreams that she was marrying the wrong man. "I refused to acknowledge the warning signs during our two years of dating - and there were plenty," she said. "Oftentimes the gut feeling is ignored out of fear. My fear was that there would be no other man coming along and this was my last chance at marriage. My little voice was calling out 'Stop!' long before the wedding bells chimed. I made the poor decision to ignore it."
When your gut grumbles, it's always important to listen says Christine Meinecke, PhD, licensed psychologist and author of Everybody Marries the Wrong Person. "Instead of following your heart, use your head and trust your gut." She says that while using your heart (along with your intellect and intuition) is important for forming a holistic picture of a person or situation, intensity of feeling can lead us to make hasty decisions. Rather good decisions are made when we take the time to listen to our intellect and intuition ("gut"). In an article for Psychology Today she distinguishes between "gut" instinct and heart "feeling" and explains how psychologists have come to understand intuition: "Nonverbal information from the right hemisphere continuously streams toward the left hemisphere. Out of necessity, the left hemisphere blocks most of this information, much as one blocks a multitude of internal and external distractions in order to concentrate and read this post.
"Intuition, then, is hypothesised to be what we experience when right hemisphere images, memories, associations to similar experiences from the past slip by the left hemisphere blocks and contribute to the analysis of our current situation. Since we have not consciously called up this information, we do not immediately recognise its relevance." Lyn Fletcher, director of operations for Relationships Australia agrees that gut instinct is always a good guide. "Gut instinct comes from [the history of a] person and from relating that to...the dynamic between the two of you, your set of values and what you are looking for in a relationship - how they treat you and relate to you," she explains. She believes that listening to your gut and knowing when to walk away comes from the ability to see ourselves. "It's about how to know yourself well enough to know what you're looking for," she says. "It's the self-awareness to know what you contribute to the success or failure of that [relationship] and having the self-confidence to stand on your own two feet rather than fall into a bad relationship." As for the fear of being alone forever, Fletcher points out that "for well-being, mental and physical health, all the statistics show that you're better off alone than in a bad marriage."
On the flip side she emphasises that the 'right one' is a myth that doesn't allow for natural "human failure and... the difficulties every couple will encounter." Her advice when making a decision is to look at the bigger picture of what will make you both happy: "Don't just plan for the wedding, plan for the marriage."The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Sri Lanka will launch Sinhala Translation with Arabic Text of the Holy Qur’an at Colombo National Education & Book Fair to be held at Public Library Premises, Colombo.
The publication will be displayed as a main feature of the event at Stall No. 8 and 9.This week-long book fair, commencing July 28, will also have on display the previous copies of the Holy Qura’an translations by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in 73 languages of the world. Another presentation, the Sinhala Translation of the book “Philosophy of Teachings of Islam”, is also planned as one of the main displays in the event.This original book in Urdu, ‘Islami Usool ki Falasphi,‘ was written by the founder of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, India.
A Peace Message translated into Sinhala will also be distributed at the event.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast growing international movement within Islam. The community was founded in 1889, and spans over 206 countries and territories with membership exceeding 160 millions. The year 2015 marks the centenary of the establishment of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – Sri Lanka.Measuring your ingredients by weight (grams) can help make your ingredient amounts are accurate. It's especially true in baking—think how much flour you can fit in a measuring cup depending on how much you pack it. These charts help you go between cups, grams, and ounces, depending on what your recipe calls for.
Butter
Cups Grams 1/4 cup of Butter 57 grams 1/3 cup of Butter 76 grams 1/2 cup of Butter 113 grams 1 cup of Butter 227 grams
Dry Goods
All-Purpose Flour and Confectioners' Sugar Cups Grams Ounces 1/8 c (2 tbsp) 16 g.563 oz 1/4 cup 32 g 1.13 oz 1/3 cup 43 g 1.5 oz 1/2 cup 64 g 2.25 oz 2/3 cup 85 g 3 oz 3/4 cup 96 g 3.38 oz 1 cup 128 g 4.5 oz
Bread Flour Cups Grams Ounces 1/4 cup 34 g 1.2 oz 1/3 cup 45 g 1.6 oz 1/2 cup 68 g 2.4 oz 1 cup 136 g 4.8 oz
Trying to fit a square cake into a round pan? Check out our Cake and Baking Pan Conversion Chart.
Rolled Oats Cups Grams Ounces 1/4 cup 21 g.75 oz 1/3 cup 28 g 1 oz 1/2 cup 43 g 1.5 oz 1 cup 85 g 3 oz
White Sugar (Granulated) Cups Grams Ounces 2 tbsp 25 g.89 oz 1/4 cup 50 g 1.78 oz 1/3 cup 67 g 2.37 oz 1/2 cup 100 g 3.55 oz 2/3 cup 134 g 4.73 oz 3/4 cup 150 g 5.3 oz 1 cup 201 g 7.1 oz
Packed Brown Sugar Cups Grams Ounces 1/4 cup 55 g 1.9 oz 1/3 cup 73 g 2.58 oz 1/2 cup 110 g 3.88 oz 1 cup 220 g 7.75 oz
Honey, Molasses & Syrup Cups Grams Ounces 2 tbsp 43 g 1.5 oz 1/4 cup 85 g 3 oz 1/3 cup 113 g 4 oz 1/2 cup 170 g 6 oz 2/3 cup 227 g 8 oz 3/4 cup 255 g 9 oz 1 cup 340 g 12 oz
Go forth, and bake with confidence:
More Useful Conversions:In a YouTube video that's gone viral, a Bucks County war veteran accuses a man shopping in Army fatigues of posing as a member of a special operations unit.
So far, an investigation hasn't determined whether the man who claimed he was an Army Ranger asked for a military discount on Black Friday at a shoe store in the Oxford Valley Mall, near Langhorne.
Middletown Township police Chief Joseph Bartorilla on Tuesday also said jurisdiction in the case — if a crime is believed to have occurred — has not yet been determined, though the investigation is continuing on multiple fronts.
Army Sgt. Ryan Berk, 26, who served in the 101st Airborne Division in Afghanistan in 2010-11, captured his confrontation with the man in fatigues in a video posted on YouTube, which had generated more than 2.1 million views as of Tuesday evening.
The video prompted Bucks County Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, R-8th District, to write to U.S. Attorney Zane Memeger on Monday, notifying him that the video "possibly" contains evidence of a federal crime.
Meeting a decorated veteran is a big honor. But what if those medals and ribbons are fake. Stolen Valor happens more than you think. Meeting a decorated veteran is a big honor. But what if those medals and ribbons are fake. Stolen Valor happens more than you think. SEE MORE VIDEOS
Falsely claiming to be in the armed forces is not illegal, but under the Stolen Valor Act of 2013, it's against federal law for someone to fraudulently portray himself or herself as a recipient of any of several specified military decorations or medals with the intent to obtain money, property or other tangible benefit.
Similarly, under Pennsylvania law, it's a summary offense to falsely wear a military or police uniform or other insignia for purposes of obtaining a profit, soliciting business or fundraising.
The executive director of the National Infantry Association, retired Col. Richard Nurnberg, said Tuesday the name of the man who said he was a Ranger does not appear in the Army's database, meaning he is not on active duty or recently retired.
Nurnberg said he is checking to see if the man serves in the Rangers.
"Looking at him, I'm sure he's not," he added.
The newspaper is withholding the identity of the man because he has not been charged with a crime. Several attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful.
A woman who answered the door Saturday at his home in Philadelphia claimed he had a military background but declined to provide details. She said the family had no comment on the matter.
Berk, who is studying criminal justice at Temple University, said he noticed the man's Army fatigues while he was shopping in a shoe store. But when he got a closer look, Berk said, he noticed "little things" that were off about the man's appearance — the shoelaces on his boots weren't right, an American flag patch was in the wrong spot on his sleeve, and he was missing a combat patch.
They are things that most civilians wouldn't pick up on but that no military veteran would get wrong, said Berk, of Holland in Lower Bucks. Berk received a Purple Heart after he was hit in the face and head with shrapnel in Afghanistan in 2010.
What led him to confront the man, Berk said, was a 20-minute conversation he overheard during which the man told a small boy about his military experiences.
After the man left the shoe store, Berk turned on his smartphone camera and called him over, saying his son admired guys in the Army. Berk did not identify himself as an Army veteran until almost at the end of the 3-minute, 26-second video.
In the video, the pudgy man says he is a staff sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He also claims he recently returned to the area from Fort Lewis in Washington state, which is where the regiment is stationed.
"I'm what's called a TAC-1," he says. "All I do is I go out on missions."
Berk peppers him with questions he said anyone with Army service should be able to easily answer.
"Where is your combat patch at?" Berk asks.
"I gave it to a little kid over there," he replies.
Berk asks why the American flag patch was so low on his shoulder.
"You got me on that one, bud," the man replies.
He wear three Combat Infantryman Badges and says he received them in Afghanistan.
When Berk responds that the man would have had to serve in three different campaigns, the man says one badge was for service in Iraq and the others for different tours of Afghanistan.
Nurnberg, of the National Infantry Association, said only one CIB would be awarded for service in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) and/or Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn).
The National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, Ga., which tracks Army service personnel with three CIBs, lists only 324 and the man Berk confronted is not on the list. There are four periods for which the badge can be awarded: World War II; Korea; Vietnam and other Cold War era actions through March 1995; and the War on Terror, from 2001 to the present, according to the Army.
"The only three-time earners would have had to serve in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, because nobody who earned one in Korea would have still been active for the desert wars," Nurnberg added.
When Berk called the man in fatigues a phony, accusing him of impersonating a soldier, the man offered to take him to meet his sergeant major, who he said was also in the mall. He also denied lying about his military service.
"If I was a phony, I wouldn't be wearing this uniform," the man said.
But Berk said he's convinced that the man was not a Ranger.
"He's impersonating in the uniform people died for," Berk added. "He was wearing awards that I earned and he didn't."Recently, I wrote how we do classification at CB Insights. The post outlines some of the things that I have been thinking about how to apply machine learning for a given problem along with the process that we adopted for the classification problem at CB Insights, but also gave me a good opportunity to reflect even further about the machine learning process; shortcomings of papers, books and even traditional education system when it comes to teach the machine learning.
My aim is not to focus on the algorithms, methods or classifiers but rather to offer a broader picture on how to approach a machine learning problem, and in the meantime give couple of bad advices. I will offer my bad advice for a classification problem(algorithm=classifier) and be warned that they may generalize better than your favorite classifier.(I will try not to overfit, but let me know if I do so in the comments.)
Machine Learning Algorithms
Most of the machine learning book chapters and articles focus on algorithms/classifiers and sometimes optimization methods.
From a theoretical perspective, they |
variety of other worksman: wizened hard working craftsman, a humble penmaker, or even a highly spirtual exorcist. Regardless of what they do in the day, when they take to the night, their humble craftmanship complements their deadly skill. Those who are prove themselves to the Way gain access to special equipment and eventually the Vault, a magical repository of legendary items to be used in times of great need. Ki Craft You learn ancient techniques to create beautiful objects out of everyday materials. You can make things like smooth clay balls (dorodango), hollow-point darts filled with water, and strips of paper with beautiful calligraphy. You carry these with you hidden under your garments. You can infuse one of these objects with one Ki point and and use it. For example, infusing a ball of clay causes cracks to appear on the surface, sizzling with magic. When thrown, the ball bursts, creating a cloud of dust. For poison darts, make an attack with a dagger, applying the effect on a hit (as well as damage from the dagger).
For an action, you throw a bomb a location 20 feet away. The diameter of the bomb's area of effect is equal to the bonus distance granted by unarmed movement.
For an action, you place a seal, which lasts for a minute, in a space adjacent to you. Make a succesful Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check against any creatures that has line of sight of you, or they know the trap is there. Creatures can only communicate the exact location of a trap if they use an action to point it out, but can't remove it without dispel magic. The trap effects the first creature you choose that enters the area of effect, a 10 feet cube. Item Effect Blood-reversing Dart The dart deals additional poison damage equal to twice your martial die on a hit, and the target must succeed on a successful Constitution save or be poisoned until they recieve magical healing. Ki block Dart The dart deals additional poison damage equal to twice your martial die on a hit, and the target must succeed on a successful Constituion save or be incapacitated until it next takes damage. Inkdust Bomb Area is heavily obscured for one minute. Chokedust Bomb Creatures in area can't breath, are lightly obsured, and cannot cast spells with verbal component. The Chokedust lasts until the end of your next turn. Snare Seal The creature's speed drops to zero and they go prone. Shock Seal The creature must succeed on a dexterity saving throw or take lightning damage equal to four times your martial die, and can’t take reactions until the start of its next turn.
Ninja's Gear At 6th level, during your next long rest you will awaken to a set of equipment folded neatly next to you, on top of which there is a scroll, which reads "You have proven your loyalty to the Way. As a sign of good faith we present you the traditional gear of our clan." Choose two items in the Ninja's Gear table below. Item Effect Boots of the Step Footsteps don't make any sound Concealed Weapons You have advantage on sleight of hand checks to hide any objects on your person Hand wraps You can change the damage of your unarmed strikes to be piercing or slashing damage Cloak of gliding When falling, you can choose to move 5 feet horizontally for every 10 feet you fall. Grapplehook Launcher You have advantage on grappling hook related ability checks. Mastery of the Simple At 11th level, you have additional options for your equipment. If a creature fails on the save for your poison dart, you can choose for them to be charmed or frightened of you until the start of your next turn instead of the normal effects. Creatures who start their turn in your bomb's area of effect need to making a constitution saving throw or be poisoned for Inkdust or incapacitated for Chokedust. You shroud your traps in ki. You have advantage on your sleight of hand check to place your seals, and truesight, tremorsense, and blindsight do not automatically reveal your traps. Vault's Tribute At 17th level, you learn the secrets of accessing the Ninja's Vault, a demiplane unacceable by mortals except through a closely guarded ritual. You learn this ritual, which takes one minute and 100gp worth of materials. At the end of the ritual one magical item you are attunted to vanishes and gains a place in the Vault. You can summon any item you tributed to the vault with a bonus action, and can immediately attune to it without taking a short rest first. In addition, you learn of one of the legendary items listed in the Vault’s Repository, and can summon that item as well. Credits Designer: Metabot, Lord_rava Art by: Magic the Gathering Special Thanks: Discord of Many Things for their suggestions and balancing tweaks.
Vault Repository Bo of Intent This legendary staff was once wielded by the Monkey King himself. You gain a +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this magic weapon. While attuned to the staff, you can use a bonus action to manipulate the weapon: You can shrink the weapon into a needle
You can return the weapon to its normal size
You can enlarge the weapon. It deals an additional 1d6 blugeoning damage on a hit and gains a reach of 10 feet.
You can move the weapon up to 30 feet in any direction, but you can't make an attack with it. Guzzle Guord This bright red guord has several golden rings that restrain its bulging nature. For an action, you can speak a command word and unstopper the Guord. A creature you choose within 30 feet vanishes into the guord and is transported into a demiplane. At the beginning of each of its turns, it must make a DC 40 charisma saving throw or be incapacitated until the start of its next turn and take 1d10 acid damage. Each time the creature fails this save, the save DC decreases by 5. If the creature makes the save, it can escape from the demiplane using 5 feet of Movement, exiting prone. That creature cannot be effected by this item for one hour. Tender Nightmare This elegantly drawn longsword features two edges: one so sharp that taking lives is as effortless as cutting through butterfly wings -- the other somehow even sharper. The creator of the sword attempted to temper the sword's bloody nature through runes infused in the hilt. This weapon is a Vorpal sword, which counts as a monk weapon for your, and scores a critical hit on a roll of 19 or 20. You gain a +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this magic weapon. Attacks towards anyone you considered an ally when you attuned to this blade automatically miss. When you use your Flurry of Blows feature, you can instead make a melee weapon attack with this weapon on all targets within reach, rolling seperately for each target. Spear of Endless Winter This is but a shaft with a tip that emminates an impossible aura of cold - the spear blade itself is made out of the frozen encrusted blood of enemies past. Once per short rest you can activate the weapon. For the next minute, the weapon gains the properties of a Frost brand and is a monk weapon for you. If you reduce a creature to zero hit points you add its blood to the spear, and deal an additional 20 cold damage on your next attack. When you use your Flurry of Blows feature, you can instead make a melee weapon attack with this weapon on all targets within a 15 foot cone, rolling seperately for each target.We all know Birdman is holding back Tha Carter V. But why? Well here are my theories. The story we’ve been hearing from Wayne’s twitter rants is only a cover up.
#Birdman and has left Lil Wayne for Young Thug.
We know that Birdman and Wayne were once lovers.
We also know that Thug likes to wear dresses
My theory, is that Wayne cheated on Birdman with ASAP Rocky.
So therefore, Birdman is getting revenge on Wayne and has broken up with him for Young Thug.
But what if this theory is a cover up of another theroy???? #2spooky4me
What if Wayne and Birdman have been cool this whole time? And this is all a ruse for hype?
There’s only one way they could’ve come up with a marketing theory like this.
*GLASS BREAKS
DEATH GRIPS
Death Grips released their album No Love Deep Web after their label delayed it. Plus this (fire) picture was uploaded by anon to /mu/
This tells us one thing:
#MC Ride confirmed guest verse on tha Carter V
but it doesn’t answer the question
#CARTER V WHEN????[This essay was written in 1970. Read Rothbard's 1991 introduction.]
I.
If men were like ants, there would be no interest in human freedom. If individual men, like ants, were uniform, interchangeable, devoid of specific personality traits of their own, then who would care whether they were free or not? Who, indeed, would care if they lived or died? The glory of the human race is the uniqueness of each individual, the fact that every person, though similar in many ways to others, possesses a completely individuated personality of his own. It is the fact of each person's uniqueness — the fact that no two people can be wholly interchangeable — that makes each and every man irreplaceable and that makes us care whether he lives or dies, whether he is happy or oppressed. And, finally, it is the fact that these unique personalities need freedom for their full development that constitutes one of the major arguments for a free society.
Perhaps a world exists somewhere where intelligent beings are fully formed in some sort of externally determined cages, with no need for internal learning or choices by the individual beings themselves. But man is necessarily in a different situation. Individual human beings are not born or fashioned with fully formed knowledge, values, goals, or personalities; they must each form their own values and goals, develop their personalities, and learn about themselves and the world around them. Every man must have freedom, must have the scope to form, test, and act upon his own choices, for any sort of development of his own personality to take place. He must, in short, be free in order that he may be fully human. In a sense, even the most frozen and totalitarian civilizations and societies have allowed at least a modicum of scope for individual choice and development. Even the most monolithic of despotisms have had to allow at least a bit of "space" for freedom of choice, if only within the interstices of societal rules. The freer the society, of course, the less has been the interference with individual actions, and the greater the scope for the development of each individual. The freer the society, then, the greater will be the variety and the diversity among men, for the more fully developed will be every man's uniquely individual personality. On the other hand, the more despotic the society, the more restrictions on the freedom of the individual, the more uniformity there will be among men and the less the diversity, and the less developed will be the unique personality of each and every man. In a profound sense, then, a despotic society prevents its members from being fully human.
If freedom is a necessary condition for the full development of the individual, it is by no means the only requirement. Society itself must be sufficiently developed. No one, for example, can become a creative physicist on a desert island or in a primitive society. For, as an economy grows, the range of choice open to the producer and to the consumer proceeds to multiply greatly. Furthermore, only a society with a standard of living considerably higher than subsistence can afford to devote much of its resources to improving knowledge and to developing a myriad of goods and services above the level of brute subsistence. But there is another reason that full development of the creative powers of each individual cannot occur in a primitive or undeveloped society, and that is the necessity for a wide-ranging division of labor.
No one can fully develop his powers in any direction without engaging in specialization. The primitive tribesman or peasant, bound to an endless round of different tasks in order to maintain himself, could have no time or resources available to pursue any particular interest to the full. He had no room to specialize, to develop whatever field he was best at or in which he was most interested. Two hundred years ago, Adam Smith pointed out that the developing division of labor is a key to the advance of any economy above the most primitive level. A necessary condition for any sort of developed economy, the division of labor is also requisite to the development of any sort of civilized society. The philosopher, the scientist, the builder, the merchant — none could develop these skills or functions if he had had no scope for specialization. Furthermore, no individual who does not live in a society enjoying a wide range of division of labor can possibly employ his powers to the fullest. He cannot concentrate his powers in a field or discipline and advance that discipline and his own mental faculties. Without the opportunity to specialize in whatever he can do best, no person can develop his powers to the full; no man, then, could be fully human.
While a continuing and advancing division of labor is needed for a developed economy and society, the extent of such development at any given time limits the degree of specialization that any given economy can have. There is, therefore, no room for a physicist or a computer engineer on a primitive island; these skills would be premature within the context of that existing economy. As Adam Smith put it, "the division of labor is limited by the extent of the market." Economic and social development is therefore a mutually reinforcing process: the development of the market permits a wider division of labor, which in turn enables of further extension of the market.
If the scope of the market and the extent of the division of labor are mutually reinforcing, so too are the division of labor and the diversity of individual interests and abilities among men. For just as an ever-greater division of labor is needed to give full scope to the abilities and powers of each individual, so does the existence of that very division depend upon the innate diversity of men. For there would be no scope at all for a division of labor if every person were uniform and interchangeable. (A further condition of the emergence of a division of labor is the variety of natural resources; specific land areas on the earth are also not interchangeable.) Furthermore, it soon became evident in the history of man that the market economy based on a division of labor was profoundly cooperative, and that such division enormously multiplied the productivity and hence the wealth of every person participating in the society. The economist Ludwig von Mises put the matter very clearly:
Historically division of labor originates in two facts of nature: the inequality of human abilities and the variety of the external conditions of human life on the earth. These two facts are really one: the diversity of Nature, which does not repeat itself but creates the universe in infinite, inexhaustible variety.... These two conditions … are indeed such as almost to force the division of labor on mankind. Old and young, men and women cooperate by making appropriate use of their various abilities. Here also is the germ of the geographical division of labor; man goes to the hunt and woman to the spring to fetch water. Had the strength and abilities of all individuals and the external conditions of production been everywhere equal the idea of division of labor could never have arisen. … No social life could have arisen among men of equal natural capacity in a world which was geographically uniform.... Once labor has been divided, the division itself exercises a differentiating influence. The fact that labor is divided makes possible further cultivation of individual talent and thus cooperation becomes more and more productive. Through cooperation men are able to achieve what would have been beyond them as individuals.... The greater productivity of work under the division of labor is a unifying influence. It leads men to regard each other as comrades in a joint struggle for welfare, rather than as competitors in a struggle for existence.
Freedom, then, is needed for the development of the individual, and such development also depends upon the extent of the division of labor and the height of the standard of living. The developed economy makes room for, and encourages, an enormously greater specialization and flowering of the powers of the individual than can a primitive economy, and the greater the degree of such development, the greater the scope for each individual.
If freedom and the growth of the market are each important for the development of each individual and, therefore, to the flowering of diversity and individual differences, then so is there a casual connection between freedom and economic growth. For it is precisely freedom, the absence or limitation of interpersonal restrictions or interference, that sets the stage for economic growth and hence of the market economy and the developed division of labor. The Industrial Revolution and the corollary and consequent economic growth of the West were a product of its relative freedom for enterprise, for invention and innovation, for mobility and the advancement of labor. Compared to societies in other times and places, 18th- and 19th-century Western Europe and the United States were marked by a far greater social and economic freedom — a freedom to move, invest, work, and produce — secure from much harassment and interference by government. Compared to the role of government elsewhere, its role in these centuries in the West was remarkably minimal.
By allowing full scope for investment, mobility, the division of labor, creativity, and entrepreneurship, the free economy thereby creates the conditions for rapid economic development. It is freedom and the free market, as Adam Smith well pointed out, that develop the "wealth of nations." Thus, freedom leads to economic development, and both of these conditions in turn multiply individual development and the unfolding of the powers of the individual man. In two crucial ways, then, freedom is the root; only the free man can be fully individuated and, therefore, can be fully human.
If freedom leads to a widening division of labor, and the full scope of individual development, it leads also to a growing population. For just as the division of labor is limited by the extent of the market, so is total population limited by total production. One of the striking facts about the Industrial Revolution has been not only a great rise in the standard of living for everyone, but also the viability of such ample living standards for an enormously larger population. The land area of North America was able to support only a million or so Indians 500 years ago, and that at a barely subsistence level. Even if we wished to eliminate the division of labor, we could not do so without literally wiping out the vast majority of the current world population.
II.
We conclude that freedom and its concomitant, the widening division of labor, are vital for the flowering of each individual, as well as the literal survival of the vast bulk of the world's population. It must give us great concern, then, that over the past two centuries mighty social movements have sprung up which have been dedicated, at their heart, to the stamping out of all human differences, of all individuality.
It has become apparent in recent years, for example, that the heart of the complex social philosophy of Marxism does not lie, as it seemed to in the 1930s and '40s, in Marxian economic doctrines: in the labor theory of value, in the familiar proposal for socialist state ownership of the means of production, and in the central planning of the economy and society. The economic theories and programs of Marxism are, to use a Marxian term, merely the elaborate "superstructure" erected on the inner core of Marxian aspiration. Consequently, many Marxists have, in recent decades, been willing to abandon the labor theory of value and even centralized socialist planning, as the Marxian economic theory has been increasingly abandoned and the practice of socialist planning shown to be unworkable. Similarly, the Marxists of the "New Left" in the United States and abroad have been willing to jettison socialist economic theory and practice.
What they have not been willing to abandon is the philosophic heart of the Marxian ideal — not socialism or socialist planning, concerned anyway with what is supposed to be a temporary "stage" of development, but communism itself. It is the communist ideal, the ultimate goal of Marxism, that excites the contemporary Marxist, that engages his most fervent passions. The New Left Marxist has no use for Soviet Russia because the Soviets have clearly relegated the communist ideal to the remotest possible future. The New Leftist admires Che Guevara, Fidel Castro, Mao Tse-Tung not simply because of their role as revolutionaries and guerrilla leaders, but more because of their repeated attempts to leap into communism as rapidly as possible.
Karl Marx was vague and cloudy in describing the communist ideal, let alone the specific path for attaining it. But one essential feature is the eradication of the division of labor. Contrary to current belief, Marx's now popular concept of "alienation" had little to do with a psychological sense of apartness or discontent. The heart of the concept was the individual's "alienation" from the product of labor. A worker, for example, works in a steel mill. Obviously, he himself will consume little or none of the steel he produces; he earns the value of his product in the shape of a money-commodity, and then he happily uses that money to buy whatever he chooses from the products of other people. Thus, A produces steel, B eggs, C shoes, etc., and then each exchanges them for products of the others through the use of money. To Marx, this phenomenon of the market and the division of labor was a radical evil, for it meant that no one consumed any of his own product. The steelworker thus became "alienated" from his steel, the shoemaker from his shoes, etc.
The proper response to this "problem," it seems to me, is, "So what?" Why should anyone care about this sort of "alienation"? Surely the farmer, shoemaker, and steelworker are very happy to sell their product and exchange it for whatever products they desire; deprive them of this "alienation" and they would be most unhappy, as well as dying from starvation. For if the farmer were not allowed to produce more wheat or eggs than he himself consumes, or the shoemaker more shoes than he can wear, or the steelworker more steel than he can use, it is clear that the great bulk of the population would rapidly starve and the rest be reduced to a primitive subsistence, with life "nasty, brutish, and short." But to Marx this condition was the evil result of individualism and capitalism and had to be eradicated.
Furthermore, Marx was completely ignorant of the fact that each participant in the division of labor cooperates through the market economy, exchanging for each other's products and increasing the productivity and living standards of everyone. To Marx, any differences between men and, therefore, any specialization in the division of labor, is a "contradiction," and the communist goal is to replace that "contradiction" with harmony among all. This means that to the Marxist any individual differences, any diversity among men, are "contradictions" to be stamped out and replaced by the uniformity of the antheap. Friedrich Engels maintained that the emergence of the division of labor shattered the alleged classless harmony and uniformity of primitive society, and was responsible for the cleavage of society into separate and conflicting classes. Hence, for Marx and Engels, the division of labor must be eradicated in order to abolish class conflict and to usher in the ideal harmony of the "classless society," the society of total uniformity.
Thus, Marx foresees his communist ideal only "after the enslaving subordination of individuals under division of labor, and therewith also the antithesis between mental and physical labor, has vanished." To Marx, the ideal communist society is one where, as Professor Gray puts it, "everyone must do everything." According to Marx in The German Ideology,
In communist society, where nobody has one exclusive sphere of activity but each can become accomplished in any branch he wishes, society regulates the general production and thus makes it possible for me to do one thing today and another tomorrow, to hunt in the morning, fish in the afternoon, rear cattle in the evening, criticize after dinner, just as I have a mind, without ever becoming hunter, fisherman, shepherd or critic.
And the Marxist, August Bebel, consistently applied this dilettantish notion to the role of women:
At one moment a practical worker in some industry she is in the next hour educator, teacher, nurse; in the third part of the day she exercises some art or cultivates a science; and in the fourth part she fulfills some administrative function.
The concept of the commune in socialist thought takes on its central importance precisely as a means of eradicating individual differences. It is not just that the commune owns all the means of production among its members. Crucial to the communal ideal is that every man takes on every function, either all at once or in rapid rotation. Obviously, the commune has to subsist on no more than a primitive level, with only a few common tasks, for this ideal to be achieved. Hence the New Left commune, where every person is supposed to take turns equally at every task; again, specialization is eradicated, and no one can develop his powers to the full. Hence the current admiration for Cuba, which has attempted to stress "moral" rather than economic incentives in production, and which has established communes on the Isle of Pines. Hence the admiration of Mao, who has attempted to establish uniform urban and rural communes, and who recently sent several million students into permanent exile into the frontier agricultural areas, in order to eliminate the "contradiction between intellectual and physical labor."
Indeed, at the heart of the split between Russia and China is Russia's virtual abandonment of the communist ideal in the face of China's "fundamentalist" devotion to the original creed. The shared devotion to the commune also accounts for the similarities between the New Left, the utopian socialists of the 19th century, and the communist anarchists, a wing of anarchism that has always shared the communal ideal with the Marxists.
The communist would deny that his ideal society would suppress the personality of every man. On the contrary, freed from the confines of the division of labor, each person would fully develop all of his powers in every direction. Every man would be fully rounded in all spheres of life and work. As Engels put it in his Anti-Dühring, communism would give "each individual the opportunity to develop and exercise all his faculties, physical and mental, in all directions. …" And Lenin wrote in 1920 of the abolition of "the division of labour among people, to educate and school people, give them all-round development and an all-round training, so that they are able to do everything. Communism is advancing and must advance towards that goal, and will reach it …"
This absurd ideal — of the man "able to do everything" — is only viable if (a) everyone does everything very badly, or (b) there are only a very few things to do, or (c) everyone is miraculously transformed into a superman. Professor Mises aptly notes that the ideal communist man is the dilettante, the man who knows a little of everything and does nothing well. For how can he develop any of his powers and faculties if he is prevented from developing any one of them to any sustained extent? As Mises says of Bebel's Utopia,
Art and science are relegated to leisure hours. In this way, thinks Bebel, the society of the future "will possess scientists and artists of all kinds in countless numbers." These, according to their several inclinations, will pursue their studies and their arts in their spare time.... All mental work he regards as mere dilettantism.... But nevertheless we must inquire whether under these conditions the mind would be able to create that freedom without which it cannot exist. Obviously all artistic and scientific work which demands time, travel, technical education and great material expenditure, would be quite out of the question.
Every person's time and energy on the earth are necessarily limited; hence, in order to develop any of his faculties to the full, he must specialize and concentrate on some rather than others. As Gray writes,
That each individual should have the opportunity of developing all his faculties, physical and mental, in all directions, is a dream which will cheer the vision only of the simple-minded, oblivious of the restrictions imposed by the narrow limits of human life. For life is a series of acts of choice, and each choice is at the same time a renunciation.... Even the inhabitant of Engels' future fairyland will have to decide sooner or later whether he wishes to be Archbishop of Canterbury or First Sea Lord, whether he should seek to excel as a violinist or as a pugilist, whether he should elect to know all about Chinese literature or about the hidden pages in the life of the mackerel.
Of course, the only way to resolve this dilemma is to fantasize that the New Communist Man will be a superman. The Marxist, Karl Kautsky, asserted that in the future society "a new type of man will arise … a superman … an exalted man." Leon Trotsky prophesied that under communism:
man will become incomparably stronger, wiser, finer. His body more harmonious, his movements more rhythmical, his voice more musical. … The human average will rise to the level of an Aristotle, a Goethe, a Marx. Above these other heights new peaks will arise.
In recent years, communists have intensified their efforts to end the division of labor and reduce all individuals to uniformity. Fidel Castro's attempts to "build Communism" in the Isle of Pines, and Mao Tse-Tung's Cultural Revolution, have been echoed in miniature by the American New Left in numerous attempts to form hippies communes and to create organizational "collectives" in which everyone does everything without benefit of specialization.
In contrast, Yugoslavia has been the quiet despair of the communist movement by moving rapidly in the opposite direction — toward every-increasing freedom, individuality, and free-market operations — and has proved influential in leading the other "communist" countries of Eastern Europe (notably, Hungary and Czechoslovakia) in the same direction.
III.
One way of gauging the extent of "harmonious" development of all of the individual's powers in the absence of specialization is to consider what actually happened during primitive or preindustrial eras. And, indeed, many socialists and other opponents of the Industrial Revolution exalt the primitive and preindustrial periods as a golden age of harmony, community, and social belonging — a peaceful and happy society destroyed by the development of individualism, the Industrial Revolution, and the market economy. In their exaltation of the primitive and the preindustrial, the socialists were perfectly anticipated by the reactionaries of the Romantic movement, those men who longed to roll back the tide of progress, individualism, and industry, and return to the supposed golden age of the preindustrial era.
The New Left, in particular, also emphasizes a condemnation of technology and the division of labor, as well as a desire to "return to the earth" and an exaltation of the commune and the "tribe." As John W. Aldridge perceptively points out, the current New Left virtually constitutes a generational tribe that exhibits all the characteristics of a uniform and interchangeable herd, with little or no individuality among its members.
Similarly, the early 19th-century German reactionary, Adam Müller, denounced the:
vicious tendency to divide labor in all branches of private industry. … [The] division of labor in large cities or industrial or mining provinces cuts up man, the completely free man, into wheels, rollers, spokes, shafts, etc., forces on him an utterly one-sided scope in the already one-sided field of the provisioning of one single want …
The leading French conservatives of the early 19th century, Bonald and de Maistre, who idealized the feudal order, denounced the disruption by individualism of the preexisting social order and social cohesion. The contemporary French reactionary, Jacques Ellul, in The Technological Society, a book much in favor on the New Left, condemns "our dehumanized factories, our unsatisfied senses … our estrangement from nature." In the Middle Ages, in contrast, claims Ellul, "Man sought open spaces … the possibility of moving about … of not constantly colliding with other people." In the meanwhile, on the socialist side, the economic historian Karl Polanyi's influential The Great Transformation makes this thesis of the disruption of a previous social harmony by individualism, the market economy, and the division of labor the central theme of the book.
For its part, the worship of the primitive is a logical extension of the worship of the preindustrial. This worship by modern sophisticated intellectuals ranges from Rousseau's "noble savage" and the lionizing of that creature by the Romantic movement, all the way to the adoration of the Black Panthers by white intellectuals. Whatever other pathology the worship of the primitive reflects, a basic part of it is a deep-seated hatred of individual diversity. Obviously, the more primitive and the less civilized a society, the less diverse and individuated it can be. Also part of this primitivism reflects a hatred for the intellect and its works, since the flowering of reason and intellection leads to diversity and inequality of individual achievement.
For the individual to advance and develop, reason and the intellect must be active, it must embody the individual's mind working upon and transforming the materials of reality. From the time of Aristotle, the classical philosophy presented man as only fulfilling himself, his nature, and his personality through purposive action upon the world. It is from such rational and purposive action that the works of civilization have developed. In contrast, the Romantic movement has always exalted the passivity of the child who, necessarily ignorant and immature, only reacts passively to his environment rather than acts to change it. This tendency to exalt passivity and the young, and to denigrate intellect, has reached its present embodiment in the New Left, which worships both youth per se and a passive attitude of ignorant and purposeless spontaneity. The passivity of the New Left, its wish to live simply and in "harmony" with "the earth" and the alleged rhythms of nature, harks back completely to the Rousseauist Romantic movement. Like the Romantic movement, it is a conscious rejection of civilization and differentiated men on behalf of the primitive, the ignorant, the herd-like "tribe."
If reason, purpose, and action are to be spurned, then what replaces them in the Romantic pantheon are unanalyzed, spontaneous "feelings." And since the range of feelings is relatively small compared to intellectual achievements, and in any case is not objectively known to another person, the emphasis on feelings is another way to iron out diversity and inequality among individuals.
Irving Babbitt, a keen critic of Romanticism, wrote about the Romantic movement:
The whole movement is filled with the praise of ignorance and of those who still enjoy its inappreciable advantages — the savage, the peasant and above all the child. The Rousseauist may indeed be said to have discovered the poetry of childhood … but at what would seem at times a rather heavy sacrifice of rationality. Rather than consent to have the bloom taken off things by analysis one should, as Coleridge tells us, sink back to the devout state of childlike wonder. However, to grow ethically is not to sink back but to struggle painfully forward. To affirm the contrary is to proclaim one's inability to mature. … [The Romantic] is ready to assert that what comes to the child spontaneously is superior to the deliberate moral effort of the mature man. The speeches of all the sages are, according to Maeterlinck, outweighed by the unconscious wisdom of the passing child.
Another perceptive critique of Romanticism and primitivism was written by Ludwig von Mises. He notes that "the whole tribe of romantics" have denounced specialization and the division of labor. "For them the man of the past who developed his powers 'harmoniously' is the ideal: an ideal which alas no longer inspires our degenerate age. They recommend retrogression in the division of labor…" with the socialists surpassing their fellow Romantics in this regard. But are primitives or preindustrial men privileged to develop themselves freely and harmoniously? Mises answers:
It is futile to look for the harmoniously developed man at the outset of economic evolution. The almost self-sufficient economic subject as we know him in the solitary peasant of remote valleys shows none of that noble, harmonious development of body, mind, and feeling which the romantics ascribe to him. Civilization is a product of leisure and the peace of mind that only the division of labor can make possible. Nothing is more false than to assume that man first appeared in history with an independent individuality and that only during the evolution [of society] … did he lose … his spiritual independence. All history, evidence and observation of the lives of primitive peoples is directly contrary to this view. Primitive man lacks all individuality in our sense. Two South Sea Islanders resemble each other far more closely than two twentieth-century Londoners. Personality was not bestowed upon man at the outset. It has been acquired in the course of evolution of society.
Or we may note Charles Silberman's critique of Jacques Ellul's rhapsodies on the "traditional rhythms of life and nature" lived by preindustrial man, as compared to "dehumanized factories … our estrangement from nature." Silberman asks:
But with what shall we contrast this dehumanized world? The beautiful, harmonious life being lived by, say, the Chinese or Vietnamese peasant woman, who works in the fields close to nature, for twelve hours a day — roughly the conditions under which the great bulk of women (and men) have worked … through all of human history? For this is the condition that Ellul idealizes.
And, as for Ellul's paean to the Middle Ages as being mobile, spacious, and uncrowded:
This would have been startling news to the medieval peasant, who lived with his wife and children, other relatives, and probably animals as well in a one-room thatched cottage. And even for the nobility, was there really more possibility of "moving about" in the Middle Ages, when travel was by foot or hoof, than today, when steelworkers spend sabbaticals in Europe?
The savage is supposed not only to be "noble" but also supremely happy. From the Rousseauans to what Erich Fromm has called "the infantile Paradise" of Norman O. Brown and Herbert Marcuse, the Romantics have extolled the happiness yielded by the spontaneous and the childlike. To Aristotle and the classic philosophers, happiness was acting in accordance with man's unique and rational nature. To Marcuse, any purposive, rational action is by definition "repressive," to which he contrasts the "liberated" state of spontaneous play. Aside from the universal destitution that the proposed abolition of work would bring, the result would be a profound unhappiness, for no individual would be able to fulfill himself, his individuality would largely disappear, |
going up, we are going down.”
Fred Morgan stopped his car to plead with Ms Billington to “tidy-up Tilbury” and tackle anti-social behaviour. Stuart Radford said he may “possibly” vote Labour after she pledged to address fly-tipping in a field beside his home and yobs who set fire to his wheelie-bins.
But Sharon McKinsey likes Nigel Farage and is backing UKIP. “I just want to give them a go,” she said. “He seems down to earth, in the pub smoking and drinking. It shows they care about us.”
Ms Billington insisted it was a three-way fight – a strong Tory vote could help her chances. She believes voters will desert UKIP nearer polling day when they focus on who they want as Prime Minister.
She makes a determined effort on doorsteps to challenge voters who say they are voting UKIP. The Labour door-knocking campaign is slick and Ms Billington comes across as a heavyweight political operator, a Government minister in the making.
She believes she has a duty to make voters aware of the consequences of backing UKIP – explaining its policies on the NHS, and the likely effect of helping David Cameron get back into No10. “I think you have got to do right by people,” she said.
She tells one voter: “I’m Labour because I have the same values as you. I want to narrow the gap between rich and poor.”
Voter John Archer asks why Labour does not support an EU referendum. “I think we can make Europe work for us,” Ms Billington said. “Nigel Farage would just walk us off into the Atlantic Ocean.”
She accuses Mr Aker of double-standards. “When you look at Tim Aker’s voting record in the European Parliament, he didn’t bother to turn up to vote against casualisation, including zero hours contracts. When he gets the opportunity, he fails working people.”
She continues: “For a lot of people here, they don’t want a Tory government. What really annoys me is that you can see the Shard and Canary Wharf from Thurrock, but for many people it might just as well be the Emerald City.”
* An edited version of this article appears in today’s Evening Standard.
AdvertisementsHERZOGENAURACH, Germany (Reuters) - The new boss of Adidas (ADSGn.DE) increased sales and profit targets on Wednesday, sending shares in the German sportswear firm to a record high as he pledged to keep investing heavily in the key U.S. market and do more to boost e-commerce sales.
The more ambitious targets will maintain a squeeze on U.S. rivals Nike (NKE.N) and Under Armour (UAA.N), which have both been losing sales to the German brand in their home market, where Adidas’s retro Superstar was the top-selling shoe of 2016.
“We are still in catch-up mode in North America,” Chief Executive Kasper Rorsted told journalists, noting that the United States accounts for a third of global sportwear sales but is the only market where Adidas significantly lags Nike.
Rorsted, the Danish former head of consumer goods firm Henkel (HNKG_p.DE), replaced long-serving boss Herbert Hainer in October with a mandate to improve profitability after activist shareholders took stakes in Adidas in 2015 as the German firm fell further behind Nike in the United States.
Even before Rorsted took over, Adidas had made significant strides, lifting marketing spending and shaking up its U.S. business, helping its shares rise two-thirds in the last 12 months even though its profitability still lags that of Nike.
Adidas shares, which are now trading at a big premium to Nike, jumped 7 percent by 1103 GMT to hit a new record high, headed for their best day since November 2015.
“The mid-term guidance clearly implies that new management anticipate a multi-year growth path, taking share from most peers,” said Equinet analyst Mark Josefson, who raised his recommendation on the stock to “buy” from “neutral”.
Adidas more than doubled its share of the U.S. athletic footwear market to 10 percent in January, but remained far behind Nike on 45 percent, according to market data firm NPD.
Rorsted said Adidas had been unable to keep up with demand for its springy-soled Boost shoes made popular by singer Kanye West, adding that it would take 12-18 months for partner BASF (BASFn.DE) to increase capacity so it could supply more soles.
Rorsted said Adidas would keep investing heavily in the United States, including in staff, infrastructure, marketing and in-store fittings, noting that retailers such as Foot Locker and Dicks Sporting Goods were positive about the brand’s future.
German rival Puma (PUMG.DE) has also been enjoying a revival in the U.S. market, helped by a shift towards retro styles and away from basketball shoes which has hurt Under Armour and dampened Nike’s success.
SALE OF GOLF, ICE HOCKEY BRANDS
Rorsted said he wanted to focus even more strongly on the Adidas and Reebok brands in future, announcing plans to sell the ice hockey brand in addition to its golf business, which has been on the block since last May but has yet to find a buyer.
Finance chief Robin Stalker said he hoped to seal the sale of the golf unit before too long, but it was no fire sale as the performance of the business was improving, saying he was in negotiations with several bidders.
Adidas said on Tuesday it had appointed Harm Ohlmeyer, head of the group’s global e-commerce business, as new finance chief from May 12, replacing Stalker.
Rorsted said he wants to expand the use of technologies such as 3D printing, and double the e-commerce sales target for 2020 to 4 billion euros ($4.2 billion) out of an expected 25 to 27 billion euro total, and from 1 billion achieved in 2016.
Nike has set a target to reach $7 billion in e-commerce sales by 2020, out of expected total revenue of $50 billion.
Rorsted also announced plans to simplify business processes, including further trimming the number of articles offered and harmonizing marketing activities, similar to measures he took to boost profitability at Henkel.
The logo of Adidas is seen on a store in Yerevan, Armenia, June 23, 2016. REUTERS/David Mdzinarishvili/File Photo
Rorsted also said he would make a push to promote more women at the firm based in conservative southern Germany, while introducing a plan to link pay for top executives to the Adidas share price.
Adidas lifted targets for currency-neutral revenues to rise between 10 and 12 percent on average between 2015 and 2020, and said the operating profit margin should rise to 11 percent from 7.6 percent in 2016, albeit still shy of Nike’s 14 percent.
For 2017, Adidas forecast currency-neutral sales growth of between 11 and 13 percent and net income to rise by as much as a fifth to a level up to 1.22 billion euros, ahead of the 1.13 billion euros expected by analysts.World Group rank no. 7 Serbia will welcome back top player Novak Djokovic, as they host Kazakhstan for their first ever Davis Cup head-to-head. The world number 1 was conspicuously absent from Serbia’s quarterfinal trouncing at the hands of Argentina in last year’s round of eight.
With the 2014 world cup title gradually turning into a distant memory, Serbia must take advantage of Djokovic’s reign as the most dominant tennis player in the world. The top seeded player was forced to retire in the quarterfinal of the recently concluded 2016 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships due to an eye infection. The problem affecting his eye was the first time he experienced the condition.
This event should serve as a reminder that no one is invulnerable. The same holds true for tennis World Cup competition, as some of the very best teams in past tournament have experienced getting eliminated after the first round.
Joining him on the Serbian team are two top one hundred singles players. Viktor Troicki will be seeking redemption for last year’s Davis Cup weak performance. Serbia’s no. 2 man at world rank 23, came up empty handed in both of his singles and doubles rubbers against Argentina, losing a 4-1 battle.
Teammate Filip Krajinovic is in the same boat as him. The world no. 97 also suffered two defeats during their world group quarterfinal humiliation. Dujan Lajovic is another top Serbian talent, ranked at world no. 67, will only be playing in his sixth Davis Cup Tie. Lastly, forty-year old Nenad Zimonjic will head into his 51st tie, and having played more than sixty rubbers.
Kazakhstan was able to join the world group for the first time in 2011. They have only gotten as far as the quarterfinals. They once again be head into a tie as the underdogs, looking to avoid another likely first round exit.
Leading the charge for the Kazakhstan team into their first ever meeting against Serbia is world rank 97 Mikhail Kukushin. In recent years, Kazakhstan’s main man has gone up against some high profile players in Davis Cup action.
He has lost rubbers to the likes of Roger Federer, Stan Wawrinka, and David Goffin. Teammates Alexsandr Nedovyesov and Andrey Golubex are an underrated doubles team. They were able to upset a powerhouse duo of Federer and Wawrinka two years ago.
Tie Details
Date: 04 Mar – 06 Mar 2016
Venue: Pionir Hall, Belgrade, Serbia
Start times:Now that the once-dreaded taper is on the calendar, Wall Street experts say that investors should begin preparing for the end of the Federal Reserve's bond buying program.
Fed chair Ben Bernanke first suggested that the central bank was considering cutting back the amount it buys in Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities last May, but the Fed didn't officially announce the tapering until last month. Instead of buying $85 billion a month in bonds, as it has been since September 2012, the Fed said that beginning in January it will from now on buy $75 billion in bonds each month.
Nearly 60% of the 30 investment strategists and money managers surveyed by CNNMoney believe the central bank will continue to gradually cut back on the bond purchases throughout this year so it can completely wind down its quantitative easing (QE) stimulus program by the end of 2014.
Brian Jacobsen, Wells Fargo's chief portfolio strategist, expects the Fed will cut purchases by $10 billion at each meeting this year until it gets down to $25 billion per month in the fall. At that point the Fed could decide to "tear off the bandage and say, 'enough is enough'" with QE.
But whatever the Fed does is likely to be highly telegraphed and predictable, Jacobsen added. Few expect a major change in the Fed's communication strategy now with Janet Yellen leading the Fed. Yellen was approved by the Senate on Monday to become the next Fed chair.
Full CNNMoney market survey results
Interest rates expected to rise: With the Fed expected to continue tapering, more than 90% of the strategists surveyed anticipate that bond yields will continue to tick higher in 2014. But none are expecting as big of a move as last year's.
The average estimate for the 10-year Treasury yield is that it will end 2014 around 3.4%. The 10-year yield finished 2013 just below 3%, rising more than a full percentage point from about 1.75% at the start of the year.
"The bull run on bonds over the last thirty years is over," said Frank Fantozzi, president of Planned Financial Services. As investors loaded up on bonds, the 10-year Treasury yield declined from a peak of almost 20% in the early 1980s to below 2%.
But this may not mean that the bond market is a bubble that's now popping. Most strategists said that they merely expect interest rates to normalize from their all-time lows because the U.S. and global economies are continuing to recover.
The rise in rates will likely pick up pace when the Fed finally raises its key overnight lending rate, which has been near zero since late 2008. But a rate hike probably won't happen until 2015.
Still, any increase in interest rates will make it a tough year for bond investors, said Jim Kee, chief economist and president of South Texas Money Management. Last year, many bond investors lost money for the first time in over a decade. Following a 13-year streak of gains, the Barclay's Capital Aggregate Bond Index fell about 2% on a total return basis in 2013.
Related: Experts: Stocks will go up, but not by much
Bitcoin is "too wild to forecast": Though most Wall Street experts agree that bond yields will likely rise, there was no consensus on what will happen to the price of the last year's breakout asset: Bitcoin.
The digital currency had a stunning and volatile 2013, starting out around $13, rising as high as $1,242 in November, and ending the year around $1,000.
Of the 30 Wall Street experts surveyed by CNNMoney, more than 70% said they don't follow or analyze Bitcoin.
D.A. Davidson's Fred H. Dickson said it's "too wild to forecast," while Bell Investment Advisor's Matt King and Becker Capital Management's Mike McGarr admitted they had "no clue."
Predictions from the brave few that were willing to make an estimate were all over the map.
Chase Investment Counsel president Peter Tuz expects Bitcoin will be worth nothing at the end of year, and Gary Goldberg Financial Services president Oliver Pursche also agrees the price of the digital currency will implode.
A few strategists expect Bitcoin will be worth something next year, but nobody thought the price of Bitcoin would go sharply higher again. The most bullish estimates ranged from $500 to $1,000.Living on Soylent
Nearly a year’s worth of hype had filled me with trepidation about tasting Soylent for the first time. Reviewers haven’t been kind: Gawker described an early batch as tasting like "homemade nontoxic Play-Doh," while The New York Times’ Farhad Manjoo calls it "purposefully bland." I also worried that I was adding a literal bottle of fish oil to each batch right before I shook it. Would it taste like a fish shake? Because that doesn’t sound appetizing at all.
But I was pleasantly surprised. The best way I can describe it is if you put a few tablespoons of peanut butter in a blender and filled the rest up with milk. It was considerably thinner than I’d expected, but still rich, creamy, and strangely satisfying. It had just the smallest tinge of sweetness. And at 38 grams of protein per serving, I wasn’t surprised that it consistently made me feel full.
Of course, there’s a big difference between trying a few sips of Soylent and having it substantially replace your entire diet.
It’s a rough process, and I expected it going in. I had three or four bouts of moderate digestive distress — yes, gas. But the real problem is that Soylent ignores the social and entertainment value of eating: food is not merely sustenance, it’s a tightly woven part of our everyday lives. How many times have you commiserated with a colleague over lunch? Planned a date over dinner? Met with friends for drinks? A strict diet of beige liquid fundamentally changes the patterns of your daily life, and not entirely for the better. It isolates you in ways you may not necessarily consider.
Food is not merely sustenance, it’s a tightly woven part of our everyday lives
Social challenge cropped up almost daily. Lunch meetings and briefings weren’t really an option, unless I wanted to awkwardly nurse a thermos full of Soylent in a restaurant while others ate (I didn’t). Weekly office-wide trips for dollar fish tacos on Monday nights were off limits. And I had to pass on having drinks with a friend, eventually meeting up to sip on a calorie-free, nutrient-free Diet Coke while he enjoyed some of the most delicious-looking beer I’d ever seen. (There’s an argument to be made that I should’ve cut diet sodas out of the Soylent experiment, too, but I had to draw the line somewhere — I wasn’t ready to survive on water, tea, and coffee alone.)
And, social element aside, it’s hard to overstate just how incredible food really is. If it was simply a means for survival, cities around the world wouldn’t be packed to the gills with restaurants. On Soylent, a walk through town becomes an excruciating journey past sights and smells — teases of a culinary world that you’re entirely cut out of.
What did surprise me was that I never really tired of the flavor of Soylent. I expected that by the end of the first week, I’d be dreading every sip, but I actually fell into a groove where I looked forward to my next glass. And it was nice recouping significant time otherwise spent looking for and eating food — perhaps an hour a day or more. Furthermore, if I was ordering Soylent month to month, I’d be paying $8.50 a day to get effectively all the nutrition and calories I needed to stay alive for the price of a standard New York City lunch.
So it’s a trade-off between efficiency and, well, living. Soylent isn’t living, it’s merely surviving.A busy stretch of Maryland Avenue in St. Paul’s East Side will remain three lanes through the winter, officials said this week.
After the winter? They’re not sure.
The stretch of road between Payne Avenue and Johnson Parkway in the city’s Payne-Phalen neighborhood was reduced from four lanes in June as an experiment by Ramsey County officials hoping to make the area safer following several traffic deaths. The new configuration has one lane of traffic in each direction and a center turn lane.
The logic is this: One lane of traffic each way eliminates a slew of “multiple-threat crash” scenarios where drivers, cyclists and pedestrians can’t see approaching traffic.
That part worked: Crashes have been fewer and less severe than before, according to data compiled by officials with the county, city and police.
But there have been complaints about the new configuration.
While pedestrians and cycling advocates have widely praised the project, a portion of residents near the roughly 1.25-mile stretch have complained that Maryland has become more congested and traffic has increased in otherwise quiet neighborhood side streets where children play.
Turns out, critics are right, too.
BEFORE AND AFTER
On Tuesday, officials released before-and-after data at a community meeting. Here’s what it showed: Related Articles Minneapolis implements winter parking restrictions; St. Paul ‘monitoring’ conditions
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Maryland is more congested. Traffic counts increased on Maryland, which now has less capacity for cars. Which has meant cars move more slowly — but closer to the 30-mph speed limit. It takes longer to drive the stretch, but we’re talking a minute or so, not half an hour. For example, the biggest increase in driving time is a 29 percent longer drive from Edgerton Street to Johnson Parkway during evening rush hour. The pain: 1 minute and 6 seconds extra. Traffic engineers suspect the vehicle counts might be inflated because various parts of Wheelock Parkway have been closed for sewer work. This is one reason why officials want to keep collecting data through the winter, after the Wheelock work is done.
Side streets are busier — and cars are driving a little faster there. Side streets parallel to Maryland — Geranium, Hawthorne and Rose avenues — all saw more traffic, ranging from about 200 vehicles a day on Geranium between Walsh and Greenbrier streets, to a few dozen or so on Hawthorne between Ear and Frank streets. As far as speed, we’re talking 1 mph or 2 mph faster. Deborah Carter McCoy, a spokeswoman for Ramsey County, said the traffic numbers are well within the capacities for neighborhood streets. “However, for the person living there, 100 more cars does feel like a lot more, especially if your children are playing outside,” she said.
It takes longer to turn left onto Maryland from most side streets. Worst case: It now takes an average of 41 seconds to turn left onto Maryland from northbound Mendota Street, more than double the 19-second average when Maryland was four lanes. But it takes nearly 4 seconds less time now to get left onto Maryland from southbound Walsh Street.
Buses are not delayed. Stopped buses might cause backups, but Metro Transit said the buses are still running on schedule.
Arcade is a problem. Despite a number of tweaks to turning lanes, the biggest choke point is the intersection of Maryland and Arcade Street, where at times there are simply too many vehicles for the existing pavement, Carter McCoy said. Engineers are hoping for relief when Wheelock reopens.
Pedestrians are safer. By and large, public comments have shown that pedestrians feel safer crossing Maryland now, and there have been no pedestrians hit since the experiment started. The county, which controls the stretch of Maryland, started the experiment after calls for change that were underscored by the May 2016 death of pedestrian Erin Durham.
Drivers are safer. There have been fewer crashes on Maryland, compared with last year, when it was four lanes. Between June 1 and Sept. 5 of this year, there were 22 crashes, four of which led to injuries. During the same time in 2016, there were 27 crashes with four injuries, according to county data. The number of crashes involving left turns fell as well, from nine to two.
RELATED: They’re called multiple-threat crashes. Now, how do we prevent them?
WHAT’S NEXT?
County officials will use the winter to gather more data and see how snowplows and school buses affect everything.
A planned resurfacing of Maryland for the fall will be delayed until 2018 while the experiment continues.
Carter McCoy said “there’s a lot of interest” in looking into whether the experiment could be expanded to include parts of Maryland west of Payne that would similarly shrink to three lanes, but no decision has been made.
NO BIKE LANES
Carter McCoy emphasized that, while bicycle safety is a goal of the three-lane experiment, there are no plans to create a bicycle lane along Maryland. “There have been some myths out there about that,” she said.Spoiler alert: This article reveals several surprises from the series premiere of 13 Reasons Why. If you haven’t watched it yet, go directly to Netflix. We’ll see you in an hour.
The newest addition to the Netflix family is angsty, dark and complicated — yet surprisingly fun to be around.
Based on the 2007 young-adult novel by Jay Asher, 13 Reasons Why — which dropped its first season Friday — spins the sordid tale of Hannah Baker, a fresh-faced teen with a bright future… cut tragically short when she decides to take her own life. Unbeknownst to all but a few, Hannah leaves behind 13 cassette tapes, each focused on an individual that played a key role in her fatal decision.
The tapes are posthumously delivered to Clay Jensen, a friend and co-worker of the deceased, who instantly succumbs to the allure of the tapes, allowing them to completely take over his life — like, to the point where he accidentally rides his bike into oncoming traffic while working his way through a particularly juicy stretch of tape on his friend Tony’s Walkman.
Actually, let me clarify: Tony (With the Good Hair) is much more than just Clay’s friend, although that much isn’t revealed until midway through the premiere. For reasons that will become clearer as you crawl towards the finale, Tony is keeping a watchful eye on Clay as he navigates Hannah’s treacherous tale, offering (somewhat) helpful hints along the way.
In case you didn’t already assume this, the 13 tapes Hannah recorded coincide with each of the season’s 13 episodes — and boy is Tape No. 1 a freakin’ doozy. In a nutshell, it details Hannah’s first kiss, which came courtesy of a seemingly lovable meathead named Justin Foley. But Hannah’s whole life changes when a misleading cell phone picture (she was just going down the slide, people!) makes its way around the school faster than you could say “Hannah baker is a slut.” (Her words, not mine.)
How exactly this incident ties into the grand scheme of things remains unknown. So here’s my question for you: Will you keep following Hannah’s story? Or were you ready to bow out the minute she asked Clay to flip the tape?
Personally, I’m inclined to keep watching. Not only am I a sucker for a good mystery — no matter how morbid — but there’s also just something really watchable about this cast. (Sorry, I don’t have a better word for it. Someone please buy me a thesaurus.) Katherine Langford‘s portrayal of Hannah is thoroughly haunting, while Dylan Minnette keeps the story grounded as the charming-yet-unwitting participant in Hannah’s afterlife activities.
Grade the premiere below, then drop a comment with your thoughts on the series. And please try not to spoil the story for other commenters who may be a few episodes behind you.As GOP negotiators triumphantly announced on Wednesday that they have reached a tentative "deal" on their tax bill—placing it on track for a vote as early as next week—progressives held a "People's Rally" outside of the Capitol building to highlight the legislation's historic unpopularity and demand that a final vote be delayed until newly elected Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.) is seated.
"No Jones, no vote!" demonstrators chanted, echoing a chorus of progressive lawmakers who have called on Republican leaders to "listen to the people of Alabama."
"Our message to Mitch McConnell is simple: No vote on the tax bill until Doug Jones is rightfully seated," Sen. Elizabeth Warren said in a speech on the lawn of the Capitol.
While demonstrators listened to speeches by "Not One Penny" organizers in the freezing D.C. weather, opponents of the GOP tax bill also held sit-ins inside the offices of individual senators.
At the office of Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), activists collectively warned, "If this tax bill passes, people will die."
Inside @JerryMoran’s office now. Activists from Kansas speak: “Without provisions like the individual mandate, I’d be dead.” pic.twitter.com/h5Av0mtEnx — Brynna Quillin (@brynnaquillin) December 13, 2017
Dozens of protesters also gathered at the offices of Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)—a strong supporter of a provision in the Republican bill that would open up her state's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling—and Susan Collins (R-Maine), who has said she would be open to reversing her support for the bill.
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Shouts of "shame!" resounded through the halls of the Senate as police began escorting protesters from the building in handcuffs. Police also quickly converged on the activists with disabilities who were occupying Murkowski's office.
Chants of “shame!” break out outside of @lisamurkowski’s office pic.twitter.com/gnQaD9jABy — Brynna Quillin (@brynnaquillin) December 13, 2017
The demonstrations raged on as lawmakers attended the first public conference committee hearing on the GOP tax bill, which Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) characterized as a "sham," given that the legislation has "already been written behind closed doors."
"There has not been one public hearing, no opportunity to hear from economists, governors, mayors, or ordinary Americans who will be impacted by this tax bill," Sanders said.
The full details of the agreement reached by congressional Republicans on Wednesday are not yet known—Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas.) assured Democrats that they will learn the details when the public does—but reports indicate that the reconciled bill will be even more favorable to wealthy individuals than any of the previous versions.
The final bill, according to the Wall Street Journal, would reduce the top marginal tax rate from 39.6 percent to 37 percent.
"This tax bill was written for Republicans' wealthy campaign contributors," Sanders concluded. "I want to congratulate my Republican colleagues for their honesty about that."There is growing controversy about the causes of and the Kyoto approach to "Global Warming". Growing numbers of scientists affirm that human activity has but a limited impact on the climate. Climatologists increasingly link global warming to natural processes and particularly to increased solar radiation, which passed its peak in 1998. Human activity accounts for barely 4% of the total CO2 emissions, natural processes and volcanoes for all the rest. The greenhouse effect of water vapor is even 900 times larger. As reduction of human activity proves extremely difficult and the proportion of human CO2 in the greenhouse effect so low, climate realists argue that the climate plan can only produce minimal effects and this at a very high cost.Leading scientists of the Copenhagen Consensus Centre - including five Nobel prize laureates - agree that Al Gore’s scenario featuring drowning polar bears and 6 meter rising sea levels are wild exaggerations. Even the UN’s own Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change only estimates the potential rise of sea levels at one foot. Al Gore’s arguments and calculations are one sided and misleading. The alarming death toll from killer heatwaves disregards lives saved due to the reduction of more deadly cold waves. The fact is that during the Middle Ages man and nature survived higher temperatures than today’s worst case scenario remarkably well. The warm climate even allowed for increased food production and prosperity. Sea levels did not rise notably then nor did polar bears extinct, so we don't need to fear such imaginary catastrophes now either. Bjorn Lomborg and the Copenhagen Consensus Group argue that the UN Kyoto-style reduction sheme as it is conceived today is the most costly and most ineffective way to reduce emissions while it will only have minimal effect. Other research and development programs provide a much larger contribution to the environment and human development at only a small fraction of the cost. They fear that the UN climate plan will crowd out other programs from the agenda and development budgets and that even decent health care programs - which are 200 times more efficient in saving human life - are in peril.Inefficient use of development budgets is therefore not only wasteful but even immoral. One single water pump at the cost of a couple of solar panels can spare hundreds of Sahel women the daily journey to the well, prevent infections and save lives. A mini-investment in mosquito nets can save thousands from malaria. Lomborg worries that Al Gore's populist propaganda conceals the overall development picture. He calls for a global consensus on a list of priorities based on a wrong rationality of risk and cost/benefit analyses which are totally lacking in the climate debate at present.The UN climate plan as it is conceived now would have devastating effects on World Trade. The aim of the climate round is to reduce CO2 emissions through a “Cap-and-Trade” scheme whereby governments will set a total limit on greenhouse gas emissions and arbitrarily distribute allowances through exemptions and auctions. Developing countries, including countries like China, India, Brazil and even the oil-producing countries in the Middle East, would largely be exempted from these obligations. As an excuse for their exemption, the UN plans to introduce the deceptive concept of “climate debt” thereby improperly incriminating industrial nations for their very existence and disregarding the benefits of their environmental expertise for the world as a whole.As a consequence the cost of CO2 reduction will only weigh on manufacturing costs of industrial nations. As these nations tend to use the least polluting production processes, the UN climate plan creates the counter-productive incentive to misuse budgets for sophisticating technologies with the least marginal CO2 reduction potential. The plan also gives business new incentives to outsource production to countries with low environmental standards, with counter-productive ecological effects.The decoupling of production costs from the market reality leads to huge distortions of global trade, particularly in Europe where also Eastern European transition economies managed to acquire vast exemptions. The distorting protectionism related to the climate agenda is likely to paralyze worldwide trade just as it did in the 1930s. Rather than protectionism, free trade would provide us with the answer to this global challenge. It is free trade that allows countries to benefit reciprocally from their comparative advantages, particularly so in the field of environmental and ecological expertise. The biggest victims of shrinking worldwide commerce would therefore be the climate itself and those developing countries with the most vulnerable economies. But even industrial countries cannot afford a contraction of the world economy at a moment when growth seems indispensable for economic recovery, for the sustainable funding of their welfare states and development of new technologies.The fallacy of environmentalism is to assume a linear relationship between growth and emission levels. This belief is erroneous as per capita emissions prove to decline as income grows. It is economic growth that allows for technological advancement, and such progress automatically contributes to the cutback of emissions much more efficiently than reduction of human activity. Only sustainable growth is capable of assuring the growing world population a dignified existence such as guaranteed in UN and other human rights conventions. A protectionist return to a pastoral past will provide us with no prospects whatsoever in that direction.State monopolies on the supply of the virtual but obligatory raw material of emission allowances constitute a triple risk: scarcity, misallocation and high price volatility. Because the UN scheme will collect CO2 taxes, which will be passed on to consumers, intransparently through business, politicians are likely to regard this unseen taxation as an inexhaustible source of income and make CO2 allowances as scarce and expensive as they wish. Just as artificial scarcity of building permits already inflated prices of residential building land to the detriment of a society's prosperity.Under the UN Cap-and-Trade Scheme, the price of CO2 allowances would become the playtoy of political caprices and unpredictable compromises. Prior knowledge of the political decisions and favoritism for privileged sectors, people or constituencies is likely to degenerate the emissions trading scheme into a swindle. Under the European emissions scheme CO2 carousels already turned European Emissions trading into an extremely costly debacle.National governments could just as well raise existing national taxes on fossil fuels and achieve the same emission deterring effect without involving the expensive and fraud-sensitive UN bureaucracy. The administrative cost of such a tax increase is zero, while a shift of the tax burden from income to consumption will restore the incentives to adopt productive behavior and hence stimulate the economy, in the meantime avoiding a serious distortions of global commerce.The advantage of a national eco-tax is that all the income remains national. Unlike the UN Cap-and-Trade Scheme under which governments arbitrarily attribute emission allowances, such a pigovian tax is directly proportional to the emissions. It therefore gives incentives to direct efforts and research to projects with the highest CO2 reduction potential. Under free market conditions competition would continually oblige entrepreneurs to weigh costs against potential gains. When governments engage in the central planning of emission reduction, political motives come into play. Demands from special interest groups, from the environmental industry to green lobbyists, are all invariably distorting the allocation of resources and are all leading to wastage. The examples are common: although solar panels in northern countries have by far the lowest energy yield per invested Dollar, the eco-industrial complex engrossed the lion's share of Europe’s eco-budgets. Demands from the agricultural lobby originated in subsidized bio-fuel projects with catastrophic consequences for the global food production.Behind the Copenhagen Climate Conference an agenda of global dirigism is also hidden, aiming to withdraw policy issues from sovereign national bodies. Self-feeding supranational organizations escaping from democratic control such as the UN World Climate Organization, the OECD or the G20 will continue - with increasing arrogance - to push their dirigist agendas through, aiming at global control over national policy independence. The incriminating OECD list of “tax shelters” was the most brutal example of this in recent weeks. The question should be answered where this incestuous circle of supranational organizations - and the present generation of politicians - found the democratic legitimacy to decide on fiscal policies for all future generations and to impose new taxes on them decades in advance. The Copenhagen Climate Round is a dangerous next step towards a fascist "New World Order". The arbitrary Cap-and-Trade Scheme is more than economic madness -- it brings into the specter a dangerous One-World Government under UN dictate.Paul VreymansWorkForAll.netIn the autumn of his nearly 80-year endurance, Archie has a fresh mojo and a jacked-up bod.
"Archie got hot — he has abs now!" An actual line in the pilot episode of "Riverdale," which is my latest guilt-free pleasure (life being too short for self-condemnation, at least in the arena of television). Like "Gossip Girl" meets "Twin Peaks," as more than one critic has noted, the twisty noir spin on an old American comic is certainly that, but a meld of so much more: There's a dash of "Dawson's Creek," a smidgen of "Friday Night Lights," slivers of that '80s hangout classic film "Diner" and even a whiff of a long-ago "Peyton Place," TV's original prime-time soap.
Less aw-shucks than OMG, the Archie-Betty-Veronica-fest — already confirmed for another season on the CW and Netflix — is somehow also fun in the way it manages to combine sincerity with an enlivening meta-ness ("You may be a stock character from a '90s teen movie, but I'm not," a character slams at one point).
At least some of the stirrings of the new drama emerged from the time when the creator of the show, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, was a student at McGill University in Montreal, where he was known to sometimes dress like Archie.
A master's student in English literature, the budding scribe — son of Nicaragua's one-time ambassador to the United States — had long been obsessed with the Archie-verse.
During his time in Canada, though, Aguirre-Sacasa hiked his interests further by staging a play that took Archie and merged him with a ripped-from-the-headlines, real-life murder.
It was a big hit at McGill and, later, the Montreal Fringe Festival, but since the play alluded to Archie being gay, the playwright received a cease-and-desist letter from the company behind Archie Comics.
Career advice 101, darling? The disrupter sometimes becomes the custodian, |
and it guides me in the process. It pulls me and pushes me though life, as the hand of the painter or finger of the musician is merely the outward expression of the silent edicts of the sentiments. Self-transcendence and joy are available for the taking, and they do not require a pilgrimage to the desert.
I do suppose that I needed some time in the desert, and I suppose I knew that. I now believe that we don’t just know sometimes. We know all the time. And that’s a philosopher’s love story.
Mike Ventimiglia is Associate Professor of philosophy at Sacred Heart University. He has published numerous articles on popular culture and philosophy, including articles on Bruce Springsteen, poker, and The Daily Show. He is currently writing a book on Burning Man.
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AdvertisementsA Jacksonville police officer disciplined for a widely circulated picture of him in uniform closely embracing his girlfriend is in trouble again.
This time Officer Irving Diaz let a "scantily" dressed woman in "short shorts" drive his police car to a Southside Hooters in October, according to a Sheriff's Office internal affairs report obtained by the Times-Union Thursday afternoon. Only authorized personnel are allowed to drive Sheriff's Office vehicles, per department policy.
Diaz also inappropriately used a police database to look up if the woman had warrants, according to the report.
It is unclear if the woman is the same woman as photographed in June.
Diaz received a written reprimand for unbecoming conduct for the June photo that the internal affairs report said reflected negatively on the office. The most recent internal affairs report on Diaz sustained several complaints against him after two people saw a woman driving his patrol car.
Neshia Thomas took the photo and told WJXT TV-4 that the uniformed officer also was kissing the woman while she pressed him against his patrol car.
"I mean kissing, smooching, like French kissing. Not a simple kiss on the lips," she told the station. "All they needed was a bed to fall out of the sky. It was just ridiculous."
The woman in the June photo was Diaz's girlfriend, the Sheriff's Office said when the photo became public.
In the most recent internal affairs case, officials received a complaint Oct. 4 from Jonathan Potter, who's married to Diaz's former wife. Potter reported seeing a woman drive Diaz's patrol car while he was parked outside Diaz's home while he was dropping off Diaz's children for a scheduled visit. The report notes that Diaz showed up 15 minutes late.
When Diaz arrived, he got out of the passenger side of his patrol car and a woman later identified as 24-year-old Rebecca Guzman-Phillips got out of the driver's side before running into Diaz's home wearing "short shorts" and a T-shirt.
In a second complaint submitted to internal affairs, Southside resident Tim Burris reported similar details about Guzman-Phillips driving Diaz's patrol car on Oct. 6, but this time to a Hooters on San Jose Boulevard.
Guzman-Phillips is described as "scantily" dressed with "short shorts" and Diaz wasn't in uniform, according to the report
Burris noted these details to investigators because it was "obvious that she was not a police officer" based on "the way she was dressed," according to the report.
A manager at the restaurant said he had never heard of Guzman-Phillips and that she didn't work there.
The internal affairs investigation also found that Diaz searched the woman's name in a police database called the National Crime Information Center on two different dates to check for warrants.
That's also against Sheriff's Office policy, according to the internal affairs report.
Diaz admitted to investigators that he allowed Guzman-Phillips to drive his patrol car twice in October and that he searched her name in the police database because she was often around his children, according to the report.
"Diaz's explanation was that he made a "bad decision," the report said.
Internal affairs sustained two counts of improper action and one count each of unbecoming conduct, repeated infractions of unbecoming conduct and improper use of computer software.
The internal affairs report supplied by the Sheriff's Office doesn't include what discipline Diaz received for the most recent breaches of policy.
Diaz's complaint and discipline history wasn't immediately available, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Derek Gilliam: (904) 359-4619Donald Trump’s poll numbers among black voters are beyond miserable. According to the Huffington Post, the 1 to 2 percent of African Americans who have taken his side against Hillary Clinton is horrible even among a demographic with a long history of snubbing the GOP. But the latest stunt from Trump supporters may have just sealed his fate as perhaps the least popular candidate with black people of all time. In the process, he’s pissed off Ice Cube, a rapper considered to be one of the founding fathers of hip hop.
Trump supporters recently began circulating a meme claiming that Ice Cube had endorsed Trump for president. The picture featured the headline “Rapper-Actor Ice Cube Endorses Trump”, accompanied by a photo of the legendary rapper wearing a “Trump: Make America Great Again” t-shirt. The quote, “I think he’s gonna do anything he can to help poor people that are struggling” sits at the bottom of the photo. The photo quickly circulated among Trumpsters.
Just one problem.
It was a lie.
The quote was made up, the photo was photoshopped, and the endorsement was a complete fabrication.
Ice Cube did actually give an interview to Rolling Stone back in April where he mentioned Trump. But his assessment of Trump as a leader was far from glowing. He spoke a bit on what makes Trump so popular, saying that the freedom to say and do what he wants is a living embodiment of the American dream. His quote on Trump helping the poor, which was twisted for the meme, said the exact opposite,
‘Do I think he’s going to do anything to help poor people or people that’s struggling? No.’
Cube also had other words for Trump, criticizing him for the birther movement and telling Rolling Stone that he sounded “crazy”.
After he got wind of the fake endorsement meme, Ice Cube’s reply was utterly blistering.
Stealing endorsement is not how you become the president of the United States, homie. Leave my name out ya mouth… pic.twitter.com/Mo18hYcW8h — Ice Cube (@icecube) August 28, 2016
As if that wasn’t a strong enough denunciation, the rapper-actor made sure there was no chance his words would be misunderstood.
I will never endorse a mothafucka like Donald Trump! EVER!!! — Ice Cube (@icecube) August 27, 2016
It seems unlikely that this feeble attempt at WWII-style Dezinformatsiya will sway anyone over to the Trump camp before they realize how completely fake it is. In fact, claims of false endorsements could have the opposite effect. They may cause celebrities who had previously remained neutral to come out strongly against a candidate whose followers spread such lies.
In any case, Trump seems further than ever from being able to shore up a significant percentage of the African American vote. Between his horrifying full-page ad calling for the death penalty for the “Central Park 5”, his close associations with white supremacists, or just his general lack of tact regarding the African American community, his best hope for winning the black vote is probably to somehow induce collective amnesia.
Featured image courtesy of Eva Rinaldi on Flickr. Available through Creative Commons license. Image has been modified from its original form.loyal Bastard reader: “Who do you have for the chalice this year?”
The Blue Bastard: “I dunno, hard to say but I think I’ll take Calgary. Vegas has BC but Lulay’s so fragile that he’s still broken from last year. I doubt the host squad wins it. You?”
loyal Bastard reader: “Well it’s an eight team league, I guess anything can happen, hard to pick one with all the changes this year.”
The Blue Bastard: “Actually it’s nine this year with Ottawa don’t forget.”
loyal Bastard reader: “Oh, you’re giving Winnipeg a chance?”
He’s right, much more interesting than predicting the inscription on the 102nd Grey Cup is correctly forecasting whether Winnipeg wins more games than Ottawa or not.
loyal Bastard reader: “Hey what’s the over under on the length of Ottawa’s stay this time around?”
Another interesting wager…
2014 starts off a lot different from the way 2013 finished. A new (old?) team in the East has pushed Winnipeg to the West where almost everyone assumes they will wither and die. Smiling Hank has escaped the perennial QB tar pit in Hamilton to lead Ottawa and there are four brand new starting QBs in the league — Drew Willy in Winnipeg, Zach Collaros in Hamilton, Troy Smith in Montreal (sort of) and Bo Mitchell (also sort of). AC is gone and the other eight teams couldn’t be happier about it. Tom Higgins is back behind the bench in Montreal and the new regime in River City has finally taken hold after installing Mike O’Shea. In addition, many vets were cut across the CFL making way for an equal number of fresh football faces looking to commit their first fifteen yard infraction. It’s a great time to be a fan, even a Bomber fan, because everyone is still undefeated.
West is best:
The top three teams below NOT making the playoffs would be a shocker this year.
1. Calgary (12-6)
The Stamps finally named Bo Mitchell their starter because Buck Pierce II (Drew Tate) breaks down faster than the Canadian Navy. They also have a great offensive line with an even better RB (Cornish). The past several seasons have seen them consistently near to the top of the scrum and there is no reason to think otherwise this year. That they’ll do well in the first 18 games of the campaign is a near certainty but can they shake off their perennial post season struggles? Calgary has a chance to win every week this season.
2. BC (11-7)
BC to win the cup? No, because there are too many holes in the offensive line and Travis Lulay, whenever he comes back is bound to get banged up again. In parachutes Kevin Glenn for this very reason but here’s the thing about Kevin: he’s a loser who can’t win the big game, the best mediocre QB to ever play in the CFL. Glenn can get them there but Lulay has to stay healthy enough to win it.
3. Saskatchewan (10-8)
Sheets almost single handily won the 102nd Grey Cup and his departure along with Dressler makes the Riders much worse this year. I figure even if both are back by Labour Day their absence will cost the Greenies a minimum one loss more than last season (11-7). The bright spot for Durant and company is their best in the land O-line and that’s half the battle in the Canadian game.
4. Edmonton (9-9)
No one’s happier to see Winnipeg back in the West than Edmonton who climb out of the division’s basement by default. A.500 season for Deadmonton is a solid accomplishment for 2014 and probably lands them a trip to the Eastern semi. Something a lot of people are forgetting or don’t know is that Mike Reilly threw for 4,207 yards in 2013, second only to Burris. They will be much better.
5. Winnipeg (5-13)
Miller and his buddy Walters have done some good things this off season like firing Tim Burke and opening liquor/beer sales past the third quarter. However, in a display of foresight rivaling that of a pregnant fourteen year old they agreed to move to the Western division. Brilliant! I’m sure more games against “traditional rvivals” will fill seats much easier than wins. Oh, and seems like half the starters got hurt in training camp. Drew Willy to the rescue!
East is Least:
8 wins might not be enough to get into the playoffs this year. The cross over breeze is blowing…
1. Toronto (10-8)
Getting older, losing coaches (O’Shea) and running backs (Kackert, Norwood) but they still have Ricky Ray and as long as he’s playing they can beat any team. How many fans show up this year? I bet more than last if they just give Rob Ford season tickets.
2. Hamilton (10-8)
Are they better with Zach than Hank? On the face of it I’d have to say no but if there was ever a head coach to develop a young QB it would be Kent Austin who is arguably the best coach in the CFL. What doesn’t help their cause is four straight road games because of a delayed stadium opening (see Winnipeg 2013). The most exciting part of their 2014 campaign is not having to play in that shit hole old Ivor Wynne Stadium. That place was a genuine craptastic dump. Apparently they are getting a new one, looks a lot like the old one and still has no parking unless it’s on someone’s lawn.
3. Montreal (8-10)
The slide continues. New coach, new QB and no AC in July. It’s entirely possibly Montreal won’t make the playoffs. There’s a lot to worry about in Montreal but their best move this off season was getting Tom Higgins out of the control center in Toronto. Chad Ochocinco’s arrival is great if for nothing else other than the publicity. All Troy Smith has to do is beat Edmonton, Winnipeg and Ottawa for seven wins and pick up one more for tickets to Sunday, Nov. 16th.
4. Ottawa (6-12)
In the CFL a great QB gives you a chance to win when you shouldn’t and Smilin’ Hank has thrown for the most yeards two years running (he’s also thrown the most INTs). More than any addition to any team this off season his will have the most impact. Ottawa at least has a chance to compete and that’s more than you can usually say of an expansion team. There’s no way they are winning the Grey Cup but in a weak East division they can potentially make things interesting and fun to watch.
PlayoffsFollowup to: Timeless Physics
One of the great surprises of humanity's early study of physics was that there were universal laws, that the heavens were governed by the same order as the Earth: Laws that hold in all times, in all places, without known exception. Sometimes we discover a seeming exception to the old law, like Mercury's precession, but soon it turns out to perfectly obey a still deeper law, that once again is universal as far as the eye can see.
Every known law of fundamental physics is perfectly global. We know no law of fundamental physics that applies on Tuesdays but not Wednesdays, or that applies in the Northern hemisphere but not the Southern.
In classical physics, the laws are universal; but there are also other entities that are neither perfectly global nor perfectly local. Like the case I discussed yesterday, of an entity called "the lamp" where "the lamp" is OFF at 7:00am but ON at 7:02am; the lamp entity extends through time, and has different values at different times. The little billiard balls are like that in classical physics; a classical billiard ball is (alleged to be) a fundamentally existent entity, but it has a world-line, not a world-point.
In timeless physics, everything that exists is either perfectly global or perfectly local. The laws are perfectly global. The configurations are perfectly local—every possible arrangement of particles has a single complex amplitude assigned to it, which never changes from one time to another. Each configuration only affects, and is affected by, its immediate neighbors. Each actually existent thing is perfectly unique, as a mathematical entity.
Newton, first to combine the Heavens and the Earth with a truly universal generalization, saw a clockwork universe of moving billiard balls and their world-lines, governed by perfect exceptionless laws. Newton was the first to look upon a greater beauty than any mere religion had ever dreamed.
But the beauty of classical physics doesn't begin to compare to the beauty of timeless quantum physics.
Timeful quantum physics is pretty, but it's not all that much prettier than classical physics. In timeful physics the "same configuration" can still have different values at different times, its own little world-line, like a lamp switching from OFF to ON. There's that ugly t complicating the equations.
You can see the beauty of timeless quantum physics by noticing how much easier it is to mess up the perfection, if you try to tamper with Platonia.
Consider the collapse interpretation of quantum mechanics. To people raised on timeful quantum physics, "the collapse of the wavefunction" sounds like it might be a plausible physical mechanism.
If you step back and look upon the timeless mist over the entire configuration space, all dynamics manifest in its perfectly local relations, then the "pruning" process of collapse suddenly shows up as a hugely ugly discontinuity in the timeless object. Instead of a continuous mist, we have something that looks like a maimed tree with branches hacked off and sap-bleeding stumps left behind. The perfect locality is ruined, because whole branches are hacked off in one operation. Likewise, collapse destroys the perfect global uniformity of the laws that relate each configuration to its neighborhood; sometimes we have the usual relation of amplitude flow, and then sometimes we have the collapsing-relation instead.
This is the power of beauty: The more beautiful something is, the more obvious it becomes when you mess it up.
I was surprised that many of yesterday's commenters seemed to think that Barbour's timeless physics was nothing new, relative to the older idea of a Block Universe. 3+1D Minkowskian spacetime has no privileged space of simultaneity, which, in its own way, seems to require you to throw out the concept of a global now. From Minkowskian 3+1, I had the idea of "time as a single perfect 4D crystal"—I didn't know the phrase "Block Universe", but seemed evident enough.
Nonetheless, I did not really get timelessness until I read Barbour. Saying that the t coordinate was just another coordinate, didn't have nearly the same impact on me as tossing the t coordinate out the window.
Special Relativity is widely accepted, but that doesn't stop people from talking about "nonlocal collapse" or "retrocausation"—relativistic timeful QM isn't beautiful enough to protect itself from complication.
Shane Legg's reaction is the effect I was looking for:
"Stop it! If I intuitively took on board your timeless MWI view of the world... well, I'm worried that this might endanger my illusion of consciousness. Thinking about it is already making me feel a bit weird."
I wish I knew whether the unimpressed commenters got what Shane Legg did, just from hearing about Special Relativity; or if they still haven't gotten it yet from reading my brief summary of Barbour.
But in any case, let me talk in principle about why it helps to toss out the t coordinate:
To reduce a thing, you must reduce it to something that does not itself have the property you want to explain.
In old-school Artificial Intelligence, a researcher wonders where the meaning of a word like "apple" comes from. They want to get knowledge about "apples" into their beloved AI system, so they create a LISP token named apple. They realize that if they claim the token is meaningful of itself, they have not really reduced the nature of meaning... So they assert that "the apple token is not meaningful by itself", and then go on to say, "The meaning of the apple token emerges from its network of connections to other tokens." This is not true reductionism. It is wrapping up your confusion in a gift-box.
To reduce time, you must reduce it to something that is not time. It is not enough to take the t coordinate, and say that it is "just another dimension". So long as the t coordinate is there, it acts as a mental sponge that can soak up all the time-ness that you want to explain. If you toss out the t coordinate, you are forced to see time as something else, and not just see time as "time".
Tomorrow (if I can shake today's cold) I'll talk about one of my points of departure from Barbour: Namely, I have no problem with discarding time and keeping causality. The commenters who complained about Barbour grinding up the universe into disconnected slices, may be reassured: On this point, I think Barbour is trying too hard. We can discard t, and still keep causality within r.
I dare to disagree with Barbour, on this point, because it seems plausible that Barbour has not studied Judea Pearl and colleagues' formulation of causality—
—which likewise makes no use of a t coordinate.
Pearl et. al.'s formulation of "causality" would not be anywhere near as enlightening, if they had to put t coordinates on everything for the math to make sense. Even if the authors insisted that t was "just another property" or "just another number"... well, if you've read Pearl, you see my point. It would correspond to a much weaker understanding.
Part of The Quantum Physics Sequence
Next post: "Timeless Causality"
Previous post: "Timeless Physics"Netflix CEO Reed Hastings just dropped a bombshell. In the wake of a rapid decline in Netflix’s stock price last week, Hastings is taking a bold step by separating the DVD and video streaming services. The DVD-by-mail service will now be called Qwikster, and the streaming service will maintain the Netflix brand. That’s right: the new business (streaming) will keep the existing name.
Customers can still subscribe to both, but the two sites will not be integrated anymore. Qwikster will also now offer video game rentals through the mail, a long-requested service. With this move, Hastings is reaffirming his long-held belief that streaming is the future of Netflix and the future of entertainment, and Wall Street can judge its progress by how well the streaming business is doing on its own. Separating the businesses will also force customers to make a choice, and it is obvious which choice Hastings wants them to make (hint: it starts with an “N”). Earlier today, I wrote a post beseeching Hastings not to listen to Wall Street after his stock got hammered. You’ve got to give him credit for moving fast in the direction where he thinks the greatest opportunity lies.
He writes in a blog post that just went up:
For the past five years, my greatest fear at Netflix has been that we wouldn’t make the leap from success in DVDs to success in streaming. Most companies that are great at something – like AOL dialup or Borders bookstores – do not become great at new things people want (streaming for us) because they are afraid to hurt their initial business. Eventually these companies realize their error of not focusing enough on the new thing, and then the company fights desperately and hopelessly to recover. Companies rarely die from moving too fast, and they frequently die from moving too slowly.
Who knows how investors will react in the morning? But it is the right move.
The other thing that is worth noting about his announcement is that it starts out with an admission to his customers: “I messed up.” He is not saying that the price hike was a mistake, though, just that he should have explained it better. The two businesses are moving apart and it’s better to separate them now than wait for the inevitable. Below is a video with Hastings and Qwikster’s new CEO Andy Rendich explaining the change:Media Release
The latest national data shows the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to grow at a substantial rate. In June 2016, there were 78,951 autistic children getting Carer Allowance (child) which is an increase of 9.4% from 2015. Another 2,000 children listed autism in their next three disabilities. In June 2015 there were 72,184 children and in June 2004, there were 14,495 children aged 0-15 years getting Carer Allowance (child) with ASD as their first-listed disability.
Just over 6,000 children were diagnosed with autism in the 2015-16 financial year; an average of 16.5 new autistic children each day. Over 2.46% of children aged 10-14 years are autistic.
In 2016, there are 62,609 boys and 16,342 girls. The male to female ratio is 3.8:1. There is serious concern that many girls miss out on diagnoses and on the services and supports that they need.
The good news is:
growth in the number of autism diagnoses may be slowing down. Annual growth from 2004 to 2011 averaged 18.3% per year but from 2011 to 2016 annual growth averaged 10.9%.
children may be getting their ASD diagnoses when they are a little younger.
The number of autistic people getting Carer Allowance (child) corresponds to the numbers of autistic people with severe or profound disability in the same age range reported in the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (SDAC).
The ABS SDAC data suggest increasing autism diagnoses are only partially due to more diagnoses of moderate or mild disability. In 2009, 26% of autistic people in the survey had moderate or mild disability. In 2012, after a 79% increase in numbers from 2009, 27% of autistic people have moderate or mild autism. Most of the increase was autistic people with severe or profound disability.
Governments seem “reluctant” to recognise or address the challenges that ASD presents.
The federal Health Department told Senate Estimates “The Department is not aware of any evidence of any major shifts in prevalence of autism in Australia.”
The ABS SDAC reported especially poor outcomes for autistic people in education and employment yet Governments in Australia have no discernible plan to improve outcomes for autistic citizens. Governments refuse to recognise that ASD is a distinct disability and the policies that aim to improve outcomes for people with disability simply leave autistic people behind. Federal Ministers for Disability refused to meet the ASD peak advocacy body through the whole 2013-16 term of government.
The NDIS is a major reform, but it does not address education and employment for people with disability.
The NDIA was surprised completely that autism emerged as the biggest distinct disability among NDIS participants. The NDIA’s planning does not allow for growing numbers of autistic participants.
Early intervention provides the best prospect for improving outcomes for autistic people. The NDIA is responsible for early intervention, but just 30% of autistic children are diagnosed by the NDIA’s 6 year old cut off. The claim that “Diagnosis [of ASDs] usually occurs around 3–4 years of age” is simply untrue. In Australia, over 70% of autistic children are diagnosed too late (after age 6 years) to access Government funding for early intervention.
Government and researchers focus on what may be a tiny proportion of over-diagnosis (2.04% of clinicians sometimes over-diagnoses) when the evidence shows that under-diagnosis and delayed diagnoses are much worse problems.
NDIA’s Early Childhood Early Intervention Approach makes parents to be responsible for delivering clinical early intervention. Research and expert opinions show parent-delivered early intervention is not evidence-based for autistic children. But just a few parents get NDIS funding for best-practice early intervention programs for their autistic child. The lifetime costs of services and supports is substantially increased for the growing number of autistic children that the NDIA denies effective early intervention.
Contact: Bob Buckley
email: [email protected]
mobile: 04xx xxx xxx
see also:Requires Reliance On Flawed Watch Lists And Fails To Protect Humanitarian Assistance Organizations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (202) 675-2312; [email protected]
WASHINGTON – Yesterday the House of Representatives passed flawed immigration legislation that would prevent some innocent Americans from returning to their home country and would fail to protect U.S. humanitarian relief providers from criminal prosecution for human smuggling and harboring. The American Civil Liberties Union calls on the Senate to correct this problematic legislation before moving it forward.
The Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2009, H.R. 1029, aims to combat human smuggling into the United States by checking all persons entering the country against the error-filled terrorist watch lists. It also revises smuggling and related criminal laws such as providing “material support.”
“Combating human smuggling to prevent terrorists from entering the United States is an important goal, but this bill goes about it the wrong way by harming humanitarian aide providers as well as Americans who are erroneously on the watch lists,” said Caroline Fredrickson, Director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office. “The watch lists are riddled with errors, and until they are fixed, we can’t rely on them to identify terrorists. Instead, the lists harm innocent Americans, as does failing to extend immunity to charitable organizations that provide medical assistance and food to the least fortunate.”
As voted on by the House, the legislation has two significant problems that must be addressed by the Senate. This bill would for the first time create a statutory requirement to check an individual’s identification against bloated and error-filled terrorist watch lists. The lists are filled with the names of many innocent Americans, and provide no real opportunity for those Americans to get their names taken off. For the watch lists to be effective for this and other purposes, they must be scrubbed regularly for errors.
The House bill also failed to protect humanitarian assistance organizations from being criminally prosecuted for human smuggling and harboring, even though current law applies such an exemption to many religious organizations. Every day around the country, domestic violence shelters, health clinics, and soup kitchens provide emergency relief to people in distress. For people lacking lawful status, there is often nowhere else to turn for help. Humanitarian relief organizations should not be criminally prosecuted for aiding domestic violence victims and people in distress.
# # #On the websites of some online retailers these days you will come across a quite extraordinary sight. Below the picture of the shirt or floor lamp or whatever item is for sale, there is often a space for customers to leave reviews or comments. And the comments, remarkably, are not always complimentary. “I hadn’t worn this shirt more than once before one of the buttons fell off.” “It seems like you’re using cheaper, thinner cotton than you used to.” And so on.
I say extraordinary and remarkable, but of course it’s quite ordinary and unremarkable: of course the odd button is going to fall off, and of course not everyone is going to be satisfied with everything. What’s remarkable is a company allowing these things to be published on its own site. Advertising and marketing are traditionally devoted to the maintenance of a universe hermetically sealed against any hint of imperfection: nothing goes wrong, no ugly people appear and everyone is happy all the time. It is an essentially totalitarian exercise: literally, in the communications strategies of dictatorships, but only slightly less so in a Coke commercial.
And yet here we are, on a site whose sole purpose is hawking the company’s wares, and a ghastly spot of reality has been permitted to intrude. I imagine there were long, nervous meetings about this, until some VP swallowed hard and said, “let’s do it.”
The inherent conflict in a government grading itself has been amply noted, as has the bit of trickery sewn into its design
I say all this as a reminder of how ingrained the habits and conventions of salesmanship are in us, whether as sellers or buyers. We are so accustomed to it that it takes an effort of will to break out of it, or even to notice it. Indeed, that word — salesmanship — is itself a euphemism. Of course I meant lying.
Which brings me to the federal Liberals’ latest exercise in transparency and accountability, the already notorious “Mandate Letter Tracker.” Barely a day after launch the project, ostensibly designed to report to the public on which items on the government’s agenda have been achieved and which have not, has all but disappeared under the mountains of ridicule heaped upon it.
The inherent conflict in a government grading itself has been amply noted, as has the bit of trickery sewn into its design: rather than check the government’s record against the promises on which it was elected, the site tracks the “commitments” contained in the mandate letters the prime minister sent to each minister on appointment to cabinet. Rather than “help Canadians hold the government accountable,” as it claims, the tracker at best holds ministers accountable to the prime minister — appropriately enough, since the whole thing was cooked up by the PMO and tailored to its specifications.
As might have been predicted, the government holds itself to a notably forgiving standard. Where the independent tracking website Trudeau Meter lists 36 of 226 promises as having been “broken,” the government consigns just three out of 364 “commitments” to that status. Except it cannot bring itself to say the word “broken,” any more than it can say “promise.”
Instead, it declares only that these are “not being pursued.” Another 13 pledges are said to be “under way — with challenges” (as distinct from “under way — on track”). Just how much of a euphemism “under way with challenges” is can be seen in some of the items to which it is attached. Example: the promise to “balance the budget in 2019-20” is in no sense under way. It is under water. It is challenged only in the sense that the government is doing its level best to avoid it. Like the parrot, the promise has expired. It has ceased to be.
Of course, such judgments are inevitably subjective, at least to some degree — who’s to say a promise that has not been kept to date might not be in time? — as is the question of whether the overall score is to the government’s credit or discredit. The government has by its own reckoning “completed — fully met” 66 of its promises (59, by Trudeau Meter’s count). So: is the glass four-fifths empty, or one-fifth full?
It is the language I find so fascinating. They had a choice, after all. They could have said the promise to reform the electoral system was “broken,” not unpursued, as it was open to them to say the promised “open and transparent competition to replace the CF-18 fighter aircraft” is kaput, not challenged. Did they think no one would notice? Do they take the public for children? “Electoral reform has just gone to a farm, where it plays all day long with the other commitments that are not being pursued.”
Is the glass four-fifths empty, or one-fifth full
It’s possible, again, that there were long meetings about this. We know that this government, like most modern governments, obsesses over exactly these sorts of details: see the lengthy email chain agonizing over whether the kid on the budget cover should be wearing glasses or not. But it’s equally possible that it didn’t even occur to them. The tendency to euphemism is everywhere, but in politics and government it is so habitual that it is as if they were speaking another language, not so much English as euphemish.
Of course, it’s especially galling to see such opacity being deployed in what is supposedly an example of the government’s commitment to transparency. But transparency, gloriously, may nevertheless be the result. In one clueless swoop, the Liberals have managed to call attention not only to all the promises they have broken, but to their comical inability to admit what is plain for all to see. Pining for the fjords, innit?On an August day two years ago, Donald Trump was in a much different place: He was just a billionaire with the simple goal of connecting his beauty pageant business with the upcoming Hispanic Heritage Awards.
So at his New York penthouse office atop Trump Tower, he convened a meeting.
Trump ushered in a pair of men — one to talk about the awards and a Democratic strategist who works with nonprofits — and three young DREAMer activists. The DREAMers were on a tour sharing their stories with those less likely to support them, like tea party supporters.
Trump, according to four attendees who recounted the meeting to BuzzFeed News, talked about how rich he is ("This is the best view in New York!"), the golf courses he was building around the world, and about each prospective Republican candidate ("What do you think about Jeb Bush?") and whether Latinos liked them.
Then the DREAMers began telling their life stories.
Jose Machado spoke about how his mom was deported when he was 15 years old. Diego Sanchez talked about how he was trying to go to law school and struggling to come up with ways to pay for it.
Trump alternated between making no sense and broad ignorance on the issue, said Gaby Pacheco, a prominent national activist and the third DREAMer in the meeting.
"Don't you think someone in a wheelchair is more deserving than you all?" Trump said to silence.
But he also kept asking, "Can't you just become a citizen if you want to?" No, we can't, the activists said, there's no process for that. Trump was reflective, the activists said.
"You know, the truth is I have a lot of illegals working for me in Miami," he told them, using the term for undocumented immigrants those in the meeting found offensive. "You know in Miami, my golf course is tended by all these Hispanics — if it wasn't for them my lawn wouldn't be the lawn it is; it's the best lawn," Pacheco recalled Trump saying.
Trump said he knew the work of undocumented people is what makes his golf courses and hotels great.
"At the end of the day, what we're looking at is a value proposition for America," Tijerino said to Trump at the end of the meeting, referring to immigration legislation.
"You've convinced me," Trump said to the delight of the activists in the room.
"We all smiled at each other and said, 'Wow, we did it, we got this guy to change his mind,'" Pacheco said.
Two years later, they see a showman just playing to the crowd. Trump, of course, has spun the Republican field into a debate about immigration that has involved whether the 14th Amendment should be revoked, and if the U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants should be deported.
"This is an entertainer who knows how to appease his audience," Rodriguez said. "In his office he had an audience that was completely receptive to what he had to say about respecting the drive of these students who are here to change their lives. But once that conversation was done, that conversation was done. There was no follow up."
Antonio Tijerino, the businessman who spoke about the Hispanic Heritage Awards at the meeting, said Trump's people didn't expect him to come with activists in tow — but Trump was " |
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., are not just seeking an exemption from the Obama administration’s birth control mandate; instead, they want the right to deny contraceptives to as many people as possible.
“Religiously affiliated organizations have already received a generous accommodation that gives them an out from paying for birth control,” said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. “But that wasn’t enough for some of them. Now they want to stop Americans from using contraceptives.”
In the consolidated appeals of Priests for Life, et al. v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Roman Catholic Archbishop of Washington, et al. v. Sebelius, the Catholic groups claim that a provision of the Affordable Care Act that requires religiously affiliated institutions to allow third-party providers to give no-cost contraceptives to employees is a violation of religious liberty.
Americans United maintains that the accommodation given to institutions like Priests for Life and the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., is sufficient. Those institutions are merely required to certify that they do not wish to cover contraceptives. The government then requires the institutions’ insurers or health-plan administrators to offer contraceptive coverage to affected individuals — at no cost to the institution. This ensures that religiously affiliated entities bear no financial burden for contraceptive coverage.
But this accommodation has not satisfied many organizations. They also want the right to control private health decisions for their employees.
“The relief that the Plaintiffs seek is not an exemption, as that term is normally understood; it is a veto,” the brief says.
The brief was authored by Americans United Legal Director Ayesha N. Khan, with assistance from Madison Fellow Caitlin E. O’Connell. The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation joined Americans United in signing the brief.When you’re ready to send a wedding invitation, you have about a million choices. Expensive, inexpensive, simple, ornate, rustic, elegant…you name it. It’s out there. When it comes to saving time, however, there are options for having things done for you, which is a great thing for busy brides and grooms! Here is an online wedding invitation round-up sharing some great ideas for how to streamline the wedding invitation process, and we hope they help you! Leave a message below if you’ve used or plan to use any of these services – we want to hear about your experiences!
This post contains affiliate links – if you purchase anything from those links, we receive a small portion of it. These proceeds directly pay for the hosting fees associated with the site and we thank you so much for contributing!
Postable
I must be totally honest, this is my favorite idea. I would have to sit down and calculate the actual cost of ordering invitations, stuffing them, addressing them, adding a stamp and then getting them to the mailbox vs. having Postable do EVERYTHING for about $3 per invitation, but I bet the price would be about the same. You can manage your address book on Postable.com (which I started and now I keep track of everyone’s birthdays on my list!), then have your invitation mailed at the appropriate time. it doesn’t get much easier than that!
Starting tomorrow, 11/24 through 11/30, use code ‘HOLIDAY ‘ to save 15% off of everything!
I’ve personally used Postable a number of times for birthday and holiday cards, and even though it feels super lazy, it makes the recipient feel super-special.
Greenvelope
The perfect invitation can set the tone for the perfect event — that’s why Greenvelope wants to introduce you to their awesome selection of designer digital invitations with 15% off for first-time users.
From weddings and galas to baby showers and beyond, whatever style and budget you desire, there is an invite on Greenvelope that’s perfect for your gathering. To get started, simply 1) Choose a design, 2) Customize it to fit your event 3) Build your guest list and 4) Send straight to your guest’s emails — it’s that easy!
Mixbook
I’m a huge fan of Mixbook, because that’s where I got my invitations and my wedding album. I thought the prices were the best I found for the highest quality, and there’s almost always discount codes to be found. They won’t mail the cards for you, but they can address the envelopes (saving time and money)!
Evite.com
If you want to keep costs truly low for your wedding invitation budget, check out sending actual online-only invitations and receiving RSVPs through evite.com. It’s the greenest option by far, and extremely cost-effective. Check out their free and premium options at Evite.com.
Einvite
The invitations on Einvite are unique and beautiful, and they’ve got a ton of extras that are part of the invitation itself. The ability to send the invitations for you is probably the best part. You can customize the invitation along with the RSVP, directions and more.
Basic Invite
Another invitation company you may not have looked at is Basic Invite. You can create totally custom invitations nearly instantly, and they’re absolutely gorgeous! Here’s an idea of what the process looks like – check out how freaking simple it is!France is set to make demands on Theresa May over the British border in Calais after Brexit. Hundreds of migrants and refugees remain stranded on the French side of the English Channel.
As Britain prepares to leave the EU, French President Emmanuel Macron will insist the UK must contribute millions for the improvement of border controls in northern France. Denying the request could see the collapse of the Le Touquet treaty, which allows the two states to manage border posts in each other’s territory.
Macron wants new customs posts, which the UK will be expected to fund.
However, pro-Brexit MPs have been left furious by the expected demands, and it seems Theresa May and Brexit secretary David Davis are set for trouble whichever way they turn.
Read more
The Channel is one of Europe’s busiest trade routes and will be a vital link after Brexit. If an arrangement is not in place soon, businesses will suffer on both sides from Britain crashing out of the single market free trade area.
May and Macron will meet for an Anglo-French summit next month, where the border issue is likely to be raised, the Telegraph reports. France is not likely to back down on demands, as politicians and officials in northern France pile the pressure on the French government.
There is a growing humanitarian crisis on the border with families living in bushes after fleeing Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and parts of Africa. French police have been tearing down their tents to make them leave the area, and the migrants are often left in freezing temperatures, many needing medical attention.
Despite this, leaders on both sides are mainly concerned with the trade route, ensuring business can continue on the continent and the British Isles.
Iain Duncan Smith, the former Tory leader, said: “There is no logical or legal reason why Britain should pay anything towards this. It is an absurdity.
“No other country is asking for money, not Holland, not Belgium, and Mrs. May should remind Mr. Macron that he stands to benefit from this arrangement because France sells more goods to us than we sell to them.
“Theresa May can smile sweetly at Mr. Macron and tell him there will not be a penny more than has already been agreed. We have already said how much we will pay, and if the EU wants to give some of that money to France, that’s up to them.”
The French, however, believe Britain should pay because of the lucrative route supplying UK businesses.
Read more
Jean-Paul Mulot, regional envoy to the UK for Hauts-de-France, which includes Calais, Boulogne and Dunkirk, believes Britain should help towards the cost, which will reach hundreds of millions of pounds.
“The goal of our region is not to steal British business,” he told the Telegraph.
“On the contrary, we want British business to thrive so that we continue to enjoy a close and mutually beneficial relationship after Brexit. A disruption would affect jobs in our region.
“At the height of the migrant crisis two years ago, when cross-Channel traffic was being disrupted, Volkswagen’s Oxford factory considered closing temporarily because it was running out of parts,” he said.
About 800,000 car parts cross the Channel each day, and huge quantities of food too.
Mulot is part of the regional council of Hauts-de-France, a group that is leaning on Brussels to ensure the border issue remains an important part of the Brexit negotiations.
“We are not trying to impose solutions on the negotiators but to provide them with a constructive perspective,” he said.
“If we solve the border issue in the Channel, and Ireland, we’ll be 80 percent of the way towards an overall settlement.”The Cold War didn't end in the 1990's. It simply moved online.
That much is clear after a security firm reported this week that Russian hackers have launched unprecedented, highly-sophisticated attacks on Western oil and gas companies.
The cyber operation nicknamed Energetic Bear is the latest example of an ongoing battle between all-seeing American and British cyber spies on one side -- and intellectual-property-stealing hackers in China and Russia on the other.
The report by Symantec (SYMC) described how hackers have sneaked malware into computers at power plants, energy grid operators, gas pipeline companies and industrial equipment makers. Most of the targets were in the United States and Spain. The rest were across Europe.
The malware was used to steal documents, usernames and passwords. In the best-case scenario, the hackers only took valuable and sensitive information. At worst, they gained the ability to hijack controls -- and even sabotage the nation's energy supply.
Related story: What China's hacker spies are after
Another security company, Crowdstrike, first spotted the Energetic Bear operation in 2012. Crowdstrike thinks the hackers at Energetic Bear work for -- or alongside -- Russian government intelligence services at the behest of state-owned gas enterprises, including Gazprom (GZPFY)and Rosneft.
Neither the Russian embassy, nor those energy companies, responded to requests for comment.
Why should you care? If a nation breaks into Exxon-Mobil (XOM) or BP (BP) and figures out where they've discovered vast oil or natural gas reserves, it could beat them to the punch and start drilling first. If it steals blueprints to the power grid or key pipelines, it could disable them to cause economic chaos -- or shut it down during a war.
"The Russians are engaged in aggressive economic and political espionage," Crowdstrike co-founder Dmitri Alperovitch said.
Related story: Is Russia trying to stop Europe fracking?
Security researchers said Energetic Bear is notable for its military precision and planning.
And Energetic Bear hackers aren't limited to attacking the energy sector. Their malware has also been spotted inside the networks of European and U.S. defense contractors and health care providers, as well as manufacturers, construction companies and universities doing research in the field of nuclear energy.
"We haven't seen anything at this scale with industrial control systems," said Kevin Haley, Symantec's director of security.Show full PR text
WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT BECOMES FIRST HOLLYWOOD STUDIO TO OFFER MOVIES DIRECTLY ON FACEBOOK®
MILLIONS OF WARNER BROS. FACEBOOK FANS CAN NOW RENT MOVIES USING FACEBOOK CREDITS AND STREAM WITHIN STUDIO'S MOVIE FAN PAGES
PROGRAM WILL EXPAND TO DIGITAL MOVIE PURCHASES IN THE NEAR FUTURE
BURBANK, CALIF., March 8, 2011 – Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD), a market leader in video-on-demand and electronic sell-through, today announced it will begin testing an offering of selected movies for purchase or rental through Warner Bros. Entertainment's Facebook movie Pages. Consumers will be able to use Facebook Credits to easily buy or rent a title, all while staying connected to Facebook.
Starting today, millions of fans who "Liked" Christopher Nolan's blockbuster film "The Dark Knight" can rent the title through its official Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/darkknight). Consumers simply click on the "rent" icon to apply their Facebook Credits, and within seconds they will begin enjoying the film. The cost per rental is 30 Facebook Credits or $3. This offering is presently available only to consumers in the United States. Additional titles will be made available for rental and purchase on a regular basis over the coming months.
"Facebook has become a daily destination for hundreds of millions of people," said Thomas Gewecke, President of Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. "Making our films available through Facebook is a natural extension of our digital distribution efforts. It gives consumers a simple, convenient way to access and enjoy our films through the world's largest social network."
Fans will have full control over the film while watching it through their Facebook account for up to 48 hours from purchase. They can choose to watch it in full screen, pause the movie, and resume playing it when they log back into Facebook. Consumers will also have full Facebook functionality including the ability to post comments on the movie, interact with friends and update their status.
"The Dark Knight"
The follow-up to "Batman Begins," Warner Bros. Pictures' and Legendary Pictures' "The Dark Knight" reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of "Batman/Bruce Wayne" in his continuing war on crime. With the help of Lt. Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves effective, but soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker, who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces Batman closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante.
The film also stars Michael Caine as "Alfred"; Heath Ledger as "The Joker"; Gary Oldman as "Jim Gordon"; Aaron Eckhart as "Harvey Dent"; Maggie Gyllenhaal as "Rachel Dawes"; and Morgan Freeman as "Lucius Fox." Nolan directed the film from a screenplay written by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. The producers are Charles Roven, Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan.
Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc.
About Warner Bros. Digital Distribution
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) oversees the electronic distribution of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group's content through Video-On-Demand, Pay-Per-View, Electronic Sell-Through and Subscription Video-On-Demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels. WBDD also distributes content through third party digital retailers and licensees. A worldwide industry leader since its inception, WBDD also manages the Studio's E-commerce sites that include WBShop.com and WarnerArchive.com. Twitter: @WBDigitalDistA 72-Hour Report has been released for the incident on the Beaver Fire in which three people took refuge from a wildfire inside their fire shelters. The near miss occurred August 11 at 5:30 p.m. on the Klamath National Forest in northern California, approximately 15 miles northwest of Yreka. We first wrote about it on August 12. Below is the Incident Summary from the report:
****
“At approximately 1730 on August, 11, a Division Supervisor, contract dozer and a Heavy Equipment Boss deployed their fire shelters on the Beaver Fire on the Klamath National Forest in northern California (U.S. Forest Service Incident CA-KNF-005497). The individuals involved were improving line on the far western edge of the fire, approximately 2 miles from the fire front. Fuels in the area consisted of a pine overstory and manzanita surface fuels. Extreme to exceptional drought, at the highest levels on the Drought Monitor system, existed over nearly all of northern California.
As indirect dozer line construction progressed downslope, outflow from a thunderstorm which had already tracked through the area, caused a dramatic and large scale pulse in fire behavior. As fire activity increased, the Division Supervisor drove down to the Heavy Equipment Boss and Dozer Operator to check their status. The dozer operator was in the process of constructing a predetermined safety zone. The fire quickly traveled a significant distance through heavy timber, impacting the indirect dozer line, requiring the three firefighters to deploy fire shelters to survive the heat blast and ember shower. The contract dozer operator received non-life threatening burn injuries, but was referred to a burn center for further evaluation.
PROPERTY DAMAGE: The DIVS pickup truck parked at the deployment site received heat damage and the bed and back seat caught fire. The Division Supervisor and Heavy Equipment Boss were able to put the fire out with two fire extinguishers. The Dozer received minor damage from a small fire which started behind the seat in the open cab.
Based on the nature of this incident, the Pacific Southwest Region will be utilizing the Facilitated Learning Analysis (FLA) process to maximize learning opportunities and better manage future incidents.”
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RelatedDragon Racing today debuted its new season three race car livery, exemplifying the team’s drive towards a powerful, sustainable future for the motorsports industry.
The design draws inspiration from opposing polar forces that drive the movement of an electromagnetic wave – a scientific discovery that underpinned the invention of the electric motor. Similar to nature’s constant battle for balance between positive and negative forces
The clean lines that make up the Faraday Future logo envelope the cockpit, and are compressed and stretched along the side of the vehicle to demonstrate the pull of forces at play as the car races across the track. As these lines warp across its surface, they form a rich latticework that reflects the dispersal of force in an electromagnetic wave.
The selective flares of metallic orange are the livery’s primary visual accent. Located on the mirrors, air intake, and the underside of the front and rear wings, this highlight invokes a spark of crackling electricity across the car’s fundamental aerodynamic features.
Dragon Racing Team Principal is looking forward to the partnership the team, has with Faraday Future, and this years livery shows that the two companies are working well together side by side.
“With Faraday Future as our partner, this further positions Dragon Racing as a leader in Formula E. This livery is a representation of our joint vision and desire to innovate at every step of this alliance,” said Jay Penske.
Former Ferrari Team Principal Marco Mattiacci and now Global Chief Brand & Commercial Officer at Faraday Future sees the sport as a steeping stone to what Faraday Future can achieve in the automotive industry.
“Unveiling our first livery is an incredible opportunity to showcase the energy that our team brings to Formula E. As we look forward to the future, Formula E will prove to be an invaluable practice that will bolster Faraday Future Dragon Racing’s capabilities both on and off the race track.”
In season four, FF will expand its relationship as a technical partner to begin supplying hardware to the team. In season five and beyond, Faraday Future Dragon Racing will implement various Faraday powertrain components, software, firmware and other hardware as the team sees fit. This could include Faraday Future motors, gearbox, and the FF Echelon Inverter.From 'Star Trek' to 'Hobbit,' 2013 was full of highlights for the British fan-favorite actor.
It was hard to avoid Benedict Cumberbatch at the movies in 2013, a year in which he starred in "Star Trek Into Darkness," "The Fifth State," "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" and others. (Photo11: Todd Plitt, USA TODAY) Story Highlights Benedict Cumberbatch stars in "Sherlock," "Star Trek Into Darkness" and "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug"
Also, "12 Years A Slave," "The Fifth Estate" and "August: Osage County"
He'll tackle "Hamlet" on the London stage
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2013 was the Year of the Snake. But in Hollywood, it was the Year of the Cumberbatch.
British actor Benedict Cumberbatch raised his status from cult star of TV's Sherlock to a favorite for a massive amount of new Cumberbabes and Cumberbros in a string of big-screen fare, especially as bad guys.
He proved a worthy foe for Chris Pine's Captain Kirk as the new Khan in the J.J. Abrams-directed Star Trek Into Darkness and makes things doubly difficult for the heroes of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (in theaters Friday) as the evil Necromancer and the antagonistic talking dragon Smaug.
MORE: Cumberbatch breathes fire as motion-capture Smaug
Cumberbatch's presence also graced The Fifth Estate (in which he starred as real-life WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange), the Oscar-buzzworthy 12 Years a Slave and the upcoming August: Osage County (opening Christmas day), but in those he worked with his fellow actors. For The Hobbit, he mainly spent time with director Peter Jackson doing motion-capture and voiceover work for his baddies and didn't hang out with many of his cast members until this past week at the Los Angeles premiere.
"I've never even met Cate Blanchett and apparently I've got a scene with her coming up, so there you go," Cumberbatch says with a laugh. (He and Blanchett will be in the final film The Hobbit: There and Back Again in 2014, which also brings a new three-episode season of Sherlock and Cumberbatch as World War II code-cracker Alan Turing in The Imitation Game.)
Cumberbatch talks with USA TODAY about his Hobbit roles, his 2013 highlights and who's he taking to the movies on his Christmas break.
Benedict Cumberbatch co-stars with Julianne Nicholson in "August: Osage County," opening on Christmas. (Photo11: Claire Folger, The Weinstein Company)
Q. How much motion-capture did you do for 'Smaug'?
A. The most bits I recognize are when it's square on, where it's face to face with Bilbo (played by Martin Freeman) or Thorin (Richard Armitage) in the Hall of Kings at the end. That's where I can definitely see my gestures.
There's a temperature and pace to some of the movement of the dragon before he obviously flies and does the fantastical things he can do that no human can. Those guys at (digital-effects company) WETA are extraordinary, but they were really receptive to the idea of me characterizing him first in the flesh and moving around the mo-cap studio — "the Volume" as they call it — and give an anthropomorphic quality to this reptile who can breathe fire and fly.
It was also important for me to physicalize where the voice was coming from and not just be a bodiless voice. It fed into the stuff we then did on the soundstage.
There were certain characteristics, eye movements and facial expressions layered underneath this extraordinary creation that came from me.
Q. That must have been a challenge.
A. It's a completely different way of acting. I completely loved it. It gave me total and complete freedom. There wasn't a mark to hit, there wasn't a costume or makeup issues to keep in continuity, there wasn't all the amazing amount of hours that the dwarves and everybody else in that production puts in.
There's no way I can be a serpent of that size who breathes fire and flies. Even if it was profitable for me to interpret that somehow, I'm a biped. It was up to me to completely imagine being a dragon. It's child's play. It's the most enjoyable fantastic and freeing kind of moment of reinventing what it is to be an actor on camera.
I was really enthralled for that process. And it's a lot easier than having to spend hours acting opposite a ping-pong ball in front of a green screen. You are the effect — everything you do is being manipulated into the effect.
Q. What was the biggest difference between playing the Necromancer and Smaug?
A. The Necromancer was much more ethereal and disembodied — he's this sort of formless spirit that's not found a real physical realization yet. He's getting there, he's becoming the all-seeing eye as we know from Lord of the Rings and that's really exciting. He's Sauron. It's a slow evolution for him, so that quality was brought about by movement I did as myself just as a human form and not trying to ape any reptilian behavior. I was walking toward the cameras in the Volume but with a bungee — I had this sensation of being pulled back.
Peter's great note about the Necromancer was that he should be like a black hole, with energy sucked in and toward him while Smaug is much more confrontational and a huge animal. That was much more forward and investigative and there are articulations at the neck and the head and the shoulders. I would clamp my elbows into my body and push myself around like a worm with my feet bound together on the mo-cap stage, as to not use them as feet but just as a thing I was lugging behind.
They are very, very different energies and they both fed into the voice. Smaug had to really be rich and deep and come from the same bowels that create all that fire.
Also, I wanted it to be worn — not necessarily old but I wanted there to be an element of it that sounded like hot air being blown over flaming coals rather than a crisp, clean, delicate or fresh voice.
I shredded my vocal cords to bits trying to do very weird things. Some guys came and they said, "You've already added effects to this, right?" And they went, "No, no, that's just him on his own in front of a microphone." They went, "Wow." That was great. I was pleased to impress that crowd.
It was such a thrill to please both J.J. and Peter Jackson in the same half of a year. I worked hard to give them what they needed and tried to surprise them as well.
Q. Smaug's definitely got a personality, too. He doesn't just haul off and fry Bilbo to a crisp — they have a proper conversation.
A. He's smart. He doesn't want to just kill the mouse — he wants to know who set the mouse into the lair. He's got an intelligence and a charm about him that soon degenerates into a venal, terrible vanity and dead-end rage. He's a psychopath, he can empathize as long as it gets him what it needs. He's an utterly self-serving and greedy destructive force, but his failings all have a human character. It wouldn't work as a creation at all if it was just, oh, there's a beast in a lair.
What's beautiful about the book is he has a personality and if anything his personality is a metaphor for capitalism gone wrong and that stretches across the age, no more so in the last couple of decades in our lifetime.
The thing I learned from him is know your limitations. He's someone who thinks he's invincible because of how locked into his own majesty he is, and he's not at all. He's very vulnerable.
All of that is in the original Tolkien text completely, and my dad read this book to me when I was a kid so that was the first seed of it. He did a great Smaug but I really remember his Smeagol, his Gollum, to be honest. That was a character he used to bring out every now and again to amuse me. He was really good at it — he'd give Andy a run for his money.
I told Dad the first time I knew I got this job for sure. I rang him and said, "You'll never guess what I'm doing." He went, "Oh, that's fantastic. Why aren't they seeing me?"
Q. Has your dad seen The Hobbit yet?
A. No, he's waiting in line like everyone else. We'll probably go and see it together as a family when I get back to London.
Q. Has dealing with, say, paparazzi while filming Sherlock or having your Star Trek character overanalyzed on the Internet changed the way you look at your career?
A. To be honest, I'm so happy to be given an opportunity to play these parts. The reflections that happen in retrospect on me playing them, I try not to get involved because it's kind of scary.
I always just primarily worry about pleasing the director and the person in front of me and the rest of my cast. Whether it's a radio studio or a rehearsal amongst the team with biscuits and scripts in hand, it doesn't matter what scale it's at — it's about being true to your intent to being truthful in the moments.
I've worked with some of the greats. I'm just very, very grateful. (Pauses) I'm sure it makes boring copy — hey, here's another actor telling you how grateful he is! But look at the work I've been doing the last year. How can I not be grateful?
Q. You mentioned child's play before. Does a lot of acting for you come down to having a youthful enthusiasm to pretend, even with a serious character such as Julian Assange in The Fifth Estate?
A. There is no simple formula for it. Every job requires a completely different approach. (The Fifth Estate was) getting under the skin and understanding Julian and also the moral responsibility of being a storyteller about an issue and a man and many men and women whose freedom and personality are going to be perception-shaped by what we do. That there are real lives we might affect for this story was a huge burden. It was something that was very important for me to get right. That was another consideration that's well beyond a sense of play.
The only thing that may unite all forms of acting in a sense is no matter what preparation you do, no matter what transformative process you go through, you are always yourself. You are always inside your own skin — you are who you are no matter what the actions of the movement or the effect.
You have to have an essential element of you and that is also what is in the present. Once you're in the present and you're not worried about the wig or the special-effects suit or the dialogue or the accent or the moral responsibility, when you are lost in the moment and you're in the present is when the stuff that's really good comes on screen. Until that point, you've put in a lot of hard work to then let go, and all of us experience moments — and they're rare in every job I find — where you feel free of any kind of self-consciousness.
Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) is the brilliant sleuth at the center of PBS's 'Sherlock.' (Photo11: Robert Viglasky)
Q. Your fans probably enjoyed your recent gigs. What's it been like on your end?
A. It's been incredible, and such a variety of work. Overexposure is always the thing I'm frightened of but it's just the way it happened. My workload exploded over the last couple of years, but they've all come home to roost this autumn. That's just chance — that's just how the movie industry harvests, I guess. I remember Jessica Chastain having this kind of a moment two years ago where all that brilliant work she did came out in one sudden moment.
It's an embarrassment of riches, but it's kept me very, very busy. I'm heading off into Christmas now and getting ready for a nice long break just to regroup and see where to go next. I cannot wait to be on my time and be impulsive and move at my own pace.
And the third season of Sherlock is coming.
Q. Last thing we saw of that show was everybody thinking your ace detective was dead. Anything you can tease about what's happening when it returns to PBS Jan. 19?
A. There's a reunion and there's an explanation and there's a marriage and there's a new villain on the scene. There's an awful lot to enjoy in the three films we've made of it. And trust me, they're films — they are really richly detailed and you don't go away feeling unsatisfied. There's so much in all of them.
I've seen the first two and they're terrific. I haven't seen the third yet, but I knew when we were doing that one it was going to be really special. They're all very different and they all hold their own.
Q. Do you have a next project yet?
A. I know for certain I'm doing Hamlet sometime in autumn on the London stage, and before that there are all sorts of film projects flying around, but the one that looks most real at the moment is Lost City of Z with James Gray.
Q. What was your best day in 2013?
A. Oh, that's a good question. It's been a long year to flip back through since there's been so many moments. I've met some extraordinary people and had some amazing experiences. I've had some wonderful moments of calm and isolation as well amongst all the circus and hype. I've met some wonderful fans, I've had some fantastic relationships, I've been with some extraordinary comrades and fellow workers.
Days on set of The Imitation Game playing Alan Turing was an amazing experience and wrapping the third season of Sherlock was a rather emotional and proud moment.
Q. I'm sure you live for the quiet times, too, though.
A. Being home in London's great when people respect my privacy. You can just take a beat or a moment or two and find there's still islands of calm in your day anywhere you are. Everyone does that in their own way in work and any kind of life that involves other people.
It could be anything. It could be drinking at a sunset for a second or two, it could be going on a holiday to some far-flung place and getting away from it all, and it could be dissolving into a book at bedtime.
Or it could just be bedtime. Bedtime's always nice. (Laughs)
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Q. Who's the coolest person you met this year?
A. I would say Harrison Ford's up there. I didn't actually meet him this year, we'd met before but he was so lovely to me on The Graham Norton Show. That was very, very cool.
Oh, who else? God, this is embarrassing. Who am I forgetting?
My mind always goes blank at things like this. Somebody said, "What's your favorite place on Earth? Tell us about a place you've been to the last couple of years." My mind went blank, and then I stepped out of the room and went, "(Expletive)."
Being 15,000 feet up in a plane in New Zealand was pretty (expletive) fantastic as was landing after the parachute jump. Going to Big Sur. Stepping on the Star Trek bridge for the first time. Seeing people's homes that are fantastic. Walking into my own flat for the first time after it was finished. Seeing someone that I know and love very well get better from a terrible illness was one of the great moments of this year, to be honest.
It's life, isn't it? It's what everyone experiences. I guess sometimes ours is more extreme.
Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/1bu2zRaStory highlights Wong worked at Disney Studios from 1938 to 1941
His sketches of deer in a forest inspired "Bambi"
(CNN) Tyrus Wong, best known for his sketches for the Walt Disney animated feature "Bambi", died Friday, according to a statement released by The Walt Disney Family Museum.
Wong was 106.
"Legendary Disney artist Tyrus Wong had a gift for evoking incredible feeling in his art with simple, gestural composition," the statement said.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Disney Legend, Tyrus Wong. He was 106. Our thoughts are with the Wong family. pic.twitter.com/V1rHekEoxz — Walt Disney Museum (@WDFMuseum) December 31, 2016
Wong got his foot in the door at Disney as an entry level animator in 1938 -- drawing hundreds of Mickey Mouse sketches, the statement said.
But his first big break came with "Bambi", the story of the white-tailed deer.
Read MoreChris Keates said teachers could be unfairly criminalised Teachers should not be prosecuted for having affairs with their sixth formers, a union chief has said. NASUWT general secretary Chris Keates said it was an "anomaly" that a teacher who had sex with a pupil aged over 16 could go on the sex offenders register. She told ITV's Tonight programme the law was wrong because a teacher could legally enter a relationship with a sixth former at another school. Child protection professionals have criticised her comments. In 2001, the law was changed to make it illegal for teachers to engage in sexual activity with pupils at their school aged under 18. But Miss Keates said the abuse of trust law had gone too far in cases where the relationship started after a pupil had reached the age of consent. 'Appropriate sanctions' HAVE YOUR SAY Teachers are in a position of trust, breaching that trust is wrong Keith, Ely, United Kingdom She said: "If a teacher has a relationship with a pupil at the school at which they teach, it could be an 18-year-old pupil in sixth form, then that teacher can be prosecuted and end up on the sex offenders register. "Clearly there have to be appropriate disciplinary sanctions in the school where a teacher works to make sure that inappropriate relationships don't develop. "But it does seem a step too far, when there has been a consensual relationship, to put that person on the sex offenders register when, in fact, they could have a perfectly legitimate relationship with an 18-year-old at another school." Protecting children Later, Miss Keates told the BBC the NASUWT had raised the anomaly as soon as the legislation was drafted and that it advises members to keep relationships professional at all times. "Any teacher or adult who works in schools who sexually abuses a pupil of any age should face the full legal consequences," she added. Since 1991, 129 teachers have been prosecuted for relationships with pupils but a Sheffield University study suggested as many as 1,500 intimate relationships develop every year. NSPCC policy advisor Zoe Hilton said: "The law is very clear that if a teacher abuses his or her position by forming a sexual relationship with a pupil they could be prosecuted and this remains the case even if the child gives their consent. "The law is, quite rightly, there to protect children." To Sir With Love: Tonight will be broadcast on ITV1 at 2000 BST on 6 October.
E-mail this to a friend Printable version Bookmark with: Delicious
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StumbleUpon What are these?WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. productivity fell sharply in the final three months of 2015, closing out a fifth straight year of weak gains in worker efficiency.
The Labor Department said Thursday that productivity — |
. "Despite our attempts to address Mr. O'Rourke's issues, we simply dropped the ball and did not make things right. Mr. O'Rourke deserves another apology from us and we're making this one publicly. We also want to clarify that nobody at Comcast asked for him to be fired."
In published reports that have been widely distributed through social media, O'Rourke said he started subscribing to Comcast in early 2013, right after relocating from Connecticut to work for PwC.
Billing trouble started almost immediately, he said, and quickly cascaded, with the company allegedly charging him $1,820 for equipment he says he didn't order. Numerous attempts to correct the issue with escalating ranks of Comcast service personnel culminated in threats by both sides, with the cable company enlisting collection agencies, and the accountant threatening to report Comcast to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
According to O'Rourke, it was the latter that triggered alarm bells within Comcast, resulting in the company doing research on its disgruntled subscriber and reaching out to his employer.
Reads a letter from O'Rourke's attorney (obtained by Ars Technica): "Because Comcast was a major consulting services client of PwC's, someone from the controller's office contacted Mr. Joseph Atkinson, a partner in the Philadelphia office of PwC, and falsely told Mr. Atkinson that Mr. O'Rourke had invoked his employment with PWC in an attempt to somehow obtain leverage in his negotiations with Comcast. Mr. Atkinson informed Mr. O'Rourke that the client was very valuable, was the Philadelphia office's largest client with billings [REDACTED], that the client was very angry as a result of Mr. O'Rourke's complaints, and that Mr. O'Rourke was not to speak with anyone from Comcast. While all of this was happening, Comcast continued to communicate sporadically and ineffectively with Mr. O'Rourke, setting up two service appointments that they missed without explanation on February 7, 2014 and February 11, 2014."
Through his attorney, O'Rourke has demanded $100,000 in compensation and for the cable company to work things out so he gets his job back.
Added Herrin: "We're also determined to get to the bottom of exactly what happened with his service, figure out what went wrong at every point along the way, and fix any underlying issues. I'm a few weeks into a new role at Comcast which is entirely focused on what we can do to make the customer experience better. We need to make sure that every interaction is excellent … from the moment a customer orders a new service, to the installation, to the way we communicate with them, to how we respond to any issues."
For more:
- read this Comcast blog post
- read this Ars Technica story
Related links:
Comcast taps product exec Herrin to fill new customer service SVP role
The Verge of obsession? Tech pub ramps up series on Comcast customer service
Fast Wi-Fi, nifty interfaces are nice, Comcast, but customers clearly want better manners
Comcast rep won't let Engadget founder cancel serviceEditor’s note: This is the last in a three-part series on the impact of Gov. Sam Brownback’s policies on Kansas. The first story examined his re-election race, and the second looked at cuts to the state education budget.
SALINA, Kan. — Throughout most of Kansas’ history, some things have been true: The wheat is tall. The cattle are strong. And the wind has been mostly annoying. “Kansas is herself again,” a newspaperman from this central town snarked on a blustery day in April 1880. “A newcomer asked one of our fellow townsmen if it always blew this way in Kansas.” (The answer, in short, was yes.)
Today the wind still rolls off the Rocky Mountains and barrels across the Great Plains, kicking up dust, ruffling fields and ruining cellphone conversations. But increasingly, Kansans are finding that wind from the west may be yet another golden resource of the state — able to generate huge amounts of electricity and make them money in the process. A growing awareness of that windfall is cutting across partisan lines, winning adherents to a green energy source in a state otherwise dominated by deep red oil and cattle conservatives.
“The wind goes by. You just might as well use it,” said Jim Warta, a 70-year-old rancher whose family has been farming in Kansas’ central Ellsworth County for five generations. In 2008 he and his wife, Laura, opened part of their 1,500 acres to Massachusetts-based Enel Green Power, which built 11 wind turbines there — some of the roughly 150 turbines producing 250 megawatts of electricity across the Smoky Hills region, where they live.
The Wartas still make most of their money from wheat, soybeans and their herd of muscular black-and-brown beef cattle. But the extra money from the electricity generated on his land (about 3 percent of the cost per megawatt), is a welcome addition each month. The turbines also drive up the value of the land, Warta says — land he can continue to use for grazing and crops, unlike property given over to oil drilling. “I’ve been to a couple sales since then and tried to buy property that had the turbines on them. It’s unbelievable what it brings.”
The demand reflects a growing realization of Kansas’ potential as a leader in renewable energy. At full capacity it would generate more wind energy than any other state except Texas, according to the U.S. Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, which says Kansas wind could produce 3.1 million gigawatt hours annually. That’s equivalent to three-quarters of the total electricity generated by all energy sources in the United States last year. Despite growing investment that has nearly tripled Kansas wind-energy production since 2010, the state’s producers generated only 9,430 gigawatt hours last year — 0.3 percent of the potential.Self-driving 18-wheeler being tested in San Antonio Copyright by KXAN - All rights reserved Copyright by KXAN - All rights reserved Self-driving semi interior (NBC News) Self-driving 18 wheeler being tested in San Antonio Self-driving semi interior (NBC News) prev next
NBC News - SAN ANTONIO, Texas (NBC News) - The technology in cars seems to continue to grow, but what about a self-driving semi-truck? Self-driving vehicles are being tested at various locations across the country including at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio.
On the outside, the truck looks like the typical big rig, but with the simple push of a button, it turns into something that most might compare to a Transformer movie.
The institute tested a real life self-driving semi-truck on the grounds.
Southwest Research Institute, along with several other research organizations, are helping the U.S. Department of Transportation create guidelines for developing automated vehicle technologies.
The end goal is to make the streets safer.
"I think 90 percent of all accidents are caused by human error," Chris Mentzer, SWRI manager of research and development said. "So robots don't get sleepy or tired or drunk or anything like that."
While these vehicles are being controlled by robots, a simple touch of the steering wheel will give back control to the driver.
"Some people are a little worried about it and it's kind of scary in some ways, but I think the ultimate goal behind all of this is safety," Mentzer said.
Right now the self-driving car is able to leave the controlled area and hit the real roads on the Institute campus, as long as someone is behind the wheel.Derby County is saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Bullions.
Bullions, who was 90, was part of Derby’s 1946 FA Cup winning side and was a regular visitor at the iPro Stadium until he fell ill last year.
Derby County’s Chief Operating Officer John Vicars said: “Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Jim Bullions at this difficult time.
“Jim, as a former player, was always welcome at Derby County and he was certainly a popular figure when he attended matches here at the iPro Stadium and I know that I speak for many of our supporters when I say he will be greatly missed.”
He added: “The Club has been in discussion with Jim’s family and will be making a donation to Parkinson’s UK.”
His funeral will be held on Thursday 3rd July 2014 at St James the Greater Church, Barlborough from 11.30am.
Tweets by @ dcfcofficialPresident Rodrigo Duterte is making good on his promise while he was campaigning for the highest position in the land, threatening the two incumbent telcos with competition from China if they do not fix their internet services.
“If you do not do it right, you wait, I’m going to China,” he said, during the National Banana Congress in Davao City on Friday.
“I’ll open up everything for competition. Buksan ko na lang lahat (I will open up everything),” he added.
The Philippines has been consistently at the back of the pack in terms of Internet speeds and quality of service for many years running, according to independent research firms.
The government is already looking for ways to solve the Philippines’ Internet woes. Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar detailed some of the steps that they would be taking to alleviate the issue, suggested by Rudy Salalima, the head of the newly created Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
“Iyong solusyon na inilatag ni Secretary Rudy Salalima ay either magtayo iyong gobyerno ng sarili niyang telco; number two, ay punan ng gobyerno iyong mga lugar na mahina or walang presence ng mga cell sites or fiber optics. At pangatlo, ay kumuha talaga ng—magpa-bid out para sa third player at papasukin talaga para mas lalong maging vibrant iyong kompetisyon,” Andanar said during an interview with radio dzBB.
San Miguel Corporation earlier tried to establish a third telco with the help of Australia firm Telstra. Unfortunately talks with Telstra did not bear fruit, and in the end San Miguel was forced to abandon both their substantial telco assets as well as their hold on the highly lucrative 700MHz spectrum.
Read: Duterte Wants Faster Internet In PH, Will Open Market To Foreign Players If Needed
Read: Globe, PLDT Support Duterte’s Call For Faster Internet
SourceWorkers late Monday night began preparing to remove the towering white steeple atop Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood.
High winds Sunday night dislodged several beams, leaving only two to support the structure. After an assessment Monday, city engineers declared it was too dangerous to fix, said Mimi Simon, a Building Department spokeswoman.
Cranes were brought to the church late Monday as work began to detach the 120-year-old steeple.
Ralph Krueger, president of the church's congregation, said the 30-member parish is sad to see the steeple go.
"Obviously we're not happy about it," Krueger said. "We would have hoped there'd be some opportunity to have it repaired and have the steeple remain where it's been since 1893."
But he understood that attempting repairs would have been dangerous.
"They felt it was too dangerous with the winds... for people to go up there and try to temporarily put some more beams or attach bolts to the ones that are broken," Krueger said. "And that would only be a temporary solution anyway."
An emergency receiver was appointed at a court hearing Monday because the church has limited money to pay for the steeple removal. Krueger said the city's decision that the steeple must come down will weigh heavily on the small congregation's finances.
Neither the Building Department nor the church could provide a cost estimate Monday night.
West Belmont Avenue has been closed between California and Rockwell avenues since late Sunday, affecting bus routes, businesses and residents. Belmont will remain closed until the steeple is removed and the resulting hole patched. Simon said the city hopes to have the street back open by Tuesday afternoon.
Monday morning, church members had held out hope that the damage was minimal. On its Facebook page, the church assured everyone that damage was "minor" and that repairs would be made immediately.
Unfortunately for the church, the remedy was complete removal — resulting in a hole both in the church and in members' hearts.
"My grandfather joined the church one year after it was founded," Krueger said, adding that the parish has a great history.
Once a robust congregation of several hundred mostly German-speaking families, today it has about 30 members. According to Tribune archives, the Rev. Arnold zu Windisch-Graetz, who was also a prince of German lineage, served as pastor for 40 years after settling in Chicago in the late 1960s. His noble family had been broken up in the upheavals of the last century. Windisch-Graetz died at age 78 in 2007, serving as pastor until the time of his death. The Rev. Martin Doering became lead pastor in September.
Doering said he doesn't think the church will have the means to rebuild a steeple. On Sunday morning before the winds hit, he said his sermon seemed to prepare members for what was coming.
"One of our lessons was from the Gospel according to Luke, when disciples were talking to Jesus about how beautiful the temple was and Jesus said, 'Well, there's going to be a time when the whole temple is torn down,'" Doering said. "Even though these kinds of things happen, it doesn't mean that God is turning his back on us."
[email protected] was being cared for at the PAWS of Dearborn County Humane Center. (Photo: Provided)
It is a Christmas miracle for a German shepherd from Indiana who will now move to Utah.
Bela was going to be put down because when his owner, Connie Ley, died, she put in her will that Bela probably needed to die too so they could have their ashes mingled together.
There were only two outs from this posthumous death sentence for Bela, a healthy dog. First, Ley's friend could take him. Or second, Best Friends Animal Society could take him in. Best Friends is a no-kill sanctuary of rolling hills and green trees and happy animals.
The problem was that Ley's friend didn't want Bela, and Best Friends knew nothing about him. And in Indiana, a dog is property, not family. Bela's days were numbered. Sit, dog, stay.
But then word got out and people went a little bit off the rails saying Bela must be saved. Tuesday, a Christmas Eve eve miracle for Bela. Best Friends has learned more about this German shepherd and they are going to take him in.
The organization released a statement this afternoon: "Merry Christmas Bela! We are thrilled to announce that Bela has been released to Best Friends Animal Society and we are currently arranging his transport to our sanctuary in Kanab, Utah where he will celebrate a warm, happy holiday with lots of treats, toys and love."
Now Best Friends is figuring out a way to drive the dog from a shelter in Indiana to Utah.
Ley wanted Bela euthanized because he reportedly has a history of intermittent aggression.
The estate attorney, along with Ley's friend, agreed to cede custody of the dog after Best Friends Animal Society made its sales pitch, the release stated.
Read or Share this story: http://cin.ci/1B3HKXaRaw video of former abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell heading back to jail after being found guilty on three of four counts of first-degree murder involving the deaths of four babies. He was also found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of a former patient. Click here for more details. (Published Monday, May 13, 2013)
Former Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell was convicted of first-degree murder in the deaths of three babies authorities said were born alive before having their necks cut with scissors. A jury found Gosnell not guilty of first-degree murder in a fourth baby’s death.
In addition to the murder charges, the 72-year-old was found guilty Monday of involuntary manslaughter in the overdose death of former patient Karnamaya Mongar.
Gosnell was also found guilty of several other crimes including one count of infanticide, two counts of conspiracy, 21 of 24 counts of abortion of an unborn child of 24 weeks or more and 208 of 227 counts of violation of informed consent of an abortion.
In all, Gosnell was found guilty of 237 crimes. He will now face the death penalty in the sentencing phase, which will begin a week from Tuesday.
Abortion Doctor Found Guilty
Monday, a jury found abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell guilty of killing 3 babies who were born alive. He was also found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the overdose death of an adult patient. So what's next for Dr. Gosnell? NBC10's LuAnn Cahn says he will face a jury next week, to determine his sentence. (Published Monday, May 13, 2013)
"Obviously, the jury has spoken," said Jack McMahon, Gosnell's attorney, following the proceedings.
"As I said to the jury as I closed to them, whatever verdict they gave I would respect and would be the right verdict."
McMahon said he did not regret not putting Gosnell on the stand during the proceedings and says he hadn't decided whether Gosnell will take the stand during the penalty phase. He also commended the prosecution. The veteran attorney not able to say much more as a gag order remains in place until the penalty phase is completed.
What's Next for Gosnell?
Dr. Kermit Gosnell was found guilty of three counts of first degree murder as well as involuntary manslaughter. But what's next for Gosnell? NBC10's Lu Ann Cahn tells that side of the story. (Published Monday, May 13, 2013)
According to court observers, as the verdict was read by the jury foreman, Gosnell didn't react at first. However, once the full charges had been announced, he shook his head from side-to-side, trying to make eye contact with members of the jury.
Assistant District Attorney Joanne Pescatore cried as she hugged a member of the Philadelphia Police Crime Scene Unit following the verdict. She and fellow ADA Ed Cameron did not speak as they left the Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center in Center City Philadelphia.
The jury of seven women and five men weighed a total of 263 crimes against Gosnell with the most serious being four counts of first-degree murder.
Gosnell Found Guilty
Dr. Kermit Gosnell has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the deaths of three babies authorities say were born alive before having their necks cut with scissors. NBC10's Daralene Jones has the latest on the guilty verdict. (Published Monday, May 13, 2013)
The courtroom was locked down and reporters told to turn off all electronic devices when the jury foreman, juror number 5, read the verdict aloud.
Earlier in the day, the jury had told the court they were deadlocked on two counts. It is unclear on which charges the jury was deadlocked, however the group told the court it had reached a consensus on all other counts.
At approximately 10 a.m. Monday, the jury passed a note to Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey P. Minehart explaining their situation. The admission came on the 10th day of deliberations.
Lineup of Suspects in Abortion House of Horrors
Full Coverage: "House of Horrors" Abortion Doctor Trial
By law, according to attorneys for both sides, Judge Minehart was required to re-instruct the jury to deliberate on the two charges a second time and attempt to reach a verdict.
Judge Minehart brought the jury into the courtroom on the third-floor of the Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center around 11:15 a.m.
Inside the Courtroom: "House of Horrors" Trial
Over a five minute meeting, he reminded the jury they must be unanimous on all counts and asked the group to return to the jury room and discuss the charges further. The group was grim-faced as they were led from the court.
Judge Minehart called the jury sincere, considerate and serious. The judge also said he wanted to make sure the group was not confused over the charges.
Gosnell, a resident of West Philadelphia, was charged on January 14, 2011 with 263 crimes, including first-degree murder in the deaths of four babies. Prosecutors allege Gosnell delivered the babies alive during abortion procedures and then killed them by snipping their spinal cords with scissors.
Women's Medical Society Stands Broken
Gosnell was also charged with third-degree murder in the of former patient Karnamaya Mongar.
Mongar, 41, died after she was given a lethal dose of pain killers and anesthesia during a 2009 abortion procedure at Gosnell's West Philadelphia clinic, the Women's Medical Society.
The former doctor's defense attorney has argued Gosnell would inject a drug into his patients' uterus to stop the fetuses' hearts before they were delivered.
The majority of the 263 charges levied against Gosnell are related to alleged Pennsylvania abortion-law violations. Prosecutors say Gosnell regularly performed late-term abortions on babies older than 24 weeks -- the cutoff age in Pennsylvania.
The jury also ruled in the case of Gosnell's co-defendant Eileen O'Neill -- finding her guilty of conspiracy, conspiracy to commit corrupt organization and two counts of theft by deception. She was found not guilty of five additional counts.
Prosecutors said O'Neill deceived patients and insurance companies by pretending to be a licensed physician and billing for those services.
Her defense said while O'Neill was not licensed, she did have a medical degree and would always have Gosnell sign off on her recommendations and prescriptions. O'Neill's attorney also said there is no evidence of the 56-year-old charging for her services.
O'Neill covered her face as she left court. As reporters peppered her with questions, O'Neill only said she was under the gag order. She is currently on house arrest.
THE DISCOVERY OF A "HOUSE OF HORRORS" AND TRIAL
The alleged crimes came to light on February 10, 2010 after investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Agency raided the inner-city clinic at 3801 Lancaster Avenue following a tip that a prescription pill mill was operating inside.
Agents were met, not with an illegal narcotics drug operation, but rather, unsanitary conditions. Investigators testified they found blood-stained rooms, filthy and old equipment and untrained staff. Aborted fetuses were stored in a basement freezer in plastic food containers and bags next to employee lunches. Severed feet from aborted babies were found preserved in jars around the clinic.
The conditions found inside the clinic led Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams to call the clinic a "house of horrors" in a 2011 grand jury report.
Over the course of the trial which started on March 18 and lasted two months, former clinic employees testified against Gosnell.
Adrienne Moton was first to testify. Moton, 35, recalled several abortion procedures in court including one where the mother delivered the baby into a toilet.
The 35-year-old described how the baby seemed to struggle in the bowl before she snipped its neck with scissors. She admitted to cutting 10 babies' necks, calling the snipping "common practice" at the clinic.
Moton also took a picture of one of the babies Gosnell is accused of murdering. Referred in court as Baby A, Moton says the boy was nearly 30 weeks old when he was aborted.
She claims Gosnell even joked about the baby’s size saying he was so big the baby could have walked to the bus stop. The graphic photo, was among others, shown to the jury.
Lynda Williams testified how she would administer pain killers and anesthesia acting as the clinic's anesthesiologist. The 44-year-old had no formal training and only an 8th grade education.
Williams was the person who delivered four doses of drugs to Mongar during her procedure. She described how the woman's skin turned gray and her breathing slowed following the last dose.
She also admitted to snipping the neck of one of the babies Gosnell is charged with murdering, referred to in court as Baby C.
Both women pled guilty to third-degree murder in exchange for their testimony against Gosnell. They face 60-120 years in prison.
Other workers described babies being born alive, watching them breath and seeing their limbs move before being "snipped." Some described the babies as "aliens" who made odd noises, others said it would "rain fetuses" in the clinic.
Kareema Cross was last to testify. The 28-year-old used a fake name when she alerted the DEA to conditions inside the Women's Medical Society. She took a series of photos of her working environment, eventually turning them over to authorities.
Several medical experts also took the stand during the trial. Among them, Philadelphia's Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Sam Gulino.
Dr. Gulino testified he examined 47 fetuses and while three had the possibility of viability, he could not say for certain if any were born alive.
Prosecutors Joanne Pescatore and Ed Cameron spent five weeks presenting their case calling 36 witnesses. In contrast, Gosnell's attorney Jack McMahon only spent one day and called none.
McMahon did not call any witnesses when it was time for the defense. The bullish attorney instead stood up and rested his case. He did, however, spend hours reliving testimony in the trial during his closing arguments -- trying to use the prosecution's case to create doubt.
The 60-year-old attorney maintained babies were never delivered alive. He says Gosnell would inject the drug Digoxin into the womb to stop the fetus' heart. Labor would then be induced and the dead baby delivered, he said.
McMahon was previously successful in getting Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey P. Minehart to throw out several charges, including three counts of first-degree murder for a lack of evidence.
THE TALE OF TWO DOCTORS
Both sides painted very different pictures of the former doctor. The prosecution claimed Gosnell took advantage of poor, vulnerable, desperate women all while making millions. They claimed he also preyed on his staff.
During her opening arguments on March 18, Pescatore told jurors that for Gosnell, his abortion practice was all about the money. "He had high volume and maximum profit," she said. Police found $250,000 in cash during a 2010 search of his home.
Prosecutors claimed Gosnell would upcharge for pain killers and let the patients choose the amount of anesthesia they wanted. They were broken down into four categories -- local, heavy, twilight and custom.
Pescatore also said Gosnell would treat patients differently based on their race. White women would be taken to cleaner exam rooms and be treated directly by Gosnell. Black women would get dirty rooms and unlicensed workers, they alleged.
McMahon angrily discounted the claims calling the prosecution "elitist" and "racist" adding the case had become "a prosecutorial lynching."
He said Gosnell was a family man who gave up lucrative opportunities at medical centers across the country to serve the depressed West Philadelphia community.
Gosnell operated his three-story clinic for more than 31 years. McMahon says Gosnell treated thousands of patients and performed thousands of abortions inside the clinic over the years.
THE JURY
The jury consisted of seven women and five men. Most of the jurors are blue collar workers with four working for public transit agency SEPTA. All said they were either pro-choice or had no opinion on a woman's right to choose.
The group were subjected to graphic images and testimony over the course of the trial. Some visibly flinched at the evidence, while others teared up. They also got a glimpse at some of the equipment used inside the clinic.
Pescatore said she wanted to take the jury to the clinic, but was unable. So she had an exam table, ultrasound machine and other equipment placed in the middle of the third-floor courtroom at the Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center. The equipment sat there for nearly the entire trial, just feet from the jury box.
NATIONAL ATTENTION AND THE AFTERMATH
The case sparked national attention with national media outlets, cable news channels and conservative bloggers descending on Philadelphia to cover the trial.
President Barack Obama said he was aware of the trial and pro-life bloggers claimed there was a lack of media coverage in the case. A claim outlets, including NBC10.com, rebuked.
The case also brought light to deficiencies in state oversight. The Pennsylvania Department of Health admitted the clinic went nearly two decades without being inspected.
Legislators later passed a law to require more stringent rules for abortion clinics in the Commonwealth.
Gosnell won't be done with court once this trial is adjourned. He still faces federal charges for allegedly running an illegal narcotics operation out of the clinic.
As he was led from the courthouse in shackles and a gray prison outfit, Gosnell smirked to the waiting media, before being loaded by sheriff deputies into a van and returned to jail.
NBC10's Yoni Greenbaum, Emad Khalil, Daralene Jones, Doug Shimell and Lu Ann Cahn contributed to this report.
Contact Vince Lattanzio at 610.668.5532, [email protected] or follow @VinceLattanzio on Twitter.Every October, we face a flood of pink ribbons, from the NFL to garbage trucks to store shelves. Even Niagara Falls “goes pink for breast cancer.” Corporations spend millions to adorn their products with pink ribbons — and millions of people purchase these products because of them.
But where has all this pink-ribbon marketing gotten us?
The pink ribbon was supposed to draw attention and resources to women with breast cancer, but these days pink-ribbon promotions far too often overshadow women living with and dying from breast cancer.
Despite all the awareness efforts and all the money raised in the name of breast cancer, breast cancer remains an urgent public health crisis and a critical social justice issue. While corporations make billions off the disease, we have not seen nearly enough progress in breast cancer treatment, prevention, survival and decreasing of inequities. Today, 3 million women in the U.S. are living with breast cancer. Up to one-third of all breast cancers will metastasize, even when found in the early stages. Black women are still 40 percent more likely to die of breast cancer than white women. And 40,000 women will die of breast cancer this year, despite all the awareness and pink ribbons.
The original breast cancer ribbon was not pink. And it stood for breast cancer prevention, not generic “awareness.” In the early 1990s, a California woman named Charlotte Haley was alarmed by the number of breast cancer diagnoses in her community and family. She wanted to draw attention to the issue, so she attached peach-colored ribbons to postcards and distributed them to everyone she knew. Her postcards said: “The National Cancer Institute’s annual budget is $1.8 billion. Only 5 percent goes for cancer prevention. Help us wake up our legislators and America by wearing this ribbon.”
xxesteexx
Charlotte’s outrage about a lack of federal commitment to cancer prevention resonated with people, and her one-woman campaign started getting a lot of national media attention. Self magazine and the cosmetics company Estée Lauder asked Charlotte’s permission to use her peach ribbon as a promotional tool during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But, Alexandra Penney of Self magazine, said: “[Haley] wanted nothing to do with us. Said we were too commercial.” Self and Estée Lauder asked lawyers how they could still use the ribbon; the lawyers said they just needed to use a different color. Focus groups found that people saw pink as a soothing, comforting, quieting color. And so the pink ribbon was born.
Pink-ribbon cause marketing has become big business for corporations, who have profited mightily by aligning themselves with fighting breast cancer. Corporations profit immediately when customers buy pink-ribbon products, and they profit long after from the consumer loyalty of linking their company with a worthy cause in the public mind. Unfortunately, many pink-ribbon promotions benefit corporations’ bottom lines more than they do women at risk of — and living with — breast cancer.
A decade after the pink-ifying of the breast cancer ribbon, members of the nonprofit organization I lead, Breast Cancer Action, began raising concerns about the flood of pink-ribbon promotions they were seeing every October. They were asking an important question that was often way too hard to answer: Where was all that pink-ribbon money going?
In response, Breast Cancer Action launched our Think Before You Pink campaign in 2002. The campaign calls for transparency and accountability from companies and organizations that take part in breast cancer fundraising and pink-ribbon cause marketing.
Most of us see a pink ribbon and understandably assume something good for breast cancer patients is happening with the money, but that’s not always the case.
Many people are shocked to realize that some companies put pink ribbons on products to “spread awareness” but make no donation at all. They simply put a well-known symbol associated with breast cancer on their products and profit off customer good will. Because the pink ribbon is completely unregulated, any company can put the pink ribbon on any product. Consumers who expect their purchase to generate needed money for breast cancer organizations should be sure to look to see if any money is in fact donated to a breast cancer organization.
xxyoplaitxx
Other companies give a portion of your purchase to a breast cancer organization but require you to take an additional step (for example, Yoplait requires you buy a pink-lidded yogurt and go to a website to enter a special code before they will donate any money) — a step that unsuspecting consumers might accidentally miss.
Most people I talk with assume that pink-ribbon money goes to research. But some of the most popular programs for pink-ribbon money is directed only toward generic awareness efforts — honestly, at this point, who isn’t aware that breast cancer is a problem? Some companies selling pink-ribbon products don’t indicate which of the many different breast cancer organizations will get the money and some just say: “A portion of the proceeds will be donated to help fight breast cancer.” And then we just have to trust that these organizations are engaged in work that is meaningful to us and makes the greatest difference in the breast cancer epidemic.
Another corporate practice that can obscure how much money is donated occurs when companies put a cap on their maximum donation. Once this maximum amount has been met, the company will continue to sell the pink-ribbon products (and take your money) without alerting you that your purchase won’t go toward a breast cancer organization — just the company’s bottom line. Consumers who want to make a difference need a way to know if the maximum donation has already been met when they are considering a pink-ribbon purchase.
But the pink-ribbon promotions that make my blood boil the most are when companies engage in pinkwashing. Pinkwashers are companies and organizations that claim to care about breast cancer, but at the same time produce, manufacture and/or sell products that are linked to increased risk of the disease.
xxpoisonxx
Each year, we see outrageous examples of pinkwashing: pink-ribbon cosmetics that contain harmful chemicals, pink-ribbon drill bits used in toxic processes, pink-ribbon automotives for vehicles that spew cancer-causing exhaust, pink-ribbon alcohol that is linked to breast cancer, and the list goes on and on. It is outrageous and hypocritical that companies claiming to care about breast cancer put pink ribbons on products that increase our risk of the very disease they claim to care about.
We must hold corporations who claim they care about breast cancer accountable for their pink-ribbon promotions. Before you buy pink, be sure to ask our “Critical Questions for Conscious Consumers.”
1. Does any money from this purchase go to support breast cancer programs? If so, how much? If you can’t tell how much money from your purchase will go to support breast cancer programs, consider giving directly to the charity of your choice instead.
2. Which organization will get the money? What will they do with the funds, and how do these programs help turn the tide of the breast cancer epidemic? Before donating, check the recipient organization’s website to make sure that its mission and activities are in line with your personal values. If you can’t tell, or you don’t know what the organization does, reconsider your purchase.
3. Is there a cap on the amount the company will donate? Has this maximum donation already been met? Can you tell?
4. Does this purchase put you or someone you love at risk for exposure to toxins linked to breast cancer? What is the company doing to ensure that its products are not contributing to the breast cancer epidemic?
If you can’t answer these questions to your satisfaction, I urge you to give directly to a breast cancer organization doing work that matters to you: Whether research into the causes of the disease, transportation vouchers for low-income women, support groups or policy work, there is a lot of work that needs to be done to address and end the breast cancer epidemic.
This October, join me and thousands of others to demand more transparency and accountability from companies that claim to care about breast cancer, so we can make better progress in ending this epidemic that is taking the lives of far too many women.
Karuna Jaggar is executive director of Breast Cancer Action. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @karunajaggar.Update April 5 KST:
YG Entertainment has responded to the rumors of 2NE1‘s disbandment and Minzy leaving the group.
The agency has informed the media that they will hold a press conference and answer questions regarding the rumors in the afternoon.
Stay tuned for updates.
Original:
Rumors of 2NE1′s disbandment are surfacing once again with new reports about Minzy being in talks with other agencies.
An entertainment industry insider spoke with news outlet TV Daily and said, “2NE1’s contract expiration date is coming soon and it looks highly likely that the team will disband. Gong Minzy is meeting with other agencies and preparing to move.”
The source continued, “I heard that Gong Minzy has actually gone to the point of negotiating contracts with an agency. Apparently it didn’t work out because Gong Minzy’s contract fee was too large.”
On the other hand, some insiders believe Minzy is just generally testing the waters to check her net worth.
YG Entertainment has yet to comment on these reports.
What are your thoughts?
Source (1) (2) (3)Tennessee’s defense will have to deal with a major loss to its defense Saturday against Florida — and possibly longer.
According to a report from VolQuest.com, starting safety Todd Kelly Jr. did not travel with the team to Gainesville, Florida, for its matchup against the Gators because of an ongoing knee problem. Sources told VolQuest.com that there is no timetable for when Kelly will return and is out indefinitely.
VolQuest.com reports that Kelly and his family will meet with trainers and doctors to discuss the best course of action for his lingering knee issues.
Kelly |
since John Travolta introduced himself to a male stranger at the gym, where they were alone, together, at three in the morning. In that time, the photo of Travolta and an unsuspecting man has gone viral, and both Travolta and the man have had to explain exactly why Travolta approached him at the gym, where they were alone, together, at three in the morning.
For the defense, here is Travolta's explanation, as told to Access Hollywood:
"[I work out] for my health… as you get older, if you have kids that are young – I mean, my son's 4 and my daughter's 14. I should be really a grandfather, but I'm a father," John told Access at the Living Legend Aviation Awards on Friday. "They still want me to play with them at the level of a much younger man. So in order to stay healthy for them, that's what I do."
Here is what the man, named Justin Jones, told the National Enquirer:
"I was completely aware of what was happening," said Justin. "He just walks right up to me and introduces himself – 'Hi, I'm John.'" When asked if he thought John was sizing him up, Justin said, "I understood what was happening when it was happening – it was in his body language. It didn't make me uncomfortable, but I noticed it."
"I understood what was happening when it was happening," says the man who was approached by John Travolta, at the gym, where they were alone, together, at three in the morning.
We all did, Justin. We all did.MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 3: (L - R) Sammy Watkins #2, head coach Dabo Swinney, and Tajh Boyd #10 of the Clemson Tigers celebrate their victory against the Ohio State Buckeyes after the 2014 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2014 in Miami, (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
Clemson University's football team may be ranked in the top 10 for college teams, but it's on the defensive now from accusations saying it is steeped in "Christian worship."
The Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF), a Wisconsin-based atheist organization, recently sent a letter to the Senior Associate General Counsel of Clemson University condemning what it calls an "endorsement of religion over nonreligion" in the school's football program.
The group pointed to coach Dabo Swinney's personal invitation in 2011 to bring Minister James Trapp on board as the Clemson Tigers Chaplain. This, the letter says, goes against the school's "Guidelines For Athletic Team Chaplains" which states that students must select their own chaplains and seek approval from the coach.
The organization objected to what it sees as an overt inclusion of religion in the athletic program, allegedly including the reciting of Scriptural passages, distribution of Bibles and coercion to attend church.
In an in-depth article on the religious culture of Clemson's football program, Brad Wolverton from The Chronicle of Higher Education described many of the same practices FFRF outlined.
At Clemson, God is everywhere. The team's chaplain leads a Bible study for coaches every Monday and Thursday. Another three times a week, the staff gathers for devotionals. Nearly every player shows up at a voluntary chapel service the night before each game. The players all know the coach's favorite Bible verse, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25: "Run your race to win, don't just run the race."
Clemson University has a chapter in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) with a website that offers information about campus pastoral care, church services, missionary trips and more.
The university's chief public affairs officer Cathy Sams told The Greenville News she wasn't concerned about the religious nature of the program, however.
"No one is required to participate in any religious activities related to the football program," she said. "It's purely voluntary. Religion and faith is a big part of Coach Swinney's personal beliefs, but it is in no way required. There is no mandatory participation."
Coach Swinney echoed similar sentiments in the Chronicle of Higher Education article. "I've had Muslims, Catholics—I've got two Mormons on this team right now," Swinney told Wolverton. "When we get out on the football field, it's not about if you're a Christian, it's about who's the best player."
FFRF is not convinced, however, and urged the university to ensure that Swinney and Trapp discontinue any practices that may be deemed as proselytizing in any way.'The Brazilian ‘Human Ken’ has died following complications after being diagnosed with leukaemia just five months ago.
Celso Santebañes, a 20-year-old Brazilian model who spent £30,000 on surgery in order to appear like Barbie’s boyfriend Ken, died at Federal University of Uberlândia Clinical Hospital, in Brazil, on Thursday after contracting pneumonia.
Santebañes first came to attention when he appeared in a talk show aged 16, going on to win modelling contests.
He became increasingly fixated on looking exactly like toy manufacturer Mattel’s Ken Doll, having operations to alter the shape of his face, lips and nose.
© Celso Santebañes/Instagram Celso Santebañes died in hospital
As his fame grew, he began charging up to £10,000 for each appearance and launched his own range of Celso Dolls in Los Angeles, US, the Mirror reported.
But in January he announced he was started a “new cycle” of his life, telling reporters that he was “no longer concerned with the issue of aesthetics.”
“For me that doesn't matter. What matter is my health now, and I will fight for it," he told the Latin Times.
Santebañes was buried yesterday. His father, Celia Borges, told reporters: “When he was starting to fulfil his dreams, he discovered his illness and his dreams were interrupted. He had plans but God had others.”Spoilers follow for Doctor Who: Hell Bent and Doctor Who: Earthshock.
@TomSpilsbury Very moving – but he didn't go to all that trouble for Adric, did he? — Josie Turner (@JosieTurner20) December 6, 2015
The Cyberman had shot the control panel. Adric could still smell the burning stench through his overly wide nostrils.
“Now I’ll never know if I was right.”
Those were his last words, as the freighter carrying him into the Earth’s prehistoric atmosphere exploded. His last thought was that he really wanted a milkshake.
On the TARDIS, Tegan’s words to the Doctor were bitter and angry. “Well, you could do more than grieve. You could go back.”
Nyssa took her head out of her hands. “Could you?”
The Doctor shook his head. “No.” But Nyssa was arguing. “Surely the Tardis is quite capable of –”
“We can change what happened if we materialise before Adric was killed” emphasised Tegan, she had no time for niceties.
The Doctor raised an eyebrow. “And change your own history?”
As well as killing Adric the exploding vessel had also created a planetary climatic disaster. But it was one that Tegan was rather personally invested in. As it had the effect of killing off the dinosaurs and giving a bunch of small mammals the chance to do rather well out of it all.
Tegan wasn’t standing for this kind of thing. She knew all about the rules of paradox by now. “Look, the freighter could still crash into Earth. That doesn’t have to be changed. Only Adric doesn’t have to be on board.”
The Doctor took no prisoners. “Now listen to me, both of you. There are some rules that cannot be broken even with the TARDIS. Don’t ever ask me to do anything like that again. You must accept that Adric is dead. His life wasn’t wasted. He died trying to save others, just like his brother, Varsh. You know, Adric had a choice. This is the way he wanted it.”
Far away, two were watching the three.
“He was so different back then. I remember this one. Or rather I did. A bit of me did, it’s all rather complicated.”
“At least you remember some of it.”
“At least I can do something about it.”
Clara and Me watched The Doctor, Tegan and Nyssa mourn in their own way, in a room very much like the one they were standing in. Same white same roundels, a pretty similar console. But Clara, still dressed in her waitress gear was damned if they were going to let it end there.
“Adric lucked out” said Clara. “If he’d had my Doctor instead of Mr Celery over there, he’d have found a way. Which is where we come in.”
Mr Celery had made it look complicated. But Clara knew how much was for show. Two flicked switches and a slammed lever achieved one of the more complicated manoeuvres in four dimensional space. Me opened the door of a fifties diner onto a doomed space freighter.
“Now I’ll never know if I was right.”
Five seconds later, Me had Adric slammed against the bulkhead, Clara staring into his terrified eyes. It was getting rather hot for everyone and sweat started streaming from foreheads.
“Hello. You have thirty seconds to decide before boom, boom, Adric. Come with us in a different TARDIS knowing that one day you will return here and die a final death. Or wait twenty-four seconds and meet that death, head on. Your call.”
Adric was nothing if not good at mathematics. He had a good sixteen seconds left before he nodded his head.
“And that” said Clara, snapping her fingers as the TARDIS doors closed, locking them in some extra dimension of menus and swivel stools unfazed by the expanding fireball around it, “is how it’s done, Doctor.”
“He was going to leave me to die, wasn’t he” whined Adric. “Yeah, he does that” batted away Clara. “Or at least he used to. Hey, I’m Clara, we know you’re Adric and this is Me.”
“Future or past regeneration?” asked Adric. There was a slight freakout from the women.
“No, I’m not a Time Lord.”
“Me neither.”
“Not a Time Lady either.”
“There’s little difference these days.”
“I just travel in time and space in a TARDIS”
“And I’m an immortal. Possibly a hybrid, there is some debate.”
“This is Me. Not me me, but Me, her name is Me.”
Adric couldn’t say anything about stupid names. His brother was called Varsh after all.
“How long can I stay?” asked Adric, with a tiny screaming voice in the back of his head that betrayed what he was really asking “how long can I stay alive now?”
Me signalled to Clara, “Oh, she’ll keep you around for ages, she loves a sad case. But as for Me…” She paused, trying to avoid confusing wordplay but failed. “Annoy Me too much and I’ll throw you out of the TARDIS airlock.”
“The TARDIS doesn’t have airlocks” corrected Adric.
“The Doctor turned that feature off on his”, re-corrected Clara. “I would, but I can’t find the settings in the manual.”
“I could have a look at that” offered Adric. “I’m good at that sort of thing.” A role, thought Adric, get yourself a role. Then Me can’t risk throwing you out of anything.
Me raised an eyebrow and looked at Clara’s waitress uniform. Somehow, somewhere, somewhen, Clara had acquired the stick of celery now adorning it.
“The difference is between me and him”, said Clara, lowering her sonic sunglasses. “Is that I make this look good.”
Adric drank his shake.
Coming to a TV show near you never, Clara, Adric & Me.
About Rich Johnston Chief writer and founder of Bleeding Cool. Father of two. Comic book clairvoyant. Political cartoonist.
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None foundAdvertisement Vacaville man hits the streets to find mom a kidney Son pleads for mom's donation with sandwich board Share Shares Copy Link Copy
It's not unusual to see people wearing sandwich boards on the street, trying to advertise a business or push an agenda -- but one man decided to use the same means to help save his mother’s life.“To be honest, I have seen a similar story online," said 22-year-old Geoffrey Dinoso, of Vacaville. "A man did the same thing for his wife and he got the exposure. The news covered him and he got what he wanted."Watch report: Son pleads for mom's donation with sandwich boardWhat Dinoso wants is for someone to donate a kidney to his mother, Maria Dinoso, who was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease two years ago.“All of a sudden, I got very sick," Maria Dinoso said. "When I went to the emergency room, they did a lot of tests, and the tests came out that I got kidney failure already. I was very scared and I didn’t know how to tell my kids.”Her son thought the kindness of people – amplified by the power of social media – would allow the family to spread three simple words plastered on a sandwich board: "Mom needs kidney.”“She means the world to me," Geoffrey Dinoso said. "She’s my mom. She’s been there for me all my life. It’s the least I could do."He’s gotten varied reactions, from people asking about the backstory to offering to donate money, which he said he’s refused.“A bunch of people came up to me, took pictures of me and posted it on Facebook, so I’m all over the Internet, apparently,” Geoffrey Dinoso said.Maria Dinoso had no idea her son would try to assist in that way. He wasn’t going to disclose the sandwich board idea to her, until KCRA 3 asked Maria for an interview.“I was very surprised," Maria Dinoso said. "I was crying. I didn’t know he would do that for me."They both hope someone, somewhere, might be touched enough to donate a kidney.“Without it, my mom’s going to (continue) being on dialysis," Geoffrey Dinoso said. "And the longer you’re on dialysis, the more harm it does to your body, so that’s why I’m trying to get this done as quickly as possible." To get in touch with Geoffrey, call 707-439-1024.Mobile users, view more photos here.The young man who died after being wrestled to the floor by a police officer following a chase in east London had not swallowed drugs, forensic tests have revealed.
Rashan Charles, 20, was pronounced dead in hospital after being restrained in a shop in Dalston on July 22 – sparking both peaceful and violent protests in the community.
CCTV footage of the incident appeared to show him swallowing an object as he ran into the shop at around 1.45am.
The images then show him being grabbed by the officer who wrestles him to the floor, with the pair struggling for at least a minute.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said on Wednesday evening that forensic tests revealed the object “did not contain a controlled substance”.
The watchdog added: "Our independent investigation is thoroughly examining all aspects of police interaction with Rashan prior to his death and has already undertaken a large number of investigative actions.
"The IPCC has now received results of forensic analysis of an object that was removed from Rashan’s airway by paramedics. The object did not contain a controlled substance."
The watchdog said IPCC staff met with Mr Charles's family on Wednesday afternoon to update them with the results of the forensic analysis.
It added that a post mortem took place on Monday 24 July and investigators are awaiting the preliminary findings from the pathologist.
The father-of-one's family have urged calm following a series of protests against police in east London over his death.
On Friday evening, a large gang of protesters - many of whom had their faces covered - clashed with riot police as tensions came to a head.
The group blocked busy Kingsland Road before hurling bottles, stones and other objects at police and starting a fire in the middle of the road.
A vigil held the following day outside Stoke Newington police station saw Mr Charles' father call for "dignified" demonstrations.
He was joined by Shadow home secretary and Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP Diane Abbott, who told the crowd she felt it was important to attend the vigil to "show her support".
Those in the crowd at the vigil could be heard chanting "no justice, no peace" as they called for the police officer who arrested Mr Charles to be suspended.
Last week, the IPCC said the evidence it had seen so far suggested that Mr Charles was detained by a Metropolitan Police officer who had followed him on foot into a shop on Kingsland Road after an earlier attempted vehicle stop.
The officer restrained Mr Charles, with the help of a member of the public, and he was handcuffed.
After he was detained, attempts were made to remove an object from his mouth or throat.
His condition deteriorated, and the officer called for a police medic who provided assistance prior to the arrival of paramedics, according to the IPCC.
Weyman Bennett, co-convenor at Stand Up To Racism, said: "We now know that the initial statements put out at the time of Rashan's death were misleading or outright lies. Justification for his death looks increasingly at the hands of those people that forcibly restrained him.
"The attempt to smear Rashan as somebody involved in drugs was an attempt to assassinate his character. We hold the police wholly responsible for these false statements that were put out, and we demand justice for Rashan."The Japanese Supreme Court has ruled that it is perfectly fine to religiously profile Muslims.
According to The Daily Caller, 17 Muslims filed a lawsuit against the Japanese government's mass surveillance of the Muslim community, which includes "places of worship, halal restaurants and Muslim organizations."
A 2010 leak found that the government had files on 72,000 Muslims in various countries. There are 70,000 Muslims in Japan.
The court did award the plaintiffs a compensation of $900,000, but also ruled that it was constitutional to religiously profile Muslims, referring to the mass surveillance as "necessary and inevitable" to thwart terror attacks.
The ruling will likely come as welcome news to many on the right, including real estate mogul Donald Trump, who recently endorsed profiling as a national security measure.
"Well, I think profiling is something that we're going to have to start thinking about as a country," Trump told CBS's John Dickerson. "And other countries do it. And you look at Israel and you look at others, and they do it. And they do it successfully. And I hate the concept of profiling. But we have to start using common sense, and we have to use -- we have to use our heads."
The Daily Wire editor-in-chief Ben Shapiro succinctly and effectively made the case for the religious profiling of Muslims back in December:
Now, this doesn't mean that we ought to discriminate against individual Muslims, of course. But it does mean that law enforcement ought to look at indicators of possible terrorist connections, and that one preliminary indicator is religious practice of Islam. That indicator isn't sufficient to determine connection to terrorism -- far from it. No single indicator generally is. But behavioral profiling involves investigating a variety of factors. As Daniel Wagner, CEO of Risk Solutions, writes about Israel's profiling techniques, "Departing passengers [at Ben Gurion Airport] are questioned by highly trained security agents before they reach the check-in counter. These interviews could last as little as one minute or as long as an hour, based on such factors as age, race, religion and destination."
Indeed, Israel's airport security is considered to be "the best in the world" according to Slate's Brian Palmer, and their use of profiling has stopped at least one terror attack from occurring.
During his primary run, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) came under heavy fire for proposing the policing of Muslim neighborhoods, even though the New York Police Department had done exactly that before the corrupt communist Bill de Blasio became mayor of New York City. The NYPD was able to thwart "multiple attacks" as a result of their methods.
If the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled that the religious profiling of Muslims is constitutional, the left would instantly pounce with cries of "Islamophobia" and bigotry. In Japan, the ruling was met with the shrugging of shoulders; instead, the focus was on the leak's potential effects on national security in the future.Freeware QVD and QVX Files Editor
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Portable VersionInternational staff for US-based Marathon Oil will begin returning to Iraqi Kurdistan on Friday, the latest in a string of companies that decided to send employees back to the region.
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Despite ongoing battles between Peshmerga and Islamic extremists on the outskirts of the Kurdistan Region, oil production is ramping back up and many energy companies are returning to business as usual.
A spokesman for the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Ministry of Natural Resources told Rudaw, “The majority of (international oil companies) are now returning to their full work schedule with some 70 percent of blocks operational. About 95 percent of the service companies have returned and are resuming work.”
He added, “Kurdistan’s oil and gas infrastructure remains unaffected by the operations against terrorists…The Oil Protection Force is at all sites in Kurdistan and remains vigilant, having bravely prevented the terrorists from accessing oil and gas facilities.”
Oil and gas continued to flow from major fields in the KRG since the Islamic State (IS) toppled Mosul in June. However, many companies evacuated non-essential staff and international workers, especially after an IS offensive in early August came within 25 kilometers of the regional capital, Erbil, forcing hundreds of thousands of Iraqis to flee to the KRG in a matter of days.
“The main issue was the safety of staff, but most international oil companies are coming back now and resuming their normal operations,” said Shwan Zulal, who runs a consulting firm specializing in the Kurdistan Region.
“The oil industry is bullish about the prospect of oil export despite delays and setbacks,” he added, “and none has been deterred by the legal and political wrangling between Baghdad and Erbil.”
International staff for US-based Marathon Oil will begin returning to Iraqi Kurdistan on Friday, the latest in a string of companies that decided to send employees back to the region. Anglo-Turkish firm Genel Energy and Canadian Oryx Petroleum announced earlier this week that their staff would return.
Companies in the exploration and drilling phases have been more cautious. During the August offensive, US firm Hess shut down a drilling operation.
Oryx’s Ain Al Safra and Banan discovery operations are suspended “pending further improvement in the security environment in the westernmost portions of the Hawler license area,” according to a company statement.
While there may be some delays in development, however, production has actually risen during the crisis.
Genel’s Tawke and Taq Taq fields are producing 234,000 barrels per day (bpd) and exporting 182,000 bpd thanks to an upgrade to the Iraq-Turkey pipeline in Iraqi Kurdistan. Baz Karim, president of the Kar Group which owns the region’s largest refinery, stated last week that production should rise to 400,000 bpd by the end of the year.The first printed map of Washington, D.C. being the small-scale edition of the “Ellicott Plan” engraved by Thackara & Valance for the Columbian Magazine.
Due to the vicissitudes of war and sectional politics, the site of the American capital remained unsettled for years after independence, and before 1790 Congress met variously at Philadelphia, Lancaster and York, Pennsylvania; Annapolis and Baltimore, Maryland; Princeton and Trenton, New Jersey; and New York City. The location of the permanent capital was not confirmed until the Residence Act of 1790, which provided for a district not more than 10 miles square along the Potomac River “at some place between the mouths of the Eastern Branch and the Connogocheague.” Passage of the Act was made possible by the “Compromise of 1790,” in which southern states agreed to back Hamilton’s plan for federal assumption of state debts in return for the latter’s support for locating the capital along the Potomac.
In January 1791 President Washington announced that the capital district would be a diamond-shaped tract, 10 miles per side, roughly centered on the confluence of the Potomac and Eastern Branch (Anacostia) Rivers. Andrew Ellicott was engaged to conduct a topographical survey of the area, while Pierre L’Enfant was hired to develop a plan for the capital city itself. L’Enfant was a French artist and engineer who had served as a volunteer during the Revolution and was sufficiently well connected that he had been asked to design the seal for the Society of the Cincinnati. He was brilliant but difficult, so much so that Washington eventually fired him in 1792 and engaged Ellicott, who used L’Enfant’s design as the basis for his plan of the city.
L’Enfant had envisioned a grand capital on the European model, with broad avenues, large public squares and dramatic sightlines, all designed to make the most of the site’s topography and its splendid riverside setting. The intent was to convey the grandeur and permanence of the national government—which at the time was all of three years old, boasted a bureaucracy of perhaps 200 employees, and rested on a Constitution that was feared as much as it was venerated. This vision was of course realized, but few would have predicted it at the time. In 1792 the site was a humid swamp and would remain so for years, and its grand buildings rose in the midst of a veritable sea of mud.
Copies of Ellicott’s manuscript plan were forwarded to the firms of Thackara & Vallance in Philadelphia and Samuel Hill, Jr. in Boston. They were to engrave and publish it as quickly as possible, in order that it might be distributed to facilitate the sale of land in the new city. Before publishing the large-scale “official” plans, each firm released smaller versions. The first of these—the map offered here—was engraved by Thackara & Vallance and appeared as a plate in The Universal Asylum And Columbian Magazine for March 1792, while Hill’s was included in the May 1792 Massachusetts Magazine. The proofs of the official plans were not ready until June or July 1792, making these small-scale editions the first and second published plans of Washington, D.C.
References
Jolly, Maps of America in Periodicals before 1800, #440. Miller, Washington in Maps: 1606-2000, pp. 44-47 (illus.) Stephenson, “From L’Enfant to the Senate Park Commission: Mapping the Nation’s Capital from 1791 to 1902,” p. 6 (in Philip Lee Phillips Map Society, The Occasional Papers, series no. 6 (Winter 2014)). Wheat & Brun, Checklist of Maps Printed in America before 1800, #527.Hailing a yellow cab, grabbing a slice of pizza after a Yankees game, strolling through Central Park... these are some of the indelible parts of a New York City experience. So, too, is the sight of yeshivah students clamoring from a converted RV—better known as the “mitzvah tank”—with tefillin and Shabbat candles in hand as they ask tourists and locals alike: “Excuse me, are you Jewish?” The mitzvah tanks have become an iconic fixture in New York City and beyond, referenced in the media and popular culture throughout the world. Yet despite their near ubiquity, the origins of the mitzvah tanks are largely unknown. To many, they are an accepted landmark, an expected part of the urban terrain. RELATED Rooted in the unique challenges facing American Jewry during the second half of the 20th century, these “tanks against assimilation” go back 50 years to a pivotal time in Jewish history: the 1960s-era hippie movement, the start of the Six-Day War in 1967 and the launch shortly beforehand of the Tefillin Campaign by the Lubavitcher Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. Leading up to and following Israel’s miraculous victory, the Rebbe’s mitzvah campaign served also as a means for expressing Jewish pride, instilling Jewish identity, and inspiring spiritual exploration and expression, all of which were particularly needed in postwar America.
‘Loss of Jewish Identity’ Post–World War II and the Holocaust, Western Jewry faced a daunting challenge. Throughout the world, Jews whose ancestors had lived in Europe and Russia during the 19th and early 20th centuries sought to leave the pain of those places and their religious traditions behind. In America, Jews began to leave the confines of urban Jewish enclaves for the growing suburbs. Spurred by a decline in anti-Semitism and the promise of greater opportunity, many sought to blend their identities into the greater melting pot of Western ideals and culture. A new generation of Jews was being raised without regular Jewish education or synagogue attendance, encouraged to be more like their non-Jewish neighbors. Perhaps no single headline summed up this trend in America more than one in Look magazine two decades after the war. Its May 5, 1964 cover story, titled “The Vanishing American Jew,” stated that “new studies reveal loss of Jewish identity, soaring rate of intermarriage,” a future where “Judaism may be losing 70 percent of children born to mixed couples.” A widely read May 5, 1964 cover story in “Look” magazine discussed the crises of intermarriage, a loss of Jewish identity and traditions, and other alarming issues in the U.S. Jewish community just two decades after the Holocaust. In the midst of this quagmire of Jewish identity, a new tool in the battle against assimilation burst on the scene in the summer of 1967: the “mitzvah mobile.” Converted trucks from the Hertz rental-car company were transformed into ad-hoc synagogues, outfitted with Jewish books and religious accoutrements, including tefillin and Shabbat candles. Staffed by yeshivah students in New York City, the vehicle—and the idea behind it—quickly picked up steam. It heralded a paradigm shift in U.S. Jewish identity. If until then Jewish expression could be summarized more quietly as “Jew in the home, American in the street,” the vehicles represented something entirely new. Jewish identity was exhibited loudly—and proudly—outside, no longer sequestered to the synagogue or yeshivah. In the words of the era, Judaism demanded to “be here, now.” The RVs converted into mobile Jewish centers were Jewish pride writ large: bold, brash and ready to engage the public.
1962: The Mitzvah Bus in the Age of Mad Men A yeshivah student offers Shabbat candles to a Jewish woman in New York City after the Rebbe launched his Shabbat candle campaign in August of 1975. (Photo: JEM/The Living Archive) The idea of using mobile homes to encourage and enable the performance of mitzvahs on public thoroughfares had its origin in the fall of 1962, recalls Rabbi Simcha Piekarski, who at the time was an older yeshivah student in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y. “One day, I went to a local diner for a cup of coffee,” says Piekarski. “It was one of those places where you could sit and schmooze.” A local businessman and Chassid, Aaron Klein, approached him with a novel idea. Noting the bookmobiles used by some libraries to serve communities in remote areas, Piekarski recalls Klein saying: “Wouldn’t it be great to have a bus that traveled around with Jewish books?” Always someone to embrace a novel idea, Klein paid to have a Navy surplus bus refurbished, painting it in shades of blue and orange, with handsome lettering on the outside and an attached speaker system to play Jewish music. At the time, Rabbi Shlomo Cunin was a yeshivah student who worked on building a custom shelving system to house the bus library. At the Rebbe’s suggestion, a special space was added to the back for men to don tefillin. “We were young people,” Cunin reflects on the project. “We knew how to speak in a way that Americans could understand, in a way that would get their attention.” Here was a chance to brand Judaism, to take it to the streets, making it more approachable and accessible to modern American Jews. A bus like no other: Officially dubbed the “Merkos Mobile Library,” it caught the eye of “The New York Times.” A November 1963 headline announced a “Mobile Library Being Used By Hasidic Jewish Group.” (Photo: Rabbi Michoel Seligson Archive) (Photo: JEM/The Living Archive) Officially dubbed the “Merkos Mobile Library,” it got much attention and caught the eye of The New York Times. A November 1963 headline announced a “Mobile Library Being Used By Hasidic Jewish Group.” Cunin was tasked with driving the bus each week to the Bronx, where he’d park it in front of Jewish communal centers. He’d turn up the music, set up tables and chairs, and encourage people to peruse the library on wheels and put on tefillin. When Cunin moved to Los Angeles in 1965, he brought the idea of a mobile Jewish library with him. Facing opposition from a Jewish establishment uncomfortable with overt Jewish expression, the rabbi took matters into his own hands. Finding a trailer for sale by a Fox Studios executive—Cunin, who today is director of Chabad of the West Coast, managed to get a 35-foot behemoth for $5,000, no money down—he transformed it into a mobile station for Jewish engagement. Cunin drove the trailer up and down the West Coast. “We went to schools, to military bases,” he says. “I drove it all the way to Sacramento. People came in and it was like entering a new world; it blew people’s minds.” The trailer played a pivotal role in Jewish outreach; it went from a resource for books to a robust hub for Jewish practice. Now on two coasts, these vehicles were poised to help affect the masses at a decisive moment in modern Jewish history by providing Jewish content to a post-Holocaust generation searching for greater meaning and purpose, and by laying the groundwork for the widespread use of these vehicles during the Tefillin Campaign launched in the days leading up to the Six-Day War, when the Rebbe called on Jewish men and boys age 13 and older around the world to unite in fulfilling the mitzvah. Rabbi Nosson Gurary, Chabad emissary in Buffalo, N.Y., helps a young man shake the lulav and etrog during Sukkot. (Photo: Kehot Publication Society)
‘Drop Into the Old World’ Throughout the spring of 1967, tens of thousands of enemy troops gathered ominously at Israel’s borders. World leaders and the media painted a bleak picture for the Jewish state, with Jews fearing a “second Holocaust.” On June 5, 1967, war broke out between Israel on one side and, on the other, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon. Over the course of the next few days, the armies of the five nations that attacked Israel on three fronts were miraculously and decisively brought to their knees. Seemingly on the brink of annihilation, Israel had reclaimed key parts of its ancestral land as a result of what would come to be known as the Six-Day War. Images of Israeli soldiers donning tefillin and openly weeping by the Western Wall were seen all over the world. Jewish pride swelled universally. At the same time, America’s youth, steeped in the new counterculture, were undergoing a tectonic shift that summer—“the summer of love.” Looking for inspiration, some young Jews turned to Eastern philosophies, rock music, communes and drugs. A yeshivah student hands materials to Jewish kids in one of New York’s outer boroughs before Rosh Hashanah, September 1975. (Photo: JEM/The Living Archive) The Rebbe looked beyond the younger generation’s behavior, seeing larger notions at work. He would describe the rebellion of young people as emerging from a positive fire in their souls that refuses to conform, that is dissatisfied with the status quo, that cries out that it wants to change the world and is frustrated with not knowing how to do so. Donning tefillin represented a bridge to Judaism, encapsulating both the newfound Jewish pride and the search for new spiritual consciousness. At the time, it seemed entirely congruous for a Chabad rabbi—in this case, Rabbi Moshe Feller of Minnesota—to share the stage with a hippie from San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood and a Black Panther activist at the regional B’nai Brith Youth Convention in St. Paul to discuss “The Right to be Different.” The Rebbe’s campaign was just revving up, and the yeshivah students tasked with the mission, recalling the mobile libraries, created a vehicle to deliver it: the “tefillin mobile.” The New York Times described the truck in a 1968 feature article. “[A]mid the hippies, the peace marchers, the Good Humor men and the hundreds of Sunday wanderers in the warm sun,” of Washington Square Park “a big, yellow truck called the “Tefillin-Mobile” with “lively Hasidic songs and marches blaring from the loudspeaker” brought “flocks |
, intelligence, creativity, evolution, etc. The experience of God is found inside our own consciousness, not "out there" in a supernatural realm.
Militant atheists like Richard Dawkins seem convincing when they cloak themselves in rationality and science while portraying God in terms of irrationality and superstition. This makes for nice rhetoric, pitting an absolutely good side against an absolutely bad one, but Dawkins and his crowd know little about spirituality and less about consciousness. Everything they say, once you winnow out the freight of arrogance, dismissiveness, false representation, chop logic, and bad faith (there's a lot to discard, believe me), the basis for modern atheism is a materialistic belief that nothing except physical objects and processes can be real. This stance is known as "naive realism," and it has served atheists well because we all live our lives as naive realists.
That is, we believe the information brought to us by the five senses. What we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell can be treated, for all practical purposes, as reliably real. We navigate through the day using the mind at its common-sense level. Emotions, both positive and negative, influence us all the time, even if we wish they wouldn't. The world "in here," a domain of introspection and unseen forces, is largely unexplored.
The problem with naive realism is that, although workable, it's not scientifically valid and it can't possibly lead to God. This is where the level playing field comes in with a vengeance. On the one hand quantum physics has totally dismantled the validity of the five senses when it comes to understanding the "real" reality that defies not just our eyes and ears but our common sense and our reliance on such appearances as linear time and three-dimensional space. On the other hand, the mystery of the "real" reality is intimately tied to understanding our own consciousness. This double whammy more or less flattens Dawkins-style atheism intellectually, which is why science and consciousness have become strange bedfellows if you are bamboozled into believing that atheism is more valid than spirituality.
In truth, all experiences are subjective, including the experience of doing science. Before we can be completely sure of any fact, science must account for something more basic: How do we know the world? What is the connection between objectivity and subjectivity? What is consciousness to begin with? At first blush these questions don't seem to pass the "So what?" test. They appear to belong in the ivory towers of the academy. But if you do nothing more than accept the new level playing field that now prevails, immense practical consequences result. Again, let me abbreviate the main points.
If all experience is subjective, going inward is a valid means of exploring reality. In this exploration, new levels of consciousness reveal themselves. At deeper levels of consciousness, perception changes radically. As perception changes, so does reality itself, since nothing is real for us beyond what we can perceive in some way. The conjunction of the individual mind with the source of consciousness is where God lives.
In short, God is a journey in consciousness, and because that's so, whatever benefit we gain from being conscious is increased once we obtain direct access to God. Needless to say, atheists don't even begin such a journey, because they dismiss it outright in advance. But the benefits of being more conscious will appeal to any rational person. If there is indeed a source of creativity, intelligence, power, love, truth--pick any divine attribute you want--the choice between God and atheism suddenly becomes radically revised. Atheism becomes the choice not to look into God, to passively accept second-hand opinions about the non-existence of God, and to judge spirituality worthless without question. As my example of putting a video camera on the shoulder of an atheist and a believer showed, there's no reason to doubt that being an unbeliever can lead to a satisfying practical life.
But the video camera doesn't show the inner effect of expanding one's awareness, and I would venture--as argued at length in the book--that God brings the highest state of well-being no matter how you define the term. As the great quantum pioneer Max Planck observed, there is no getting behind consciousness. The mystery of realty can only be solved there. Which means that the mystery of personal realty, yours and mine, can only be solved there, too. This is the strongest incentive to find God, and the possibility that God will have a future that's crucial to human happiness and survival.
Deepak Chopra, MD is the author of more than 80 books with twenty-two New York Times bestsellers. He serves as the founder of The Chopra Foundation and co-founder of The Chopra Center for Wellbeing. His latest book is The Future of GodLike most software applications, GitHub can generate a few exceptions. Incoming exceptions range from system-level issues including Git timeouts and missing references, to application-level issues including simple code mistakes and JavaScript errors.
We take stability and performance seriously, so we need a way to quickly identify issues as they surface, determine the best teams or individuals to ping, and ship any relevant changes as soon as possible. Haystack helps us do that.
Haystack, our internal exception tracking application, is a product of 6 years of development. We use it to monitor practically every user-facing property we build, including our desktop applications.
A typical scenario begins with deploying a change.
Caged /deploy github/my-feature Hubot Caged, make sure you watch for exceptions in haystack and perf issues at graphme
Once an engineer deploys via chatops, Hubot will ping them with a link to a firehose, which is a view that will show only exceptions that happen after their changes are live, reminding them to keep an eye on exceptions. Meanwhile, Haystack has been continuously monitoring the health of all applications—looking for exception rates that differ from recent typical rates. While we hope engineers will keep an eye on the firehose, asking someone to “keep an eye on Haystack” is like asking them to watch grass grow via Livestream. That’s why we need a bit of anomaly detection.
We have a couple simple rules for anomaly detection that serve most of our needs for frontline defense against bad deploys or typical errant behavior. We ensure the number of incoming exceptions meets a minimum threshold, since even on our best days we are generating some noise. We then fetch a histogram of the last hour of exception counts to determine if the last point is beyond a configured z-score. This doesn’t work well in cases where exceptions have been elevated for a large chunk of the hour, but at that point, we’ve likely elevated the severity of the issue and multiple people are investigating. We want to augment a developer’s ability to responsibly monitor their changes, not offload it completely to machines.
exception_counts = app. needles. histogram ( 1. hour. ago, Time. now, 3. minutes ) stddev = exception_counts. standard_deviation mean = exception_counts. mean if zscore ( exception_counts. last, mean, stddev ) > app_zscore campfire. message ( message ) if last_deploy. warned_at. nil? end
If an exception elevation is detected, Hubot will ping the last deployer with some general statistics about the application’s current state. The immediate benefit of this ping is that it implicitly sets a responsible party. In a perfect world, only the person who might have caused the spike in exceptions should receive the ping. We’re not in a perfect world just yet, but we’re iterating on it.
Hubot deploy at 09:18 am PDT (-0700). Care to check it out in haystack? Exceptions have recently elevated on github (66 exceptions) in the last 3 minutes. @Caged was the last person to. Care to check it out
Let’s take a quick peek to see how things are looking.
Caged /haystack sup github Hubot Deploys ------- * my-feature deployed by Caged 5 minutes ago - pull request | compare Rollups ------- * ▅▁▃▃▇▅ 9 x GitRPC::Timeout, last occurred 2 minutes ago * ▁▃▁▁▅▅ 5 x GitRPC::ObjectMissing, last occurred 5 minutes ago * ▁▁▇▁▁▁ 3 x GitHub::TimeoutMiddleware::RequestTimeout, last occurred 17 minutes ago * ▁▁▇▁▁▁ 3 x GitHub::TimeoutMiddleware::RequestTimeout, last occurred 18 minutes ago * ▁▁▁▃▁▃ 3 x SlowQueryLogger::SlowQuery, last occurred less than a minute ago * ▃▁▃▃▁▁ 3 x Ref::ComparisonMismatch, last occurred 15 minutes ago * ▁▁▁▃▁▃ 2 x GitHub::TimeoutMiddleware::RequestTimeout, last occurred 6 minutes ago * ▁▃▁▁▁▁ 2 x GitHub::TimeoutMiddleware::RequestTimeout, last occurred 1 minute ago * ▁▃▃▁▁▁ 2 x ActiveRecord::RecordNotUnique, last occurred 20 minutes ago [18 more lines]
Looks like there are a few Git-related issues cropping up, but we can get more detail by checking out the Haystack dashboard.
It looks like GitRPC is timing out. GitRPC::Timeout exceptions are raised when a Git operation on one of our fileservers takes too long to complete. As you can imagine, there are many places in our application where this could happen. We need to quickly identify what’s happening, where it’s happening, and who we should ping.
We can examine this by looking at the Rollup detail. Rollups represent a group of similar needles, usually determined by hashing some common properties between needles. By looking at the Rollup, I can immediately see how many exceptions have been coming in over time, the users experiencing it, the repositories it’s happening the most on, the routes and servers it’s being served from, and scrolling further down I can see the individual needles coming in. But, if you look at the top of this image, you can see these purple and blue items. These are what we refer to “Areas of Responsibility” or AORs.
Areas of Responsibility help us in a couple of ways. They define instantly recognizable high-level areas of the site, and within each of those, a set of teams generally responsible for their well being and upkeep. Beyond that, we track exception rates for AORs in Graphite, so we can see any degradation over time.
Given we established earlier that we use Git in a lot of places, there are a lot of AORs attached to this rollup. We can, however, see a bunch of identical needles coming in recently and if we click on one of them, we get more details. In particular, we can see that something is up with the :pulse area of the site. It happened in the action RepositoriesController#contributors_size while the unicode-3-profile branch was deployed. This is a small fraction of the information we can get about this exception.
Another helpful bit of this exception page is the formatted backtrace where you can quickly see application code highlighted in orange. We also strip away any prefix paths and link lines in the backtrace to their respective source files on GitHub.com. Each app has a simple YAML configuration file where these rules can be defined.
Now we’re on the right track. We know what happened, when it happened, how bad it was, which team to notify, and where to look to fix it. If we’re able to fix the problem, we can create a Pull Request or Issue and drop the link to Haystack in the body or a future comment, and a cross-reference will automatically get created in Haystack. This allows engineers to jump back and forth between the issue and needle in addition to signaling to others who might look at the needle, that progress is happening. Finally, if this rollup crops up again in the future, there will likely be an existing discussion about the cause and how to address it.
Why didn’t you use an existing open source project and when will you open source Haystack?
Haystack has existed in some form or another since ~2009. I don’t recall what the ecosystem was like then, but it wasn’t what it is today. When we started working on updating Haystack in early 2012, we were focused on improving on our existing application. Over the years we’ve made a lot of changes to Haystack, many changes tied to other internal applications and the way we work, to get what you see today. The value of Haystack comes from the deep integration into our systems so it would be difficult to open-source, but we hope you can apply similar patterns to your infrastructure for better monitoring, alerting, and debugging.You say "bike lane," the NYPD says "parking lot." Tomato, tomahto. (via Paul Steely White)
Parking in this city man, it's a real pain in the butt, huh? Leave it to New York's Finest though, to use their awesome investigative skills to discover a whole slew of parking spots in this strip of green-painted streetscape that was left empty of cars for some reason. Seeing the boys in blue lead the way for New Yorkers once again, that's what I call Courtesy, Professionalism and Respect!
Now that my tryout for the Daily Caller is finished, yes, that is a picture of cops using the much-ballyhooed bike lane in front of City Hall as a parking lot. The bike lane was installed as a way to protect cyclists from insane traffic as they tried to get on or off the Brooklyn Bridge on the Manhattan side, and is also supposed to link up with a planned reopening of the 1 Police Plaza-adjacent Park Row that was announced at a big deal press conference.
Why worry about any of that safe streets nonsense though, when the car-free asphalt provides such a great place to park police vans and even rows and rows of police bikes:
A big FU from #NYPD to #bikeNYC cyclists. Keeping NYC safe? More like trying to kill cyclists. pic.twitter.com/9FsFysQOkM — Steven Fahmie (@fahmiesmf) September 6, 2017
Although, given the previous instances of police pretending that the paint used to indicate bike lanes was just a beacon drawing them toward a coveted place to park, we probably shouldn't be too surprised about this.Rapid eye movement or REM sleep actively converts waking experiences into lasting memories and abilities in young brains, according to new research.
Washington State University researchers say the finding expands the understanding of children’s sleep needs and calls into question the increasing use of REM-disrupting medications such as stimulants and antidepressants.
The National Institutes of Health-funded study appears in the journal Science Advances.
Professor of medical sciences Dr. Marcos Frank of Washington State University said scientists have known that infant animals spend much of their early life in REM sleep, but little was understood about the actual nuts and bolts of REM’s ability to change or recombine memories.
Providing new insights, Frank and his colleagues documented the effects of sleep on vision development in young animals. The researchers found that brain circuits change in the visual cortex as animals explore the world around them, but that REM sleep is required to make those changes “stick.”
The scientists showed that the changes are locked in by ERK, an enzyme that is activated only during REM sleep.
“REM sleep acts like the chemical developer in old-fashioned photography to make traces of experience more permanent and focused in the brain,” said Frank.
“Experience is fragile,” he said. “These traces tend to vanish without REM sleep and the brain basically forgets what it saw.”
Frank said young brains, including those of human children, go through critical periods of plasticity, or remodeling, when vision, speech, language, motor skills, social skills, and other higher cognitive functions are developed.
The study suggests that during these periods, REM sleep helps growing brains adjust the strength or number of their neuronal connections to match the input they receive from their environment, he said.
The new revelations do have historical antecedents.
In the 1960s, Frank said surgeons noticed that delayed removal of congenital cataracts in children resulted in severe problems such as double vision and the inability to align the eyes.
“The visual cortex is very sensitive to information it is receiving and there are critical periods for its development,” he said. “If vision is blocked at these stages, then problems result.”
Researchers used a model based on that finding to determine the specific effects of REM sleep on vision development. Animals had a patch placed over one eye and their brain activity was monitored both while awake and during sleep.
While in REM sleep, the animals were awakened intermittently by gentle tapping on their enclosures. Controls were awakened during non-REM sleep.
Analyses showed that normal vision did not develop in animals experiencing a REM sleep deficit.
“Without REM sleep, permanent plastic changes to the visual cortex did not occur and the ERK enzyme did not activate,” said Frank.
Previously, the researchers had determined that ERK works by turning neuronal genes into proteins, which solidify the brain changes.
Frank was surprised to also discover brain activity patterns occurring in REM sleep that were similar to those seen when the animals were awake.
“It’s as if the neurons were dreaming of their waking experience,” he said.
“This is the first time these similar events have been reported to occur in the developing brain during REM sleep,” said Frank. “Up till now, there has not been strong evidence to show that waking experience reappears during REM sleep.”
He said REM sleep may be important for the development of other parts of the brain beyond the visual cortex and its effects may continue throughout a lifetime.
The study “has big implications for our understanding of sleep in children,” said Frank.
“There is a lot of data accumulating that says the amount of sleep a child gets impacts his/her ability to do well in school,” he said. “This study helps explain why this might be, and why we should be cautious about restricting sleep in our children.
“We know there are different times in a child’s development when sleep needs increase — they are very high in babies but also in adolescents when their brains are changing rapidly,” he said.
“Also, it is becoming more common for pediatricians to give compounds that affect brain activity earlier in life, not just Ritalin for attention deficit disorder, but also antidepressants and other drugs,” said Frank.
“The fact is, we have very little pre-clinical research data to tell us what these drugs are doing to developing brains in both the short and long term,” he said.
“Almost all of these compounds can potentially suppress sleep and REM sleep in particular. REM sleep is very fragile — it can be inhibited by drugs very easily,” he said.
Source: Washington State University
REM Sleep Can Be Critical to Memory Formation in Young BrainsYesterday we noted Michelle Obama's appearance on Oprah in which she hinted that Trump's election was the end of "hope" for America, saying "now we're feeling what not having hope feels like."
The comments from Michelle have received a lot of backlash over the past two days but perhaps no one has crushed her new "hopelessness" narrative better than Judge Jeanine Pirro of Fox News. Pirro's opening monologue last night was full of epic one-liners slamming the First Lady's comments....below are a couple of favorite quotes but the full video is definitely worth a listen.
"This from a woman, who in 2008, at 44 years old, said for the first time in her life she was proud of her country when her husband was running for president. And now, 8 years later, you're out of "hope," Michelle?" "An outrage is when your husband struts up to the microphone at a national prayer breakfast and tells Christians to get off their high horses because Christians are afraid of Muslim terrorists cutting their heads off." "Like the 13 hours those heroes were on a rooftop in Benghazi, your all powerful husband never bothered to explain to us where he was and what he was doing that night. All we know is that the only power that he was ready to unleash was Air Force One to fly to Las Vegas for a fundraiser the next morning so that you guys could live the life another four years in the White House." "Michelle, you may not realize it, but Americans rejected you and everything you stand for. They know what hope is. Hope is when people, 30,000 at a time, stand in line, in the cold, with their children, hoping to get the glimpse of a man they think can change the course of their lives from the downward spiral that you and "Mr. Hope & Change" have put them on." "I'll tell you what "Hope & Change" is, "Hope & Change" is when people show up 20,000 strong, after an election, desperate to see the man who actually brought back jobs, almost a 1,000, when your husband said it was impossible to bring them back at Carrier."
* * *
For those who missed it, here is what we wrote about Michelle's comments yesterday.
Michelle Obama appeared on Oprah yesterday and continued to ignore the unspoken, but widely acknowledged and obeyed, tradition of not bashing incoming administrations. When asked whether Obama was successful at bringing "hope" to America, rather answer the question, the first lady decided to attack Trump by saying that "now we're feeling what not having hope feels like."
Is this Michelle's idea of "going high" when other "go low?" Notice she didn't bother to offer any supporting evidence of how exactly Obama brought "hope" to Americans....could that be because there isn't any?
Oprah: "Your husband's administration, everything, the election was all about hope. Do you think that this administration acheived that?" Michelle: "Yes. I do. Because we feel the difference now. See, now we're feeling what not having hope feels like."
Perhaps these 9 charts we posted back in September accurately depict the "hope" that Michelle spoke of (see "Harvard Crushes The "Obama Recovery" Farce With 9 Simple Charts"):
Or maybe these charts that we posted back in June better reflect Obama's "Hope & Change" mantra...unfortunately, while the data scores big on the "Change" factor, it's somewhat lacking on the "Hope" component (see "These Are The 9 Zero Hedge Charts Showing "Obama's Recovery" That Angered The Washington Post"):
Or perhaps this 16% decline in Black homeownership rates since 2004, which we discussed just yesterday, is more what Michelle had in mind (see "Obama "Housing Recovery" Crushes "Blacks, Young Adults" As Homeownership Rates Crash"):
Of course, never one to back down when attacked, Trump told a group of supporters at a rally in Mobile, Alabama that he assumed Michelle was "talking about the past, not the future."Just when you thought you’d seen the last of bizarrely far-fetched F1 bids, this week’s news that Durango has applied for the vacant 13th grid slot for 2011 should have you spitting out your cornflakes.
For all of you fellow Stanley Kubrick fans, I’m afraid to inform you that the Durango of which we speak is not the Durango of “A Clockwork Orange” fame. The Durango 95 car stolen by Alex and his droogs in the movie was, in fact, an M-505 Adams Brothers Probe 16, of which only three were ever made.
No, the Durango of which we speak is the Italian former GP2, F3000 and Endurance team which has, in its past, achieved a relative level of success.
Why then, should I consider this bid to be somewhat fanciful? After all, isn’t GP2 supposed to provide the future of F1? Well yes, it is… only, Durango is no longer a part of GP2 having been forced out of the championship when it ran out of cash.
Durango’s fall from grace last year hit its peak on September 5th, when Il Gazzettino reported that Durango was being investigated for criminal tax evasion and fraud, and that it had been using a system of companies which constantly changed their names to issue bills with inflated figures in order to reduce costs and lower the payable tax. Indeed, it was claimed in Il Gazzettino that the system put in place at Durango had seen unreported revenue of more than €12 million, false invoicing amounting to €11 million, unpaid tax of €3 million and a reduction of base tax to the tune of €16 million. All of this came, so the article said, at the end of a one year investigation.
Durango’s time in GP2 was not short of controversy. From as early as Imola 2006 the team was in hot water for contravening regulations by manufacturing their own parts rather than using Dallara’s spec equipment. In Imola it was only the car’s skirts that were the issue, but when Lucas di Grassi’s rear wing fell off at Silverstone later that same season, Durango was excluded from the weekend and sent packing from the paddock after it was discovered the team had sought to cut corners by conducting a botch repair job on structural parts of the car, rather than returning those parts to Dallara for an official repair.
Talk of Durango’s corner cutting came to the fore once again just last season when Stefano Coletti was involved in a huge shunt at Spa, when his GP2/08 went straight on at Eau Rouge. A paddock insider that weekend whispered to me that Coletti’s steering column had “snapped like a piece of balsa wood,” although I could find no evidence to substantiate this claim from anyone at GP2 or Dallara.
When the championship arrived at Monza for the next race however, Durango only had one car at its disposal and there were two contrasting reasons given for this, depending on who you spoke to: namely that Durango didn’t have the money to repair the car, or that the car was so littered with botch repairs that Dallara had impounded it as being too unsafe to use. Again, I found it impossible to find an “on the record” response as to which of these was the accurate version of events but rumours that it was the latter refused to disappear.
The team was ultimately forced out of that weekend and did not race at all.
Durango missed the final two rounds of the 2009 Main Series, missed the entirety of the 2009/2010 GP2 Asia series and will not compete in the 2010 Main GP2 Series. They have, however, found the funds to launch an F1 team… or so Durango’s boss Ivone Pinton told the team’s website.
“After the mishaps of last season we went into action full force to seek new partners for our racing activities. It did not take long to realize that the interest could be raised only when there was talk of Formula 1, therefore we have pushed in this direction and today I can say that, enter the maximum formula, we have the support of two large international groups. So while remaining with their feet on the ground, because for now it is only a serious attempt, I would say that after working many years to train future champions, now is the time to work hard to push to the top as the Durango team. ”
While I understand that it might be easier to drum up support for an F1 effort than a GP2 effort owing to the much higher levels of exposure in F1, what I do not understand is how a team which could not make a go of GP2 could even consider that they have what it takes to make a go of F1. After the USF1 debacle, and the StefanGP mess, the FIA will likely be wary of any and all 2011 proposals, and the due diligence on Durango is likely to be even more extensive than on most, given the very public financial issues which affected the squad so recently. Plus I’m pretty sure that if the team has found some money, then the first knock on their door is going to come from GP2 for unpaid bills and the serious fines that they will be contractually obliged to pay for two missed races and two entire missed championships.
Formula 1 cannot afford any more embarrassment from new teams falling by the wayside. That Campos / Hispania made it to the grid is nothing short of a miracle, and the aforementioned USF1 / StefanGP balls up did little for the sport’s image. As such, I wonder how seriously Durango’s bid will be taken.
When we have seen the likes of Prodrive, Lola and Epsilon passed over in favour of unknown entities which failed to make the grade, you can see why Durango would chance their arm. What have they got to lose?
But in all honesty you’d have to say that, regardless of the financial partners they might have got on board, so incredible does a Durango bid for F1 seem that it almost makes StefanGP look like a serious operation.
AdvertisementsV IRGIN W HORE
T HE C ATHOLIC C HURCH & W OMEN H OW T HE
C ATHOLIC C HURCH E XPRESSES I TS H ATE T OWARD W OMEN
Our Lady of Banneux
The Most Innocent Blessed Virgin
Prostitute
by Brassai
Why does Patriarchy separate women into 'Madonna' and 'Whore'?
VIRGIN / WHORE
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH & WOMEN
CAN'T LIVE WITH 'EM, CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT 'EM
BY GREG BURK
LA WEEKLY
ILLUSTRATED BY PATRICK MARTINEZ
H eard the one about the liberated Catholic girl? Still pregnant, still barefoot, but she gets to wear snowshoes on Sunday. In the USA, where many consider Hillary Clinton and Condi Rice credible presidential candidates, it may look like the battle for women's rights has been won. Well, the mission ain't accomplished. Women didn't even get the vote here until 1920, they still get paid less, and their right to govern their own bodies stands under growing threat. Over most of the planet, women remain virtual slaves. And the Catholic Church, though it can look like Germaine Greer Estates compared to clitoris-hacking Islamic backwaters, has been a steady manufacturer of the shackles.
Pity the pope? It's tempting - you never saw a garbage man with arms as trash-encumbered as Benedict XVI's. Catholic Church membership: down heavily in Western Europe and the Americas. Clergy: dwindling to less than a skeleton crew. Mood: sour. Pope John XXIII's Vatican II Ecumenical Council of the 1960s, hyped at the time as a window on revitalization, looks like a fake-out now that successive pontiffs have retreated behind ancient bulwarks of dogma and mysticism. Most of the faithful worldwide, grappling against real-world pitchforks of overpopulation, tribalism, political chaos and economic collapse, are giving the big finger to Rome's medieval pronouncements on birth control. And you might've heard a word or two about priests and boys - kind of a pain in the ass, not to mention the wallet. The Holy Father's even under legal assault for molester shielding. Pity the pope.
Or, what the hell, piss on the pope. Especially if you're a woman. The Catholic Church, the world's largest non-governmental property owner, is also the world's most entrenched patriarchy. Among the articles of faith set down in its 800-page catechism lie the much-contested tenets that a woman may not be ordained as a priest, and that couples may not practice any form of mechanical or chemical contraception. Not only do women get left holding the baby, but it's the church's official position that use of condoms is forbidden even when a husband is HIV-positive. And the person most visibly responsible for holding the line during the last 24 years, as Pope John Paul II's chief monitor of dogma and as the chairman of the aforementioned catechism's compiling committee, is Joseph Ratzinger, a Bavarian priest we now call Benedict.
Gender issues are hardly the only gripe that's caused millions worldwide to flee screaming from Roman Catholicism; lots of people just aren't locating much God of Love in it. But women, who've always (always) been the primary keepers of the religious flame, have led the stampede. In Los Angeles, many come from immigrant communities; you'll hear from some of them in the accompanying interviews ("Women Talk About Why They Left"). And in another sidebar, Weekly music editor Kate Sullivan remembers her time in a Catholic girls' school during an era of feminist-inspired upheaval.
Why is the Catholic Church nailed to the image of women as separate and unequal? When Ratzinger took the steering wheel, I started thinking about that. And I came to believe the church is a prisoner of its own history, of its own traditions, and even of the unacknowledged myths from which it sprang.
It's not like there hasn't been progress. When I was a pimply altar boy in the early '60s, I scraped my fingers raw in preparation for Palm Sunday, cutting up the palm fronds that would be displayed and distributed to commemorate Christ's triumphal donkey ride into Jerusalem. I helped Father Willenborg haul the stiff, dry foliage over to the ugly modern church, where an old woman was reverently depositing flower arrangements by the altar rail. Why, I asked the pastor, didn't she just put the posies up by the tabernacle, where they belonged? Well, he said, women weren't allowed on the altar. (That's changed; there have even been female Mass servers since 1994.) He never quite got around to explaining.
I remember kneeling for daily Mass in seventh grade at St. Leo's School. I would jockey into the row behind lovely Sue Bortoluzzi and meditate on the downy back of her neck below her bobbed hair, which was surmounted by a mysterious white doily. The doily was a relic of the days when women, as brides of Christ, had to wear veils in church. Boys and men, as always, could bare their Brylcreemed locks to God. Today, American women can go either way.
Covering heads is an outward sign for placing women at a comfortable distance - which makes sense if you want to reinforce a male hierarchy whose priests have taken a vow of chastity. Funny: When it comes to sexual and marital conduct, the celibate clergy are the ones stuck with the job of expounding the church's rules. And the head cleric, Joseph Ratzinger, is a special case - chosen, perversely it seems, for his lack of such qualifications.
ASTARTE
BRAZEN HUSSY
Ratzinger was born on Holy Saturday, the weighty day of prayer and renewal that sets the stage for Easter, Christianity's defining feast. His parents happened to be named Mary and Joseph - the one a woman considered too frail to be consulted about a family household move ("We did not want to make her needlessly anxious"), the other... a cop. Small, unathletic and unhealthy, young Joe Jr. was first drawn to the things of Catholic ritual - the icons, the vestments and especially the books. Having determined early to be a priest, he progressed rapidly in his studies and writing, barely slowing for his mandatory stint in Hitler's armed forces, where his job was to help shoot down the Allied aircraft that were closing in on the German homeland at the end of World War II. His peculiar scholarly talent was analyzing and synthesizing the arcana of church theologians, especially the monumental thinker St. Augustine, and he ripped through the world of academia, landing position after position at Germany's best universities; Paul VI named him both archbishop of Munich and cardinal in 1977, when he was just 50.
As a dogma enforcer, Ratzinger bent an attentive ear to revisionists, to anti-authoritarians, to liberation theologians who wanted to fuse the ideals of Christ with those of Che. Then he quietly told them to shut up or ship out. Some chose the latter. Though he had been a booster of and participant in Vatican II, and rendered the council favorable lip service through the years, he came to view liberalization as a menace to the church's identity. He even said that the hemorrhaging of Catholic membership was largely Vatican II's fault. Attitudes like that won him friends in Rome - particularly a certain charismatic Polish gentleman who longed for the days of abundant saints and frequent miracles.
Books and boardrooms have been Ratzinger's universe. Aside from a year as an assistant pastor immediately after his ordination, he has never sniffed the daily sweat of the masses. What he knows about women is pretty much what he knows about his mother and his sister.
About other things, however, Ratzinger knows a lot. I ate up his Salt of the Earth, the '90s apologia published in response to widespread growling over his intractability as doctrinal hellhound. The format is key: Interviewer Peter Seewald plays devil's advocate as a kind of inquisitorial Randy Johnson, serving up a steady succession of blazing fastballs, never curves or knucklers. ("The Cross - a ghastly symbol?") And Ratzinger not only gets his bat on the ball most of the time, he hits quite a few line drives.
Having been out of the papist loop for a few decades, I was refreshed by the realization that Catholicism is not entirely an exercise in willful absurdity and magickal unrealism. Ratzinger's knack for theology, obviously, is boggling - not only does he know his Jerome and Aquinas, but he's hot to cross-reference them in the secular realm with Heidegger and Marx. Through his meetings with regional bishops, he's gleaned solid clues about why Catholics all over the world, from fundamentalist Africans to self-indulgent Americans, are going nuts. He confesses to the reality that the church is a stodgy bureaucracy and a rotten communicator.
Though his quiet dogmatism can come off as arrogance, Ratzinger is a likable uncle (if not papa) who describes himself as "God's donkey" - not the creator of doctrine, but the animal who carries it around. His obsession with history gives him a perspective on the church as an institution built by the careful ponderings of smart people over two millennia. If its clockwork seems rusty to us, it may be only because we're too wrapped up in our present tensions and can't discern the slow hand of God's revelation at work. Ratzinger's beliefs have a lot to do with the partnership of deity and humanity; his faith is founded on more than simple bolts from the sky. Regardless of whether you agree with him, you can't say he's a dumb-ass.
But when the subject is women, Ratzinger flops around like a beached shark. Saving the worst for nearly last, Salt of the Earth gets |
that the eight dice together would make for a really great set! With your help, we will hopefully be able to manufacture all eight colors. The reason for the stretch goals is because there are additional costs associated with producing a run of each additional color.
The higher reward tiers allow you to mix and match colors of dice however you like, with the lower tiers letting you choose any single color.
All of the higher tier reward levels include a Bone Origins velvet dice bag. The bag has a satin lining for protecting your dice, and is a good size (15cm x 10cm) so can hold plenty of them. There are two designs of bag, which you can choose to mix and match between for any bags included in your reward. One bag features the Fablestone Dice logo, whereas the other bag (voted for by backers) features a Bone Origins motif.
The Bone Origins velvet dice bag features the Fablestone Dice logo and has a red satin lining to protect your dice.
The alternative bag design as chosen by backers.
The dice in the Bone Origins velvet dice bag with a red satin lining.
The bags will initially be available with a red satin lining, but there are stretch goals to make other colors available.
Most reward levels already include the dice bag, but if you want additional bags they are available as an add-on. You can freely mix and match your dice bag colors from any of those unlocked.
First and foremost, a massive thank you to anyone who chooses to support this project, whether by backing directly or sharing the campaign through social media like Facebook or Twitter.
I really hope that we will be able to bring the Bone Origins dice into production and can bring something new and exciting to role playing games and the world of dice.
For people choosing to back, there are now five reward tiers to choose from. All of the reward tiers include free shipping to anywhere in the world! So the higher tiers are more cost effective for this reason.
Every reward will also include a printed thank you card, containing links to Bone Origins resources on the web. These resources will fully explain how to use all the dice, as well as including the complete Bone Origins backstory (as a reward to backers) and additional artwork.
The card will come in especially helpful if you are planning to give the dice as a gift, as they will explain everything they need to know about their new dice!
The reward levels should contain all the dice and bags you need, but if you would like extra you can use the following add-ons. Just add the amounts as extra on top of any of the pledge levels.
Every reward tier and add-on includes free shipping anywhere in the world, so that everyone can have access to these dice!
If a Bone Origins velvet dice bag is included in your reward then the dice will be packaged inside the bag.
I expect to have received all the manufactured products in early November 2015, so I can begin sending them out to backers. Most backers should receive their rewards by the end of that month, but to accommodate for unforeseen delays or a larger number of backers than expected then I would allow for early December 2015 for all rewards to have been received.
I will be handling processing and shipping myself, rather than relying on a third party fulfillment company. This means that I will be able to maintain the highest quality control with every pledge, making sure every dice meets the highest standard.
In order to ensure the highest level of quality control, I will be handling and shipping the rewards myself instead of relying on a third party fulfilment company.
I will be posting frequent updates throughout every stage of the manufacture and distribution of the rewards, so that every backer knows exactly how everything is progressing.
For people wanting a full range of polyhedral gaming dice, there is a stretch goal which will add a D8 and D10 to the Bone Origins range, in the same style as the D6.
A standard 7 dice polyhedral set contains a D4, D6, D8, D10, D00, D12 and D20. Whereas the complete Bone Origins polyhedral set will contain just a D6, D8 and D10.
Why just a D8 and D10?
As with the Bone Origins D6, each of the dice are usable in a number of different ways based on how you interpret the bone markings. So just as the Bone Origins D6 can be used as a D3 and a coin, the three Bone Origins dice will actually be equivalent to a complete seven dice polyhedral set.
If you are interested, a quick explanation of how to use the three Bone Origins dice as a standard seven dice set is here.
The polyhedral D8 and D10 are currently a stretch goal, due to the increased tooling and manufacturing costs. I really hope we are able to bring these dice into production as they offer something entirely new to polyhedral dice gaming. The idea of a minimalist 3 dice polyhedral set is pretty cool, and can mean we have to carry fewer dice around!
Once unlocked, the D8 and D10 polyhedral dice will be available initially in just the Bone Ivory color, but I will try to add other colors based on overall funding and demand for them.
Other Colors
If there is another color you would like that I haven't listed, then please comment in the update section. If there is enough interest in a particular color, I will try to add it as a stretch goal.
The Future
Right now my focus is on the Bone Origins dice set and campaign. If the funding target is successful, then I will be busy getting the dice manufactured and fulfilling all of your pledges. After that, I am planning to expand the Fablestone Dice range with further designs and an online store, with the eventual dream of running this as a business.
Here's hoping the campaign is a success! Thank you in advance for helping to bring this idea into reality.
Back or Share
Please help support the project by backing, or sharing it with people you know.
Follow @FablestoneDice on Twitter for updates.
Like us on Facebook: http://facebook.com/FablestoneDice
Or visit http://www.fablestonedice.com.
Fablestone Dice™ and Bone Origins™ are trademarks. All related content © 2015 Gary Butler unless specified otherwise.
Kickspread
This project is beta testing a new service called Kickspread, which allows backers to earn additional rewards just by sharing the project with their friends. Full details of this are in a project update, which you can view by clicking the Kickspread button below:
Click to find out more.
Credits
Thanks to the following people who created some of the models, textures and sounds used in the CGI video and image renderings present in this Kickstarter campaign. They are:
DGordillo – the skull model and texture. http://www.blendswap.com/blends/view/4792
Shachar – the skeleton bones. http://www.blendswap.com/blends/view/75167
Sound effect “Wood Hit Brick 1” by stuartduffield from http://www.freesfx.co.uk
Sound effect “Wood Hit Concrete 1” by stuartduffield from http://www.freesfx.co.uk
Music - “Dark Magic (Loop 01)” composed by Tomasz Stobierski and licensed by TMC Music.
And of course thanks to everyone who chooses to help back or share this project!
Let's try and set an exciting new standard in gaming dice!As Steven Anderson told his congregation on August 16, 2009, "you have probably never heard a sermon like this before. Actually, you probably have if you have been coming to church here for a while. But you know what? Here is my sermon, why I hate Barack Obama. That's my sermon tonight, because Barack Obama is coming to town tomorrow morning."
Pastor Anderson has gained national and international media attention for that sermon, in which he declared he is praying "imprecatory prayer" for Obama's death. Media attention has missed the fact that Anderson preached an almost identical but even more virulently hateful version of the same sermon two days before Barack Obama was inaugurated, during which Anderson appeared to veer over the line into direct incitement, declaring "somebody should abort Barack Obama."
But, Anderson is only one of three nationally recognized Christian pastors who have declared they are praying for the death of the current president of the United States.
Pastor Wiley Drake is a Former Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention who also served as Alan Keyes’ American Independent Party running mate in the 2008 election. Wiley Drake has long been linked with the violent wing of the antiabortion movement and prior to the murder of abortion doctor George Tiller, Drake announced he was praying for Tiller’s death. After Tiller’s murder, during a June 2, 2009 appearance on Alan Colmes’ nationally syndicated radio show, Wiley Drake declared that his prayers had been answered and then went on to inform Colmes that he was praying for president Barack Obama’s death (also see here).
A third, and perhaps even more menacing anti-Obama "death prayer pastor" is Peter Peters of the LaPorte, Colorado Church of Christ. During the 1980’s, members of the white supremacist militia group The Order attended Peters’ church and four months after Pastor Pete Peters and his parishioner Colonel Jack Mohr appeared on Jewish talk show host Alan Berg's Denver radio show, during which the radio show host confronted Peters and Mohr about their views, Berg was machine-gunned to death. Members of The Order were later convicted of the murder.
Peters went on to host an October 1992 planning meeting, with white supremacist and NeoNazi leaders, during which an organizing strategy for a national paramilitary network was hammered out. Former Aryan Nations member Floyd Cochran said of Peters, "He doesn’t espouse Hitler. He doesn’t use the swastika or Klan robes. Instead he uses the Bible and the American flag. Peters talks in a language we’re used to hearing. His hatred is masked in God."
Along with Steven Anderson, Peter Peters also gave an anti-Obama imprecatory prayer church service prior to Barack Obama’s inauguration. In Peters' January 19, 2009 sermon, broadcast over the Internet, Pete Peters concluded with a "party crashing" imprecatory prayer to call down divine destruction on Barack Obama’s inaugural celebration:
"On those false oath swearers and false oath takers bring destruction...
Melt and try with your fiery wrath those who with deceit speak lies and refuse to know you. Bring your vengeance upon them and upon them who have given oaths to Satan and false gods in their practice of divination. "
-------------------
Why should mainstream American society take such incitement seriously?
As part of the answer to that question, one of the key claims of pastors Anderson, Drake, and Peters is that Barack Obama’s presidency is not legitmate. According to Drake, Obama is a "usurper." All three pastors cite variants of "birther" conspiracy theories which assert Barack Obama was not born in the United States and, therefore, isn’t a US citizen.
The percentage of Americans who believe that class of conspiracy theory, according to a poll conducted in July 2009 for the Daily Kos website by Research 2000, is truly astounding. The poll revealed that only 42% of Republicans were sure Barack Obama was born in the United States. 30% weren’t sure, while 28% believed Obama was not born in the US.
Adding up all the categories [voting blocks and non-voters] from the poll suggests that a little less than 1 out of 6 American adults believe Barack Obama wasn’t born in the US. A little more than one out of six aren’t sure. So, nearly one out of three American adults think Barack Obama might not legitimately by president of the United States.
Simply as a question of electoral politics, these numbers should deeply trouble Democratic Party analysts because the gravitational attractor for Americans who believe in "birther" conspiracy theories appears to be the GOP. There's nothing on the left that even even remotely compares to the teeming, dense tangle of conspiracy narratives such as birtherism, New World Order and Illuminati conspiracy theories that can be found on the American right. And, since the election of Barack Obama, New World Order conspiracy narratives claiming Obama is part of the alleged grand New World Order plot have exploded across the Internet ( see Can 100,000 Anti-Obama New World Order Conspiracy Videos Be Wrong? ] :
"New World Order conspiracy theories are nothing new, but the sheer scale and range of the current outbreak of NWO conspiricism may be unprecedented. The rise of the Internet and its ability to facilitate homespun rich-media productions has given right wing conspiracy theorists a powerful new tool for spreading anti-government sentiment."
[continue reading Third Nationally-Recognized Pastor Declares Anti-Obama Death-Prayer]
[Below: Pastor Pete Peters' January 19, 2009 imprecatory prayer service against Barack Obama, segments one and two]Quote: Maddmax Originally Posted by One is for Fighting One is for Fun.
I never had to do it because my brother joined before I did and I heard his horror stories before I made the mistake. I watched a lot of guys go through the agony because they couldn't figure out they were carrying a weapon.
I remember so clearly the time a new found friend of mine (just issued our weapons in boot camp) raised his hand and asked the DI what we were supposed to do with our gun during chow?
The DI marched over and got right in his face and asked him to repeat the question so ALL of us could clearly hear it!
I cringed as he yelled out "Seargant! The private would like to know what he is to do with his gun at chow Seargant! "
That DI smiled the kind of smile satan himself teaches in DI school, and as he walked back to the front of the platoon, he barked "You men will keep your weapons with you at all times! You will eat with them, you will shower with them, you will sleep with them, they will be your new girlfriend while Jody is home with your old girlfriend!"
Then he yelled, "Private Smith! Front and center!" and the poor dog who asked about his gun ran up front and stood at attention. The DI then explained how private Smith obviously has his mind on the wrong things. His mind was thinking of home, of his girl, and thinking of his gun. To help him remember the difference between a weapon and his gun, the army has a helpful little song he would teach private Smith, and private Smith would skip chow today and practice the song while the rest of us ate. He would continue signing until the last troop was finished and back in formation.
Smith then ran around the outside of the chow hall yelling "This is my weapon!" while holding his rifle over his head with both hands. "This is my gun", and he'd grab his privates with one hand. Then both hands back on the rifle over his head "This is for fighting!" and once more grabbing himself "This is for fun".
It takes a platoon about 15 minutes to eat chow, and he ran around the building the whole time. One guy laughed and got to join him, that kept everyone else's eyes on their plates and wolfing food as fast as possible.
Smith never did learn the lesson and had to sing and run at least 6 times. Once when we were out on a 5 mile run, he had to run around the platoon as we were running down the road. I thought he would die.
Often our sergeant thought it would help if the rest of the platoon were motivated to help Smith remember the difference between a weapon and a gun, by doing push-ups while Smith ran around the platoon singing.
Man we ended up hating Smith.... Every army guy here knows EXACTLY what that means....I never had to do it because my brother joined before I did and I heard his horror stories before I made the mistake. I watched a lot of guys go through the agony because they couldn't figure out they were carrying aI remember so clearly the time a new found friend of mine (just issued our weapons in boot camp) raised his hand and asked the DI what we were supposed to do with our gun during chow?The DI marched over and got right in his face and asked him to repeat the question so ALL of us could clearly hear it!I cringed as he yelled out "Seargant! The private would like to know what he is to do with his gun at chow Seargant! "That DI smiled the kind of smile satan himself teaches in DI school, and as he walked back to the front of the platoon, he barked "You men will keep yourwith you at all times! You will eat with them, you will shower with them, you will sleep with them, they will be your new girlfriend while Jody is home with your old girlfriend!"Then he yelled, "Private Smith! Front and center!" and the poor dog who asked about his gun ran up front and stood at attention. The DI then explained how private Smith obviously has his mind on the wrong things. His mind was thinking of home, of his girl, and thinking of his gun. To help him remember the difference between a weapon and his gun, the army has a helpful little song he would teach private Smith, and private Smith would skip chow today and practice the song while the rest of us ate. He would continue signing until the last troop was finished and back in formation.Smith then ran around the outside of the chow hall yelling "This is my weapon!" while holding his rifle over his head with both hands. "This is my gun", and he'd grab his privates with one hand. Then both hands back on the rifle over his head "This is for fighting!" and once more grabbing himself "This is for fun".It takes a platoon about 15 minutes to eat chow, and he ran around the building the whole time. One guy laughed and got to join him, that kept everyone else's eyes on their plates and wolfing food as fast as possible.Smith never did learn the lesson and had to sing and run at least 6 times. Once when we were out on a 5 mile run, he had to run around the platoon as we were running down the road. I thought he would die.Often our sergeant thought it would help if the rest of the platoon were motivated to help Smith remember the difference between a weapon and a gun, by doing push-ups while Smith ran around the platoon singing.Man we ended up hating Smith.... __________________
Kirk / Spock 2020by Matt Agorist
Social Circle, GA — A cop has been fired and is already appealing after his dashcam showed him challenging a 17-year-old boy to a fight while threatening and cursing at him. The Free Thought Project has also learned that this same cop threatened school officials, saying he would give them anthrax and ‘blow up’ the building.
On November 23, Social Circle Police Officer James Sanders was conducting a traffic stop when a black jeep, driven by the 17-year-old boy, passed him and admittedly yelled, ‘F**k the police.” Sanders immediately halted the stop to pursue the jeep.
Sanders had absolutely zero probable cause for the stop. However, he tried to claim that the jeep crossed a white line, but, as the dashcam shows, that was only after Sanders sped up behind the teen’s car.
When Sanders pulled the jeep over, all hell broke loose.
In the dashcam footage, Sanders is seen leaving the original stop to pursue the teen. Sanders also did not radio in to dispatch to notify them that he was conducting another stop.
Immediately after pulling the teen over, Sanders gets in his face and begins threatening and intimidating him. “F the police, huh?” yells Sanders. “If you want to fuck the police, I’m right here,” he tells one teenager. “I’m giving you every opportunity to fuck me up. Come on.”
According to the police incident report, Sanders offered to show the passengers “how big of an asshole police can be.”
When backup arrived, the other cop was more cordial and admitted that the teens had done nothing wrong to provoke the stop as yelling, ‘F**k the Police,” is not a crime. However, the teen’s jeep was still searched — without a warrant.
After unlawfully stopping and searching the group of teens, police let them go. Much to the officer’s dismay, they were unable to find any evidence of a crime to hold them or site them.
On Thursday, Social Circle Police Chief Tyrone Oliver said that an anonymous woman who witnessed the threats and intimidation reported the incident.
Sadly enough, it wasn’t the teen’s mother who reported the abuse, as she applauded the officer for threatening her son and wants him to be reinstated. However, Chief Oliver says that is not in the public interest, especially considering Sanders’ past of making terroristic threats at the school where he previously provided ‘security.’
“We hold our officers to a higher standard and this type of behavior will not be tolerated here,” he said regarding the Nov. 23 traffic stop.
In 2014, after the staff at the school where Sanders worked pointed out their dissatisfaction with his work, this problem cop went ballistic and made some ominous threats to the staff.
As the HuffPost reports:
According to an email sent by a school administrator, Sanders allegedly made comments to a bookkeeper and a receptionist “regarding blowing up the school, using a taser on [the administrator], and mailing anthrax to the school.” He allegedly made these threats in the school’s front office in front of parents and students.
Even though Sanders tried to downplay the incident as joking, it still had the staff members worried.
“It was still concerning enough for the principal to file a complaint with the police chief then,” Oliver told HuffPost. “Even if it’s playing, or not, you don’t do anything like that.”
Sanders was then transferred to the evening shift to minimize his contact with the school, and he was banned from setting foot on school property.
In spite of Sanders clearly making his own case with his actions that he should be nowhere near a position of authority, an online petition has been started to get him reinstated. When reading the petition, it is clear that Brittany White, the woman listed as having created the petition, has either not watched the video, or has Stockholm syndrome.
He was fired for what the City Manager claims “conduct unbecoming”. A young man passing by Sanders traffic stop yelled out profane words F— the police. Upon questioning the individual, Sanders asked the young man to own up to his actions and speak with integrity. He was insulted through this young man’s actions, and it is unfair that he is the individual who suffers the most. Somehow this was reviewed and turned over to the City Manager who claims that Sanders taunted the young man– and somehow ultimately interfered with the agency being able to effectively do its job.
Watch the video below and see if any of what Ms. White said is true.
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The Free Thought Project is dedicated to holding those who claim authority over our lives accountable.TODAY’S COMIC: “Night Terrors”
I almost didn’t draw “Night Terrors”. Not because I didn’t like it, but because I forgot I had written it. Luckily I checked my notes because I think this is one of my better gags. What do YOU think? Comment below!
It almost seems like I should have given this title to the previous comic strip since it’s set at nigh and Luna is in her bed… terrified of a giant spider. Oh well.
I had a waking nightmare once about aliens when I was a kid (no it wasn’t real. It was a nightmare). That’s about as close to a nighttime terror as I’ve ever come.
– John
↓ Transcript NIGHT TERRORS
LUNA: "But, Daddy, It's true! There really was a big scary spider in my room last night!"
DADDY: "mmHMM..."
LUNA: "Aw, you NEVER believe me! NEVER!"
SPIDER WEBS: "I believe you"
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A job listing suggests that Sony could be prepping new voice recognition support for PlayStation products. A post on LinkedIn from April 30, 2013 advertises a “Speech Recognition Engineering Intern” and is seeking a candidate to assist in “speech noise reduction, speech detection, recognition, noisy rejection, and grammar processing under various environments.”
Specifically, the listing is seeking someone to handle “robust speech feature extraction and signal processing for speech enhancement” and “speech enhance and processing of noisy speech with human voice in the background.” A candidate would “engage some initial research off signal separation and neural network processing,” “run evaluation and research on keyword spotting” and “conduct some experiment on robust small vocabulary CSR with noisy speech.”
Exit Theatre Mode
The listing is especially interesting given the PlayStation 4 eye specs Sony released in February, noting that the camera includes a “four channel microphone array.” Considering the voice recognition features included in Microsoft’s Kinect, Sony could be squaring off against that peripheral head-on by including its own hands-free controls in its upcoming console.
It’s worth noting that the job listing does not specifically mention PlayStation 4 and could potentially be for a feature meant to be integrated into PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita (which also includes a microphone) or even PlayStation Mobile. Even if it is for PlayStation 4, there’s also no guarantee that it will be included when the system launches this holiday season.
We’ve reached out to Sony about the listing and will update this story with any comment we receive.
Source: Kotaku
Andrew Goldfarb is IGN’s news editor. Keep up with pictures of the latest food he’s been eating by following @garfep on Twitter or garfep on IGN.A researcher studying how monarch butterflies navigate has picked up a strong hint that people may be able to sense the earth’s magnetic field and use it for orienting themselves.
Many animals rely on the magnetic field for navigation, and researchers have often wondered if people, too, might be able to detect the field; that might explain how Polynesian navigators can make 3,000-mile journeys under starless skies. But after years of inconclusive experiments, interest in people’s possible magnetic sense has waned.
That may change after an experiment being reported last week by Steven M. Reppert, a neurobiologist at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and his colleagues Lauren E. Foley and Robert J. Gegear. They have been studying cryptochromes, light-sensitive proteins that help regulate the daily rhythm of the body’s cells, and how they help set the sun compass by which monarchs navigate.
But the butterflies can navigate even when the sun is obscured, so they must have a backup system. Since physical chemists had speculated the cryptochromes might be sensitive to magnetism, Dr. Reppert wondered if the monarch butterfly was using its cryptochromes to sense the earth’s magnetic field. He first studied the laboratory fruit fly, whose genes are much easier to manipulate, and showed three years ago that the fly could detect magnetic fields, but only when its cryptochrome gene was in good working order.
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He then showed that the monarch butterfly’s two cryptochrome genes could each substitute for the fly’s gene in letting it sense magnetic fields, indicating the butterfly uses the proteins for the same purpose.Although modern beaked whales (Ziphiidae) are known to be highly specialized toothed whales that predominantly feed at great depths upon benthic and benthopelagic prey. They typically dive hundreds of meters (up tot 3000 meters!) to hunt for squid and fish. Despite dentition is reduced, they suck prey into their outh. Fossils showed that early ziphiid species had a higher number of teeth, suggesting that they must have captured their prey using their jaws.
An international team of palaentologists, has found in the desert along the southern coast of Perú the first association of a extinct toothed whale (Messapicetus gregarius) with is presumed prey: doxen of a fish species closely related to the epipelagic extant Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax).
Based on the position of fish individuals along the head and chest regions of the ziphiid, the lack of digestion marks on fish remains and the homogeneous size of individuals, scientists believe that this assemblage results from the death of the whale (possibly via toxin poisoning) shortly after the capture of prey from a single school.
The extinction of M. gregarius and other epipelagic beaked whales may be related to the appearance of true dolphins. The successful diversification of the latter in shallower waters may have driven ziphiids to foraging in deeper areas.For Spider-Man fans, Spider-Verse has an irresistible hook: every Spider-Man ever.
And while that’s not entirely true for legal reasons, Marvel is doing its very best to cram every possible iteration of man, woman, child and pig with arachnid-based powers into this huge crossover that finds Morlun and his family of Inheritors looking to eliminate all of the spiders of the multiverse.
Naturally, the familiar friendly neighborhood wall-crawler, Peter Parker of Earth-616, is right at the center of all the action. Keeping track of everyone else? Well, that could get a little tricky.
While we’re not foolish enough to try identifying every Spider-Man who shows up in Spider-Verse, we can at least help with the ones the story identifies by name. Thus, we present our Spider-Verse Field Guide, which will tell you a little more about every spider in the order in which they’re introduced within the actual event itself. Keep it handy while reading so you can keep everyone straight.
Spider Moon-Man
Peter Parker, Earth-449
Hey, this guy is just like our Spider-Man! He’s got bills to pay and works for the Daily Bugle, getting an early morning call from J. Jonah Jameson to get some pics of a supervillain tearing up a local park.
There’s one big difference, though: he lives on the moon! Cool, huh? Don’t ask me when people colonized the moon of Earth-449, because that’s not explained in the story.
Alas, we hardly knew ye Spider Moon-Man. His battle with Morlun lasts just long enough for his Spider-Sense to go nuts and for Morlun to snap his neck and feed on his life force. Sorry man.
Spider-Man
Peter Parker, Earth-616
This gentleman really needs no introduction, but just for the same of completeness, this is the Spider-Man we all know and love. Bitten by a radioactive spider as a teenager, Peter quickly learned that with great power comes great responsibility, and he’s used the proportional strength and speed of a spider plus web-shooters of his own design to fight crime ever since.
Peter is told during the first chapter of Spider-Verse that he’s crucial to the battle against the Inheritors because he’s the greatest Spider-Man of them all. Of course we readers already know that, but getting him to believe it himself could be a key to the story.
Silk
Cindy Moon, Earth-616
Though Peter Parker is skeptical of her story, Cindy Moon was also bitten by the same spider that gave birth to Spider-Man. As a result, she developed powers similar to Peter’s, except that she trades less strength for more agility and a keener Spider-Sense. She can also generate her own webs instead of having to rely on technological web-shooters.
The reason no one knew about Silk is that Ezekiel Sims took her off the grid for years so she could remain hidden from Morlun and his family. In a specially shielded bunker, she was trained in the use of her powers while learning about the world by watching tapes. That gambit worked, but she’s gone public now in order to aid in the battle against the Inheritors.
Another side effect of Cindy’s transformation is that she and Peter have powerful urges to mate whenever they are in close proximity. That’s why she tries convincing him to leave New York when she first appears in Spider-Verse. Silk is set to get her title after the event.Yahoo has blamed its massive data breach on a “state-sponsored actor.” But the company isn’t saying why it arrived at that conclusion. Nor has it provided any evidence.
The lingering questions are causing some security experts to wonder why Yahoo isn’t offering more details on a hack that stole account information from 500 million users.
“I think there’s a lot of fishiness going on here,” said Michael Lipinski, the chief security strategist at Securonix.
Yahoo didn’t respond to a request for comment. The company has protocols in place that can detect state-sponsored hacking into user accounts. In a December 2015 blog post, the company outlined its policy, saying it will warn users when this is suspected.
“In order to prevent the actors from learning our detection methods, we do not share any details publicly about these attacks,” wrote Yahoo chief information security officer Bob Lord at the time. He added that the company only sends out these notifications “when we have a high degree of confidence.”
However, blaming a high-profile breach on state-sponsored hackers might also be a convenient excuse to reduce culpability.
“If I want to cover my rear end and make it seem like I have plausible deniability, I would say ‘nation-state actor’ in a heartbeat,” said Chase Cunningham, director of cyber operations at security provider A10 Networks.
The perception is that state-sponsored hackers are unstoppable and among the best in the world, he added. Cunningham suspects that cyber criminals, and not an elite government-back group, may have actually targeted Yahoo.
“This just doesn’t reek of nation-state activity,” he said. “Nation-states are after intellectual property. They don’t give a damn about emails and passwords from a Yahoo account.”
The internet company might also be holding back details on the breach because of Verizon, which has agreed to pay US$4.8 billion to buy Yahoo.
“I’m not sure the Verizon acquisition will still go through,” said Lipinski of Securonix. Verizon, for example, might have to fork up millions more in cash in dealing with the breach’s fallout.
“But blaming it on a state-sponsored actor will kind of help them (Yahoo),” he added. “They can say, ‘It’s not our fault, our insurance will take care of it.’”
Even though Yahoo hasn’t provided much evidence, other security experts also said it’s still very possible state-sponsored hackers were responsible for the data breach. A government might have been interested in targeting the email accounts of human rights activists, for instance. Or the breach could have been initiated by a company insider, who was actually a spy.
There are other possible reasons for Yahoo to withhold data, added Vitali Kremez, a cybercrime analyst with security firm Flashpoint.
“Law enforcement could be investigating and they (Yahoo) don’t want to jeopardize anything,” he said. “They could also be preparing legal proceedings.”
Yahoo said it only recently learned of the data breach. But the hack actually occurred back in late 2014—meaning the perpetrators had two years to secretly exploit the data.
If state-sponsored hackers did indeed target Yahoo, Kremez fears that other companies might have been victims as well—they just don’t know it.
“We do need more transparency,” Kremez said. “We’d all like to know more to see if this fits into a larger pattern.”[Warning: the following post contains SIGNIFICANT SPOILERS FOR A DANCE WITH DRAGONS. Your enjoyment of the book will be diminished if you read this article before finishing the novel. Don’t do it. Final warning.]
When George R.R. Martin gets his hands on a phrase that he likes, he gets as much use out of it as he can. Repeated phrases or images – Ned’s promise to Lyanna, the vows of the Night’s Watch, the motto of the Starks – are one of his favorite tools. It can get amusing if you look for the seams in the furniture, or even frustrating. But there is a key to the way GRRM uses repeated language and dialogue, and A Dance with Dragons (hereafter ADWD) is no exception.
But It Takes So Long My Lord, My Leal Lord
ADWD is the first Song of Ice and Fire novel that I read on the Kindle. This has several excellent advantages over traditional hardback or paperback editions. First, I can publicly read a book that has the word “dragons” in the title without bringing embarrassment to the Perich name. No one on the subway will know! Second, I can bring the book just about everywhere without putting undue strain on my spine. This saves my back muscles so I can hunch over a keyboard for hours, writing overthought articles about the book I just read.
But most important, reading ADWD on the Kindle lets me do a quick search to find every instance of the word “leal.”
Homage is the duty every leal subject owes his king. Yet your father’s bannermen all turn their back on me, save the Karstarks. Is Arnolf Karstark the only man of honor in the north? […] You have my word, all that I desire is to be leal servant of your dragon queen. […] I keep no secrets from my kin, nor from my leal lords and knights, good friends all. […] Do you want to go with them, return to your bleak isles the cold grey sea, be a prince again? Or would you sooner stay my leal serving man? […] You would do best to walk a middle course. Let men earn your trust with leal service … but when they do, be generous and openhearted. […] Roose Bolton summons all leal lords to Barrowton, to affirm their loyalty to the Iron Throne and celebrate his son’s wedding to …
Those are just the first six out of fourteen. GRRM turned over a new page on his Word-a-Day calendar and got stuck. Fourteen times in one novel and, to the best of my recollection, never in the previous four. I don’t have those books on my Kindle to verify this with a search. But I had to look up “leal” to see what it meant and I’d have looked it up sooner if I’d encountered it before.
The Oxford English Dictionary tells us leal means what we think it means in context: loyal, faithful. If it sounds like it’s just the word “loyal” with a Scottish brogue, that’s because it is |
not the solution. I don’t want my screen to draw power, when it is locked. I want the screen to turn off the display. The solution, I use is, lock the screen and turn off the display using two commands.
This can be done by creating a file in bin (can be any name) directory in the home folder called i3lock.sh with following text.
#!/bin/bash xset dpms force off && i3lock -d
After making it executable (chmod +x ~/bin/i3lock.sh), and changing the lock shortcut command to full path (not ~ as prefix for home) of this script, I was able to lock and turn off the display using “Ctrl + Alt + L”.
Conclusion
In my experience, this is a very good option among countless other options we Linux users have for login or locking our desktops. I hope someone likes it, as I did. Cheers!!
AdvertisementsOver the last two weeks I’ve been running a virtual college track tournament of sorts.
I started with the bracket for this year’s basketball tournament. Each “game” matches up great track and field athletes in each university’s history, with the winner decided by career accomplishments and a subjective decision of who was “better”.
But the key is that once an athlete has been used, he or she cannot be used again. So, for example, Ohio State will keep Jesse Owens in reserve until he’s really needed. Thus the “best” athlete in each school’s history might not come up until later rounds–-but they might have to be used in early rounds to get past a tough opponent, leaving the team vulnerable in later rounds.
We’re now down to a final four. Of the teams that made it into March Madness, these are the ones with the greatest track and field tradition. Here we go!
UCLA vs Ohio State
To get here, UCLA used 80s-90s sprinter/hurdler Gail Devers, 80s sprinter Florence Griffith-Joyner, and 80s-90s hurdler Kevin Young. Ohio State used 30s high jumper Mel Walker, 80s-90s quarter-miler Butch Reynolds, and 50s sprinter/hurdler Glenn Davis.
This could be the championship right here. Each of these universities will call on the greatest athlete in their entire history–not greatest in track and field, but greatest, period.
Ohio State’s greatest is Jesse Owens, a man who hardly needs introduction. He won all eight NCAA Championships events he entered in his two years of eligibility (freshmen were not eligible in his day, and the AAU screwed him out of the rest of his career in 1936), still the most by a single athlete in NCAA history. He won four events at the 1936 Olympics, and at one time or another he set world records in every one of those events.
UCLA’s greatest is Jackie Joyner-Kersee, a woman who hardly needs an introduction. She came to UCLA to play basketball but became a star on the track. She won just two NCAA championships (the heptathlon, in 1982 and ’83) and then things really took off after college. She won seven gold medals in Olympic and World Championships competition and still holds the heptathlon world record.
Who wins? Owens was the greatest in the history of college track and field. Joyner-Kersee is the greatest in the history of track and field, period. It’s a tough one, but if the question is “whose career would you rather have?”, the answer is Joyner-Kersee’s.
Winner: UCLA
Harvard vs Villanova
Harvard has used turn-of-the-century sprinter Bill Schick, 20s long jumper Ned Gourdin, and 90s half-miler Meredith Rainey-Valmon. Villanova used 90s miler Sydney Maree, 50s miler Ronnie Delaney, and 80s miler Marcus O’Sullivan.
Harvard has used up its best athletes but still has Dora Gyorffy, the 2001 NCAA high jump champion and perennial Hungarian national team member. Gyorffy’s highest finish at a major championship is 7th at the 2001 Worlds.
Villanova has plenty of top athletes left, and brings out 1960 Olympic pole vault champion Don Bragg. An NCAA champion and six-time US champions, he held the world record for nearly a year.
Winner: Villanova
San Diego State vs Oregon
San Diego State used 30s pole vaulter Jack Rand, 70s long jumper Arnie Robinson, and 40s long jumper Willie Steele. Oregon used 70s thrower Mac Wilkins, distance legend Steve Prefontaine, and 60s sprinter Harry Jerome.
San Diego State got this far on the back of two of the all-time great long jumpers. This round brings out the best the Aztecs have left, current star Shanieka Thomas. The triple jumper out of Jamaica just won her second NCAA title and is on the Bowerman Award watch list.
Oregon has no shortage of tremendous athletes. This time around the Ducks will use Galen Rupp, the 2009 Bowerman Award winner. He won five NCAA championships, has won seven US championships (and counting), an Olympic silver medal, and holds four American records.
Winner: Oregon
Kansas State vs Michigan
Kansas State got to this point with current high jump star Erik Kynard, 50s sprinter Thane Baker, and 30s shot putter Elmer Hackney. Michigan used 80s long-distance runner Lisa Rainsberger, 20s long jumper DeHart Hubbard, and turn-of-the-century all-around thrower Ralph Rose.
Kansas State’s greatest athlete is Kenny Harrison, the 1996 Olympic triple jump champion. He also won the 1991 World Championships, three NCAA titles, and six US championships. That ’96 Olympic win is still the Olympic record and #2 on the all-time world list.
Michigan’s greatest athlete is Eddie Tolan, the 1932 Olympic champion in the 100 and 200 meters. He won just a single NCAA title, the 200 meters in 1931, but won four US national championships. He set world records at both the 100 yards and 100 meters.
Winner: Michigan
Next week I’ll finish off the tournament to see who has the greatest track and field tradition of all. Be sure to come back and see who wins!What are 404 pages?
One of the most common examples of errors on a website is the 404 page. This also may be called a “page not found” or a “link is broken” page wherein there may be network issue, some problem with the URL of the page or that particular page is missing or has been moved to a different address. Sometimes when the error occurs because of a bad connection, it may be solved by refreshing the page or retrying the same URL. The other most common occurrence is when the page address is misspelled and this can be easily resolved by correcting it.
If your website has been up for a while and the pages have been indexed on Google or other search engines, even when you move or remove those pages, the index may/may not have changed respectively. It is more so relevant if there has been a website re-design or too many names of pages have been changed, the listing could still not change for long.
What is the best thing to do
The search engine might give you a default error message or websites can have their custom 404 page.
Why it’s important to have your custom 404 error page is to make sure your traffic stays on your website by also giving them an option to go back to the home page or a previous page on the website. The navigation for your website remains the same avoiding drop-offs. This way the user understand they have reached the website they were intending to, and the page works like any other page on the website.
While it is good to give the user suggestions and links, you also don’t want to confuse them. They came looking for something specific so sending them to too many other places is not going to make a pleasant experience. Another good thing is to provide suggestions to similar or other pages a user can go to here. Apart from page suggestions, some websites also find it a good practice to provide the user with reasons as to why they’re seeing an error and how they can solve it. Nowadays a lot of websites have humorous or creative ways to do this.
Here are some of the best examples we think have their 404 page on point!
Lego
Keeping in tune with the look-and-feel of their website, the Lego error page is one of the most popular examples of creatively telling the user they’ve landed on the wrong page. It’s fun, it’s toys but it’s not the page you want.
Airbnb
The Airbnb website has an animation that makes this girl spill her ice-cream – you definitely don’t want that. Also, they tell the user that it’s their fault they can’t seem to find the page along with providing a list of other links to visit.
Mailchimp
In line with their chimp design theme, this popular email marketing tool has made it pretty clear you aren’t on the right page but on the right website!
CSS tricks
A clever 404 page design is by CSS Tricks that doesn’t use any words but just conveys that the code is broken.
Mindshare
Mindshare’s widely talked about error page works on the fact that you mind glaring at a screen glaring back at you – definitely not what you intended to look at, but in tune with the brand’s style.
Casual Brand Shop
One of the most appreciated and amusing error pages is that of this clothing brand. There’s literally no clothes on this page for sure!
Spotify
What’s hurts really bad according to Spotify? Broken hearts and vinyl records (also the page you’re at)!
IBM
IBM inverts their logo to show that things aren’t right, unless you’re talking about 404 pages, like this post! They give the user various other options to go to from the page along with an option to report the problem.
Linkedin
It’s almost like you’re on alien territory if you land on the error page for Linkedin. Keeping it simple, they send the user back to the feed or their help center.
Does your website have one yet?Virtus.pro makes it to the final at EPICENTER where they will face SK after winning two maps, Cache and Inferno, in the three map series against G2.
The second semifinal of EPICENTER started on Cache, with Virtus.pro on the terrorist taking the first pistol round to kick the series off. In a rare occurrence, G2 didn’t force on the second round, and went into the first gun round with a full buy. Defending A from the Virtus.pro push, G2 got on the board. The French were unable to follow it up, though, allowing Virtus.pro to keep the lead. G2 didn’t give up, though, as they won a pistol buy round with a saved AWP and a saved M4 defending A from the Polish offensive.
Once again G2 were unable to chain two rounds in a row, and were once again on an eco as Virtus.pro extended their lead to 6-2. Finally, G2 were able to get it together late in the half, winning five rounds in a row to take the lead, 7-6. The last two rounds saw Virtus.pro bring it back to a tie, and with full buys on both sides in the last round, it was ultimately Virtus.pro taking the lead thanks to a huge triple by Filip "NEO" Kubski on highway turning the tide of the round in favor of his team.
Once again Virtus.pro took the pistol round, and put up an 11-7 lead early in the second half, but G2 kept the match alive by winning the first gun round with a play in the B site that ended in a plant after Richard "shox" Papillon cleared it with two entries. G2 weren’t able to follow it up, though, and Virtus.pro quickly got a lead and built a solid economy. A quad-kill by Paweł "byali" Bieliński on A in the twenty third round gave the 15-8 lead and ruining G2’s economy and putting his team on the verge of the map win, and although G2 were able to win a force to get their ninth, a level headed play by Wiktor "TaZ" Wojtas late in the following round killing two on the B site gave his team the victory in the first round.
pashaBiceps was crucial on VP’s win on Cache
G2 came out swinging on Virtus.pro’s pick, Nuke, winning the first five rounds on the defending side without skipping a beat. The Poles got on the board in the seventh round, and followed it up on the eighth with a play down secret and into the B site. Virtus.pro ended up planting on B once again, on a 3vs3, and a great triple by Jarosław "pashaBiceps" Jarząbkowski got his team back in it starting to dwindle G2’s money. However, the French side were able to win the following round thanks to a 1vs3 clutch by Nathan "NBK-" Schmitt around hut including a wallbang through squeaky.
Despite a slow start, Virtus.pro were able to bring it back to within one before the switch. They were unable to tie it up, though, as G2 took the pistol round with a play that led them to plant on the B site and properly defend the site. G2 brought it up to 11-7, but a late double by NEO on A in the first gun round to stop the French team’s advance got the Poles on the board in the second half. The French team were able to trade the following round, though, forcing Virtus.pro on an eco and starting to run away with the map. With 14-9 on the board, G2 called a timeout to get set ahead of the late rounds of the map.
A double by byali stopped G2 from taking secret in the twenty fifth round, keeping Virtus.pro’s dream of turning it around alive as they started to link rounds together. G2 got onto match point, 15-12, but were denied the victory by byali and TaZ as the former got a triple on A which TaZ finished off with the last frag and defused the bomb to keep the map going.The match made it all the way to the last round as Virtus.pro were able to bring it all the way to 15-14, but a forcebuy by G2 was enough as the French team as they took the B site and defended it to take it to a third map.
G2’s CT side mistakes and the inability to win pistols cost them the third map comeback
The last map, inferno, started out going the way of Virtus.pro as the Poles won the pistol round on the CT side with an ironclad A site defense. Down 0-3, G2 played a really late B execute which they were able to win after defending the plant. The French team wasn’t able to replicate the play the following round, though, as Virtus.pro stopped them on their way to B resetting G2’s economy and taking the 4-1 lead.
G2 were able to stay alive bringing it to 3-6 and forcing Virtus.pro on an eco. After almost losing to the eco, shox clutched a 1vs3 afterplant on A to keep his team on the Polish side’s wake. The Poles had another idea, however, as they took control of the following two rounds sweeping G2 to take a 9-4 lead, which they extended to 10-5 before the half.
Winning the second pistol round, a quick plant on A they defended against a four player retake, Virtus.pro could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Down 5-13, shox was able to get a triple as the Polish team tried to make it out of apartments and onto the A site, keeping their hopes alive at a comeback on the CT side.
Having gotten their economy stable, G2 started to win rounds in an attempt at a comeback, getting their tenth round when trailing 9-13 and forcing Virtus.pro on a forcebuy, but were unable to win it as Virtus.pro got an early frag and with two saved AKs wore G2 down until they could plant and defend the 2vs1 against NBK-. G2 had a big advantage to reset Virtus.pro in a 5vs3, but doubles by Janusz "Snax" Pogorzelski and byali gave their team the map point, which they won the following round for a spot in the final.
EPICENTER 2017 Best of 3 G2 Matchpage 1 2 Virtus.pro 9 Cache 16 16 Nuke 14 10 Inferno 16"Reporting is abysmally small. It is absolutely inevitable this will be made mandatary," said Daniel Foggo, the chief executive of RateSetter Australia, one of only a few companies reporting its data publicly. Fintechs are set to benefit from a mandated regime as it will give them better data to assess loan applications.
'Hardship flag'
The financial system inquiry in 2014 said better credit data would reduce information imbalances between lenders and borrowers, facilitate switching of accounts, and increase competition among lenders. It also said the regime could reduce the likelihood that loans will default, reduce interest rates and increase the availability of credit.
ARCA chief executive Mike Laing said the industry is now looking to the government for clarity that any mandated regime will adopt the same scheme the industry has been developing and not create additional requirements.
ARCA said that 30 per cent of accounts, or around 9 million credit files, have some positive data being reported in "pre-production mode", meaning they've been tested by the credit bureaus but the owner of the data has not chosen to switch them into live mode.
The industry had been concerned about how customers in hardship would be reported but this has been clarified.
Banks are now wanting to introduce an additional "hardship flag" into the system that would identify when a hardship request has been granted, and therefore identify customers in hardship seeking to shop around. The Productivity Commission asked the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and Australian Securities and Investments Commission to consult with other regulators, industry groups and consumer advocates to consider whether this is necessary.
The commission also asked for Treasury to get responsibility for monitoring and publicly reporting on a regular basis on participation in CCR.
If CCR is mandated, customer owned banks have called for a materiality threshold of $200 billion in assets on the basis the costs of participation are likely to outweigh the benefits for smaller credit providers.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General's Department told the commission mandating participation in CCR could "raise constitutional issues around the acquisition of property", given credit information could be considered "valuable commercial information"; the commission said this should be investigated by the government.The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are enjoying the wonders of Germany this week, with visits to Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, the picturesque town of Heidelberg, and hard-partying Hamburg on the royal itinerary.
They certainly won't be short of company; Germany is an increasingly appealing proposition for UK travellers. A record 5,598,874 overnight stays by British visitors were recorded in 2016, according to the German National Tourist Office. It believes the country's growing popularity among Britons is thanks to "the sheer choice and variety of holidays" on offer, from stays in "picture-box" villages to hiking breaks through its 16 national parks and along its "bracing coastline". We'd like to make a case for the following factors...
Berlin: hip Credit: AP
1. It’s home to the most “fun” city in the world
Berlin has emerged as one of greatest party destinations on the planet - and was even named the most "fun" city on Earth in a 2014 ranking.
Berlin London Paris New York Tokyo Hamburg Rome Vienna Barcelona Istanbul
"Since the fall of the Wall, Berlin has busied itself with becoming one of the most stimulating creative and cultural centres in Europe - one that truly offers something for everyone," says our expert, Paul Sullivan. "Summer is by far the best season to visit. Residents take full advantage of the decent weather to hit the streets, rivers and lakes and partake in endless events across the city."
2. They’ve got a phrase for everything
Our favourites are backpfeifengesicht ("a face badly in need of a fist"), verschlimmbessern ("to make something worse while trying to improve it"), and schnapsidee ("a brilliant plan one hatches while drunk").
3. And some brilliantly long words
The word Rindfleischetikettierungsueberwachungsaufgabenuebertragungsgesetz (law delegating beef label monitoring) was removed from the German language a few years ago, but there are still some crackers – kraftfahrzeughaftpflichtversicherung (automobile liability insurance) and donaudampfschifffahrtsgesellschaftskapitaenswitwe (widow of a Danube steamboat company captain), to name but two.
4. They invented the Christmas market
Sizzling sausages, Glühwein and gingerbread… But just as the British pub cannot be reproduced abroad, so the British version of the German Christmas market is rather ersatz. Nothing beats the real thing. Although our France expert Anthony Peregrine is not a fan...
Pass the Glühwein
5. Sun and sea
The German Riviera? Surely not. In fact the country has hundreds of miles of coastline in the north and a string of resorts such as Kühlungsborn and Heiligendamm (where do you think they learned the art of rising early to steal the best sunlounger?). The chic head for the island of Sylt; those looking for something more rugged head for Rügen. Baltic winds can be bracing: hence those splendid strandkorb chairs (and wind breaks).
This seat's taken
6. We’re secretly jealous of their sun-lounger-nabbing abilities
Why else would we obsess about it like we do?
7. And body confidence (ie. nudism)
For a nation that sometimes finds it difficult to bare its soul, the German people are surprisingly relaxed when it comes to baring their bodies. A 2014 survey suggested that some 28 per cent – or nearly one in three Germans – has sunbathed in the nude on the beach, compared with just 12 per cent of Britons.
8. They watch a slapstick British comedy sketch every New Year’s Eve
Watching the slapstick 1963 British comedy sketch “Dinner for One”, starring Freddie Frinton and May Warden, is an essential part of the German New Year’s Eve celebration.
9. And let you drive as fast as you want on the autobahn
Vorsprung durch Technik is another German cliché, but those cars are pretty good. Audi’s advertising slogan needs no introduction, but this is also the country of the BMW, Volkswagen and Mercedes. There are excellent museums to das Auto and all its works in Wolfsburg (VW) and Stuttgart (Porsche and Mercedes-Benz). But by far the best way to experience this aspect of German culture is to hire a (German) car and hit the speed-limit-free autobahn.
10. There's “Mad” King’s fairytale castles
So extreme (and expensive) was “Mad” King Ludwig’s passion for building fairytale castles in extraordinary locations that in the end he was declared insane (and drowned in mysterious circumstances shortly thereafter). But his magnificent legacy lives on, most famously at Neuschwanstein, but also in the magnificent palaces of Herrenchiemsee (Lake Chiemsee) and the Linderhof (near Oberammergau).
Neuschwanstein Credit: Alamy
11. And Oktoberfest
Munich is by no means the only place to consume Germany’s many excellent light, dark and wheat beers. Most regions have their own special brews – in Cologne (famed for its Gothic cathedral, carnival and an unusually carefree approach to life), the favoured tipple is Kölsch, a clear beer with a bright, straw-yellow hue; in Bamberg (a beautifully preserved medieval Bavarian city), the taste is more for richly textured, smoked beers. Every town and city worth its salt has a beer cellar or two in which to retreat in winter, while in summer the German beer garden is the place to clink glasses.
This man loves Germany Credit: Matthias Schrader
12. It's packed with weird museums
There is an onion museum in Weimar, a gnome museum on the fringes of the Thuringian Forest, and a museum in Berlin dedicated to currywurst.
13. And countless other quirky attractions
Including Berlin's Bierpinsel building; Ferropolis, a dumping ground/open air museum containing giant industrial machines, like something out of Mad Max; the Kunsthofpassage Funnel Wall in Dresden; and the Heidelberg Tun, an enormous wine vat that sits within the cellars of Heidelberg Castle and has a capacity of 219,000 litres - that's 292,000 bottles of wine.
Kunsthofpassage Funnel Wall, Dresden
14. They turn their disused airports into wildlife sanctuaries
As Jasper Winn discovered during a visit for Telegraph Travel, Berlin is an unlikely paradise for birders, with Tempelhof Airport, closed in 2008 and now a city park, a good spot for sightings. "For half a day we hiked around the abandoned runways and scrubby wastelands," he said. "Now a community park, it was key to the American airlift that broke the 1948-49 Russian blockade, when more than 200,000 flights brought in everything - from food to coal to cars - needed to keep West Berlin running. There were still wings in the air as we walked. Ignoring cyclists, joggers and in-line skaters below, a squadron of crows dog-fought with a juvenile buzzard, while meadow pipits and skylarks sprang high into the blue sky. Higher still there was a honking fanfare from a flock of migrating cranes arrow-heading north."
Templehof, Berlin
15. They built the largest hillside park in Europe
The Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is best known for its incredible cascading falls - 350 metres in length - and grand fountain, which shoots water 50 metres into the air. It was made a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2013.
16. And the world's narrowest street
Spreuerhofstraße, in the city of Reutlingen, is a shade over 12 inches at its narrowest and just 19.7 inches at its widest, making it the world's narrowest alley.
Breathe in
17. They’ve got (arguably) the world’s best football team
At club level, only Barcelona can match Bayern Munich for sustained brilliance and - friendly defeats to England aside - their national side start almost every global tournament among the favourites.
Best of all is their attitude towards the fans. Tickets are affordable and supporters literally own the clubs. You can also enjoy a pint in the stands.
18. A musical heritage topped only by our own
Its rich musical heritage (Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven and Richard Wagner) is maintained in the form of annual festivals in locations such as Bayreuth and Schleswig-Holstein and some of the finest opera houses and concert halls in the world. Then there's Kraftwerk and Rammstein...
Ludwig van Beethoven Credit: GL Archive / Alamy
19. Soaring mountains
In addition to its industrial heartlands and cities, Germany is also a country of great mountains – the Alps of course but also lesser-known ranges such as the Harz in the north – and some wonderful lakes. Personal favourites include Lake Constance (where Germany, Austria and Switzerland all meet), the Fünfseenland (five-lake-region) just to the south of Munich – and the lesser-trumpeted northern lake district of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
20. 300 types of bread – and a lot of sausage
German cuisine often gets a bad press – unfairly, given the huge regional variations and the growing number of Michelin-starred restaurants, especially in the south-west. But no-one could deny their extraordinary variation and rich creativity in baking, from dark rye to richly seeded and wholegrain breads and, of course, pretzels (very good with all those beers) and Schrippen, white rolls ideal for containing those huge bratwurst sausages.
21. Fine wine
Do not be put off by sweet wines with confusing names – or dim and distant memories of Liebfraumilch: Germany produces excellent reds and whites. Sip and slurp as you cycle through the Mosel River vineyards (romantic-germany.info), or even ride a Segway through Stuttgart’s vineyards (stuttgart-tourist.de/en).
The more to drink than just beer Credit: © Radius Images / Alamy/Radius Images / Alamy
22. Proper pub opening hours
Many bars operate flexible policies with regards to opening hours, meaning they close when the last punter is ready to leave - rather than forcing everyone onto the street soon after 11pm.
23. A 24-hour metro
While Londoners waited until last year for a 24-hour Tube network (and only on selected lines at weekends), Berlin's has been running smoothly since 2003.
24. It's heaven for kebab lovers
Thanks to the country's large Turkish community, fantastic kebabs are available around the clock - perfect post-clubbing fare complemented by the still cheap-as-chips bottles of German beer available from kiosks.
25. It's the land of Dachshunds
The canine hipster accessory par excellence.
Dachshunds at Crufts Credit: WENN.com/ASC/ZDS
26. It has incredible forests
It's deep, dark, mysterious forests explain why this is the birthplace of the fairytale.
27. And one of Europe's greatest theme parks
The Europhile love-in at Europa Park (Europe's second most popular theme park, after Disney) is a must-visit...
28. You can mix Cold War history and nature
The Elbe-Brandenburg River Landscape Biosphere Reserve, along the River Elbe in Brandenburg, was once part of the Iron Curtain. There are still GDR watch towers there, but now it's a protected area which incorporates the river floodplains.
29. Visit the world's best nightclub
That's what they say about Berghain. Don't ask us, we didn't get in...
Berghain: good luck getting in Credit: Credit: Urbanmyth / Alamy Stock Photo/Urbanmyth / Alamy Stock Photo
30. And wear lederhosen
The most practical party/travel wear ever devised.The Ard Rí Hotel sits on a hill overlooking Waterford City, Ireland, a prominent position which gives it a fantastic vantage point over the city below. Opened in the 1960s, the hotel had 160 beds and was the premier destination for visitors to the city for many years and was well known to tourists. The Jurys hotel group eventually took over as part of their expansion in the mid-90s but sold it again a few years later, when it became the McEniff Ard Rí Hotel. The view over the beautiful city of Waterford and its proximity to the city centre made the hotel a popular choice for tourists. The function room held weddings, parties and debutante balls as well as performances from some of the country’s biggest touring stars.
Following the sale by Jurys, the age of the hotel began to show and parts of it fell into disrepair. Tourist numbers began to decline as new hotels closer to shopping and entertainment districts opened. It continued operating as the McEniff Ard Rí Hotel for a number of years until a fire in 2005 meant the hotel closed for good and it sat abandoned and decaying on the hilltop, a sad reminder to the people of Waterford of Ireland’s economic problems. It was bought by Cork businessman Tom Coughlan in 2006 and plans were submitted for a new hotel, apartments and nursing home but the development never went ahead.
A further fire in 2010 led to calls for the hotel to be torn down however agreement on demolition could not be reached. Efforts to turn the building into a giant clock fell by the wayside in 2011 however it was covered up with white panels to make it look more appealing. A third fire soon after burnt through the white panelling and the damage remained until the entire building was turned into a giant mural as part of the Waterford Walls festival.
In 2017, the Ard Rí site and some adjacent land was bought by businessman Seamus Walsh who also owns the nearby Waterford Castle Hotel. Working alongside the Fawaz Al Hokair group which will be developing the nearby North Quays SDZ, Walsh hopes to refit the old building into a 5-star hotel with a leisure village in the surrounding grounds. There has been talk of a cable car system linking the North Quays development to the hotel.
As recently as January 2018, there has been a page for the Ard Rí Hotel on Agoda.com – http://www.agoda.com/europe/ireland/waterford/ard_ri_hotel.html
If what you’re looking for is a conveniently located hotel in Waterford, look no further than Ard Rí Hotel. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city has to offer. Visitors to the hotel can take pleasure in touring the city’s top attractions: Waterford Museum of Treasures, Holy Trinity Cathedral, French Church.
Ard Rí Hotel offers impeccable service and all the essential amenities to invigorate travellers. A selection of top-class facilities such as smoking room, safety deposit boxes, room service, elevator, tours can be enjoyed at the hotel.
The hotel features 100 beautifully appointed guest rooms, each including satellite/cable TV, television, coffee/tea maker, ironing board, hair dryer. The hotel’s recreational facilities, which include sauna, gym, steamroom, indoor pool, kids club are designed for escape and relaxation. Ard Rí Hotel is a smart choice for travellers to Waterford, offering a relaxed and hassle-free stay every time.
Location: Waterford City, Ireland
Abandoned: 2000sA Florida fast food restaurant got a customer it was not expecting when a live alligator was tossed through a drive-through window by a patron.
Joshua James (23) of Jupiter, Florida, had wanted to play a practical joke on a friend working at the Wendy’s restaurant in Royal Palm Beach when he decided to hurl the reptile into the building, his parents told local broadcaster WPTV.
“It was a stupid prank,” Linda James said.
Mr James faces charges of aggravated assault, and unlawful possession and transportation of an alligator, WPTV said. The incident took place in October.
Mr James found the three-foot alligator on the side of the road and led the reptile into his truck, according to a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission incident report cited by the station.
He drove to the Wendy’s restaurant and placed an order, received a drink at the drive-through window, and then threw the alligator through the opening, it said.
The report contains a photograph of the alligator sitting on the floor of the restaurant, WPTV reported.
The alligator was released back into the wild.
ReutersThe finale of GM's centennial celebration today was the official reveal of the production 2011 Chevrolet Volt, the first official plug-in hybrid production vehicle from a major auto manufacturer. Details are slim, but what we know is this — GM calls it an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV), it has a top speed of 100 mph and 40 miles on all-electric based on the EPA city cycle. The rest of what we know, plus the official press release, are below the jump.
More on the Chevy Volt:
UPDATE: Images are back, yay!
Vehicle Type: 5-door, front-wheel-drive sedan Category: Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) E-REV competitors: none Chassis: Independent McPherson struts front, compound crank twist axle rear, four-wheel disc brakes, full regenerative brakes to maximize energy capture, electric power-assist steering seating Capacity: Four Manufacturing location: Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly (subject to GM successfully negotiating satisfactory government incentives) Top speed (mph): 100 EV range, city (miles): 40 (based on EPA city cycle)
Chevrolet Volt Leads General Motors Into Its Second Century DETROIT - General Motors launched its next 100 years today by unveiling the much-anticipated production version of the Chevrolet Volt - a vehicle that delivers up to 40 miles of gasoline- and emissions-free electric driving, with the extended-range capability of hundreds of additional miles. "Revealing the production version of the Chevy Volt is a great way to open our second century," said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. "The Volt is symbolic of GM's strong commitment to the future... just the kind of technology innovation that our industry needs to respond to today's and tomorrow's energy and environmental challenges." Form follows function The design of the Chevrolet Volt production car has evolved from the original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Because aerodynamics plays a key role in maximizing driving range, GM designers created an aerodynamically efficient design for the production vehicle. Many of the design cues from the concept vehicle endure in the production Volt, including the closed front grille, athletic stance, rear design graphics, outside rearview mirrors and more. The Volt's rounded and flush front fascia, tapered corners and grille are functional, enabling air to move easily around the car. In the rear, sharp edges and a carefully designed spoiler allow the air to flow off and away quickly. An aggressive rake on the windshield and back glass help reduce turbulence and drag. Working closely with GM aerodynamicists to shape the Volt, design and engineering teams developed one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in GM's history. They spent hundreds of hours with the Volt in GM's wind tunnel, testing and re-testing parts such as the front and rear quarter panels, rear spoiler, rockers and side mirrors. Aerodynamic improvements enabled GM to reach the Volt's target of driving up to 40 miles (based on EPA city cycle) without using gasoline or producing emissions. Inside, the Volt offers the space, comfort, convenience and safety features that customers expect in a four-passenger sedan, and it delivers them in a variety of interior color, lighting and trim options unlike any offered before on a Chevrolet sedan. Modern controls and attractive materials, two informational displays, and a |
1 resolution, before recomputing the MOG thresholds and recalculating the turbulence increases, the scatterplot is essentially unchanged. Global geographic maps of the percentage change in the prevalence of moderate turbulence in the HadGEM2‐ES simulations at 200 hPa in December, January, and February (DJF) are shown in Figure 2 for each of the 20 CAT indices. The percentage change refers to the period 2050–2080 compared to preindustrial times. The indices are ranked in descending order according to the global‐mean percentage change. (All geographic averages in this paper include the cosine(latitude) scaling factor, to downweight the smaller high‐latitude grid boxes compared to the larger low‐latitude ones.) Previous findings about CAT increasing in the North Atlantic evidently apply to other parts of the planet, too. In the tropical regions (30°S–30°N), the percentage changes are generally smaller and there is less agreement between the diagnostics. Outside the tropics, in the middle‐ and high‐latitude regions, the percentage changes are generally larger and there is more agreement between the diagnostics. Figure 2 Open in figure viewerPowerPoint 2006 Maps of the percentage change in the amount of moderate CAT from preindustrial times (picontrol) to the period 2050–2080 (RCP8.5). The maps are calculated for all 20 CAT diagnostics at 200 hPa in December, January, and February (DJF) using the HadGEM2‐ES climate model. The maps are ordered (from left to right and top to bottom) from the largest to smallest global‐mean percentage change. Bold titles indicate the seven GTG2 upper‐level diagnostics that are used operationally (Sharman et al.,). Stippling indicates regions where the percentage change is not statistically significant at the 90% level according to the two‐tailed binomial test. To assess which features are robust among the different diagnostics, the 20 estimates of the percentage changes in CAT shown in Figure 2 for DJF are averaged and shown in the first panel of Figure 3. The remaining three panels in Figure 3 show the corresponding averages for March, April, and May (MAM), June, July, and August (JJA), and September, October, and November (SON). The averages being taken here are equally weighted, under the assumption that each of the 20 estimates is equally plausible. The percentage changes generally display relatively little seasonality, with the bulk spatial patterns occurring in all four seasons, although there does appear to be a moderate seasonal amplitude modulation locally in some regions. These bulk changes include large increases of several hundred per cent in the midlatitudes in both hemispheres. In the Southern Hemisphere, these increases peak at around 45–75°S and are fairly zonally symmetric. In the Northern Hemisphere, the increases peak at around 45–75°N but they display more zonal variability, which appears to be associated with the presence of land masses. The bulk features also include small and statistically insignificant decreases of several tens of per cent in parts of the tropics (where convection is a more important source of turbulence and CAT is less relevant). The global‐mean percentage changes in moderate CAT at 200 hPa are +30.8% (DJF), +46.5% (MAM), +42.7% (JJA), and +39.2% (SON)', where large increases in the midlatitudes are being partly offset by small decreases in the tropics. Figure 3 Open in figure viewerPowerPoint t test. Maps of the average percentage change in the amount of moderate CAT from preindustrial times (picontrol) to the period 2050–2080 (RCP8.5) at 200 hPa in each season. The average is taken over all 20 CAT diagnostics, which are equally weighted. The upper panel for December, January, and February is the average of the 20 panels in Figure 2. Stippling indicates regions where the average percentage change is not significantly different from zero at the 90% level according to the one‐sample, two‐tailedtest. The global‐mean percentage changes for all five turbulence strength categories (light, light‐to‐moderate, moderate, moderate‐to‐severe, and severe) and both pressure levels (200 hPa and 250 hPa) in all four seasons (DJF, MAM, JJA, and SON) are tabulated in Table 1. In all 40 cases, the change is positive, indicating that CAT is intensifying across a range of strengths and altitudes and that it is intensifying throughout the year. The global‐mean percentage changes are generally larger at 200 hPa than 250 hPa, largest for turbulence in the light strength category, and largest in MAM. Table 1. Global‐Mean Percentage Changes in the Amount of CAT from Pre‐Industrial Times (picontrol) to the Period 2050–2080 (RCP8.5) Strength DJF MAM JJA SON Category 200 hPa 250 hPa 200 hPa 250 hPa 200 hPa 250 hPa 200 hPa 250 hPa Light +39.8 +23.2 +53.7 +32.3 +52.6 +31.8 +47.2 +26.6 Light‐to‐moderate +35.9 +22.4 +53.4 +31.6 +51.4 +31.2 +45.9 +24.6 Moderate +30.8 +19.6 +46.5 +30.0 +42.7 +28.3 +39.2 +23.5 Moderate‐to‐severe +27.9 +17.5 +42.3 +28.0 +35.4 +25.3 +34.0 +21.4 Severe +34.7 +20.5 +51.6 +34.2 +42.7 +29.8 +41.9 +25.5 Because the above global averages mask large regional variations, Table 2 tabulates the annual‐mean percentage changes averaged within eight geographic regions, for all five turbulence strength categories and both pressure levels. The results indicate that the busiest international airspace around the middle and high latitudes (North Atlantic, North America, North Pacific, Europe, and Asia) experiences larger increases in CAT than the global average, with the volume of severe CAT approximately doubling at 200 hPa over North America (+112.7%), the North Pacific (+91.6%), and Europe (+160.7%). The less congested skies around the tropics (Africa, South America, and Australia) generally experience smaller increases. Whereas globally, it is light turbulence that experiences the largest relative increase, locally, it can be severe turbulence (e.g., Europe). For each strength category and geographic region, the percentage change is larger at 200 hPa than 250 hPa. To provide some context to aid with the interpretation of the magnitudes of these changes, in the North Atlantic (50–75°N, 10–60°W) at 200 hPa, we find that (i) in winter, severe CAT by 2050–2080 will be as common as moderate CAT in the control period, and (ii) for a range of turbulence strengths from light to moderate‐to‐severe, summertime CAT by 2050–2080 will be as common as wintertime CAT in the control period. Table 2. Annual‐Mean Percentage Changes in the Amount of CAT From Pre‐Industrial Times (picontrol) to the Period 2050–2080 (RCP8.5) Strength North Atlantic North America North Pacific Europe Category 200 hPa 250 hPa 200 hPa 250 hPa 200 hPa 250 hPa 200 hPa 250 hPa Light +75.4 +47.3 +110.1 +71.0 +120.7 +82.0 +90.5 +59.9 Light‐to‐moderate +124.1 +80.7 +113.6 +57.5 +106.6 +53.8 +130.7 +75.8 Moderate +143.3 +74.4 +100.3 +50.2 +90.2 +41.6 +126.8 +60.8 Moderate‐to‐severe +148.9 +71.0 +94.3 +47.0 +73.1 +35.3 +142.1 +66.1 Severe +181.4 +88.0 +112.7 +58.9 +91.6 +40.1 +160.7 +90.6 Strength South America Africa Asia Australia Category 200 hPa 250 hPa 200 hPa 250 hPa 200 hPa 250 hPa 200 hPa 250 hPa Light +18.3 +13.4 +24.2 +18.9 +102.5 +65.1 +18.0 +9.5 Light‐to‐moderate +27.1 +18.0 +27.9 +23.3 +92.4 +48.7 +23.1 +12.9 Moderate +34.3 +22.8 +34.3 +26.0 +78.1 +48.7 +29.6 +19.1 Moderate‐to‐severe +43.3 +23.8 +36.6 +26.9 +59.2 +47.9 +36.9 +24.8 Severe +62.0 +31.6 +51.1 +40.2 +64.1 +55.4 +52.5 +35.4
4 Summary and Discussion Using climate model simulations, this paper has found large relative increases in the atmospheric volume containing significant CAT by the period 2050–2080 under the RCP8.5 greenhouse gas forcing scenario. The increases occur throughout the global atmosphere but are most pronounced in the midlatitudes in both hemispheres. The increases occur in multiple aviation‐relevant turbulence strength categories, at multiple flight levels, and in all seasons. We conclude that the intensification of CAT that has been calculated by previous studies, which considered only transatlantic flights in winter at altitudes of around 39,000 feet, apply more generally. Our findings may have implications for aviation operations in the coming decades. Many of the aircraft that will be flying in the second half of the present century are currently in the design phase. It would therefore seem sensible for the airframe manufacturers to prepare for a more turbulent atmosphere, even at this early stage. Future aeronautical advances, such as remote sensing of clear‐air turbulence using onboard light detection and ranging technology, might be able to mitigate the operational effects of the worsening atmospheric turbulence (Vrancken et al., 2016). Our results also reinforce the increasingly urgent need to improve the skill of operational CAT forecasts. Despite containing useful information and demonstrably improving the safety and comfort of air travel, these forecasts continue to include a substantial fraction of false positives and missed events. Future research should extend our results by quantifying the remaining uncertainties. Although the present paper has captured uncertainties arising from gaps in our knowledge of turbulence generation by computing 20 different CAT diagnostics, two key sources of uncertainty remain unquantified. First, future emissions of greenhouse gases depend on socioeconomic and political factors. The corresponding uncertainty in CAT should be quantified by using other forcing scenarios in addition to the RCP8.5 scenario used herein. Second, the jet streams in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere in different climate models may respond differently to a given radiative forcing anomaly. The corresponding uncertainty in CAT should be quantified by using other climate models in addition to the CMIP5 model used herein, such as the next generation of CMIP6 models that will have substantially higher spatial resolutions. Future studies could also use a more recent historical period as the baseline, instead of the preindustrial control period. Turbulence reports from commercial aircraft could be used for climate model verification purposes. The grid resolution of numerical weather prediction models could be systematically degraded to match climate models, to assess how the turbulence diagnostics depend on resolution. Whereas the present study has investigated the climate response of clear‐air turbulence, which is prevalent in the midlatitudes, future studies should investigate the climate response of convective turbulence, which is more prevalent in the tropics. Finally, the response of clear‐air turbulence to natural climate variability, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (Kim et al., 2016), also deserves further study.
Acknowledgments L. N. S. acknowledges support through a PhD studentship from the Natural Environment Research Council SCENARIO Doctoral Training Partnership (reference NE/L002566). P. D. W. acknowledges support through a University Research Fellowship from the Royal Society (reference UF130571). For their roles in producing, coordinating, and making available the CMIP5 model output, we acknowledge the Met Office Hadley Centre, the World Climate Research Programme's (WCRP) Working Group on Coupled Modelling (WGCM), and the Global Organization for Earth System Science Portals (GO‐ESSP).The problem of the future is that we can’t know what it looks like.
Yet we can make predictions. Here’s one: an NZIER report estimated that 46 per cent of New Zealand jobs are at risk of automation in the next two decades. In other words, jobs that people have today, jobs that people are currently taking out loans to train in, will soon be performed by machines.
Here’s another prediction: within seven years, synthetic milk will enter the global dairy market. This will not only increase supply, but also competition, because synthetic milk has various market advantages including its minimal environmental impact.
And another: by the end of their working lives, today’s fifteen year-olds will have on average seventeen different jobs in five different industries.
Of course, such predictions are shrouded in uncertainty, not only because the future is hard to predict, but also because, by making predictions, we give ourselves reasons to reshape the future. If what we predict is alarming, we can move to change it.
Labour’s Future of Work Commission is this sort of exercise. Its scope is nothing less than how to reorientate our workers and our institutions around vast technological change—or, as everyone likes to say these days, disruption.
Like many words bandied around the Future of Work Conference, 'disruption' is distinctly double-edged. There’s a certain species of techno-capitalist whose eyes will moisten adoringly whenever the word is uttered, as if disruption is undeniably a virtue, the pinnacle of the entrepreneur’s powers. But for every disruptor there is also 'the disrupted', the people whose livelihoods are lost to new technologies.
'Flexibility' is another such word. One conference speaker—a comms, HR-type—gushed over the “incredible” flexibility of the modern workplace, lauding the “improved efficiency and cost-savings” and the “choice” to work from home. Yet one worker’s gain could be another’s inconvenience. In this vein, other speakers spoke of flexibility in terms of “insecurity” and “uncertainty”, of casual contracts and vanishing vocations. AUT economist Gail Pacheco noted that temporary workers were paid less than permanent workers, even when they were doing precisely the same thing. For these flexi-realists, the key question was about whom flexibility benefited, which was ultimately a question of power.
Göran Roos
Yet the ultimate Jekyll-and-Hyde word was 'productivity'. Of course, we’re used to hearing about productivity as an economic good; in New Zealand, we even have a Productivity Commission. But then came Swedish technologist Göran Roos, clearly relishing his role as the harbinger of bad news (the synthetic milk prediction was also his). He reminded everyone that the benefit of automation is its productivity gains. This is the driving factor behind the technological revolutions of the past, when machine labour overtook human labour in industry and manufacturing. Now, the digital revolution enables machines to enter the service sector: banking, finance, HR, retail, education, and so on. So far, productivity gains in this sector have been a humble 0.3 per cent, but Roos warns that they’re set to escalate to an unprecedented 6–10 per cent in coming years as humans are replaced by algorithms and self-service tellers. He showed an ominously U-shaped graph which signifies the looming collapse of mid-skilled service jobs, leaving only those jobs that computers can’t do, either low-skilled jobs like care work or highly-skilled jobs involving creativity or expert judgment. Once upon a time, it was thought this would herald an Age of Leisure, where the middle-classes were freed from work to pursue their hobbies. But as Roos drolly noted, “We know the difference between a hobby and a business is that a business makes money and a hobby loses money.” And in today’s world, a future of no work is no future at all.
Grant Robertson
For a party of organised labour, which is also a party of progressives, the dilemma is how to respond.
Labour’s Grant Robertson, who chairs the Future of Work Commission, clearly doesn’t want to halt the future. He’s not about to propose that New Zealand become like the fictional society of Erewhon, whose leaders un-invented machines once they realised what the future held in store. Rather, he wants to design “a transition that is just and fair”.
As fuzzy as this sounds, it’s starting to get firmer. So far, the clearest policy is the Working Futures plan for three free years of tertiary education. The aim is to help people to switch careers, or to retrain within a career, as new technologies eclipse certain skills, systems, or entire vocations. Crucially, it applies not only to university degrees, but also to apprenticeships and vocational training.
Other proposals remain under consideration. Much of it is unsurprising Labour fare, including proposals to expand internet access, to increase R&D funding, to encourage business clusters, to support the transition from school to work, to strengthen rights for collective bargaining, and to build partnerships with Māori and Pasifika. There’s a signal of interest in the Danish “flexicurity model”, which combines generous welfare provision with direct interventions in the labour market to provide jobs to the unemployed. There’s also plans to support “social entrepreneurship”—although it’s hard to tell at this stage if this goes beyond mere support for a fashionable phrase.
But the proposal that received the most attention was the Universal Basic Income (UBI). This would provide a mandatory minimum income to every citizen, a minimum level of economic security as the disruptions of perpetual innovation bump workers from one job to the next.
Given the basic income’s prominence in overseas debates, it was a matter of due diligence to consider it—but this didn’t prevent a flurry of irresponsible squealing from Labour’s adversaries, which reflects not only the hostility to ideas in this country, but also Labour’s continuing failure to control for these circumstances. In any case, Labour looks unlikely to adopt the policy, given its controversy and its cost. If so, advocates will have to watch and learn from the experiences of other nations, including pilot projects in Ontario, Finland and the Netherlands, and an upcoming referendum in Switzerland.
Yet even if the basic income isn’t the answer, that doesn’t solve the problem at hand: How do we ensure economic security, and therefore political security, in the face of technological transformation in a globally integrated economy?
Guy Standing
Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor in the Clinton Administration, puts the problem like this: Imagine an iEverything. Anything you want—a pizza, a new car, a new designer dress—can be produced for free at the touch of a button. Even if this were technologically possible, however, it would be economically impossible. No one could afford an iEverything because it would put everyone out of work. Thus, Reich gestures to the American mythology of Henry Ford, the car manufacturer who (supposedly) paid his workers enough to be able to buy the cars they were making. Reich concludes: “It’s a question of market design: How do we recirculate the money? How do we get the money back to the people so they can buy things?”
As it happens, the story about Ford is likely apocryphal. Historians argue that Ford’s team raised wages to ensure labour security, not to transform his employees into customers. So, whether or not this thought experiment tells you something about economic inevitability, it does tell you that Reich is no acolyte for communism, despite inequality being his core concern. On the contrary, his most recent book is titled, Saving Capitalism: For the Many, Not the Few. He wants to correct, rather than overturn, the present system.
But it’s security of labour that’s the core concern for Guy Standing, the other keynote speaker. His seminal book The Precariat identifies “a class in the making”, characterised by low-paid and casualised work that’s often beneath one’s qualifications. The precariat is also time poor, because hours of unpaid labour are needed to apply for jobs, to pitch for projects, and to network for new opportunities. Rather more darkly, he describes the precariat as “the new dangerous class,” driven by “the four As” of anxiety, anomie, alienation, and anger.
It’s lofty rhetoric, made all the loftier by Standing’s performance: plucky, theatrical, even mildly sordid, his rough-hewn but proper accent summoning visions of a cavalry commander in helmet and jodhpurs, spurring his troops on to fight for the noble fight. Indeed, one worry is that he’s over-egging his arguments, that he’s creating a sense of precariousness as much as he’s describing it. After all, an often overlooked explanation for the casualisation of labour—alongside globalisation and technological change—is the inclusion of women in the workforce, which partly involves being paid for work that was once unpaid in the home. So, while the shift to flexible work was a shock to the masculine system, it was less so for women. It could even preferable in the right circumstances, for women and men. In short, it becomes hard to evaluate these trends without understanding the wider context for workers, nor without understanding what actually drives change in a specific occupation. And it’s harder still when understanding is captured by buzzwords.
Bernie Sanders, Jeremy Corbyn, Donald 'The Donald' Trump
For all the Commission’s ambitions, the future of work remains strikingly indistinct. Perhaps that is inevitable, given how much we can’t know. Perhaps it’s even for the best, given that predictions often carry the prejudices of the present. Yet it leaves the sense that what’s driving Labour policy is not so forward looking. What’s driving Labour instead is, first, the desire to revisit the unfulfilled promises of social democracy; and, second, the fears of Labour’s present members about what the future might hold.
This leaves unclear whether the future has yet been represented. A case in point was the relative absence of the social enterprise community. Wellington’s Enspiral Network was namechecked several times by speakers, yet wasn’t itself represented at the conference at all. More broadly, a couple of speakers noted the lack of diversity at the conference, particularly the absence of those generations and ethnicities that will dominate New Zealand’s future workforce. Perhaps this was unfair, given that Labour’s consultation process has engaged more widely. But it isn’t yet clear whether Labour has properly met the future, let alone decided whether they have anything in common.
This isn’t as straightforward as it could seem. After all, those most likely to belong to the precariat—the young, the disadvantaged, the disenfranchised—are also the least likely to vote. And no party in a parliamentary system can afford to hang its fate on non-voters; indeed, Labour’s 2014 campaign, which focused heavily on the “missing million” voters, demonstrates the hazards of doing so.
Admittedly, the rise of Jeremy Corbyn in the UK and Bernie Sanders in the USA shows that the precariat can be mobilised, but it isn’t yet obvious that these movements can form an electoral majority. Nor is it obvious that Corbyn and Sanders actually represent the concerns and values of the precariat, rather than gain their support by default. A new politics—produced for and by the precariat—might look rather different, might even eschew electoral politics entirely. And if it’s true that a hollowed-out working-class fuelled the rise of Donald Trump, then there’s no guarantee that the precariat’s votes will all fall to left-wing parties, nor that the left would want them to.
Of course, the question of how to represent the interests of the future isn’t only Labour’s to solve. It’s a problem for policymakers everywhere, not only for economic policy, but environmental policy also. Imagining what future people expect of us is never going to be easy. But as our risks stack up, as our responses remain inadequate, this could become the crucial point of difference.People link hands during a commemorative event to mark last week's attack outside Parliament that killed four people, on Westminster Bridge in London, Wednesday, March 29, 2017.
Police officers, Muslim youths and hundreds of others linked hands Wednesday on Westminster Bridge to honor the four people who died in a terrorist attack that started on the span a week earlier.
The bridge fell silent at 2:40 p.m. to mark the moment when Khalid Masood began mowing down pedestrians, killing three. Masood then fatally stabbed a policeman in a courtyard on the grounds of Parliament.
Police say Masood, a native Briton, was inspired by extremist ideology, but that there's no evidence he had direct links to the Islamic State group or al-Qaida.
Nurses and doctors from St Thomas' hospital, where many of the injured were treated, joined the vigil on the bridge, which was closed for the event.
Schoolchildren clutching yellow roses held signs reading, "Islam says no to terror" and "Please don't kill innocent people" as they walked across the span that crosses the River Thames.
Hundreds of members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association wore T-shirts with the message "I am a Muslim, ask me anything".
Members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association pay their respects in commemorative event marking last week's attack outside Parliament that killed four people, in Parliament Square, London, March 29, 2017 AP/David Mirzoeff
Zafir Malik, an imam from the association, said the group wanted to show the attack had nothing to do with Islam.
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"We're here to show that we are united with our fellow countrymen and remembering those who have fallen, especially (police constable) Keith Palmer," he said. "We are here and showing our solidarity for the country."
The commemoration came as an inquest opened into the deaths of American tourist Kurt Cochran, 54, retired window cleaner Leslie Rhodes, 75, school administrator Aysha Frade, 44, and Palmer, 48.
Detective Superintendent John Crossley said "in excess" of 35 people were hurt in the March 22 attack, with injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to "extensive bone fractures."
"The driver mounted the pavement twice in an apparently deliberate attempt to target pedestrians, before mounting the pavement for a final time and crashing his vehicle into the east parliament gates of the Houses of Parliament," Crossley said.Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) seems to be a big fan of constitutional history, even if his own legislative history hasn't always lived up to that document.
On Thursday, he'll lead a reading of the Constitution on the House floor -- a first, according to his website. Goodlatte is using the opportunity to demonstrate that, "The new majority in the House truly is dedicated to our Constitution and the principles for which is stands."
But an appearance on "The Last Word" with Lawrence O'Donnell may have shown that such dedication was lacking in the past. On Tuesday, Goodlatte came on the program to discuss his symbolic reading, and also played up the fact that the "we have, as a part of our new rules of the House, a requirement that all bills introduced in the Congress state the basis in the Constitution -- the section of the Constitution -- upon which that introducer of the bill relies in introducing it."
O'Donnell asked Goodlatte for the current Supreme Court justice who "most reflects" his own reading of the Constitution. After Goodlatte heaped praise on Antonin Scalia and indicated that legislation should stick within the framework of the Constitution, O'Donnell pointed out that Scalia had been part of a 7-2 majority that rulled Goodlatte's own internet censorship bill unconstitutional.
Reasonable parties can disagree, of course. Goodlatte noted that requiring bills to explain their constitutionality would at least get that debate started and help Representatives to consider the issue.
Among the biggest beneficiaries of the new rule? Maybe Goodlatte.
The congressman told O'Donnell that he has not looked into the constitutionality of the minimum wage, despite voting to increase it.
The host pressed, "You voted for an increase in something that you don't even know has constitutional authority to exist?"
"That's correct," Goodlatte admitted.Lawrence O'Donnell 080514 [MSNBC]
MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell argued on Tuesday that a new report highlighting the damage income inequality does to Wall Street should change the debate around the subject by excluding morality in favor of economic self-interest for the wealthy.
“Worrying about income inequality is now way too important to be left to the liberals, according to this Wall Street report” O’Donnell said.
As the New York Times reported, the study by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services found that the rise of income inequality in the U.S. has damaged the growth of the country’s gross domestic product, to the point that Standard & Poor’s downgraded the country’s projected growth rating over the next decade from 2.8 percent to 2.5 percent.
“We see a narrowing of the current income gap as beneficial to the economy,” the report stated. “In addition to strengthening the quality of economic expansions, bringing levels of income inequality under control would improve U.S. economic resilience in the face of potential risks to growth.”
O’Donnell further argued that the massive gap in income distribution hurts those at both the top, since their disposable income is less likely to be put back into the economy.
“If you have all the houses you think you need and all the yachts you think you need and all the private planes you think you need and you still have tens of millions of dollars left over, and tens of millions of dollars of new income coming in next year, then very little of your new income is going to be used for new spending, and the economy always needs new spending,” he said. “And in the lower end of the income scale, where people have no savings and not enough money to make ends meet, they have to cut back on their spending. Long-term, those two conditions can strangle the economy.”
Watch O’Donnell’s commentary, as aired on Tuesday, below.BEIRUT, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said he was open to the idea of a coalition against Islamic State but indicated there was little chance of it happening with his enemies, casting further doubt on a Russian plan to forge an alliance against the militant group.
The initiative proposed by Russia, a vital ally of Assad, would involve the Syrian government joining regional states that have backed Syrian rebels in a shared fight against the Islamic State group that controls wide areas of Syria and Iraq.
In an interview broadcast on Tuesday, Assad said the Syrian government would not reject such an alliance, though it made no sense "that states which stood with terrorism would be the states that will fight terrorism".
He was referring to governments including Turkey and Saudi Arabia that have backed insurgent groups fighting to topple him in the brutal four-year-long civil war that has killed an estimated 250,000 people and shattered the country.
"A small possibility remains that these states decided to repent, or realised they were moving in the wrong direction, or maybe for reasons of pure self-interest, they got worried that this terrorism is heading towards their countries, and so they decided to combat terrorism," Assad said.
"We have no objection. The important thing is to be able to form an alliance to fight terrorism," he said in the interview with al-Manar TV, which is controlled by Lebanon's Hezbollah.
The comments echo previous remarks by the Syrian foreign minister, who has said such an alliance would need "a miracle".
Saudi Arabia has ruled out any coalition with Assad. Like the United States, Saudi Arabia wants to see Assad gone from power, blames him for the rise of Islamic State, and says he cannot be a partner in the fight against the group.
The United States is leading an alliance in a campaign against the ultra-hardline group in both Syria and Iraq. Russia has said the United States should cooperate with Assad to fight Islamic State.
Support from Russia, Iran, and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah has been vital to Assad during the conflict.
The conclusion of Iran's nuclear deal with world powers including the United States has been followed by a spate of high-level diplomatic contacts aimed at trying to advance solutions to the Syrian war.
Previous diplomacy on Syria has been a complete failure.
Diplomats say Iran and Russia are the prime movers behind the latest push.
The contacts included a meeting between the Syrian and Omani foreign ministers this month. Oman has quietly brokered resolutions to several disputes in the Middle East.
Assad said it was obvious Oman had a role to play in helping to resolve the Syrian crisis.
"The meetings now aim to gauge the Syrian view on finding a solution and at the same time they (Oman) are gauging the regional and international climate... to reach something specific," he said.
He added: "It is too early to talk about the role that Oman can play. We must wait for the continuation of this dialogue." (Reporting by Tom Perry and Laila Bassam; Editing by James Dalgleish)
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.:o These 3 last Days... Am i the only one who made the Box on great odds,? Its like 100000 13/y kids startet to bet while they kno Shi, ppl Even startet sway aagaing? What happend, dit mlg rlly drag so many customers... Well point of it all, guys this is a 50-50 idkno who told u difference, or how dig who competet againgst tier 1 teams and won evry time can be underdog while nip have been missing pyth, and Yes i kno its lan that is my point they havent had so many matches with pyth because the visa thing o.O' while in The mean time team dig have been ply like Kings..in my opinion digni take this. I Even Max bettet from 2 of my acc... Gl to all
2016-04-12 11:40Politics - The modern left - The left's support for tyranny
The left thinks western capitalist democracy is basically, and is always in search of some kind of revolutionary "change" that will make everything right. As a result, the left has a history of getting excited about romantic foreign leaders and third-world "rebels".
The right, in contrast, thinks the answers to how to order society lie in the Western Enlightenment and were basically worked out in the 17th-18th centuries. As a result, the right has little interest in new "revolutionary" ideas, especially ones from outside the West. The right is largely unimpressed with the non-western world. In fact, the right seldom gets excited about foreigners at all, especially if they are non-westerners or third-world people.
The predictable result of these differences is that the left has a far more embarrassing track record of supporting foreign tyranny than the right. And because of these differences, this track record is likely to continue (see for example the recent left-wing enthusiasm for the butchers of the Iraqi resistance). This page lays out some of the shocking (and not widely-enough known) expressions of support from comfortable western intellectuals (mostly but not all left-wing or left-leaning) for foreign tyrannies they would never live under themselves.
The western left has a long history of supporting third world tyranny that they would never live under themselves.Shown here is how many western leftists still consider people like Che Guevara and Mao cool in some way.
Western useful idiots are shown around Soviet Russia.From Tintin in the Land of the Soviets (1930).
Irish useful idiot Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington praises Stalin's Soviet Union.
From Irish Press, December 15, 1932.
Another Irish useful idiot, feminist and republican Charlotte Despard.
From Irish Independent, December 24, 1930.
Right-wing support for fascism: The Daily Mail, under Lord Rothermere, supported Hitler, Nazi Germany, Mussolini and British fascism in the 1930s. The Daily Mail's support for fascist tyranny ended when war broke out in 1939. By contrast, the modern Guardian actually prints articles supporting the fascist enemy during the war, while brave British soldiers are dying to try to stop the fascists slaughtering civilians. Both of them are despicable, but I suppose one would have to say that the Guardian is worse than the Daily Mail. British writer P.G.Wodehouse made radio broadcasts for Nazi radio. The broadcasts were harmless and he does not seem to have actually supported the Nazis. They seem to be the acts of an idiot rather than a supporter. They will, rightly, forever sully his reputation. G. K. Chesterton praised Mussolini. Like many other intellectuals, Evelyn Waugh supported Hitler, Mussolini and Franco in the 1930s. Though he made up for it by joining the Allied war effort in 1939. T.S. Eliot expressed some sympathy for European fascism in the 1930s, though again this ended with the war.
George Bernard Shaw said in 1945 that the Nazis running concentration camps "were not fiends in human form; but they did not know what to do with the thousands thrown on their care."
From the 1945 preface to Geneva.
Capture from here.
Irish right-wing support for Franco: Some of the Irish Catholic right supported the Spanish dictator Franco because: (1) he was conservative Catholic, and: (2) he defeated a barbarous communism. But the fact is, he was a fascist dictator who killed maybe 200,000 people and crushed liberal democracy. Photo of Irish Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave signing book of condolence for Franco at his death in 1975. Posted here.
"Dinner with Pol Pot", a promotion for a Swedish exhibition, Sept 2009, on the Cambodian genocide, and the Swedish leftists who supported the communist regime.And search for copies.
20th century French intellectuals have a lot of innocent third-world blood on their hands.
Sartre calls for the violent overthrow of |
said in an annual assessment called the Arctic Report Card. (here)
"We've got a new normal," said Don Perovich, an expert on sea ice at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory in New Hampshire.
"Whether it's a tipping point and it will never recover, who can say? But we have a new normal... that has implications not just for the ice but other components of the Arctic system."
The turning point for the Arctic came in 2006, when persistent weather patterns pushed sea ice out of the Arctic, setting the stage for 2007, when Arctic ice extent - the area of the ocean covered by ice at summer's end - dropped to its lowest level ever. In 2011, Arctic sea ice reached its second-lowest extent.
Released as U.N. climate talks proceed in Durban, South Africa, the Arctic report found significant changes in atmospheric, sea ice and ocean conditions, and in land-based ice including glaciers, while marine and terrestrial ecosystems were also changed by the Arctic warming trend.
The Arctic acts as Earth's "air conditioner" and also as a potent global weather-maker. As a result, sweeping changes there influence life across the planet. The report found that even as the Arctic warmed, a shift in weather patterns sent cold Arctic air as far south as the United States and densely populated parts of northern Europe.
INCREASING DEMANDS ON ARCTIC RESOURCES
With less sea ice to clog potential shipping lanes, development in the Arctic is likely, said Monica Medina of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She suggested that this report and others could help "prepare for increasing demands on Arctic resources" as warming makes these resources more available.
The Arctic "new normal" means oil and gas companies and tourists can begin to expect routine access to the area, according to report co-author Jackie Richter-Menge of the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory.
The new warmth in the Arctic means more tundra vegetation, with taller shrubs winning out over lower-lying moss and lichens, which could in turn affect caribou and reindeer.
The loss of sea ice cuts into the habitat of polar bears and walruses, which use ice floes as hunting platforms, the scientists said.
Whales were winners, especially those that migrate from temperate areas, because they could stay for longer periods in the Arctic while the water there was open in the summer. Populations of tagged bowhead whales from Alaska and west Greenland were able to mingle in the Northwest Passage, which until this century was blocked by ice.
At the base of the marine food chain, biological productivity soared by 20 percent between 1998 and 2009 as more sunlight penetrates increasingly open Arctic water, the scientists said.
Open Arctic water also absorbs climate-warming carbon dioxide, but that has made the Beaufort and Chukchi seas more acidic, which could erode the shells of some shellfish.While national news reports cite allegations of plagiarism by DeVos for an 18-word lift from an earlier Department of Education press release, a far more extensive copied-and-pasted segment has apparently been overlooked. Below is a direct quote provided on pages 21-22 of DeVos’ answers to Senator Patty Murray’s questions:
Senator Murray asks,
“If you claim to support accountability and transparency, why do the model voucher policies from the American Federation for Children that you chaired fail to require students in private schools receiving vouchers to take the same assessments and report the same data as those in public schools?”
DeVos answers:
“The model voucher policies include strong accountability provisions. I’ve included the language below for your review: (C) Academic Accountability Standards. There must be sufficient information about the academic impact Parental Choice Scholarships have on participating students in order to allow parents and taxpayers to measure the achievements of the program, and therefore: (1) participating schools shall:
(a) annually administer either the state achievement tests or nationally norm-referenced tests that measure learning gains in math and language arts, and provide for value-added assessment, to all participating students in grades that require testing under the state’s accountability testing laws for public schools;
(b) provide the parents of each student with a copy of the results of the tests on an annual basis, beginning with the first year of testing;
(c) provide the test results to the state or an organization chosen by the state on an annual basis, beginning with the first year of testing;
(d) report student information that would allow the state to aggregate data by grade level, gender, family income level, and race; and
(e) provide rates of high school graduation, college attendance and college graduation for participating students to the Department or an organization chosen by the state in a manner consistent with nationally recognized standards.”
The Senate’s review should note that her response appears to be a near-identical match to language from the ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council) Parental Choice Scholarship Program
“(C) Academic Accountability Standards. There must be sufficient information about the academic impact Parental Choice Scholarships have on participating students in order to allow parents and taxpayers to measure the achievements of the program, and therefore: (1) participating schools shall:
(a) annually administer either the state achievement tests or nationally recognized norm-referenced tests that measure learning gains in math and language arts to all participating students in grades that require testing under the state’s accountability testing laws for public schools;
(b) provide the parents of each student with a copy of the results of the tests on an annual basis, beginning with the first year of testing;
(c) provide the test results to the state or an organization chosen by the state14 on an annual basis, beginning with the first year of testing;
(d) report student information that would allow the state to aggregate data by grade level, gender, family income level, and race; and
(e) provide graduation rates of participating students to the Department or an organization chosen by the state in a manner consistent with nationally recognized standards.”
The few words indicating any substantive difference are in section “a” where Devos’ response to Murray includes tests that she thinks should provide for value-added assessment.
So, which of the two following situations is more likely?
Situation 1: DeVos lifted the ALEC language and failed to include a citation or link referring to the ALEC specific policy? Such an action would apparently indicate further evidence of plagiarism…
or…
Situation 2: Since Senator Murray’s question refers specifically to model voucher policies from DeVos’ American Federation for Children (see earlier post for AFC involvement in ALEC) then perhaps DeVos had actually authored the policy she wrote about in her response. If this were true, then she would have had a far greater role in shaping ALEC bills than had been indicated in her earlier paperwork. Unfortunately, such a scenario would reveal a glaring omission in her written disclosures of activities within, for, or with the ALEC organization. When prompted to list organizational memberships, her response appears to have been exhaustive, and goes so far as to include three yacht clubs, yet fails to make any mention of ALEC. How would she be held accountable for such an omission if indeed she has participated in ALEC activities?
Maybe the AFC to ALEC link is designed to serve a dual function; to be a bridge for instant funneling of DeVos designed plans into education policy while simultaneously acting as an organizational barrier to shield DeVos/DeVos from the stigma of having direct ties to ALEC. Such shielding would be consistent with reports of Mr. and Mrs. DeVos’ activities from over ten years ago. As Tabachnik’s Talk to Action report reveals, Dick DeVos stated in a 2002 speech to the Heritage Foundation about the divisiveness of school privatization as a political issue and that in order to effectively move voucher and privatization bills through legislatures, it would be ineffective to frame the policies as solely conservative in ideology. In the cited speech, Mr. DeVos warned, “We need to be cautious about talking too much about these activities.”
No, Mr. and Mrs. DeVos, you need not be “cautious about talking too much” about these activities. Please keep talking. And should the hundreds of millions of dollars spent in campaign contributions to Senators actually work to buy their votes and your seat as the new U.S. Secretary of Education, then congratulations on your purchase and may your ties with ALEC forever be in the forefront of American consciousness.
##
For readers interested to learn more about ALEC and how their actions drive policy, see the videos and links at the end of this earlier post as well as the following Step By Step Guide To Understanding ALEC’s Influence On Your State Laws. The image at the top of this post and the screenshot below are from the publicly available powerpoint created by Matt Sinovic, Executive Director of Progress Iowa:MAHWAH -- It was the mayor's idea. It was conceived by a reckless council president. It's a conspiracy to get Phil Murphy elected governor.
There was no shortage of blame or finger-pointing in Mahwah on Tuesday, when Christopher S. Porrino, the state's attorney general, dropped a bombshell complaint against the town that pushed the largest municipality in Bergen County into full-on crisis mode.
Porrino dropped words like "hatred," "bigotry," "small-minded" and "bias," in an extraordinary press release condemning the actions of Mahwah's leaders and some of its citizens, likening them to "1950s-era white flight suburbanites who sought to keep African-Americans from moving into their neighborhoods."
At issue is Mahwah's rocky relationship with the large Orthodox Jewish community across its shared border with Rockland County, New York, and its illegal efforts to keep the community from "infiltrating" Mahwah, as Porrino put it.
The state is seeking an injunction against two township ordinances - one approved and one pending -- that it alleges are discriminatory against the Orthodox Jewish community.
The first ordinance, which went into effect at the end of July, limited the use of Mahwah's parks to New Jersey residents. The passing of the ordinance could have a financial impact on the township, as the nine-count complaint seeks a return of more than $3.4 million in state Green Acres grants received by Mahwah.
The second ordinance the office found discriminatory was introduced, but ultimately tabled, and would've expanded an existing town rule that bans signs on utility poles to include any "device or other matter."
In effect, it would have banned "lechis" from utility poles, essentially PVC piping that forms a religious boundary known as an eruv, the state alleged. The eruv allows Orthodox Jews to perform routine tasks outside of their home on the Sabbath.
Reached for comment on Tuesday, most council members said they had no idea about the advanced state of the attorney general's review of the ordinances. They said they were required to submit documents as part of a subpoena, but did not know Porrino had come to a decision. Most declined to comment for publication.
Mayor William Laforet initially said was unaware of the complaint. But a little more than an hour after receiving a call for comment, he issued a statement that largely blamed Council President Robert Hermansen for Mahwah's "loss of reputation."
"It has been a lonely and painful struggle for me and my family these past several months, having to deal with a reckless and oblivious council president, Rob Hermansen," Laforet said. "He personally led his council mates to this action by the state's highest law enforcement official, and is most accountable."
Hermansen, a former county freeholder, is specifically named in the complaint, which alleges he told a non-Orthodox woman that her mother, who lives in New York, would have no issue taking her grandchildren to a township park because her "situation" was not why the town passed the park law.
Hermansen went so far as to suggest a neighborhood eruv watch, writing in a social media post that "the goal is to have everybody working together to make sure that our poles stay clean in Mahwah," according to the complaint.
Hermansen was the only council member to speak out on Tuesday, producing emails that he says prove Laforet is lying, and that the mayor pushed the council to pass the residents-only ordinance and supported the battle against the eruv.
He saved his sharpest criticism for Porrino, however, intimating that the attorney general and Laforet were colluding in an attempt to get Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy and Laforet's preferred council candidates in Mahwah elected.
"I believe this has everything to do with trying to get Phil Murphy and [Laforet's] council candidates elected," Hermansen said. "Am I shocked that the mayor of Mahwah is backing Phil Murphy after having received a $2,600 check from him? Not really."
"To me, this is nothing more than a witch hunt," he said.
Hermansen said it was Laforet who, in the spring, pushed the council to pass the resolutions -- even sending emails on the topic.
Emails provided to NJ Advance Media show that Laforet repeatedly emailed council members about posting "New Jersey residents only" signs at town parks.
"Will you approve this ordinance so I can get these signs posted," Laforet wrote.
Laforet said the idea for the ordinance came about after meeting with a group of local mayors. But he says he backed off after the town was told that the residents-only park designation wouldn't pass legal muster, and that Hermansen is only telling half the story.
Hermansen also pushed part of the blame toward the township's legal counsel, nothing that the attorney writes ordinances based off "what they deem is good law. We pass the ordinance on the advice of our legal counsel."
Mahwah's township attorney, Brian Chewcaskie, did not return calls for comment.
Chewcaskie did wade into the the political discourse over the summer when he told council members and Laforet not to comment to the press about the eruv, according to emails obtained by NJ Advance Media through a records request.
The attorney's request set off another confrontation between Hermansen and Laforet, who have butted heads in the full-contact world of Mahwah politics for years.
Hermansen chastised the mayor in one email, saying he had "concern" for Mahwah and was, "struggling mightily with the decisions and comments" Laforet was making in public.
"I begged you to stop and you just can not help yourself. So here we are again," the council president wrote to the mayor.
The drama continued as Mahwah Police Chief James Batelli bypassed council members and wrote to Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir Grewal about his concerns enforcing the park ban.
As the mayor put it on Tuesday, "I'm on the chief of police's side."
Grewal told the chief not to enforce the ordinance. The county prosecutor did not respond Tuesday to requests for comment.
In an interview on Tuesday, the police chief said that he thought that Porrino's complaint "spoke for itself."
"Throughout our country, officials have to answer for their actions through these types of civil complaints," Batelli said. "Several months ago, I expressed my concerns about the ordinance that the council had submitted for enactment. From here, we'll have to see the response from the township."
After ordering the removal of the lechis and having the order met with a federal lawsuit in August, the town doesn't seems to have taken any additional action.
"America is a great place and nobody should have to endure the kind of discrimination that's emanating from Mahwah," said Yehudah Buchweitz, a partner in the litigation department at Weil Gotshal and Manges, part of the team going up against Mahwah.
Buchweitz is also litigiating against other townships in North Jersey fighting an eruv expansion, including Upper Saddle River and Montvale.
"I don't know what it is there. They have some people who I guess think you're allowed to say whatever you want. It's pretty disturbing and I'm glad it caught the attention of the New Jersey attorney general," he said Tuesday.
Reaction to the complaint and controversy was less pronounced among Mahwah residents, most of whom said they knew very little to nothing about the issue when approached in the town on Tuesday.
One mother who was leaving the library said she tries to avoid all media, so she hadn't heard of the eruv, parks ban or sign ordinance.
Another man said he was unfamiliar with the issues but if there were anti-Semitism at play, that would be wrong.
Alan Roth, who lives in Suffern but has family in Mahwah, said anything that threatens people's freedom of expression "needs to be avoided -- even if it inconveniences some residents."
"Once restrictions are placed on that, where does it end? There's something larger at stake," he said.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) had already commented on Mahwah's eruv case and wrote to Laforet asking him to rescind the decision to have it removed. It also condemned the vandalism to the eruv over the summer and called it, "deeply disturbing."
On Tuesday, the group commended Porrino and said the town's ordinances violated "the letter and spirit of the US and New Jersey constitutions as well as state anti-discrimination laws," said Joshua Cohen, ADL New Jersey regional director.
"We urge the township to foster an inclusive and welcoming community for all by amicably resolving this lawsuit," Cohen said.
The ACLU took a similar tone. "Officials should move to rebuild the community and make clear that everyone is welcome," said Jeanne LoCicero, deputy legal director of the ACLU of New Jersey.
As Porrino said in the statement Tuesday, he believes the "bottom line is very simple."
"The township council in Mahwah heard the angry, fear-driven voices of bigotry and acted to appease those voices," he said.
Sara Jerde may be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @SaraJerde.
Allison Pries may be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @AllisonPries. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Have information about this story or something else we should be covering? Tell us: nj.com/tips[U.S.] strategy should aim, above all, at the removal of Saddam Hussein’s regime from power. …[His removal is absolutely vital to] the security of the world in the first part of the 21st century [and for] the safety of American troops in the region, of our friends and allies like Israel and the moderate Arab states, and a significant portion of the world’s supply of oil. — Neocons’ January 26, 1998 letter to President Bill Clinton
[About the Iraqis] If they turn on their radars we’re going to blow up their goddamn missiles. They know we own their country. We own their airspace… We dictate the way they live and talk. And that’s what’s great about America right now. It’s a good thing, especially when there’s a lot of oil out there we need. — U.S. Air Force Brig. General William Looney, head of the US-UK flying operation south of the 32nd parallel over Iraq (no-fly zones), interview reproduced in the Washington Post, August 30 1999,
Focus your operations on the oil, especially in Iraq and in the Gulf, as this would mean [the West’s] death. — Osama bin Laden, December 2004
The high crude oil prices do not have any relation to production or consumption,… [It is] because of the decrease in the value of the dollar. — Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran President, April 2008
The American economy seems to be going from bubble to bubble: in 2000, it was the tech bubble; in 2005, it was the housing bubble; and now, it is the oil and commodities bubble. In fact, the entire world of investment is now a giant casino where speculators are in charge and where governments look the other way. For many basic marketable staples (rice, wheat, and corn) and commodities (oil, gas, metals), prices have no relation to the underlying values of what is being traded. Such prices are mostly driven by bad policies and by the pyramidal “greatest fool” technique by which large off-shore speculators navigate through unregulated derivatives to push prices up ever further, until the bubble burst. Meanwhile, a lot of disruptions may be created and people’s lives may have been endangered or lost. The current famine in many countries is the end result of such government approved manipulation of markets, by OPEC and a host of other cartels and so-called speculative hedge funds.
Is it possible for an economy to grow and prosper without always being on a roller coaster? Indeed, does the current explosion in oil and commodities prices reflect real supply and demand shifts, such as supply disruptions, or is it also or even mainly driven by geopolitical factors and financial speculation that fuel an ever larger insatiable artificial demand?
It is my feeling that the plummeting U.S. dollar is having serious unintended economic consequences worldwide. Indeed, such a panic devaluation of the most widely used key currency is fueling a major rush out of dollar holdings into hard assets, such as oil, gold and other commodities. Central banks, companies and individuals are losing faith in the dollar paper currency, which has been depreciating fast against other currencies, but whose intrinsic value is also expected to be eroded further by the coming inflation that will inevitably follow the Fed’s current liquidity creation. All these problems are interconnected.
Let us remember that the oil problem in the U.S. is largely a self-inflicted predicament since the U.S. government opted to move away from a self-sufficiency and a renewable-energy based economy. In 1982, for example, the U.S. daily consumption of oil had been brought down to about 9 million barrels a day, from 14 million barrels a day before the 1973 OPEC-initiated oil shock. Since the U.S. was producing about 9 million barrels of oil a day, it can be said the American economy was then self-sufficient in that form of energy needs. The Reagan administration changed all that: No more 55-mile-an-hour driving limits; reduced obligations for car manufacturers to raise gas mileage; no more restrictions, fiscal or otherwise, on the purchase of gas guzzlers, etc. The result is that the United States, with less than five percent of the world population, now consumes 25 percent of the daily world oil output, roughly 22 million barrels a day out of about 88 million barrels produced daily worldwide. And, here’s the gist, 60 percent of that oil has to be imported. What’s more, for the world as a whole, also 60 percent of oil imports come from the unstable Middle East. That’s what we can call playing with fire!
Therefore, since oil access under American control played an important part in the Bush-Cheney’s decision to launch an unprovoked war against Iraq in the spring of 2003, in order to turn that sovereign country into an American oil protectorate under management by a few major Anglo-American oil companies, it can said that the seeds for this illegal war were sown way back, during the Republican Reagan administration. That was when the philosophy of deregulation was rampant and was then hailed as a success. But, as a consequence, twenty-five precious years have been lost in preparing the U.S. economy for the time when oil would become a scarce energy source. Now, this time has arrived, but this is still the era of Hummer type vehicles that can only run on large quantities of costly and risky imported oil.
Indeed, in the U.S., there are now three cars for four adults and those cars are larger and have more powerful engines than anywhere else in the world. If only a few countries, such as China and India, were to emulate the United State in that regard, as their income levels rise, world oil consumption would more than double. But with no known oil reserves to meet such an expanded demand, oil prices would skyrocket, crushing the purchasing power of consumers and raising inflation. The result would be a major worldwide economic crisis before economically viable alternative energy sources could be developed. This could take ten to twenty years.
Are we there now? If not, we are moving fast toward that day of reckoning, while do-nothing or complicit governments hope for a miracle or some magic solution. The main consequences will be rising inflation, 19th century wars for securing resources, and a worldwide economic slowdown in production and trade. The next twenty years should prove to be interesting for a few, but taxing for the many.The vehicle that fatally pinned Anton Yelchin on Sunday outside his Studio City home had recently been recalled due to “rollaway risk.”
Yelchin drove a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Select 2014 and 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees — manufactured between July 16, 2012, and Dec. 22, 2015 — were recalled in April by manufacturer Fiat Chrysler Automobiles for a transmission issue that made it possible for the vehicle to roll away after being parked. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study investigated 14 complaints of “rollaway” after shifts to the “park” gear.
“Drivers erroneously concluding that their vehicle’s transmission is in the ‘park’ position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged,” the NHTSA concluded.
Yelchin’s body was found pinned by his car against a brick mailbox pillar and a security fence after the Jeep rolled in reverse down the steep driveway.
An LAPD spokesperson told Variety that the death is being investigated as a traffic collision so the car will be inspected for possible mechanical faults, as is standard practice.
Related Anton Yelchin Leaves Behind Several Unreleased Films, TV Series
FCA officials, however, say it’s too early “to speculate on the cause of this tragedy.”
“FCA US extends its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Yelchin,” the FCA said in a statement on Monday. “The company is in contact with the authorities and is conducting a thorough investigation.”
FCA US had identified — as of April 12 — 212 crashes, 308 claims of property damage and 41 injuries potentially related to the design flaw that allowed electronic shifts to spring back to their prior position after being moved to a different gear.
However, “the vehicles involved in these events were inspected and no evidence of equipment failure was found,” the FCA said.
The automotive manufacturer voluntarily recalled an estimated 1.1 million cars in the U.S. in April, according to the Los Angeles Times, “to reduce the effect of potential driver error by enhancing warnings and transmission shift strategy.”
Lt. Larry Dietz of the L.A. County coroner’s office told CBS News that Yelchin’s death was caused by “blunt traumatic asphyxia.” He said it appeared as though Yelchin hadn’t properly put his car in park.
Yelchin’s parents could sue Fiat Chrysler Automobiles for wrongful death, says Brian Panish, a partner at Panish, Shea & Boyle, who has handled product liability cases involving automakers.
“It’s a substantial, multi-million dollar case,” Panish said. “No doubt.”
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has also received numerous complaints about rollaways when the drivers thought their vehicle was in park, sometimes resulting in injuries to the drivers.
“While parked in a parking lot, the contact’s vehicle rolled away and another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact’s vehicle,” one of the complaints reads.
“I was backing a boat into the lake using this vehicle. I put the vehicle into park, or thought I did, and opened the driver door. As I exited the vehicle rolled backwards, knocked me down, and the entire vehicle, with boat and trailer, went into the lake,” another complaint says.
Gene Maddaus contributed to this report.Image caption The Kachin Independence Army refused to work as border guards for the central government
Burmese rebels say they have destroyed several bridges in the north of the country to prevent attacks by the army.
The rebels, from Kachin state, said they had blown up two bridges in neighbouring Shan state.
Clashes broke out last week near to the site of a hydropower project being built to provide electricity to China.
Separately, activists said two Kachin political leaders who are not linked to the current fighting have been put under house arrest.
The army is currently fighting rebels from the Kachin Independence Army.
The KIA is one of several militias aligned with Burma's ethnic minority groups, who for decades fought against the central government.
Most of the ethnic militias have accepted ceasefire deals with the government, and have agreed to be assimilated into border control forces.
But a truce between the government and the KIA broke down last year when they refused to become border guards.
The army apparently sparked the clashes when soldiers attempted to move KIA fighters away from the site of a Chinese hydroelectric power plant.
The Kachins have repeatedly warned against the building of the plant, saying it will destroy the livelihoods of many people in the area.
Reports say more than 2,000 people have fled the fighting - including several Chinese engineers working on the hydroelectric plant.
The Thailand-based Kachin News Group reported that the destroyed bridges were on a major trading route into China.
Meanwhile, Kachin activists said the government had put under house arrest Zahkung Ting Ying and Waw Lau - who belong to militant groups that have accepted a government ceasefire.
The government is reportedly trying to use their militias to attack the KIA.Get the biggest daily stories by email Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
THE SNP were slammed for using “intimidation” tactics today after encouraging supporters to photograph Labour activists and post the pictures on the internet.
The Edinburgh Western SNP branch asked supporters to take the “sinister” action if Labour canvassers called at their door.
The official Facebook page of the branch posted a message saying: “If a Labour (sic) come to your door ask them about: 1. Trident renewal 2. Austerity vote 3. Fracking moratorium vote.
“If they lie take a picture of them and post the information. Use the hashtag #labourdoorstep.”
Labour activist Kayleigh Quinn, 23, wrote on Twitter: “Why are SNP so creepy with the photo taking? It’s happened to me a few times. Really weird behaviour, guys.”
Scottish Labour MP Anne McGuire said: “This is an absolutely outrageous attempt to intimidate Scottish Labour activists into silence.
“People should not feel threatened for canvassing voters or expressing their own political opinions, and the idea of photographing someone against their will is incredibly sinister.
“The SNP need to get their members in line, this form of politics should be nowhere near the general election in May.”
SNP bosses carpeted the leaders of the branch after the Daily Record informed party HQ of the post.
A spokesman said: “We absolutely do not condone this and we have told the branch that. The post has now been removed.”
The SNP are riding high in the polls but there are concerns about the behaviour of some of the hardliners who have joined the party in the wake of last year’s independence referendum.
SNP candidate Mhairi Black - who is challenging Labour’s Douglas Alexander - sparked controversy recently when it emerged she had admitted wanting to headbutt Labour councillors when the No vote was declared in the early hours of September 19.
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Try your hand at our daily news quiz:I usually don’t like disclaimers but I think this write-up needs one. Swearing and insulting is more about culture than linguistics. So when I refer to Swedes in this text I don’t mean people who speak Swedish or even people with Swedish citizenship, but people who have a Swedish cultural background. There are a lot of Swedes with completely different backgrounds and they will swear and be insulted in ways that differ from those of the “natives”.
I will also make some very broad generalizations. There is, of course, no such thing as a typical Swede, so if any of these ideas fail to apply to an individual, don’t be surprised!
I guess I don’t have to warn you about the fact that this text contains strong language…
Introduction
Some people claim that Swedish is one of the poorest languages around when it comes to swearing. When translated literally to other languages Swedish curses and insults seem tame and inoffensive. This also has the effect that when Swedes speak a foreign language, they usually avoid swearing even if they are quite foul-mouthed when speaking Swedish. Non native speakers of Swedish also find that using what they think is really strong language seldom gets the expected results (some examples of this later on).
This might seem to be a mystery: Is it possible that a people with Vikings, farmers, fishermen, miners, and lumberjacks in their ancestry are incapable of swearing properly? Of course not. All this is a misunderstanding based on a relatively unknown quirk of the Swedish language and a more widely known facet of Swedish culture. I will try to explain how this adds up.
I have not included any pronunciation guides or phonetics here, since that would clutter up the text too much. To differ between literal translations and translations that would correspond to the same phrase in English I have used the abbreviations lit. and tr. respectively.
Swearing
In most cultures swearwords can be categorized as religious, scatological, sexual or family-related. The fact that a word belongs to one or more of those categories doesn’t automatically make it a swearword in the sense I’m using here. I’m focusing on words that can be used as interjections, e.g. “Shit!”, or to reinforce other words, e.g. ”Fucking idiot”.
Religious swearing
Sweden is one of the most secular countries in the western world. Even though most people are baptized in the Swedish Lutheran church, few consider themselves religious, pray or even go to church except for weddings and funerals. Religion is in other words not a strong factor in Swedish everyday life. Knowing that, it is surprising that the most common curses in Swedish are religious in nature. Since there is no strong social taboo against blasphemy or invoking the Devil you would assume that religious curses would be very mild. For example: The phrase ”Dra åt helvete!” literally means ”Go to hell!”. In America this would be considered a relatively mild curse, even though religion plays a much stronger role there than in Sweden. In fact, the phrase should be more accurately translated to ”Fuck off!”. Other examples are ”Fan!” och ”Satan!”, both referring to the Devil and common interjections when something goes wrong. In similar situations you would probably use something like ”Fuck!” or ”Motherfucker!” in English.
So, if I yell ”Satan!” in Swedish, nobody will get offended by the fact that I invoked the devil, but they will still get the message that I’m probably very upset and used a “bad” word to express this. The reason for this is the “quirk” I was referring to earlier. In spoken Swedish, much of the information is conveyed by pronunciation, much more so than in other Germanic languages. At university my English teacher, who was an American, once told us that you can’t speak Swedish – you have to sing it. When swearing, this gets very apparent. The word ”Satan” contains the same vowels as the Swedish word ”bada”, meaning ”bathe”. If a Swede reads a text about Satan taking a bath, he would pronounce the vowels in both words exactly the same. If the same Swede tells someone with offensive BO to take a bath, ”Gå och bada, för Satan!” (lit. ”Take a bath for Satan”, tr. ”Take a fucking bath!”) the vowels in the word ”Satan” would be slightly different. In fact, the pronunciation of some of these words uses sounds that are not used in any other situation. A native Swedish speaker picks up these slight variations and identifies the word as being “offensive” or “strong”.
Another common religious swearword is ”jävla” or ”djävla”. It is derived from the greek ”Diavolos” and can roughly be translated as ”devilish” or ”referring to devils or demons”. The word is used a lot like the adjective ”fucking” in English, e.g. ”Han är en jävla idiot” means roughly ”He’s a fucking idiot”. The adverb form of the word is ”jävligt” and is used in sentences like ”Jag är jävligt trött” (“I’m really fucking tired”) or ”Livet är för jävligt just nu.” (“Life sucks right now”). As a noun, ”Jävlar!” (lit. ”devils”) is used in phrases like ”Jävlar, jag slog mig på tummen!” (lit. ”Devils, I hit my thumb.”, tr. ”Oh fuck! I hit my thumb!”, or on its own.
Words for God and Jesus (rarely) are also used, but are considered very mild. ”Herre Gud!” (lit. ”Lord God!”, tr. ”Oh my God!”) is commonly used as an expression of surprise or resignation. In the northern parts of Sweden you can also hear the expression ”Gud förbannat!”, which means ”God damn!” but it is not as versatile an expression as its English counterpart. The only common use of Jesus in swearing is the word ”Jösses!”, an archaic Swedish form of the name. It is a very mild curse similar to ”Heck!” or ”Cor!”.
Scatological swearing
The Germanic tradition of using scatological terms for swearing is strong in Swedish. For people who normally speak English, German, Danish, Norwegian or Dutch it is relatively “safe” to use these words, as they often can be translated literally from these languages witout changing the meaning too much.
The most widely used swearword in Swedish is without doubt ”skit”, meaning ”shit”. It is so common that it has lost most of its offensive power and is used in everyday language even by people who usually mind their language. Apart from being used as an interjection, it is commonly used as a reinforcing prefix to adjectives. This leads to some constructions that make sense as in ”Din bil är skitful” (lit. ”Your car is shit-ugly”, tr. ”Your car looks like shit.”); meaningless as in ”Han är skitstor” (lit. ”He is shit-big”, tr. ”He’s fucking huge”); or even contradictory as in ”Du luktar skitgott” (lit. ”You smell shit-good”, tr. ”God, you smell good!”). You can also add ”skit” to most nouns to express displeasure or scorn as in ”Skitbil” (lit. ”Shit-car”, tr. ”POS |
-administrators whose faces bear the fatigue of near-constant work since the facility’s opening.
After 20 minutes, two militia soldiers walk in, glaring at the one American in the room, and asking Dr. Riyad for a checkup. Armed with Kalashnikovs, sidearms, and combat knives, it seems difficult for the doctor to refuse — although the entire interaction is remarkably cordial and professional, all things considered. The clinics seem to function as both medical facilities and as a communal gathering place for citizens left traumatized — physically and mentally — after over two years of war and occupation. They are a microcosm of the busy street outside, with all sorts of actors waiting side-by-side for their appointment, drugs, and a friendly conversation with a doctor.
Riyad comes from a Moslawi family, which has produced doctors for generations. When ISIS swept into the city in June 2014, he fled to Erbil, where he “waited patiently for the chance to return home.” Today, he lives less than a kilometer from the clinic, and is able to walk to his office every morning — even as the thunder of airstrikes and staccato chatter of helicopter gunships on strafing runs echo vaguely in the distance. When asked why he came back to Mosul after two years away, he simply replies: “it was not a choice.” This sentiment earns nods of agreement from all staff listening in the room, many of whom had similar stories to tell.
Al-Quds
The clinic in al-Quds serves 16,230 civilians, including those from the devastated university neighborhood. The building itself lies on a quiet road away from the main city street — on what looks to have once been a highway across the Tigris. Less than a mile away, across the river, lies ISIS territory; here, the constant airstrikes and automatic weapons fire shake whatever glass remains in the windows. The physician in charge is a middle-aged woman with a face
crumbling under fatigue, named Dr. Khalood. She is clearly in command, of both the medical situation and her staff’s respect. Her assistant, as well as a fellow physician, listen in to our short interview, helping to manage the barrage of patients knocking on the door every few seconds. After 10 minutes, the assistant becomes visibly exasperated — yelling at those seeking care to “leave us alone already and go down the hallway!”
Only a few lights are on here, and the hallways are dark, cold, and drafty. At the entrance, two Federal Police officers joke with those trying to enter, showing off the tail fin of a mortar that had landed in the neighborhood just a day earlier. In the lobby, a group of men stand aimlessly, clearly unsure of where the doctors are located. As I leave the facility, one man approaches me with a smile on his face, asking that I take his photograph. He proudly declares in Arabic that he is a “digger,” someone who works all day, every day, to fill in the craters and clear the rubble left across Mosul’s streets. He is farsighted, but says that it is no matter: “All I need to see is the shovel and the stones, and I can work to rebuild my city.” Everyone else in the room looks proudly on as the man tells his narrative, patting him on the back and joking with me about the vigor he shows despite his old age. “Clearly,” one bystander declares, “the doctors here are doing something very well.”
“All I need to see is the shovel and the stones, and I can work to rebuild my city.”
His words illuminate one of the realities in liberated Mosul that at once inspires hope and leaves a dull, creeping sense of apprehension. The city is coming back to life, but sporadically — in fits, starts, and tremors — without coordination or organization. On some streets, work teams carrying battered shovels walk behind bulldozers that cough pitch black smoke into an already suffocating sky, their mission to fill in shredded concrete with sand, mud, and gravel. Yet Nobody speaks of any concerted effort to repair Mosul’s streets, restore its infrastructure, or bring essential services. Instead, reconstruction is fueled by the willpower of civilians and the tenuous coexistence between armed groups inside the city that facilitates their work. Other streets are left alone, blocked by Humvees and a few dejected police — the scars etched into mud and concrete hidden behind blast wall and wire barricades.
The Al-Quds clinic sits at the head of one such street, overlooking the remains of a highway across the river. One doctor points down the road, lights a cigarette, and murmurs, “that’s where the animals are.” A few wild dogs sniff around a burned taxi in the distance, flattening their ears momentarily at the sound of airstrikes. More than Nabi Younis, Al-Quds exudes a sense of haphazard crisis management. Clinic Chief Khalood explained her greatest challenge: a shortage of vital medicine and the inability to monitor patients’ conditions over a sustained period of time. Families disappear every day into the displacement camps scattered across the Ninewa Plains, or into the shadows in cities across Iraq. “Right now, we are trying to cope and survive the influx,” the clinic chief explains. “It is a difficult but necessary effort.” As she begins a second thought, an attendant bursts into the room with a stack of requisition papers and an even taller stack of prescriptions for her to sign. “That will have to be all I can say for now. It’s time to work,” she declares.
A Commuter’s War
Traveling away from Al Quds requires passing through a tableau of devastation at Mosul University’s main campus. ISIS had repurposed many of the university’s laboratories as weapons production facilities, and its hospital as a treatment center for the group’s elite leadership. The pockmarked road is bracketed by scenes of cautious reemergence and desolation. The terrain of war is on full display here, with mountains of mud dropping toward small brown seas after the previous nights’ torrential rainfall. Cars traverse through narrow valleys, winding their way onto the main thoroughfare by the Tigris.
“Right now, we are trying to cope and survive the influx,” the clinic chief explains. “It is a difficult but necessary effort.”
A few meters past the university’s main gate sits an unexploded ISIS truck bomb, its tires looted or burned away weeks ago. The sounds of battle echo loudly in the background, but neither civilians nor soldiers flinch at the constant crunch of bombs, mortars, or slapping gunfire across an otherwise mild afternoon. Children walking home from school pass enormous craters, peering over their edges as work crews scramble in rancid pools to reconnect water mains and sewerage systems — a process that generally takes two weeks before water can flow safely and cleanly to the homes, clinics, restaurants, and shops in surrounding areas.
By late afternoon, a string of vehicles has begun weaving through the pockmarked highway onto the Ninewa Plains. Convoys of mud-covered SUVs and pickup trucks with media logos pass dilapidated Chinese-made taxis carrying twice as many people — and their luggage — as they should. The exodus is punctuated by larger vehicles flying Iraqi and militia flags, careening through the tangle of cars by firing into the air with automatic weapons. The shots seem to dampen the rest of the city and traffic sounds, leaving an unsettling sense of quiet between bursts. Pulling away from the city center, the crush of vehicles thins until the point where Iraqi and Iraqi Kurdish checkpoints meet. These two outposts are bisected by the Peshmerga trench, which runs like a scar across Ninewa to mark the territory claimed by the Kurdistan Regional Government after 2014. Here the crush of vehicles halt, jostling for position to enter the autonomous Kurdish region.
The sounds of battle echo loudly in the background, but neither civilians nor soldiers flinch at the constant crunch of bombs, mortars, or slapping gunfire across an otherwise mild afternoon.
For some, passage between these two Iraqs is simple; for others, the wait can stretch for hours or days. Or it might never happen. Today, most of those undertaking the journey can enjoy the luxury of patience. Reminders of more desperate hours lie just behind the Peshmerga machine-gun emplacements. Rusting frames of the trucks, cars, and motorcycles that carried the first wave of displacement from Mosul in June 2014 litter a small field, doors still open as their occupants had left them over two years ago. The Kurdistan Region now hosts 1.7 million IDPs, many of whom passed through this checkpoint in the desperate summer when ISIS swept across northern Iraq.
Re-entering the Kurdistan Region ultimately leaves a bizarre feeling that one is commuting to war. Within an hour, hungry and muddy travelers can arrive comfortably in their Erbil hotels, drop their ballistic vests and helmets at the doorway, set a hot bath, order shwarma, and type up the day’s notes. Small groups of correspondents gather at Erbil’s nicer hotels and bars to swap the day’s news, stories, and narrow escapes. The ongoing battle for Mosul’s future waits like a spectacle to be witnessed again the next day, just over 83km down Highway 2. Yet, the city’s doctors, soldiers, laborers, and civilians living across the Kurdish trenches and Ninewa Plains enjoy no such respite. “We must remain and persevere because nobody else can do what we are able to achieve,” Dr. Khalood declared with a sigh — “and God knows this city needs us to survive and succeed.”
Consider contributing to EPIC’s efforts in eastern Mosul.The attorneys were there in force, for hours far outnumbering the people they were trying to help. Many had name tags that identified them as lawyers, and even on a Saturday evening, they were dressed in suit jackets and button downs. Some saw a call for attorneys on social media; others were on a listserv that blasted out details. Still others filled out a Google Doc with their information and were routed to the airport nearest them.
The army of attorneys had been marshaled by the International Refugee Assistance Project, but the lawyers I met all came from different organizations. Some had private immigration practices, others didn’t practice immigration law at all. Some just turned up on their own, without knowing something was being organized, and they joined the throng.
When news that a judge in New York had granted a stay came in, just before 9 p.m., the lawyers were jazzed—but they still knew little. “They need to let us back there now!” one said. A colleague wanted to know when that would actually happen. “Soon. But soon is a relative term.”
“This response is really just sort of organic,” said Judah Ariel, who was serving as the point of contact for arriving lawyers. “We’ve been having to coordinate it ourselves. There’s a ton of uncertainty, so a lot of what we’ve been doing today is to try and figure out what’s going on.”
Nobody knew just how many people were being held on the other side of the wall. Some lawyers guessed that there were between 50 and 60 people being detained—but that was before another flight came in from Istanbul. Since then, it appears that several Iranian green-card holders were released.
It appeared that most of those in detention were people with green cards or visas. That could be because refugees usually arrive on weekdays, an employee at a refugee-rights organization said. It could also be that refugees weren't even allowed on U.S.-bound planes, said a lawyer.
Without access to the detainees, the lawyers couldn’t do much. They were trying to get in touch with people being held through family members who were allowed through. “We want to make sure that they don’t sign anything,” said Mirriam Seddiq, an immigration attorney based in Maryland. “And if they try to put you on a plane to go back, sit your ass on the floor.”
Many of the people who showed up in the arrivals hall Saturday night—attorneys or demonstrators—were particularly shocked that green-card and visa holders were being detained. “They live here,” said Ariel. “Permanently. I just can’t imagine being on a business trip or visiting a family member and, all of a sudden, finding out that, oh, by the way, you’re not allowed back home.”
A young couple stood near the swarm of lawyers, but turned to cheer the passengers making their way through the tunnel of demonstrators. I asked them why they’d come. “As Iranian immigrant refugees, it’s our duty to come,” said Asad Saghafi, whose hair was pulled back into a short bun. He’d come along with his fiancée, Javaneh Pourkarim, who offered her services as a lawyer to the coordinators. After someone took down her information, the two gravitated back toward the protesters.NCAA Division I Baseball
Strength of Schedule for 2015
Glossary:
SoS -- The strength of schedule, measured as the average ISR of the team's opponents.
Rank -- The ordinal ranking within that category.
SD -- The standard deviation of the opponents' ISR's.
All -- All games.
Non-conf -- Games against opponents not in the team's conference.
Intended -- ISR's used are from the previous season, showing the difficulty of the schedule that the team intended to play.
Strength of schedule to date is based on the ISR algorithm published at http://www.boydsworld.com/baseball/isr. Strength of schedule to date is based on the ISR algorithm published at http://www.boydsworld.com/baseball/isr. Year-to-date Intended All Non-conf All Non-conf # SoS SD # SoS SD # SoS SD # SoS SD Team 1 110.3 8.1 23 107.2 8.8 3 111.4 7.7 2 112.3 8.2 Stanford 2 110.1 7.1 43 105.7 6.8 11 109.5 6.7 44 105.6 5.5 Utah 3 110.0 8.3 42 105.8 8.0 16 108.7 8.4 75 103.6 8.0 Mississippi 4 109.8 8.0 17 107.7 9.7 13 109.1 9.0 33 106.3 10.4 Vanderbilt 5 109.7 6.8 9 108.6 7.6 6 109.8 8.4 18 108.0 9.1 UCLA 6 109.6 7.1 2 111.7 6.3 2 111.7 7.2 1 112.9 6.7 Cal State Fullerton 7 109.5 8.7 24 107.1 10.2 5 109.9 8.6 10 109.4 9.8 Arizona State 8 109.4 8.3 5 109.1 9.8 60 105.4 9.0 55 104.8 10.0 Florida State 9 109.1 9.3 22 107.3 12.1 17 108.6 10.8 62 104.4 12.6 Florida 10 109.1 8.0 30 106.9 8.9 1 112.3 7.5 9 109.5 7.8 Baylor 11 109.0 10.3 120 102.2 9.9 10 109.5 9.3 110 101.8 7.8 Auburn 12 108.9 11.7 84 104.1 13.6 24 107.9 10.8 129 101.1 10.9 Arkansas 13 108.8 9.1 10 108.6 11.4 21 108.3 9.2 58 104.7 9.7 Oklahoma State 14 108.8 9.5 40 105.9 11.6 20 108.6 9.2 54 104.9 9.9 California 15 108.5 8.2 121 102.1 6.9 12 109.3 9.2 103 102.2 8.5 Tennessee 16 108.5 8.2 34 106.4 8.9 9 109.6 7.3 43 105.7 5.9 Kansas State 17 108.4 10.4 60 104.9 12.1 7 109.7 10.7 15 108.3 13.3 Southern California 18 108.3 10.8 62 104.9 13.0 50 106.2 10.1 56 104.8 12.3 Virginia 19 108.3 9.0 31 106.8 10.5 32 107.6 9.8 76 103.5 9.7 Kansas 20 108.2 13.1 181 99.4 15.0 34 107.3 14.2 178 98.9 17.3 Alabama 21 108.0 11.2 172 99.7 11.3 47 106.4 13.2 267 93.5 9.7 Missouri 22 108.0 10.5 174 99.7 9.6 22 108.0 10.6 182 98.6 9.3 Mississippi State 23 108.0 8.4 14 107.8 8.9 8 109.7 7.6 11 109.3 7.8 Long Beach State 24 108.0 9.9 19 107.5 12.2 15 108.8 8.8 30 106.5 9.6 Texas Christian 25 107.7 8.6 72 104.5 10.2 87 103.8 9.1 155 100.0 9.3 North Carolina 26 107.7 10.0 143 101.2 10.2 18 108.6 9.4 83 103.1 9.5 Georgia 27 107.6 8.2 13 108.3 8.4 23 107.9 6.8 27 106.9 5.9 UC Irvine 28 107.5 10.1 27 107.0 9.0 35 107.2 7.3 8 109.5 7.9 Wichita State 29 107.4 10.5 53 105.3 13.1 54 105.9 10.8 71 103.7 12.6 Miami, Florida 30 107.3 8.8 67 104.7 9.7 4 110.6 7.7 12 108.9 8.9 Texas 31 107.3 9.2 3 111.6 8.2 14 109.1 8.5 3 111.4 10.1 Fresno State 32 107.3 12.2 169 99.9 13.1 33 107.3 11.3 154 100.0 11.7 Kentucky 33 107.3 8.3 81 104.2 9.4 56 105.7 8.7 52 104.9 10.0 Clemson 34 107.3 11.7 115 102.5 13.7 69 105.0 11.3 139 100.5 11.9 North Carolina State 35 107.2 7.8 74 104.5 8.4 76 104.5 9.9 97 102.4 10.9 Georgia Tech 36 107.2 9.9 21 107.4 9.9 38 107.0 8.9 23 107.3 8.9 Louisville 37 107.2 8.8 56 105.1 9.1 63 105.2 8.1 36 106.1 9.3 Indiana 38 107.2 10.4 105 103.0 12.1 36 107.1 11.3 124 101.3 12.0 Texas A&M 39 107.1 10.0 37 106.1 11.3 73 104.8 8.4 74 103.7 8.6 South Florida 40 107.0 11.1 183 99.3 10.1 55 105.9 9.6 189 98.5 6.9 South Carolina 41 107.0 9.6 164 100.3 8.5 43 106.6 9.8 114 101.7 10.8 Washington 42 106.9 10.7 141 101.3 12.1 26 107.7 10.4 68 103.9 12.8 Oregon State 43 106.8 6.0 18 107.5 5.0 19 108.6 7.7 19 107.8 7.5 UC Santa Barbara 44 106.8 6.6 20 107.4 7.6 27 107.7 8.4 4 111.3 9.0 Rice 45 106.7 10.4 90 103.9 12.0 82 104.0 8.1 93 102.5 8.3 Cincinnati 46 106.7 9.5 108 102.8 11.0 74 104.7 10.2 156 99.9 10.4 Notre Dame 47 106.6 9.4 112 102.6 9.6 28 107.7 10.5 119 101.5 10.1 Oklahoma 48 106.6 9.6 109 102.8 10.4 25 107.8 9.9 95 102.4 9.8 Texas Tech 49 106.5 8.8 41 105.8 8.5 68 105.0 8.6 22 107.4 9.2 Nebraska 50 106.4 11.1 133 101.6 13.0 39 106.9 11.5 108 101.9 13.3 Louisiana State 51 106.4 10.6 49 105.4 11.9 100 102.9 9.3 85 102.9 10.3 Central Florida 52 106.4 9.3 44 105.6 9.6 58 105.5 8.0 47 105.4 8.5 Tulane 53 106.4 11.0 162 100.4 11.2 45 106.4 8.7 117 101.5 7.0 Oregon 54 106.2 8.3 32 106.8 10.3 77 104.5 7.5 82 103.2 8.0 Florida Atlantic 55 106.2 7.8 92 103.8 8.3 46 106.4 10.0 78 103.4 10.4 UC Riverside 56 106.2 8.6 63 104.8 9.0 29 107.7 7.5 28 106.9 8.2 Cal Poly 57 106.1 8.3 35 106.2 8.9 70 104.9 7.6 32 106.4 8.2 Houston 58 105.8 9.7 170 99.9 10.0 78 104.5 10.0 183 98.6 9.6 Virginia Tech 59 105.8 9.0 45 105.6 9.3 85 103.9 9.2 72 103.7 11.3 Dallas Baptist 60 105.7 9.9 158 100.7 10.0 97 103.1 7.9 143 100.4 7.3 Wake Forest 61 105.7 9.3 132 101.6 8.9 105 102.7 9.3 138 100.6 11.4 Northwestern 62 105.6 8.2 94 103.6 9.7 51 106.1 10.4 51 105.0 13.4 San Jose State 63 105.6 9.2 65 104.7 10.7 42 106.7 8.4 17 108.1 9.8 New Mexico 64 105.6 11.5 118 102.2 12.4 106 102.7 8.5 141 100.5 10.1 Southern Illinois 65 105.5 9.5 101 103.1 7.6 112 102.3 7.0 180 98.8 7.0 Bradley 66 105.4 8.3 70 104.6 8.8 65 105.1 10.0 24 107.2 10.6 Minnesota 67 105.4 8.0 48 105.4 8.0 79 104.4 8.2 61 104.4 8.2 Western Kentucky 68 105.4 11.5 246 95.8 9.5 52 106.0 11.7 222 97.2 11.7 Arizona 69 105.4 8.6 8 108.6 9.0 72 104.9 8.6 25 107.0 9.9 Pepperdine 70 105.4 11.1 245 95.8 9.9 86 103.9 9.9 230 96.7 8.3 Pittsburgh 71 105.3 11.7 233 96.6 10.6 30 107.6 8.7 102 102.3 7.1 Washington State 72 105.2 9.8 116 102.4 13.6 110 102.3 9.4 194 98.3 10.7 North Carolina-Charlotte 73 105.2 10.2 73 104.5 10.7 118 101.8 10.1 112 101.7 10.4 Michigan State 74 105.1 11.3 129 101.8 10.7 81 104.1 9.1 69 103.8 11.4 Indiana State 75 105.0 8.8 29 106.9 9.6 115 102.1 9.5 39 106.0 8.6 Coastal Carolina 76 105.0 9.1 110 102.7 8.6 99 103.0 10.3 121 101.4 9.8 Ohio State 77 105.0 10.5 64 104.8 10.6 89 103.7 9.4 84 103.1 9.0 Maryland 78 104.9 10.0 130 101.8 11.1 31 107.6 10.2 53 104.9 11.5 Hawaii 79 104.9 8.7 11 108.5 8.9 80 104.2 8.1 59 104.6 7.9 Gonzaga 80 104.9 11.3 186 99.2 13.0 101 102.9 10.8 174 99.0 12.6 Boston College 81 104.8 9.1 161 100.4 8.6 59 105.5 9.8 172 99.3 7.1 West Virginia 82 104.8 7.8 6 108.8 7.4 44 106.6 8.6 6 110.4 7.8 San Diego 83 104.8 8.2 102 103.0 7.9 57 105.7 10.1 120 101.4 10.1 Cal State Northridge 84 104.7 8.8 99 103.2 9.2 67 105.0 7.4 49 105.2 7.8 Nevada-Las Vegas 85 104.6 11.2 165 100.3 13.0 103 102.8 11.7 184 98.6 13.2 Duke 86 104.5 9.3 28 106.9 11.4 71 104.9 9.0 46 105.5 9.7 Texas-Arlington 87 104.5 9.1 85 104.1 9.4 109 102.5 9.1 98 102.4 9.6 East Carolina 88 104.5 9.1 86 104.1 9.1 91 103.5 7.7 90 102.8 8.9 Missouri State 89 104.5 7.1 96 103.3 7.4 62 105.2 8.7 26 106.9 9.1 Texas-San Antonio 90 104.4 8.7 93 103.7 9.5 95 103.3 8.9 100 102.3 8.0 Iowa 91 104.4 8.8 26 107.0 9.7 49 106.3 8.2 13 108.9 7.1 San Francisco 92 104.4 6.3 36 106.1 6.2 37 107.1 9.0 5 111.2 7.9 Pacific 93 104.4 9.1 4 109.9 8.0 185 97.4 9.6 38 106.1 8.2 Oakland 94 104.3 9.3 153 100.8 8.2 93 103.3 8.4 96 102.4 9.2 Purdue 95 104.3 8.4 38 106.0 8.8 48 106.3 8.1 21 107.5 9.2 San Diego State 96 104.3 9.4 98 103.3 9.9 104 102.8 10.8 94 102.4 11.1 Michigan 97 104.2 8.8 137 101.5 10.0 117 101.9 9.1 168 99.3 9.4 Middle Tennessee State 98 104.2 7.1 54 105.2 8.7 41 106.8 8.1 14 108.6 9.1 Portland 99 104.1 8.5 142 101.2 9.0 102 102.9 8.8 107 102.0 9.6 Alabama-Birmingham 100 104.0 12.3 88 104.0 12.3 125 101.1 11.1 131 101.1 11.1 Rutgers 101 104.0 7.6 160 100.5 7.1 90 103.7 7.3 65 104.0 6.8 Old Dominion 102 103.7 6.5 66 104.7 7.1 53 106.0 8.5 37 106.1 7.6 Texas State 103 103.5 10.1 178 99.6 11.8 122 101.5 9.7 188 98.5 10.5 Florida International 104 103.4 9.4 57 105.1 11.1 66 105.0 10.5 35 106.1 12.4 Santa Clara 105 103.3 9.0 196 98.9 9.9 123 101.5 9.3 185 98.6 10.6 Southern Mississippi 106 103.3 11.8 200 98.8 10.7 127 101.0 9.1 202 98.0 10.4 Evansville 107 103.2 11.4 195 98.9 11.3 88 103.7 7.3 87 102.8 7.6 Penn State 108 103.2 7.0 87 104.0 8.7 107 102.6 6.7 111 101.7 6.3 Arkansas-Little Rock 109 103.1 8.7 179 99.5 7.6 64 105.1 8.7 144 100.3 6.4 UC Davis 110 103.1 9.0 71 104.6 11.0 61 105.3 7.9 42 105.7 7.1 Brigham Young 111 103.1 8.4 61 104.9 10.5 98 103.1 8.8 70 103.8 11.3 Louisiana-Lafayette 112 103.0 8.0 89 103.9 9.4 84 104.0 7.6 60 104.5 7.6 Arkansas State 113 103.0 10.6 138 101.4 11.8 116 102.0 9.6 106 102.0 9.7 Illinois 114 102.9 10.5 146 101.1 10.9 120 101.7 7.7 145 100.3 7.2 Connecticut 115 102.9 8.8 80 104.3 10.8 40 106.8 8.3 7 109.6 6.7 Loyola Marymount 116 102.6 11.4 154 100.8 12.4 126 101.1 10.7 164 99.5 11.7 Memphis 117 102.6 10.3 15 107.8 11.8 111 102.3 9.4 31 106.4 10.6 Abilene Christian 118 102.6 12.0 202 98.7 11.4 119 101.7 8.7 165 99.4 10.2 Illinois State 119 102.6 8.2 168 100.1 9.4 114 102.1 8.1 177 98.9 7.6 Louisiana Tech 120 102.3 8.1 103 103.0 7.6 124 101.1 8.0 57 104.7 7.7 Liberty 121 102.1 7.7 100 103.2 6.6 142 99.9 7.1 88 102.8 5.6 Kennesaw State 122 102.1 7.3 107 102.8 7.1 92 103.5 7.3 63 104.3 7.2 Georgia Southern 123 101.8 8.1 227 97.0 7.6 128 100.9 8.6 210 97.7 9.8 Marshall 124 101.6 11.2 59 104.9 10.8 129 100.8 10.0 92 102.6 11.3 North Carolina-Wilmington 125 101.6 10.4 145 101.2 11.8 182 97.5 9.1 205 98.0 11.0 Campbell 126 101.6 11.3 201 98.7 13.3 172 98.1 8.7 162 99.5 8.9 High Point 127 101.5 7.5 185 99.2 6.8 75 104.6 8.2 137 100.6 8.5 Nevada 128 101.5 11.3 104 |
For early stage products and companies, this phase is the equivalent of product-market fit as you work with the customer to refine the product (and pricing and more).
Proof. The first step is literally a proof of concept. The goal is to get the product up and running in their environment which could be as simple as single-sign on or a few dedicated clients or as complex as deployment or an isolated network with server hardware. It is likely during this stage that you will need to gain access to data, users, and systems that make the proof more relevant. It is important to be flexible and patient because for many pilots this is the most frustratingly slow part of the process. Do keep in mind, most every IT organization routinely does dozens of PoC, proof of concept, deals a year across many departments so be careful not to count this as “done” but do count it as “success”.
Implementation. The implementation phase is the time when you go from PoC to a deployed solution, aka production, within a department or company. For those building their first enterprise product, they are often shocked at how long it takes to roll out a new service or system within an enterprise even after it is running and working. We often compare this to signing up for a new SaaS service when in reality most companies are filled with employees that are far more worried about failing to get their work done than they are excited to try new tools and change the way they work. While many think most of the learning happens during the PoC, the astute enterprise product person knows that the real learning and informing of future product features takes place during the phased-in implementation when the product is in use by a wider audience outside of IT (if applicable).
Expansion. From a business perspective, the implementation counts as “land” and the next step is to “expand”. Once you’ve landed and seen early success, your advocates within IT will want to explore different ways to expand—remember IT is like everyone else and when something goes well they want to get credit and get visibility for the solution. Expansion is really the accelerator for a business and as most experienced people will tell you, there’s almost always more revenue with customers already paying you than with starting all over again with new potential customers. Enterprise products should be equipped in both the business and the product to expand in depth and breadth of usage to maximize this phase of growth. There’s potential for a bit of friction here as sales wants to keep the price down and not partition product value in order to land the deal. Management incentives across sales, marketing, product, and engineering play a critical role in finding this balance.
Replacement. The very last step in the partnership with an enterprise customer is replacing an existing system. I purposely put this last because most every product person thinks that when you have a new product the first line of sales is to explain what the customer can replace or decommission if they buy the new product. Every IT person knows that this is exactly the very last thing you do and that the long tail on usage for any implemented system before actual replacement, no matter how inevitable. This is important to internalize in terms of building a partnership because every running system has a champion or advocate who bought and deployed the system so a poor selling technique is to challenge that person too early. If you play everything correctly, someday you will be the system that keeps running long after it should—that’s something to keep in mind!
* * *
If all of this seems like a lot of work and a great deal of calendar time, well then you read it correctly. Average enterprise sales cycles for seven figure sales are easily 3 months and often up to 9 months depending on pre-existing systems. While every once in a while there are shortcuts or magical products, by and large this is how enterprise selling goes. It also makes a lot of sense because you’re going to collect a lot of money every year and your product will become an important part of a business.
Steven Sinofsky is a board partner at Andreessen Horowitz, an adviser at Box Inc., and an executive in residence at Harvard Business School.Public Citizen
, and curiously error-prone, heroes of our intelligence community act like that they might just not have enough to do.
Seems the National Security Agency was unhappy about a design that used its official seal with the words "Spying on you since 1952." And then there's the design boasting that the agency is "The only part of government that actually listens." The seal is altered a little - the official one doesn't say "PEEPING WHILE YOU'RE SLEEPING." So the agency notified Zazzle.com, which produced the items for McCall, that it was illegal to use the NSA name or seal that way. The folks at the Department of Homeland Security weighed in a couple of months later with a letter objecting to a design with a version of the seal and the words "Department of Homeland Stupidity." DHS alluded to potential criminal violations.
Oh, come on.
And back off they did Tuesday, in a settlement filed in federal court in Maryland, with both agencies agreeing to withdraw their letters. "NSA and DHS both recognized that they'd messed up and they've done the right thing and recognized the use of their name and seal are protected for purposes of commentary," or, in this case, parody, said Public Citizen lawyer Paul Levy.
Democracy triumphant!No surprise here, but House Republican leaders are urging their members to vote against five Democratic amendments to a GOP bill that would defund grants for state exchanges.
According to talking points from the office of Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) obtained by The Hill, Republicans argue that the grants amount to an unaccountable "slush fund." They're also pushing back against claims that the defunding bill currently on the House floor would end up giving the federal government more control over state exchanges.
The exchanges "only have the veneer of providing states flexibility," another memo says. "In reality, the federal government … will control what kind of essential benefits must be included and impose price controls on health coverage. States will be a servant, not a partner, of Washington."Keita left out of Lazio squad
By Football Italia staff
Felipe Anderson is in the Lazio squad for the Italian Super Cup against Juventus, but Keita Balde Diao is left out completely.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
There were some injury concerns around Felipe Anderson and he remains a huge doubt to feature, but is in the side.
However, Keita is nowhere to be seen in the list of players presented by Coach Simone Inzaghi.
Officially this is due to a muscular issue, but it is well known that Keita has put in a transfer request and wants to join Juve.
“There are rumours around Keita and I will observe everything,” said Inzaghi in today’s Press conference.
“In my mind, players need to give 100 per cent. If I can see that in Keita, then he’ll play, otherwise I’ll look to someone else.”
Lazio squad for Juventus: Guerrieri, Strakosha, Vargic; Basta, De Vrij, Hoedt, Luiz Felipe, Lukaku, Marusic, Patric, Radu, Wallace; Di Gennaro, Felipe Anderson, Leiva, Luis Alberto, Lulic, Milinkovic, Murgia, Parolo; Caicedo, Immobile, PalombiGetty Images Your move.
Russia\’s reaction to another round of sanctions by the United States and — at long last — the European Union could spell trouble for investors in Russian markets, analysts said Tuesday.
In a note, Neil Shearing of Capital Economics says Russia\’s economy — and markets — are more vulnerable than they\’ve appeared. If nothing else, the growing sanctions and rising tensions make the pickup in investment needed to revive Russia\’s ailing economy look all the more unlikely.
While Russia\’s government balance sheet remains strong, its banks and non-financial corporates aren\’t in the strongest shape, Shearing notes. Their fragile condition likely to be compounded as it gets tougher to access Western capital markets and as Russia\’s central bank raises interest rates in an effort to limit capital outflows, he said.
In this context, the falls in Russian financial markets in recent days could be the tip of the iceberg. The stock market edged up by 1% [Tuesday], but is down by nearly 7% this month. At just below 6, the 12-month trailing P/E ratio may be low, but it is low for a reason. Meanwhile, yields on five-year ruble government bonds have risen to over 9.5% – close to the highs seen earlier this year – and the ruble has sunk to a two-and-a-half-month low of 35.7 against the dollar. Indeed, the equity market and the ruble are now close to our end-year forecasts, which were looking bearish only a few months ago.
Russia\’s MICEX index ended Tuesday at 1,369.83, leaving it down 8.9% since the beginning of the year. The index dipped below 1,200 in March as tensions over the Crimea ratcheted up. The largest Russia-focused exchange-traded fund, the Market Vectors Russia ETF, dropped more than 2% Tuesday and is off more than 17% since the beginning of the year.
Shearing\’s year-end forecast for the stock index remains at 1,375 while the ruble forecast stands at 36 per dollar. \”We are not minded to change our forecasts in the current circumstances, but it goes without saying that the risks are skewed in one direction,\” he wrote. \”If the political situation deteriorates further, things could quickly turn ugly for both the economy and the markets.\”
Of course, markets around the world have reacted to a summer smorgasbord of geopolitical turmoil with almost eerie calm. U.S. stocks continue to grind out new highs and European bond yields continue to fall (the latter reflecting the hunt for yield as well as deflation fears). Oil prices spiked but then dropped back after a rising Sunni insurgency in Iraq. Russia\’s annexation of the Crimea earlier this year and the subsequent downing of a Malaysia Airlines jet have provided only temporary jolts to a stubbornly low-volatility environment.
Temporary bouts of haven-seeking by investors have seen momentary flows into gold, the yen and Treasurys quickly unwind. The underlying reason is usually attributed to the world\’s major central banks, particularly the Fed, and their liquidity-boosting, ultra-low interest rate policies.
So what\’s next? Alastair Newton, senior political analyst at Nomura, still has the Russia-Ukraine situation at No. 1 on his midyear list of geopolitical worries that keep him awake at night. He doesn\’t expect Putin to change his tune.
Putin \”appears to remain determined to lock Ukraine firmly into Russia\’s sphere of influence, so, any easing of his stance at this stage would likely be essentially tactical.\” Newton writes:
With Ukraine\’s domestic politics in flux and no agreement yet between Kiev and Moscow over gas prices, I believe that new ways for the opportunistic Mr. Putin to pursue his objective will arise, despite military setbacks for the separatists. In the meantime, I expect markets and corporates to continue to look to reduce their exposure to Russia-related risk where feasible, even though I think we are still some way from Iran-type sanctions which would really rattle markets.
–William Watts
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10 things billionaires won\’t tell youEveryone living on this planet should understand the grave consequences humanity will face if we don’t seriously limit our use of fossil fuels. Over the past few centuries, we have been carelessly burning carbon-based fuels for energy, not paying attention to the damages that may occur in the future. By burning fossil fuels, we are re-releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere that was previously removed from the Earth by animal and plant life millions of years ago. Why does this matter?
All of the global ecosystems and species (including us) have adapted to a lower level of atmospheric CO2—the level it was at pre Industrial Revolution. Since we started burning up fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas), CO2 and other “greenhouse” gasses have entered back into the atmosphere, “exacerbating climate change and extreme weather that threatens the survival of many organisms and human societies.” Since no one can “see” these gasses filling the air, and because the Earth’s climate changes relatively slow from humanity’s perspective, people tend to ignore the intense reality of our situation. How bad has it really become?
The window of time to avert the worst possible consequences is growing thin. From 1750, around the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels have grown exponentially. Even though scientists have been warning government officials of the hazards that lay ahead if we continue along this path, the rate of carbon emissions has increased 3 percent annually the first decade of this century. To put things into a grand perspective: For some 800,000 years, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere did not go above 300 parts per million (ppm). However, in the 250 years following the start of the Industrial Revolution, enough CO2 built up to bring the average concentration to 400 ppm in 2013. As startling as this statistic sounds, there are still people out there who refuse to believe humans can cause global climate change.
How is humanity going to dig itself out of this one? Is there a way to efficiently obtain energy without leaking CO2 everywhere?
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” –Albert Einstein
The solutions are right under our noses
Nature is a great place to start looking for answers. Digging underground for those answers has been a failure, so that’s now out of the equation. Where can we look next?
We need to start looking at the energy world through the lenses of nature. Advances in modern technology promise for “bio inspired energy” to “create more efficient energy production, energy storage, and energy delivery with innovations that replicate the designs of natural systems.” Bio inspired energy basically means to mimic and harness the natural, renewable energy all around us. These renewable energies include wind, solar, tidal, waves, and geothermal—all are sustainable sources of power and will be great first steps toward making use of what is endlessly available in nature.
What brings us warmth, light, food, and has been considered a God by many ancient cultures? The Sun, that massive glowing star sitting in the sky everyday, is a major player in the renewable energies world. We have been harnessing energy from this fireball for a while now, but only recently have we started to become efficient at it.
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants are currently the most advanced and efficient form of generating solar energy on a massive scale. “CSP’s could potentially generate enough clean, renewable energy to power the entire US, based on the assumption that two commodities are available in abundance; land and sunlight.” Current designs for the placement of mirrors that capture sunlight at these plants prove to be relatively inefficient—there’s a high amount of shadowing throughout the day where no light is harnessed. What can we observe—and mimic—in nature that has already mastered a light-capturing design?
Researchers at MIT have recently created a design that “reduces the amount of land required to build the plant by 20%, whilst increasing the amount of sunlight the mirrors can collect, and therefore the power generation potential.” What inspired this highly efficient method?
The petals of a sunflower gave these scientists the answers they were looking for. The sunflower’s petals are arranged in a spiral pattern known as a Fermat spiral, a design that is repeatedly found throughout nature. The special angle of 137 degrees that each petal is situated reduces the shading they cast on each other, increasing total sunlight reflection.
The sunflower is a perfect example of how nature has already laid out the design plans for energy efficiency. However, just copying the architectural layout of nature’s plants isn’t going to get us very far. What else can we copy—this time at micro level—to get the best results?
Photosynthesis is nature’s method for processing sunlight into fuel. Everywhere around us, trees, plants, flowers, and algae are taking light and converting it into energy. What happens when humans mimic this natural energy gathering system? We strive to make it even more efficient.
A few scientists at MIT have created a new silicon coated device that uses energy captured from light to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, which can be stored and used to generate electricity. This is considered a form of artificial photosynthesis.
In order to compete with natural gas, this solar method for obtaining hydrogen would have to be between 12 and 25 percent efficient. Fortunately, scientists at Stanford University have recently improved these silicon coated devices by covering them “with a protective layer of nickel just two-billionths of a meter thick.” This layer protects the solar cell material (silicon) from eroding quickly. These advancements are inspiring, however, before this type of hydrogen production can go commercial, it will need to be fully economical—meaning a system that could run for at least five years without deteriorating.
If we focused heavily on solar energy alone, and not only mimicked, but improved natures architectural designs and chemical processes (photosynthesis), it would help mitigate climate change and extreme weather due to the amount of CO2 built up. However, there’s no need to focus solely on energy from the Sun. What about wind energy? Has nature already created designs that would help us gather wind power more efficiently?
One of the most unique examples of biomimicry has to be the humpback whale-inspired wind turbines. A humpback whale’s fins are lined with a series of bumps called “turbercles.” These bumps let the massive whales make sharp turns in the water and allow for better maneuverability.
Professor Frank Fish at West Chester University has recently figured out that these tubercles would be perfect to attach on wind turbines located in areas with low wind speeds. After conducting an experiment using mock whale fins—one with and one without tubercles—he found that the tubercles added a performance improvement of nearly 40%.
WhalePower Corp. (appropriately named), who licensed using tubercles in airflow applications, has concluded that tubercle-enhanced wind turbines operate more effectively at moderate wind speeds, with stalling at the tip also being virtually eliminated.
Who would have ever thought the rugged-looking bumps on a whale could provide a practical solution to something so important?
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” –Albert Einstein
Share"He volunteered," said A's manager Bob Melvin, following the 14-1 loss. "He was willing to do it, and he was really excited about it."
ANAHEIM -- Amid a 13-run deficit against the Angels on Tuesday night, the A's found respite in the sight of first baseman Ike Davis taking the mound to pitch the eighth inning.
ANAHEIM -- Amid a 13-run deficit against the Angels on Tuesday night, the A's found respite in the sight of first baseman Ike Davis taking the mound to pitch the eighth inning.
"He volunteered," said A's manager Bob Melvin, following the 14-1 loss. "He was willing to do it, and he was really excited about it."
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All he did was induce three quick groundouts, needing just nine pitches to retire Collin Cowgill, C.J. Cron and Chris Iannetta. He topped out at 88 mph.
"I used to throw a little harder," said Davis, who pitched 78 innings at Arizona State. "I was just trying to throw strikes. Had some sink. I threw one four-seamer that cut a lot that almost hit Iannetta, and then I threw one horrible slider to Cowgill."
Yet it was the A's best pitching performance of the night. Starter Drew Pomeranz surrendered five runs in five-plus innings, and R.J. Alvarez was on the hook for seven in just one frame on a night when a thin A's bullpen needed two from him.
"I knew I had a possibility of throwing strikes, and we don't really want to waste another pitcher, especially right now, so I said, 'Yeah, put me out there. I'll try to get some outs,'" said Davis. "It's unique. I always wondered if I was ever going to do it, but at least I know I can throw strikes still."
Davis, the son of former Major League pitcher Ron Davis, said the Dodgers considered drafting him as a pitcher out of ASU, but most other teams essentially told him, "Try hitting first. You can always go back to [pitching]."
It took seven years for it to happen. And he'd do it again, if asked.
"I'll pitch anytime they want me to," Davis said. "They know I can throw strikes. If they ever need me again, I'll volunteer.""We want Warzone Firefight!"
343 are adding Waronze Firefight soon.
"The aiming feels so much different to other games"
343 add aim acceleration options
Search times for players with high MMR are too high"
343 make a patch to make search times faster.
"After the last patch, high MMR players aren't gaining any CSR!"
343 introduce another patch to fix this.
"We want more forge items!"
343 add more forge items
343 are CLEARLY listening to us people.
If you say they aren't, they really are.
So if you think about it, all those suggestions made are thought of.
343 do listen to this community.
Together, we can all make Halo how we want to be.
Have an idea? Suggest it, for all you know, it could make it into a future update.Image caption Margaret Thatcher, pictured in 1981, was urged to consider let Liverpool slide
Margaret Thatcher was secretly urged to consider abandoning Liverpool to a fate of "managed decline" after the Toxteth riots in 1981, official papers reveal.
Government files released under the 30-year rule show senior Tory ministers urged her not to spend public money on the "stony ground" of Merseyside.
The then prime minister's Chancellor Sir Geoffrey Howe said it would be like "trying to make water flow uphill".
The riots in Toxteth, Liverpool, on 3 July, triggered unrest across England.
Mrs Thatcher responded by dispatching Environment Secretary Michael Heseltine to Liverpool as "minister for Merseyside" to lead a programme of urban regeneration.
But behind the scenes in Whitehall, other senior figures were soon casting doubt on Mr Heseltine's ambitious plans, files reveal.
'Limited resources'
Sir Geoffrey wrote to Mrs Thatcher warning of the need "not to overcommit scarce resources to Liverpool", saying that he feared Merseyside was "going to be much the hardest nut to crack".
"We do not want to find ourselves concentrating all the limited cash that may have to be made available into Liverpool and having nothing left for possibly more promising areas such as the West Midlands or, even, the North East," his letter said.
Image caption The riots in Toxteth, Liverpool, were followed by disturbances in other English cities
"It would be even more regrettable if some of the brighter ideas for renewing economic activity were to be sown only on relatively stony ground on the banks of the Mersey.
"I cannot help feeling that the option of managed decline is one which we should not forget altogether. We must not expend all our limited resources in trying to make water flow uphill."
Sir Geoffrey acknowledged the suggestion that the city could be left to a "managed decline" was potentially explosive.
"This is not a term for use, even privately," he warned Mrs Thatcher. "It is much too negative."
'Wasted'
The head of the No 10 policy unit, John Hoskyns, also questioned the wisdom of sending Mr Heseltine to Liverpool, suggesting it was little more than a "political gesture".
"The automatic assumption within Whitehall and in the country will be that such a minister, if he is to be seen taking action - which is, after all, his political raison d'etre - must be seen to spend money," he wrote.
Image caption Michael Heseltine went on a two-and-a-half week fact finding mission to riot-torn Merseyside
"This money is likely to be money wasted. Neither the chosen minister nor Whitehall as a whole, will have much idea of how to tackle the real problem-solving task, as distinct from the (important) political gesture."
Mr Heseltine, who was pressing for an annual budget of £100m, had insisted that he needed real powers to act.
"There is no point in thinking for one moment that the exercise would be anything other than a disaster if I was not empowered to take real decisions on my own responsibility whilst I am there," he had informed Mrs Thatcher.
"Without the announcement that some extra resources will be available I am sure that the government's commitment will lack credibility."
But when ministers met that September to discuss his proposals, the Treasury said it would "impossible" to fix a sum in advance without seeing exactly how the money would be spent.Opinion writer
She’s a walking advertisement for the danger of nepotism, an exemplar of class privilege and a perfect representative for Republican know-nothingism. She was supposed to be the brains of the family and the moral ballast; instead, she’s a self-righteous enabler.
We’re speaking of Ivanka Trump, as you might have divined. She was out talking nonsense again on Thursday: “I’m really looking forward to doing a lot of traveling in April when people realize the effect that this has … The vast majority will be [doing their taxes] on a single postcard.” Thunk. There’s no postcard. That was a prop. And the filing for the first year under the new tax code will be in 2019.
She also declared of Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), who decided to vote for the final tax bill after voting no on the Senate version: “He really believes that tax relief, coupled with the administration’s deregulatory actions, will create the growth that will start to erode and ultimately eliminate the national debt that has been accrued over the last several decades.” I’m confident Corker believes no such thing because that would be preposterous, unsupported by any reputable economic analysis. (Corker voted for the final bill upon concluding it was flawed but helpful in promoting economic growth.) As Business Insider put it:
This theory — that the bill will pay for itself and even erode existing debt through increased economic growth — is unsubstantiated. Virtually no nonpartisan studies or experts have found that the GOP bill, which slashes the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, will be deficit-neutral or decrease the debt-to-GDP ratio.
In fairness to Trump, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) also advanced this hooey, but you would think that she would at least have witnessed the pummeling Collins took for her phony assertion and learned from that. When one is not used to be being contradicted, one is perhaps less concerned with accuracy.
Trump leads the charmed life of one who will be able to take advantage of the reduction in the top marginal rate from 39.6 percent to 37 percent. She’ll have the best lawyers and accountants to make certain her income is run through a pass-through, thereby reducing the amount counted as income by 20 percent. If she has been a dutiful Trump daughter, her taxes might look a lot like her father’s — which means she and real-estate mogul husband Jared Kushner can afford even more lavish clothes, bigger homes and ostentatious jewelry. (Remember, the president’s claims notwithstanding, he’s likely to make a mint: “It is clear that President Donald Trump is set to save millions if he signs the Republican tax plan, but exactly how much? Forbes crunched the numbers: It looks like up to $11 million a year from a single rule change.”) While Republicans were pleading poverty when it comes to funding government programs in the wake of the $1.5 trillion revenue-losing tax bill, Ivanka Trump and Kushner can breathe easy, as can their children. (“Under previous provisions, married couples could leave $11 million to their heirs before handing over about 40% of their remaining assets to the government. The new rule doubles that limit to $22 million, meaning Trump’s children will likely get an additional $4.4 million tax break on their inheritance.”)
She’d like to tout the child tax credit, but that, too, is less than advertised. Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who championed the child tax credit, came on board with very little inducement. “Rubio and Lee didn’t get the biggest change they wanted, which was to apply the credit to low-wage workers’ entire income. Under their proposal, a minimum-wage worker making $14,500 would get a $494 tax credit; under the current bill, she’ll get only $75, according to the liberal Center [on] Budget and Policy Priorities.”
The CBPP explains:
The final bill does nothing, compared to the Senate bill, to improve the CTC for 10 million children in low-income working families — meaning that those children will get only a token increase of up to $75 per family or no increase at all. Many working families with children under 17 with incomes that are too low to owe much or any income tax can get part of the CTC as a tax refund. As noted, that refundable amount is limited under current law to 15 percent of their earnings over $3,000. The Senate bill lowered the threshold so that earnings over $2,500 would count towards earning a CTC — translating to a CTC increase of just $75 for those families. The last-minute changes to the CTC do nothing more for these 10 million children.
Seventy-five bucks would probably cover Trump’s lunch tab at her father’s club, but really does nothing for those low-income families.
If Trump cared to do her homework, she wouldn’t say objectively false things. She wouldn’t treat the pittance that Republicans gave to poor families as a grand accomplishment. Then again, perhaps she has learned at her father’s knee to be a flim-flam artist, a con woman and an entitled child of wealth who looks out for herself and only herself. Those who thought that she’d bring smarts, empathy and reason to the White House sure missed the mark.From the 19th to the 21st century:
A Marxist view of socialism
Published Feb 22, 2012 10:39 PM
WW photo: Bryan G. Pfeifer
From a talk given by Workers World managing editor LeiLani Dowell at the Feb. 10 WW forum in New York City.
In the first talk in this series, Richard Kossaly discussed the contradiction in capitalist society between the means of production, which are socialized in this society, and private, not social, accumulation. This inherent contradiction is the basis of society’s division into classes, into the rich and poor. It’s also the source of the crises of capitalism.
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels’ vision was that socialism would do away with this contradiction by doing away with private appropriation altogether. The idea was that in the capitalist countries where the level of production was high in comparison to the rest of world, the overthrow of capitalism in favor of a socialist society would improve the lot of the masses of people.
However, Marx and Engels both realized that you don’t just have a revolution one day, then wake up the next to a perfect socialist society. Even before revolutions began taking place, they were thinking and strategizing around the fact that in the beginning there would still be leftovers of bourgeois society.
Marx’s 1891 document, “The Critique of the Gotha Program,” challenged the proposed political program of the German Social Democratic Party at the time. In it Marx describes two stages of communism. In the first transitional stage, people would be compensated equally in relation to the amount of labor they do.
This sounds great compared to what we have now, right? Today, people are paid on some arbitrary pay scale that has more to do with what the capitalists think they can get away with paying workers — for the bosses, it’s the lower the better — than the actual time and effort a worker puts into the job.
Marx and Engels also envisioned the destruction of the arbitrary division between physical and mental labor. Think about it — is sanitation workers’ work any less taxing than the work a so-called “professional” puts in? Is it any less important to society? Yet sanitation workers are devalued in capitalist society and therefore paid less.
‘To each according to their work’
So the slogan envisioned for this first stage of socialist society — “From each according to their ability, to each according to their work” — is a big advance.
The idea of “equal rights,” however, is not the highest level of achievement possible. In capitalist society, it’s huge; it’s an advance against bigotry, against racism, against sexism, etc. And obviously we fight for equal rights all the time; I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea. But Marx and Engels envisioned more.
Consider this: Not everyone has the ability to work as much as others do. Moreover, different people have different needs — say, there’s two workers, but one is raising a family while the other is only supporting herself. Paying these workers the same amount isn’t exactly equality, even if they put in the same amount of work.
Marx wrote, “What we have to deal with here is a communist society, not as it has developed on its own foundations, but, on the contrary, just as it emerges from capitalist society; which is thus in every respect, economically, morally, and intellectually, still stamped with the birthmarks of the old society from whose womb it emerges. Accordingly, the individual producer receives back from society — after the deductions have been made [deductions needed to maintain equipment and provide for social welfare] — exactly what he gives to it. … Here … the same principle prevails as that which regulates the exchange of commodities, as far as this is the exchange of equal values.
“In spite of this advance,” Marx continues, “this equal right … tacitly recognizes unequal individual endowment, and thus productive capacity, as a natural privilege. It is, therefore, a right of inequality, in its content, like every right. … To avoid all these defects, rights, instead of being equal, would have to be unequal.”
Because there is not yet complete abundance, the first stage of socialism will have to initially progress along those lines. However, once society reaches full abundance, Marx and Engels said, we won’t have to measure people against each other based on the amount of work they do.
Marx concludes, “In a higher phase of communist society, after the enslaving subordination of the individual to the division of labor, and therewith also the antithesis between mental and physical labor, has vanished; after labor has become not only a means of life but life’s prime want; after the productive forces have also increased with the all-around development of the individual, and all the springs of co-operative wealth flow more abundantly — only then can the narrow horizon of bourgeois right be crossed in its entirety and society inscribe on its banners: from each according to his [and her] ability, to each according to his [and her] needs!”
Dictatorship of the people needed to transform society
The other part of this equation in the first stage of socialism is that the dictatorship of the capitalists, of the ruling class, would be replaced by a dictatorship of the proletariat, of the workers and oppressed. Now, similar to the idea of equal pay, this would obviously be an advance — a state set up to be truly “for the people,” with the people’s interests in mind rather than profits. But just like Marx and Engels saw the concept of equal pay under socialism as transitory, so did they see the dictatorship of the proletariat as transitory.
The dictatorship of the proletariat is necessary to transform society — to organize society so that the productive forces are utilized to meet people’s needs most effectively and to combat the bourgeois culture that will still need to be challenged once the revolution takes place. It would also be needed to combat the forces of counterrevolution — because nobody thinks the capitalists will simply walk away once we take what they think is theirs.
But once the productive forces are set up enough so that everyone is provided for according to their needs, the idea is that the state itself would become unnecessary, obsolete and wither away. That would be the highest stage of communism.
In “Socialism, Utopian and Scientific,” Engels writes: “Whilst the capitalist mode of production more and more completely transforms the great majority of the population into proletarians, it creates the power which … is forced to accomplish this revolution. … The proletariat seizes political power and turns the means of production into State property.
“But, in doing this, it abolishes itself as proletariat, abolishes all class distinction and class antagonisms, abolishes also the State as State. Society, thus far, based on class antagonisms, had need of the State. That is, of an organization of the particular class which was, pro tempore, the exploiting class, an organization for the purpose of preventing any interference from without with the existing conditions of production.
“When, at last, it becomes the real representative of the whole of society, it renders itself unnecessary. As soon as there is no longer any social class to be held in subjection, as soon as class rule and the individual struggle for existence based upon our present anarchy in production … are removed, nothing more remains to be repressed, and a special repressive force, a State, is no longer necessary. … State interference in social relations becomes, in one domain after another, superfluous, and then dies out of itself; the government of persons is replaced by the administration of things, and by the conduct of processes of production. The State is not ‘abolished.’ It dies out.”
What Marx and Engels did not anticipate is how socialist revolutions have gone down until now. They envisioned that the socialist revolutions would occur in the most developed capitalist countries — most developed in terms of productive forces, the capability to produce. In fact, the socialist revolutions have occurred in the less developed countries.
20th-century revolutions
When the 1917 revolution occurred in Russia, the country was one of the most underdeveloped in the world, with a huge population, a huge portion of which was peasantry. China, Vietnam, Korea, Cuba, Afghanistan, the African countries — Angola, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau — were all former colonies. All were saddled with a low level of productive forces. In fact colonialism had drained and stolen the countries’ resources. Once the revolutions happened, the former colonialists, the imperialists, of course wouldn’t leave them alone. This created incredible difficulties for the revolutions.
In the USSR, the Bolsheviks — the |
대책 없는 경쟁의 현장에 뛰어들지요. 안타깝습니다.
프로게이머A: 사실 오랫동안 이런 문제가 알려져 있었지만 묵인되어 왔죠.
홍원표: 임요환 선수가 선수협 만들자는 얘기도 했잖아요?
프로게이머A: 그 얘기도 오래 전부터 나왔는데 선수가 힘이 너무 없어요. 리그가 앞으로 어떻게 될지도 전혀 모르겠어요. 선수가 자신을 위해 뭘 할 수 있을까? 그것도 잘 모르겠어요.
노회찬: 새로운 세계를 알게 되었어요. 이제 무대 뒤 풍경이 그려집니다. 세계적으로도 e스포츠가 가장 앞선 나라인데 현실이 이렇다는 건 부끄럽습니다. 앞으로 선수들을 위한 권고안이나 정책대안 등을 더욱 고민해 보도록 하겠습니다.
그들에게 정치란 무엇일까?
많은 사람들은 이렇게 말할 것이다. "게임하면서 돈 번다니 감지덕지지. 그게 무슨 노동이야? 그게 부조리하다 생각하면 그딴 거 하지마!" 사회와 '어른'들은 "네가 원해서 시작한 일이니 이런 정도는 감내하라"는 말을 자연스럽게 한다. 그렇게 따지면 모든 스포츠나 문화예술 종사자들은 노력의 대가를 받을 수가 없게 된다.(사실 그것이 대한민국의 현실이다)
문제는 문화영역에서의 취미가 산업화가 되었을 때 그 콘텐츠의 생산자를 인간적으로 배려하는 방식이라는 점을 아무도 말하지 않는다. 그 문제를 해결하기 위해 "그래서 더더욱 파이를 키워야 한다"고 말하기도 한다. 하지만 e스포츠계의 파이가 커질 동안 피라미드 아래쪽에서 고생하는 이들의 처우는 나아지지 않았고 '스타 프로게이머'들의 연봉만 높아졌다. 오히려 그들을 보고 이 판에 들어온 수많은 청소년들 때문에 황당한 환경에서 고생하는 이들의 숫자는 더욱 늘어났다. 이렇게 '어른'들은 청년들의 열정을 착취하는 중이다.
길지는 않았던 간담회가 끝난 후 우리는 함께 저녁식사를 하며 막걸리를 한잔씩 마셨다. 뒤풀이 자리에서 나와 김정근 씨는 '스덕 본능'을 발휘하여 A가 가장 빛났던 순간들과 현재의 e스포츠, 그리고 승부조작에 참여한 게이머들에 대한 인간적인 분노를 토로했다. A는 정치에 대해 전혀 모르지만 노무현에 대해서는 좋은 감정을 가지고 있다고 했다. 한명숙에 대해서는 최근의 검찰수사에 대해서만 알고 있고 유시민도 좋아한다고 했다. 노회찬에 대해 물어봤더니 누군지 알고는 있었고 나쁜 이미지는 아니었단다. 헤어질 때 A는 내가 아무 말도 하지 않았는데 '그래도 얼굴을 본 사람이니 만약 투표하러 갈 시간이 있으면 서울시장 후보 노회찬을 찍겠다'고 약속했다. 내색은 안 했지만 마음이 울컥했다. 문득 그들에게 정치가 무엇인지, 내가 정치에 관심을 가진다는 건 무슨 의미인지가 궁금해졌다. 집으로 돌아오며, 누구에게 투표를 하든 그도 6월 2일에 투표를 할 시간이 있었으면 좋겠다고 생각했다.
Source:
The world of e-sports was engulfed in a state of shock on the 16th. It was found that current progamers were involved in match fixing. A lot of the fans were dismayed to learn that even a starleague champion made profit from using illegal betting sites and fixing matches.People are criticizing the progamers involved for perverting the spirit of sports, but not that many people are pointing out why they made such decisions. Progamers are hailed by many fans, but behind the screen, there is a very competitive system. The problem only worsens by the fact that most people believe that "earning money through gaming isn't labor."We should not stop at criticizing the progamers that were involved, but also look into the "reality" behind their motives. This article is to show the lives and the labor conditions of progamers. Editor.I didn't know where to start. I was a veteran starleague fan, and a member of the progressive political party, but I didn't know how this would be taken by the progamers. The lives of progamers were a sensitive subject. The progamers and even fans might say "they're talking about something they don't even know about" if the progressive party raised the issue of rights of progamers.2010-5-15 Saturday night. It was the day before the official statement on match fixing. Would the interview have been harder if I tried after the statement? I was careful to tell them that their identity would be confidential. The Progressive Party Representative Noh (from here on: Noh), Political Researcher Hong (from here on: Hong), and E-Sports Columnist Kim (aka pain, from here on: Kim) attended the meeting.Mr. Han (the author, from here on: Han): Have you read "Mookhyang" (a martial art novel)?Progamer "A" : Yes."A" answered more willingly than I thought. Although we lived in completely different worlds, we were both young men from the same time period.Han: In the novel, the main character learns martial arts and develops along with other children even without a name. One by one, his peers start to disappear, and he develops further and rises to a higer place. I thought starleagues were kind of like that. Since you debuted, to today, what are your views on the lives of progamers, both your life and the lives of your peers that disappeared with your success?The first thing that comes up when talking about the life of a progamer is the conflict with parents. The most famous progamer, BoxeR, said that his parents did not know he played StarCraft. Back then "progamer" meant just a person looking to earn money from gaming, before games were broadcasted. On the other hand, the top player right now, Flash, persuaded his parents and became a progamer with parental support. However, this is a story of a progamer who rose in the era where earning over a hundred thousand dollars a year playing games were "role models"."A" also couldn't avoid the conflict. His parents did not allow him to become a progamer because the future is too uncertain, and "A" also understood his parents. "What kind of a parent would want their kid to lead a difficult life? The future is very dim when you become a progamer....." After a few months, his parents allowed him to pursue his dreams, and after passing the test, he joined a team.Nowadays, in order to get connections to be able to take tests for progaming teams, people spend a lot of time in clans. Once you hit 20, it becomes almost impossible to be tested to join a team. When asked about this, "A" answered "You have to be at least in your 10's. 20 is the oldest you can be."After he joined the team, the life with the team started. It was before when large sponsors funded each team. "Over ten people lived in one apartment. There was no room to eat together. There were about 10 computers in the living room, and there were a few bunk beds in the bedroom. If there were not enough beds, we slept on the floor...." It didn't happen often, but the teammates kept changing. Few left, and few joined. Some went to military service, gave up, or left for education. Of course there were a few that were kicked out for not being good enough. Still now, B team players come and go without ever being well known.The dorm became better and better. The sponsors began to look at e-sports. The large corporations took players from other teams, and others accepted a lot of practice partners to pick out new talents. I started to wonder how it was like living with a team.Han: Is the hierarchy strict? I think it must be since only men are living together."A": Nope. There are older and younger players, but it's not a strict hierarchy.Hong asked about the practice time. A daily cycle of a progamer is different from that of a normal person. They wake up around 10 and their day starts after eating breakfast, and it continues until late night. If you look at "Nal_rA's Oldboy" from OGN, the SPARKYZ team ate lunch at 4PM. I think it was to achieve the optimal condition when the leagues take place in the evening. The practice time, not counting time for food, was 11 hours and 30 minutes for A team members, and 13 hours and 30 mnutes for B team members. This was mandatory.Can you skip it? If you want to, you must have a reason. A progamer from some team wanted to watch a Beyonce concert and did not attend practice. That day happened to be a bad day for the team. He was punished and pushed down to B team, and ended up retiring trying to rise back up. "I think there were other reasons, but he said that was the biggest reason."There are barely any days off. There are matches in the weekends, so you have to practice even in the weekends. "A"'s team gets a day and a half off starting right when the last match of the week ends. MBCGame and OGN have very busy schedules. In a year, there is only one month period where no leagues go on. This became worse as time went on. The players are dissatisfied, but have no way of speaking out. Kim put it this way."KeSPA was formed by the corporations that sponsor the teams. Because it helps them advertise, they try to increase the number of matches. They fill up the whole year with matches. It's not like they have to pay more to have more matches."Hong pointed out the copyright issues of replays. If there was such a thing, KeSPA would not simply try to increase the number of matches. If a drama is shown again on a different channel, that channel must pay the original company a fee. If a musician plays a piece, that music becomes the musician's. The same should be applied to progamers and replays.This problem is very complicated. The VOD shown on TV is not simply the replay of a progamer, but it contains the explanation of the commentators and the views of the observer. When we watch these games, there are many parties involved. There are Blizzard, the gamers, and the broadcasting companies.Right now, the games are the properties of the broadcasting companies, and the rights of the players are handled by the sponsors that pay those gamers, through KeSPA. Blizzard is trying to claim their rights in the e-sports market with the release of StarCraft II. These powerful organizations silence the rights of the average progamer.If the sponsors paid the progamers as much as they took the rights away, it would be okay, but the progamers aren't even considered laborers. Noh concentrated on the labor-like state of progaming. He thinks that progamers should have a labor contract with their sponsors. Think about it for a moment. That would cause the problem with child labor. The law prevents children under 15 from being in labor. The famous progamers debuted when they were 15 or 16. Players like BaBy debuted at the age of 13. If we see them as laborers, it is illegal.The gamers between 15 and 17 years of age can be in labor, but the problem is time. The law prevents adolescents from being in labor at night. Noh said, "There was once this situation in Europe. There was a musical, and a child actor was needed. However, the girl from that country was too young to be put into labor at the time of the showing. The whole country went into debate. It's not a single person's problem, but a problem for the whole society. That's why there was so much debate."Also, the minimum wage must be met with a labor contract. The minimum wage for 2010 was 4110 wons per hour (app. $3.60). For 44 hours a week, the minimum wage is 928,860 won per month (app. $820). The progamers are required to practice around 60~75 hours a week, and over half of these hours are during weekends and late nights. The weekend and late night minimum wage is 1.5 times larger, so it would be 6165 (app. $5.40) won/hour.If we say the progamers practice at least 60 hours a week, and if only half of them are part of the 1.5x rate, the minimum amount they need to be paid for a week is 308,250 won (app. $270), for a month, 1,339,345 won (app. $1,180), and for a year, 16,072,155 won (app. $14,000). The minimum wage for a A-team player would be 16 million won, and for B-team player, it would be 20 million (app. $17,600). This shows how much these progamers are working.If we put these regulations on progaming, the number of progamers would decrease significantly, and some corporations will give up. The increase in pay of a progamer over time will also decrease. However, this will greatly increase the conditions of life of progamers.This is the reality. B-team players are given a dorm, but they don't get paid. They don't even sign a single thing, let alone a contract. Even if they leave, there are plenty to choose from. The bigger teams pay them 500 thousand wons a month.What if you're one of the players that play in proleague? They sign a contract. It's not a labor contract, but a civil contract. Even then they get paid 10 million won a year on average and usually doesn't pass 20 million. A few "star" gamers earn over 200 million a year. I'm sure there are a few progamers who get paid between those two numbers, but we won't know exactly how much that is. The pay is not released to the public. Even "A" doesn't know how much his teammates get paid.Hong asked if the practice hours are mentioned in the civil contract. "A" said no. Hong said if they're going to make certain hours of practice mandatory, it should be a labor contract. Although the hours are not listed in the contract, a civil contract can be nullified by the sponsors at any time, so the players must obey the hours.Even though StarCraft is an individual sport, a progamer can't participate in even the preliminaries without being in a progaming team. The system is set up so that the sponsors have ultimate control over the progamers. If it's too much to change the contracts to labor contracts, there should be at least a guarantee of the players' rights and futures. The gamers get treated neither as the "creator" of game content nor the "laborers" for the gaming teams.The most sensitive problem for progamers is the mandatory military service. There are a lot of B-team gamers that worry about military service and quit. The famous progamers attend universities to delay the time. Boxer even went to a graduate school before joining the Air Force, forming the Air Force ACE team.The gamers that are less famous apply for the Korean Cyber University to delay going into military service. "We really just leave the lesson on and practice. We only pay attention shortly before exams, and we take the test online. We don't listen carefully to the lecture." They don't have the time to learn. "If they gave us a few hours a day, I think I can prepare for my future...""A" seemed to have thought about this problem long enough already. He said he was worried about his own future when asked. What happened to his retired peers? "It's not like your experience as a progamer help. Most go into coaching or show programs. Some go abroad to study, and others attend classes at a school. The rest don't do well." I asked what "not doing well" meant. "They don't have a job. There's nothing they can do."Another opportunity for the progamers is to try to be a progamer for StarCraft II. However, Blizzard made StarCraft II with e-sports in mind, unlike StarCraft. You can't even play against each other without connecting to Battle.net. (In StarCraft it was possible through LAN).KeSPA negotiated with Blizzard on the topic of StarCraft II as an e-sport, but it didn't go well. They don't allow the progamers to play StarCraft II. Hong asked, "Does it make sense for them to be able to stop us from playing? It's just a game." "A" answered, "I don't know." StarCraft II is currently in beta testing phase."I think I'll have a problem with it if they don't let us play after the official release. Like when StarCraft was first released, there will be few of us who change to that game if there are prize tournaments. StarCraft II is on the same line as StarCraft. Those who are good in StarCraft also do well in StarCraft II. It's only the beta but there are worldwide tournaments. The retired progamers already participate in StarCraft II tournaments, and are doing well. When it is officially released, those who are not getting paid will be tempted to try StarCraft II competitively.There may be players that leave the current system of e-sports to try something new if KeSPA fails to negotiate with Blizzard.When something like match fixing happens, the media criticizes individual integrity. Of course being forced to practice over 10 hours a day at a young age can cause problems. I asked about the progamer knowledge training."There are two in one year. You need to attend to keep your license. They talk about improving the tenacity of being a progamer, about the spirit of sports that we should have." I asked if players enjoy these lectures. "Not really... Games and sports are different..."I thought of the soldiers being mentally trained in the military. The poor environment, the unclear future, the bad pay, and being treated like property has a far greater detrimental effect than two days of lecture can fix. The lure of "black money" must have been tempting no matter how much they were getting paid. It was even more heartbreaking that these players, who always put the game and the competition at the center, would get involved in match fixing. What they needed was not a lecture, but the basic human rights. Hong asked this.Hong: Do you know the term "880 thousand won era"? What do you think it would be like if the minimum wage for the B-team players was 880 thousand wons (app $770) per month?"A": That would be good. If you earn that much, wouldn't it be a decent job? We live together yet some of us get paid no money while other get paid 200 million wons. There were a lot of players that didn't even receive spending money.... The sponsors try to spend as least money as possible. After a few years, the money given by the sponsors decrease. Since we don't have the money, we're forced to live together. Between 3~8 people use each room.Hong: Isn't it bothersome to share a room with so many people?"A": It's fine, since we don't do anything but sleep in those rooms.Our discussion was nearing its end. Everyone each made a comment.Noh: E-sports through the TV is extravagant. A lot of teenagers dream of becoming progamers. Although e-sports has the nation's attention, the living conditions of a progamer is bad. There is a "dark side" of progaming that people don't see even though so many large corporations are involved. It reminded me of the B-team pro baseball players. This is a big problem since young men are involved..."A": There are too many people wanted to be progamers....Noh: That's why it's like this. They're using the fact that people all want to become progamers against the progamers themselves.Kim: For the teams, it becomes easier to restrain the players if there are more practice partners. It's easy because they all compete with each other. Since they don't even pay the practice partners, the more the better. KeSPA themselves say that the rise of the number of progamers is the problem, but they're not decreasing the number of semi pro licenses given through Courage. In the end, the kids jump into a hopeless field of competition. This is shameful."A": This problem was known for a long time, but was ignored.Hong: Didn't Boxer say something about a progamers' union?"A": That talk has been going on for a long time too but the players have too little strength. I don't even know how the leagues will turn out in the future. What can a player do for himself? I don't even know.Noh: I learned about a new world today. I can now see it from behind the scenes. Our nation at the front of the world of e-sports and I'm embarrassed about the truth. In the future, I'll be sure to think about the rights of progamers.Many people would say this. "It's so awesome to earn money playing games. What about that is labor? If you think it's that bad, just don't do it!" The society and the "adults" say "You started it because you wanted to do it. You should be able to endure it" naturally. If you think about it that way, no person in the field of sports or arts would be able to earn as much as they work. (Sadly, this is the truth in Korea)The problem is that when a hobby becomes a market, nobody talks about the rights of the people that produce the content. Some say, to solve this problem, they need to "make it bigger." However, as e-sports grew, the ones suffering at the bottom of the pyramid continued to suffer, and only the "star" progamers' pays increased. It actually had the opposite effect as kids drawn to the scene by these stars found themselves at the bottom of the pyramid, unable to climb. The "adults" are making profits out of the children's passion.After the long discussion ended, we had dinner together and had a drink. Kim and I talked about "A"'s bright moments and expressed our personal thoughts on the progamers involved in the match fixing incident. "A" doesn't know politics, but he said he has positive feeling towards former president Roh. When asked about Noh, he responded that he knew who he was and didn't have a negative image of him. I didn't say anything about it to "A", but as he was leaving he told me that he would vote for Noh since he at least knows his face. I didn't show it but my heart sank. I wondered what politics, that I'm interested in politics, means to them. As I returned home, I thought to myself that no matter who he votes for, I hope "A" has time to come out and vote on June 2nd.Source: http://www.pressian.com/article/article.asp?article_num=10100518102804&Section=08&page=1 On May 20 2010 22:50 LanguageofObscenity wrote:
Hi everyone! I've got some messages fron Yoon-hyung Han, who's the author of the article. He asked me to translate his words since he can't really speak English. LOL. He wanted me to let you guys know some basic stuff about South-Korean media, E-sports scene, and ultimately himself.
First of all, Pressian is a web-based daily newspaper which is pretty big compared to other leftist internet journals in South Korea. (probably the biggest among them i reckon?). Fomos is much credited in the Starcraft fandom, but in fact Pressian is a much bigger journal in the web as a general media source. BUT, because these so-called 'progressive' or 'leftist' journals in South Korea weren't really dealing with/ aware of the problems in E-sports scene, Han, who is a member of the New Progressive Party (I know it's a ridiculous name but such party does actually exist), decided to write an article about it and published it on Pressian. After the release of the article, Pressian receievd a number of phone calls from unanimous readers and they protested saying that the E-sports scene doesn't work like that anymore, but we are assuming that these people are actually those who work in the field. (And of course, they are afraid that controversies regarding players' working environment become publicised)
Becuase most South Koreans are business-inclined, their reaction to this kind of problems is usually this: "But if corporations withdraw, isn't that a greater difficulty?". So corporations do not really have any reluctance in exploiting workers, and they treat the players in pretty much the same manner.
Han and his friends see that the fandom as a whole should take some sort of actions after the release of SCII. (read the article thoroughly again please if u r puzzled why choose not to take actions immediately)
And if such action does really take place, Han says that he would really appreciate it if Team Liquid guyz can do something like a petition then (regardless of the form), coz many Koreans do really care about what foreigners say. lol
WriterTORONTO — Expanding into new businesses such as gaming and enhanced specialty food has helped theatre chain Cineplex Inc. lure people away from on-demand entertainment in their living rooms, but Star Wars proved to be the real force behind its blockbuster annual and fourth-quarter results.
Net income more than doubled during the three-month period ended Dec. 31 to $76.8 million or $1.22 per share, up from $32.1 million (51 cents) a year earlier, and overall revenue soared 23 per cent to $407.4 million, the Toronto-based company said Tuesday.
Box office revenue was $196.3 million in the period, up 14 per cent.
The fourth quarter and full year 2015 results were the best in Cineplex’s history, Cineplex Entertainment chief executive Ellis Jacob told analysts on a conference call.
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens generated 22 per cent of box office revenue during the quarter, even though the movie had played for (just) 14 days,” Jacob said, also citing Spectre and The Martian as strong draws. “Simply put, the quarter was a tremendous success, and proves once again that consumers love experiencing a movie in the theatre on a big screen with a great sound.”
Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which this week became the third film in history to surpass US$2 billion in global box office sales, along with Titanic and Avatar, was Cineplex’s top film for 2015 and the highest grossing film to date in North America.
Box office revenue per patron at Cineplex climbed 6.3 per cent to $9.63 while concession revenue per patron was $5.58, up 8.6 per cent.
Cineplex also had record patron attendance in the quarter of 20.4 million, seven per cent higher than a year ago.
Cineplex, which also operates the advertising businesses Cineplex Media and Cineplex Digital Media, has worked to diversify its business in recent years. It hosts Sony Playstation interactive video gaming tournaments at some of its bigger theatres and this spring it will open its first location of the Rec Room, a venue that will offer gaming elements such as bowling, ping pong, arcade and digital simulation games, as well as live entertainment, a restaurant and a bar.
For the full year, Cineplex saw revenue rise 11 per cent in 2015 to $1.37 billion, from $1.23 billion in 2014. Overall attendance rose 4.6 per cent. Net income rose 76 per cent to $134 million, or $2.12 per share, from 76.3 million ($1.20).
The latest Star Wars instalment also provided holiday toy sales with a significant boost this year.
Toy sales in Canada rose eight per cent in 2015 to $1.8 billion from $1.6 billion in 2014, according to data from market research firm NPD Group Canada, and Star Wars accounted for about 20 per cent of the total increase.
Sales of Star Wars toys surged 244 per cent during the week of Dec. 20 to 26 compared with a year earlier. Toys related to the movie franchise were the top-selling toys of the year in Canada, hitting sales of close to $100 million in Canada.
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Twitter.com/HollieKShaw“Even when Treasury’s programs are running at full speed, foreclosures are estimated to outpace modifications by about two to one,” Ms. Warren said. “It simply isn’t clear that the programs in place will do enough to tame the crisis and have a significant impact on the broader economy.”
The Treasury acknowledged that its anti-foreclosure program was limited, with the effect of rising unemployment not fully checked. But the department said other relief efforts, like extended jobless benefits and continued health insurance for people who lose work, were better suited to alleviating economic distress than the housing program.
“In developing this program, it was critical that we address challenges that could be solved quickly with the tools available to us to ensure the most effective use of taxpayer money,” said Meg Reilly, a Treasury spokeswoman.
The administration’s decision to limit the cost of its one program aimed at helping homeowners could become more contentious as the foreclosure crisis grinds on. Populist anger has flashed over the rescues of major institutions including Citigroup and the American International Group — the most prominent components of a $700 billion taxpayer-financed bailout — while homeowners struggle.
“These Treasury people are all from Wall Street, and they’re not doing anything but protecting Wall Street,” said Melissa A. Huelsman, a Seattle lawyer who represents homeowners fighting foreclosure. “They don’t care in the least about protecting homeowners.”
When the Obama administration began its $75 billion Making Home Affordable program in March, it said the plan would spare as many as four million households from foreclosure. On Thursday, Treasury announced that 500,000 homeowners had since had their payments lowered on a trial basis, celebrating this as a milestone.
But the report from the oversight panel directly challenged the administration’s characterizations.
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Most prominently, the panel had grave uncertainty about whether large numbers of the trial loan modifications — which typically run for three months — would successfully be converted to permanent terms.
As of the beginning of September, only 1.26 percent of trial modifications that had made it through the three-month trial period had become permanent, the report found. Of course, very few of those trial loans had reached their three-month expiration because the program only recently began processing large numbers of applications. As of Sept. 1, the Obama plan had produced 1,711 permanent loan modifications.
Some homeowners complain they have received trial modifications only to have them canceled for what seem dubious reasons — checks sent but supposedly never received, documents once in the file but suddenly missing.
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“We’re on the phone arguing with mortgage companies every day,” said Dan Harris, chief executive of Home Retention Group, a company that negotiates with mortgage companies for loan modifications on behalf of homeowners, adding that trial modifications for four of his clients had been canceled over the last month. “It’s incredible.”
Major mortgage companies say they have significantly increased staffing to better manage the flow of paperwork, while notifying customers of the need to send in fresh documents to make their trial modifications permanent. But the companies offer no assurances that a large number of trial modifications will indeed become permanent.
“The process is too new,” said Dan Frahm, a spokesman for Bank of America. “We don’t know the number.” He estimated that 15 percent to half of all trial modifications would fail to become permanent.
The Treasury expressed hopes that a newly streamlined process that allowed borrowers to submit documents to mortgage companies more easily would help make large numbers of trial modifications permanent.
“We are intent on working with servicers to ensure that eligible borrowers receive permanent modifications,” said the department spokesperson, Ms. Reilly.
The oversight panel’s report expressed chagrin that the vast majority of loan modifications did not lower loan balances, leaving many homeowners still “under water,” or owing more than their homes were worth.
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This tends to lower all property values, the report noted, because underwater borrowers have less incentive to care for their homes, and greater reason to stop making payments and default.
An Obama administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing a lack of authorization to speak publicly, said the Treasury would have preferred that the program focused more on writing down principal balances but ultimately opted against it because “that would make it significantly more expensive to the taxpayer.”
In Wauwatosa, Wis., Theresa Lutz, 47, has been seeking to lower the payments on her home for several months. She is a graphic designer whose working hours were cut last summer. In September, her employer cut her salary by 6 percent. That has made it difficult for her to pay her monthly mortgage of $1,307.
As Ms. Lutz described it, her mortgage company, Wells Fargo, initially agreed to lower her payments. But then, last week, the bank informed her that she would have to come up with a fresh $3,000 to compensate the investor who owned her loan.
A Wells Fargo spokesman, Kevin Waetke, said that information had been conveyed “in error” and “the customer has been notified that payment does not need to be made.”
As Ms. Lutz struggled to clarify her agreement with Wells Fargo, she expressed dismay at news of the oversight panel’s report, and its finding that not enough help seemed to be on the way.
“It looks to me like Wall Street is too invested in our government,” she said. “Big business is winning out over the average person.”The beleaguered chancellor of University of California, Davis, is preparing to explain her position to students after campus police deployed pepper-spray at close range on protesting students who apparently posed little threat.
Linda Katehi has agreed to speak to the protesters' General Assembly on Monday. It was announced on Sunday that two campus police officers have been placed on administrative leave while an investigation is carried out.
The university did not name the officers officially, but at least one of the officers has been identified as Lieutenant John Pike.
A police officer at the University of California, Davis, deploys pepper spray on students taking part in an Occupy protest. Photograph: The Aggie/Brian Nguyen
UC Davis's faculty association called on Katehi to resign, saying in a letter there had been a "gross failure of leadership."
Given the recent use of excessive force by police against "occupy" protestors at UC Berkeley and elsewhere, the Chancellor must have anticipated that, by authorizing police action, she was effectively authorizing their use of excessive force against peaceful UCD student protestors. The Chancellor's role is to enable open and free inquiry, not to suppress it.
Her position has been under threat after a series of mis-steps following the incident on Friday. In her first statement, while expressing concern at the use of pepper spray, Katehi said her responsibility had been to protect the "safety and health" of protesting students.
She initially said an inquiry would report in 90 days – on Sunday, she brought the deadline forward to 30 days.
After a news conference on Saturday, Katehi remained inside a building at UC Davis for three hours, as hundreds of students surrounded it. A university official accompanying Ketehi told the Davis Enterprise that he believed the crowd was hostile and that she would not be able to leave safely.
But when she left, she walked to her car through a seated, silent phalanx of students.
The protests, which had been endorsed by a faculty association, were called to oppose tuition fee increases and the force used by police on other University of California campuses in response to recent protests.
The students had set up about 25 tents in a quad area, but they had been asked not to stay overnight and were told they would not be able to stay during the weekend due to a lack of university resources.
Some protesters took their tents down voluntarily while others stayed. Footage uploaded to YouTube shows an officer wearing riot gear blasting pepper spray into the faces of students sitting on the ground, their arms linked.
In a statement on Sunday, Katehi indicated she would not resign:
I am deeply saddened that this happened on our campus, and as chancellor, I take full responsibility for the incident. However, I pledge to take the actions needed to ensure that this does not happen again. I feel very sorry for the harm our students were subjected to and I vow to work tirelessly to make the campus a more welcoming and safe place.
'I'm going to spray these kids down'
BoingBoing interviewed one of the students who was pepper-sprayed on Sunday.
We were never warned that we were going to be pepper-sprayed. Lt Pike walked up to my friend, and I am told that he said, "Move or we're going to shoot you." Then he went back and talked to a few of his police officer friends. A couple of other officers started to remove people who were sitting there, blocking exit. Pike could have easily removed us, just picked us up and removed us. We were just sitting there, nonviolent civil disobedience. But Pike turned around and I am told that he said to the other officers, "Don't worry about it, I'm going to spray these kids down." He lifts the can, spins it around in a circle to show it off to everybody. Then he sprays us three times. As if one time of being sprayed at point blank wasn't enough. I was on the end of the line getting direct spray. When the second pass came, I got up crawling. |
the film won Favorite Animated Movie.[120] Jordan Nagai was awarded the Breakout Performance Award at the 44th East West Players 44th Anniversary Visionary Awards and Silent Auction for his role as Russell by the East West Players.[110] The organization also awarded the film with the EWP Visionary Award for its progressive casting of an Asian-American lead.[110] Dug, the talking canine, was awarded the Palm Dog Award by the British film critics as the best canine performance at Cannes Film Festival, winning over the fox from Antichrist and the black poodle from Inglourious Basterds.[121]
Video games [ edit ]
On May 26, 2009, a video game by the same name themed around the movie was released for multiple platforms.
A video game, Kinect Rush: A Disney–Pixar Adventure, was also released on March 20, 2012, for Xbox 360. It features characters from five of Pixar's films: Up, The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille, and Toy Story.[122]
See also [ edit ]BOOK AT TOURIST ISRAEL
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The first map of the series was Mirage, SK's map pick, where the Brazilians got out to a quick 2-0 lead on the CT side. Astralis then replied on a shoddy buy, with Andreas "Xyp9x" Højsleth and Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen overturning a 2v3 situation in the following round to tie up the game at 2-2. Even after getting their economy in order, SK could not get a footing in the game as the few rounds they edged out were immediately countered by the Danes, who strolled to a 9-4 lead.
And that's when the dupreeh one-man show began. The 24-year-old won back-to-back clutches, the first one a 1v3 in the connector thanks to a double AWP kill through a smoke, the second one a 1v4 on the B site, putting his team up by seven rounds at the break.
Astralis piled more pressure on their opponents by taking the second half pistol, but SK rallied back immediately courtesy of a quad-kill from Gabriel "FalleN" Toledo. That was the start of a phenomenal run from the Brazilians, who won seven rounds straight to bring the deficit to a minimum.
With almost no room for error, Astralis tightened up their defense and began stringing rounds together. FalleN had a great chance to put SK back in the game, but he missed a clean shot in a 1v2 situation, allowing the Danes to reach match point - with Xyp9x dealing the finishing blow with a quad-kill.
SK win BLAST Pro Series after recovering from a 9-0 deficit on Cache
Next up was Inferno, which followed the same pattern as Mirage as SK took a 2-0 lead but were then caught off-guard in a round that clearly should have gone their way. Astralis took that chance and eventually picked up the lead, but as things were beginning to get out of hand, SK reasserted their grip on the game.
The Brazilian giants exerted great banana control for the rest of the half and utilized a variety of different paces to keep the Astralis defense in check, with the only two rounds that the Danes won coming off of individual plays from Markus "Kjaerbye" Kjærbye and Dennis "dennis" Edman.
Down 5-10, Astralis kept themselves in the game with a successful B split in the pistol round, and they followed that up with the subsequent anti-ecos to bring the deficit to just two rounds. But after buying up, SK ran away with the lead as they could not be stopped until they reached 16 rounds thanks to another great streak.
dupreeh was on fire on Mirage, but Astralis could not close it out
The decider map, Cache, began with a mid to B split from SK that was denied once they approached the site, with dupreeh picking up three great frags in checkers. The Danes' fantastic run continued going into the gun rounds, with the scoreline blooming to a 9-0 advantage as nothing the Brazilians did seemed to work.
After calling a tactical pause, SK finally managed to get a round on the board, taking advantage of the mobility that a pistol execution provides. That round sparked a massive run from the Brazilians, with the half ending in a surprisingly close 9-6 scoreline.
Carrying their momentum into the second half, SK won four of the opening five rounds to equalise the score at 10-10. Astralis then picked up the pace and eventually reached championship point, but SK remained calm and collected, and won the 30th round following three great kills from FalleN - who by now had taken his personal tally to 32 frags on the map.
SK began overtime on the defensive side of the map, taking a 2-1 lead, and they followed that up by winning two rounds in a row as Terrorists to lock down the map, 19-16, and the series.
BLAST Pro Series Copenhagen final standings:If you are looking to fill the tank, Petro-Canada gas stations in Winnipeg are running dry.
Gas shortages that began last week at Petro-Canada outlets in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and B.C. are now spreading to Winnipeg and northwestern Ontario.
The fires in Fort McMurray and an unplanned outage at an Edmonton refinery have contributed to the shortage, said a news release from Petro-Canada. Those factors have had "an unavoidable impact on our ability to produce and supply" the normal volume of gasoline and diesel, the release said.
On Monday, the company confirmed the outage continued and said it had "a team of people dedicated to this situation." It apologized to customers for the inconvenience.
At the Grant Avenue and Nathaniel Street location in Winnipeg on Monday morning, the cost of gas simply read 00.0 to signal to customers the lack of supply.
Dan McTeague, a senior petroleum analyst with Gasbuddy.com, said the gas shortage could last weeks. Shell Canada has also announced a maintenance issue at one of its refineries that could compound the problem, McTeague said.
"All of it suggests there is a very serious problem and the timing, of course, couldn't be worse given demand is very high at this time," he said.
"We're really living in an environment of absolute scarcity."
Canadians are currently paying about four cents more for gas because of the Petro-Canada shortage, he said.
"There's just no available barrels of gasoline.… There really aren't many available sellers right now," said McTeague.
The Petro-Canada gas station at Grant Avenue and Nathaniel Street in Winnipeg in out of fuel. (Travis Golby/CBC)
Petro-Canada officials said the company is bringing in additional supply for the Edmonton refinery and transferring in gasoline from other parts of the network by truck and rail. The company is also restarting oilsands operations and working to bring the affected unit back into service.
"We have a plan in place that will maintain supply at critical locations so as to minimize the impact on customers as much as possible," Petro-Canada said in a release.
"This includes supporting the community of Fort McMurray returning to their home, and adequately maintaining supply in areas where there are limited or no other options for fuelling."
Petro-Canada's parent company is Suncor.While admittedly your mileage may vary, I was surprised to find yesterday that the town of Ghent, in Dutch (Flemish) Belgium, is quite possibly the prettiest place I’ve ever visited.
The first thing you notice on entering Ghent is the guys (and gals). They’re kind of hot. Especially as compared to Brussels, which, coming from Paris, was a bit of a let-down on the personal beauty front. Ghentians (I made that word up) however are smoking. And they’re awfully nice too.
Putting aside for a moment the personal beauty of the locals, the town is simply gorgeous. Very Amsterdam-y, but even prettier IMHO. I mean, look at this — and the view just goes on and on and on for blocks and blocks and blocks. This is definitely one of those “I can’t believe people actually live like this” kind of towns.
I’m in Europe for my annual medical tourism (and for a variety of meetings for work), and decided to visit some old friends who are working in Brussels. They suggested we head to the town of Ghent for the annual festival, and boy am I glad they did.
Belgium, as you know, is split in two (ish), with a French half and a Dutch half. Brussels is French-speaking (though situated in the Dutch half, like Berlin of old), while Ghent is Flemish speaking.
Every year, Ghent has a rather large, and rather well-known, festival. And the thing is huge. It’s hard to describe how many people were there. We walked for hours and hours and hours and the thing just goes on and on and on through much of the town. If this were DC, it would be like having a street festival that goes from Adams Morgan all the way down the White House. It’s just insane how big, and beautiful, this is.
Here’s a quick video of one of the many bands playing on the street. I wanted to give you a sense of what the town looks like.
As I mentioned, the town of Ghent has a lot of Dutch influence, and it has a very Amsterdam-y feel to it, in part because of the canals, and in large part because of those amazing skinny buildings with the cool pointed rooftops.
Ghent has a sizable number of rather cool cathedrals. We went to see the Ghent Altarpiece yesterday, which I admittedly was previously unaware of. It’s pretty magnificent.
Just a cool top of a building facade.
The view of a canal from a restaurant during a rainstorm.
There were people all over town selling these small, conical-shaped, purple candy thingies. I have no idea what they were. UPDATE: A friendly Ghentian has written in to say that these are called “noses.” And they’re apparently insanely sweet and then filled with something insanely sweetre.
Now, one sweet I did try was a Belgian waffle. And let me just say, mother of God why did no one tell me about these things before? Imagine a big, warm, freshly made, gooey, thick whipped cream and dark drippy chocolate covered chocolate chip cookie. That’s what a Belgian waffle is. It was funny, the woman handed me the thing, without any silverware, and I sort of looked around, confused, trying to figure out how exactly you were supposed to eat the beast. I saw some mini-forks nearby, grabbed one, and figured I’d dig in. It seems the waffle is made to fall apart along numerous fault lines, so it’s pretty easy to eat with the mini-fork. And oh my god, the name “waffle” doesn’t do this thing justice. “Fried chocolate chip cookie dough covered with something that puts the word ‘whipped cream’ to shame” starts to get you close. Next time you’re in Belgium, run, don’t walk, for one of these. (Then run a lot aftewards too.)
Some more stunning building facades. From what I’ve heard, this style is apparently very late 1600s (I think). At least the first pic is, the second might be older.
Lots of music, including the ever-popular lederhosen singing people.
Though these guys were my favorite. We were on our way out of town, to head back to Brussels, and we suddenly hear music approaching us.
Apparently, these marching bands are a big thing in Belgium. And, my host tells me, they’re apparently quite gay — as in, lots of gay men in the marching bands. (What queen doesn’t love a performance?) Oh, I found out who these guys are — they have a YouTube page with a ton of their videos. I picked out some of the funnier ones. And one of the guys in the band saw my post and messaged me on Facebook! (I’m still amazed by the small-worldness of the Internet sometimes.)
So this was fun. Apparently the kids, when they graduate (high school?) throw their shoes across the phone or power lines that hang over the street in one particular section of town. Which explains what happened to Luna’s shoes.
So this disturbed me, as I’d hoped they were just a bad memory from my youth studying in Paris. The dreaded, but efficient, public urinals. You just stand up there in front of everyone and do it.
This is just me being artistic with a self-portrait of sorts in a window of an art gallery:
Ghent had a number of funny signs and posters. Some unintentionally funny, like the “Nacht Winkel” signs, which meant “Night Shop” (or, shop open at night), and then there was this meatball restaurant:
Or this sign letting you know not to pee on the street. I particularly like how, in a nod to equal opportunity, they included a drawing of a woman peeing.
Then there’s this. I have no idea.
I just can’t say enough about Ghent. I’m told Bruges is pretty amazing too. It’s funny, but if you’ve traveled a lot, things start to become less exciting, less impressive, the older you get. Probably, and sadly, because you’ve done “it” before, even if the city or country you’re visiting is a new “it.” You sometimes lose a bit of that “oh my god, I’m going to Europe!”-ness that you had as a kid traveling abroad for the first time. Ghent, for me, brought some of that childish wonderment, and sadness (because you don’t live there), back to me.
If you’re ever in the area, visit Brussels for a day, maybe. Then head to Ghent.A Libyan security spokesperson says another brother of the alleged Manchester suicide bomber has been arrested, along with his father, in connection with Monday night's attack at pop concert. Both arrests happened in Tripoli.
Ahmed bin Salem, a spokesperson for a Libyan anti-terror force, said the younger brother of Salman Abedi, Hashim, was detained on Tuesday.
Bin Salem gave no further details.
However the Special Deterrent anti-terror force said in a statement on its Facebook page that the arrest took place as Hashim Abedi was receiving cash transferred from his brother Salman.
The force's statement says: "The brother was aware of all the details of the terrorist attack," and that he'd claimed both he and Salman belonged to ISIS.
Prior to his own arrest, the accused bomber's father, Ramadan Abedi, told The Associated Press on Wednesday, that another son, Ismail, 23, was arrested in England on Tuesday.
People attend a vigil after a suicide attack at an Ariana Grande concert Monday that left 22 people dead and many more injured. (Emilio Morenatti/Associated Press)
Salman Abedi, 22, was a British citizen born to Libyan parents and grew up around Manchester. He died in the attack.
Abedi attended the local Salford University for a time. Neighbours recalled him as a tall, thin young man who often wore traditional Islamic dress and didn't talk much.
Police on Tuesday raided his house, using a controlled explosion to blast down the door.
At a news conference Wednesday, police Chief Ian Hopkins said it's clear "this is a network we are investigating."
Hopkins said police are carrying out extensive searches across the city.
He declined to comment on whether police have found the maker of the explosive device used in the attack at the Manchester Arena that killed 22 people, including children and a police officer, following an Ariana Grande concert.
Later in the day, police confirmed six men and one woman have been arrested in the U.K. in connection with the investigation. They are all being held in custody for questioning.
Searches carried out in Nuneaton <a href="https://t.co/MYzehrc1Jj">pic.twitter.com/MYzehrc1Jj</a> —@gmpolice
Police are trying to establish if the bomber acted alone or whether there could be a risk of further attacks.
British police and intelligence agencies are working to piece together Abedi's allegiances, as the country's law-and-order chief said it's "likely" he did not act alone.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd said earlier that Abedi had been known to security forces "up to a point." Officials are examining his trips to Libya and possibly Syria as they piece together his movements before the bombing and try to foil any new potential attacks.
Moment of unity as people of two faiths pray in Manchester's Albert Square 0:27
Before he was arrested, Ramadan Abedi said he spoke to his son five days ago, and that he was getting ready to visit Saudi Arabia and sounded "normal."
Abedi's father told The Associated Press that Abedi's brother Ismail was arrested Tuesday in the area.
Britain on Tuesday raised its terrorism threat level to "critical" amid concerns Abedi may have accomplices who are planning another attack. British soldiers have been deployed in place of police officers to guard high-profile sites such as Buckingham Palace and Parliament.
Undated handout photo of Salman Abedi from an unnamed source made available on Wednesday. British authorities have identified Abedi as the bomber. (Associated Press)
British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday chaired a meeting of her emergency security cabinet group, known as Cobra, to deal with the intelligence reports about Abedi and concerns that he might have had outside support.
Victims identified
Manchester police also said Wednesday they now know the names of all the people who lost their lives, but it could take several days to release the names, once post-mortems are completed.
"We have made contact with all the families, and our specially trained officers are supporting them," police said in a statement.
Statement - Forensic post-mortems <a href="https://t.co/CUZQW78JmT">pic.twitter.com/CUZQW78JmT</a> —@gmpolice
Manchester health officials have raised the number of wounded in the concert bombing, saying 119 people sought medical treatment at the city's hospitals following the attack.
Jon Rouse of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership said 64 people were still hospitalized. He said the number of overall wounded was raised Wednesday due to the "walking wounded" who came in hours after the bombing.
Rouse said many of those hospitalized had serious wounds that would require "very long-term care and support in terms of their recovery."
Concert tour suspended
Meanwhile, Ariana Grande's management team said she has suspended her world tour through June 5 in the wake of the bombing.
The 23-year-old pop star is on a European leg of her Dangerous Woman Tour and cancelled shows scheduled for Thursday and Friday at the 02 Arena in London.
The suspended tour means she also will miss a May 28 stop in Antwerp, Belgium, two concerts in Lodz, Poland, and shows in Frankfurt and Zurich.4 tips for going light, fast, strong... and free
What’s not to love about walls? Climbing sunup-to-sundown, sleeping on a giant face, great views. Oh, and the dreaded haulbag that pig digging into your shoulders on the approach; hauling and docking the massive load; digging water bottles from the pig’s bowels like Oscar the Grouch doing a handstand. And don’t get me started on trying to free-climb while hauling fuggedaboutit! I’d rather help Sisyphus with his boulder.
Whether you’re gunning for El Cap, the Painted Wall, or Zion’s Angel’s Landing routes, big-wall free climbing is nails hard to date, an all-free El Cap VI has never truly been onsighted, toe to summit. History has shown that on free walls, the victors go extremely light, have a dedicated hauling/jugging partner, and/or strategically stash loads thus removing hauling from the equation. No wonder, then, that following traditional (read: heavy) groundup rules, like those used aid climbing, make these feats all the more difficult. Only in rare cases like the FA of The Serpent (VI 5.11+ R/X), in the Black Canyon have groundup, allteam free ascents succeeded.
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The same rings true on cutting-edge FA/FFAs; these usually require miles of fixed line and heavy Mini Traxion previewing. But even here, savvy climbers ditch the pigs. They’ll also stack the deck with an open mind about (and proper planning for) rapping in, an escape route back to the top, sound nutrition, and proper rest.
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Kings (and Queens) of Rap 1993: during her nearly successful ground-up effort to free the Nose, Lynn Hill was thwarted by a fixed pin blocking a crucial hold on the Changing Corners (P27: 5.14a). Rapping in, Hill removed the pesky piece, later making her landmark integral free ascent. Now, in 2009, it’s not uncommon to see teams rapping their way to the Valley floor.
“When I’m prepping to free El Cap, I start at the top and rap, toproping pitches, leaving a few gear stashes, and finishing the day at my car in the Meadow,” obviating the need for the pig, says Tommy Caldwell. Justen Sjong, Caldwell’s partner on the 2008 FFA of Magic Mushroom (VI 5.14a), echoes the sentiment: “Hauling up El Cap is more like vertical construction or baggage handling than climbing!” he says. “The best thing about stashing is it becomes cragging.”
Still, rapping big walls is serious business. Although steep, sweeping walls (prime free-climbing territory) keep rope snags to a minimum, they can and do happen. “When solo rapping El Cap without a rack, I got the rope stuck once,” says Caldwell. “Luckily, there were only 30 feet of 5.7 to climb to free the snagged line.” The best defense against snags and other bugaboos is to know your route well scope it closely beforehand and ask around for Beta regarding anchor locations and other logistics. Then while rapping, have the leader take the rack; and on windy days, have him flake the rope as he goes instead of just tossing it. Also, be sure both team members have proper ascending equipment, and always knot your rope ends.
Look Before You Leap Be sure you can climb out (read: don’t get in over your head). I know teams who’ve rapped a few pitches down to work crux ropelengths only to be left fatigued, without proper gear, and facing either an open bivy or an epic struggle rimward. If possible, leave a fixed line through cruxes (if you’re only going a short way down), and bring extra rack-age to ensure safe Frenchfreeing. I also take a minihaulbag with some goodies (see “Mini- Haulbag Essentials” sidebar).
Eat for Success Packing canned food was standard issue when climbers still wore painter’s pants. But today, we have Tasty Bites® (vacuum-sealed, “cooks in 90 seconds” Indian and Thai food), and even tuna in vacuum-sealed pouches so leave the cans. Also, a JetBoil® stove, complete with hanging kit and coffee press, makes vertical cooking a breeze.
Easy Does It Freeing big walls hurts: it’s like running laps on Astroman (V 5.11c) for multiple days... but harder. Add extra rest days into your schedule both on and off the rock. Pack extra food and water in the haulbag after all, you’re hauling down, not up to replenish your muscles, and rest-day diversions (magazines, tuneage) to pass the time. Who (besides Caldwell) can climb at max potential day after crushing day, anyway?
Climbing Contributing Editor Chris Van Leuven teamed up with Matt Childers and Tim Kemple for a near-free ascent of El Cap’s Golden Gate (VI 5.13a/b) in 2001. Having seen the light, Van Leuven says he now considers aid climbing “passé.”
MiniHaulbag Essentials
Headlamps with fresh batteries
Windbreaker/light storm gear, warm hat
10 to 15 biners, nuts, a few extra lockers, selection of cams, extra slings, backup rappel device
Alpine aiders, daisy chains, ascenders
Three to four liters of water, energy gel, and a selection of energy bars
Climbing tape and extra chalk, small first-aid kit, ibuprofen
Fully charged cellphone
MORE TECH TIPS:A MAN busted for photocopying $50 notes on to A4 paper and passing them off as currency has been given a suspended sentence.
Kyle John Fry, 23, of Nerang on the Gold Coast, used a home printer-copier to make 84 counterfeit notes and recruited a teenage girl who shared his house to pass them off in local cafes, markets and shopping centres, The Gold Coast Bulletin reports.
Southport Magistrates Court was told she would buy a small item and receive change, which Fry would spend on his drug addiction.
Lawyer Bill Potts said his client's amateur scheme allowed him to go "from unemployment to wealth without the inconvenience of work".
Fry was busted in June when police raided his home, finding $350 in fake notes. A week later they found $600 worth of fake notes in his car.
Fry pleaded guilty to multiple charges of making and possessing counterfeit notes and uttering.
He was given four-month suspended sentence and ordered to pay $350 of real money in restitution.
Read the full story at The Gold Coast BulletinBoth sides in the York University strike say they are eager to return to bargaining, even as campus pickets were planned for Wednesday morning. “I’ve instructed our people to go back to the bargaining table ASAP and our team is speaking with the mediator as we speak,” said President Mamdouh Shoukri Tuesday afternoon, just hours into the first day of a strike by 3,700 contract faculty and teaching assistants that has cancelled all classes, exams and academic activities.
Union members from CUPE Local 3903 at York University, which represents contract faculty and teaching assistants, set up picket lines outside the school's main entrance on Keele St. Tuesday morning. ( Bernard Weil / Toronto Star )
“I’m urging the union to come back ASAP, because every day we delay is unfair to our students. We can bridge these gaps relatively quickly,” said Shoukri, who noted a strike that extends the school year and interferes with summer jobs would hit York students hard. The last strike by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 3903 in 2008 lasted three months, and he said York has worked very hard to rebuild the public trust in the six years. York's union officials will meet Thursday with the mediator to see whether resuming talks would make sense.
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CUPE 3903 Chair Faiz Ahmed said the union is keen to return to bargaining, which broke down Sunday over disagreement about how many tenure-track professors’ positions York would create in the next three years for its 1,100 contract professors. York has offered to raise it to nine from the current seven, which Shoukri called a significant commitment given government underfunding and the difficulty in predicting vacancies now that there is no mandatory retirement age. In addition, York has offered to raise the number of three-year contracts (instead of one-year) for contract professors to 60 from its current 50. “There have to be more longer-term contracts instead of just renewing faculty on one-year contracts year after year,” said Ahmed, noting some 30 contract professors have been renewed over and over for 10 years. He compared such “slotting people with such high levels of expertise in and out” to a system of “glorified supply teachers.” The York campus was nearly empty Tuesday, and while some students welcomed the sudden gift of time — “I had a lot of stuff due this week so I’m actually kind of happy to get to catch up,” said third-year biology major Bahar Salehi — most are anxious it end soon. “If this strike lasts longer than two weeks it won’t be good because I have to take summer school and that starts in May,” said Salehi. Meanwhile a strike by the University of Toronto’s 6,000 teaching assistants and some course instructors cancelled most tutorials and labs for a second day, although the university continues to hold classes.
MPP Reza Moridi, minister of training, colleges and universities, called on both sides at the two universities to return to negotiating and bristled at the idea underfunding was to blame. “In the past 12 years this government has been in office we have increased funding for universities by 86 per cent,” said Moridi, “while per-student funding has increased by 29 per cent in our universities.”
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Even a short extension of York’s school year would spoil 4th-year student Jennie Tran’s plan for international study in May in Thailand. “The strike sucks. I hope it doesn’t affect my graduation, but at the same time I totally understand why the union is standing up for what it should get.” Denecia Bennett is an education student who was scheduled to do her final practice-teaching stint later this month. “They say if the strike continues we won’t be able to do our practicums,” she said. “If the strike goes on too long there’s a domino effect for everyone.” Shoukri said he agrees York needs more tenure-track appointments because it is those profs who do the research on which Canada’s economy depends. “Canada is more dependent on research from university campuses than any other industrialized country. In the United States, you talk about 10 to 11 per cent of research coming from universities because industry does all the rest, but in Canada 35 per cent comes from universities,” said Shoukri. “Ontario cannot afford to say, ‘Teach more; do no research!’ That’s why the tenure-track appointments are so valuable and I don’t have enough of them. Yet the board may tell me tomorrow there’s a freeze on hiring! The people who will suffer are our students and their parents.” In spite of that, Shoukri said the university has offered to increase the number of tenure track positions. The president was clearly shaken by the sudden walkout. “Let me tell you, I didn’t sleep last night. My heart bleeds for our students. They don’t deserve this. They expect to have their term ended.” At the U of T, contract faculty already have a tentative deal, so those on strike are largely TAs and some course instructors who belong to CUPE 3902. They are typically full-time master’s and doctoral students who work part-time for the university as a way to help pay for their studies. The minimum funding package a U of T grad student receives is $23,400, of which a minimum of $15,000 is tied to work they may be asked to do for the university, and the rest largely covers tuition. Provost Cheryl Regehr said the university has improved some of the funding within the $15,000 but the union wants an increase in the overall $15,000. “We believe we’ve reached a very generous tentative agreement that both bargaining committees unanimously endorsed,” said Regehr, “and we hope CUPE will take it to its members for a full vote.” TAs carry different workloads depending on their department, she said, but the university offer would raise the wage for this work to about $44 per hour from $42, and limit the hours a TA can be asked to work each week to six down from seven, or 180 hours a year, down from 205. But the $15,000 minimum would not change. However CUPE Chair Erin Black has said 1,000 members rejected putting the tentative deal to a vote Friday because it failed to raise the overall $15,000 minimum. With files from Richard BrennanThousands of self-declared anarchists brought chaos to the streets of London last night.
At least 50 people were arrested as thousands of anti-capitalists and anarchists took to the streets to protest and riot in central London. Three officers were injured, a police car was set alight and Buckingham Palace was attacked.
The so-called Million Mask March was organized by the by the hacking group Anonymous. Protesters wore intimidating Guy Fawkes masks inspired by the cult film V for Vendetta.
On man was arrested for threatening police with a wooden batten, whilst others threw rocks and fireworks at the Queen’s residence of Buckingham Palace.
The Daily Mail report that the man pictured smashing up a police car was wearing a designer Colmar ski jacket worth several hundred pounds.
Last year a similar protest on the 5th of November was attended by Russell Brand and Vivienne Westwood, calling for a socialist revolution.
Images credit to Getty ImagesMARIETTA, Ga. (Reuters) - A Georgia man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for intentionally leaving his toddler son to die inside a sweltering sport utility vehicle on a summer day, a judge ruled on Monday.
Justin Ross Harris, 35, was found guilty last month of felony murder, as well as counts of first- and second-degree cruelty to a child in connection with the June 2014 death of the 22-month-old boy, Cooper.
The former Home Depot web developer was also convicted of criminal attempt to commit sexual exploitation of a child because of explicit texts he sent to a teenage girl.
Looking exhausted and wearing an orange prison jumpsuit in the courtroom, Harris said only “yes” and “no” in response to Cobb County Superior Court Judge Mary Staley Clark.
His attorneys declined to offer any evidence on Monday to mitigate his sentence. During the trial, they had described Harris as a flawed but God-fearing man who loved his only child. They said he simply forgot to take the boy to his daycare center after a father-and-son breakfast.
The defense lawyers left court without comment after the sentencing. They have said they will appeal Harris’s conviction, but have not yet said on what grounds.
‘UNSPEAKABLE ACT’
Prosecutor Chuck Boring told the session that Harris committed “an unspeakable act” against his own flesh and blood, and that he should be given the maximum sentence allowed.
“There’s only one sentence for this act of evil,” he said. “We ask a term of life in prison without parole.”
Sentencing Harris to life with no parole plus 32 years, Clark said the defendant had deliberately caused his own child “unimaginable, severe physical and mental agony.”
Harris, the judge added, had “callously walked away and left that child... to swelter and die.”
Justin Ross Harris sits in Cobb County Magistrate Court during his murder trial in Marietta, Georgia, U.S. July 3, 2014. REUTERS/Kelly Huff/Pool/File Photo
Prosecutors had argued he left the child to die so he could enjoy a child-free lifestyle and pursue other women, including teenagers and prostitutes. Phone and internet records show he was texting with other women even as his son was left for seven hours outside his workplace.
Police testified that Harris showed little emotion over the boy’s death, except in what seemed to be staged outbursts. It was also revealed at the trial that he visited his car during a lunch break, but said he did not see his son in the back seat.
Vic Reynolds, the Cobb County district attorney, told reporters that his office gets no joy from winning the case, but that they have found “justice for Cooper Harris.”In this series of posts I would like to lead you through the most commonly used communication patterns in iOS development. I hope you have already heard about software design patterns. If your answer is no or never, the best advice I can give you to bookmark this blogpost and grab the basic knowledge about software design patterns. The first and authentic source is the Design Patterns book from the “Gang of Four”, but that book is a bit hard to digest. The easier option is to have the Head First Design Patterns book, which is based on Java, but I think it is easier to understand. If you have at least a basic understanding the patterns, then come back here and continue to read.
Our patterns
There are 4 main patterns, which are frequently used and can be implemented during your development. In the following list the first two are related the Observer design pattern, so the basic mechanism are similar as it is defined in the original Observer pattern. The Delegation pattern has been already defined as a design pattern, but the blocks are not real design patterns (maybe that’s why they are really straightforward and extremely efficient;)).
So, during designing and implementing your project in iOS development, you can use the following 4 communication methods:
– NSNotificationCenter
– Key-Value Observation (KVO)
– Delegates
– Blocks
So, why should we use communication patterns? There are several reasons to do it, but I think the most important is to decouple our code and apply the Single responsibility principle (SRP). If we apply the SRP we end up with classes which are carrying out one and only one, well defined function, but we still need to them to communicate with each other. Most probably those functions, which are implemented in those classes, need data as an input and probably they need to pass the output to other classes. In commonly used cases the output generated asynchronously, which means that using some background process or thread, and the thread needs to inform and communicate to the classes running on |
those five minutes and 29 seconds of racing. I felt sick and disoriented. I think I was so overwhelmed by the experience I had no energy left to process what was happening. At some point someone sat me down and placed an ice pack on the back of my head/neck. The ice was bliss. It returned the world to focus. I knew this feeling, as surreal as it was, trumped the devastation of four years ago. In London 2012, we had led the Olympic final but were rowed down by two crews, and the bronze medal felt a very bitter type of bittersweet.
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tom Ransley top row, second from left: ‘In some ways to be awarded the gold medal felt as surreal as if I found myself sitting beside Goldilocks eating porridge with the three bears.’ Photograph: Mike Egerton/PA
This time, standing on the podium I pondered a truly surreal experience. It had all the trappings of an Olympic prize-giving. I was being awarded the Olympic gold medal. I could hardly take it all in. At one point in the proceedings a brief and casual thought popped into my head: this is all a construct, purpose-built for effect. The Olympic prize-giving is a piece of televised theatre. Despite an absolute belief that we could win, our plans and visualisations never extended beyond the finish line. In some ways being awarded the gold medal felt as surreal as if I found myself sitting beside Goldilocks eating porridge with the three bears.
We dived headfirst into a whirlwind of parties. The city was alive with carnival-like celebrations. Unfortunately my energy levels waned with alarming speed. After a week I began to crave some normality. I ended the party-marathon the morning after the closing ceremony with several sleepless, singing Brits: there were four gold medallists across two different sports, shooting vodka from a paper cup at 7am in the Olympic food hall. This was not normal.
By the time I boarded the flight home I felt as if I were nearing the end of an endurance event or some kind of sleep deprivation experiment. I was fast approaching breaking point where the next selfie, photo-op, or glass of champagne might be terminal. Apologies to the lovely BA staff who kindly served me a glass of champagne – I just couldn’t face it. After no teammates accepted the offer I had to surreptitiously pour it down the sink at 30,000ft. For the first few hours of the flight I rapidly flitted in and out of strange dreams. I kept lurching back into consciousness, puncturing the snatched and restless sleep. In the end I opted for a Baileys. It did the trick. I was asleep in no time.
Team GB return from Rio Olympics on gold-nosed 747 Read more
The next thing I knew, I stood bleary-eyed, in front of the world’s media. I felt decidedly the worse for wear and no doubt I didn’t look particularly fresh. I would like to apologise to all the fans that crowded every section of the airport, from runway to bag carousel to car park. It was incredible to have so much support, and I am deeply sorry for my detached look. I was so desperate to get home that I might have been tempted to trade my newly acquired gold medal to be teleported to my bed.
I slept for many hours when I got home. I felt quite rough at first but am starting to feel a bit more human now. I have spent most of the last 10 years preparing for major sports events, so the time following an Olympics can feel a bit empty: I felt a similar void after London. I like to have goals and targets to work towards and if I am not being productive then I can get frustrated, so losing the focus of winning the Olympics is a giant gap to fill. However, I enjoy visiting schools and other organisations to help inspire other people and share the positive values of sport.
From within my chaotic and surreal memories of Rio grows a quiet satisfaction of a job well done; the pleasing knowledge that our crew executed the race in a manner we knew we were capable of, and that it was good enough to win the Olympic gold.What we can plainly see is that the big box store pays a minuscule amount in taxes when compared with the downtown building, especially when we consider how much land it takes up and how many utilities it uses.
If we constructed just one more downtown building next door to the one above, the two structures would offer more tax revenue for our city than the entire Walmart currently provides — all while taking up a tiny fraction of the space that the Walmart uses (around 4/10 of an acre vs. 34 acres).
This is not important because we love multistory buildings or density. It doesn’t have anything to do with aesthetics. Rather, it's important because that simple six-story building uses just a few dozen yards of street and sidewalk and pipe while generating tons of revenue for the city. And the Walmart, as we’ve already explained, uses massive amounts of public infrastructure, all to service just one store.
What’s more, the Walmart also requires people to drive to access it—which means they each have to own a car and money for gas and insurance—whereas the downtown store could be accessed on foot by the thousands of people whose homes are within half a mile of it for free.
For the last seventy years, most cities, suburbs and towns have based their development—whether housing or retail or office—around cars. We’ve built extensive road networks and parking lots in front of every store and house. We’ve built it all brand new, beginning as soon as cars became available to regular consumers. It has its benefits of course, but it is also costing our communities far more than we could ever have imagined.
If we zoom out from this small example of the Walmart vs. the downtown store, we can see how these two types of buildings impact entire cities and regions.Areas of Brooklyn, New York feel like a trip back in time. Ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities live a lifestyle that mirrors their ancestors from centuries ago. The dress, hair, language, education, food, values, prayers, traditions and community structure have been passed down and preserved through many generations and across oceans. All of those are an expression of the residents’ profound faith in God.
What is not visible are shameful secrets: Child sex abuse scandals have been making headlines for years and bringing unwanted attention to a group bent on privacy.
For Hasidim, every waking act is defined by the laws of the Torah; they depend on the teachings of rabbis to guide them in all parts of their day. Influence from the secular world threatens to invade their insular community.
Now revered leaders of the community are accused of protecting child predators and punishing the victims who dare to speak out about what was done to them, all to avoid outside involvement.
CNN’s Gary Tuchman talked with Rabbi Nuchem Rosenberg who is trying to change that attitude. He has created a hotline for victims and their families. As a result, he received death threats. He told Tuchman, “The rabbis feel very hurt that this is what's happening in the community so they want to push it under the cover, so that it shouldn't come out.”
Crimes against children by adults who claim to live the word of God are not new. Many religions have demons, and the ultra-Orthodox Jews are no exception. Most deny it could happen in their midst. Child rape and molestation don’t fit their pious image.
In Brooklyn, there are allegations of abuse in schools, homes and religious settings. Several boys say they were assaulted in a ritual bath called a mikvah. For all branches of Judaism, the mikvah is the ultimate symbol of purity. Some Orthodox men go there before each Sabbath. Under the guise of observance, the accused find their victims where they are most vulnerable and trusting – a heinous strategy.
Still some victims and their families choose to bury the assaults or seek redress in a rabbinic court to avoid the alternative: Rabbis losing authority, bringing disgrace to the community, and suffering the backlash of friends and neighbors.
Pearl Engelman says her son was repeatedly molested by a school official as a young boy 20 years ago. After she found out about the abuse, she reported it to religious leaders but there was little sympathy for her family. “We stand for truth, for justice. And the cover-up is deeply painful to me,” she told Tuchman. The statute of limitations has now expired.
The Hasidim in Brooklyn are a powerful voting block. That’s why District Attorney Charles Hynes is accused by victims’ rights advocates of going easy on alleged Hasidic child molesters and rapists. He’s been elected six times, and is accused of appeasing the rabbis in order to get their support and keep his position.
Hynes strongly denies the allegations. In 2009, he established a program and a hotline to help victims called Kol Tzedek (“Voice of Justice” in Hebrew). But critics are outraged because he refuses to disclose the names of the men arrested through the initiative. The Jewish Daily Forward’s request for the records filed under the state’s Freedom of Information Law was denied.
Hynes claims that revealing the names of the suspects could lead to the community identifying the victims and intimidating them. That decision raises concerns about the rights of the public, the legality of shielding the men, and the DA’s motives.
Tuchman asked Hynes how he reconciles instituting a policy for the Hassidim, but no other groups, like the Roman Catholic Church. He says because “there’s never been any intimidation by priests.”
In a May 16 op-ed, Hynes wrote:
Since the inception of Kol Tzedek, we have made 95 arrests; 53 cases have been adjudicated, with a conviction rate of 72%. I stand by these numbers. The statistics show how absurd it is to suggest that we cover up, downplay or in any way “give a break” to sex offenders in the Orthodox Jewish community. Like any other defendants, they are often arrested in public by the police, and their court appearances are open and available to the public as part of the public record. I welcome scrutiny of these cases. The suggestion that I have ever condoned the practice of first seeking a rabbi’s advice before an Orthodox Jewish community member reports sexual abuse is a distortion of my record. I have never suggested that someone seeking the advice of a rabbi is then relieved of the obligation of reporting sexual abuse to the appropriate authorities.
While some may persist in protecting the community ahead of justice for the young victims, there are signs of progress. On June 10, a group of ultra-Orthodox Jews held a meeting in Crown Heights to talk about combating child sex abuse. Hynes was on the panel. Some rabbinic leaders have said anyone with knowledge of abuse should go to the police and do not need to talk first with a rabbi. It will take the courage of the victims and the compassion of the community to make lasting change.You Might Be In Serious $%#@ For Refusing To Be TSA Screened
Did you assume that once you got to the airport, if the TSA was doing something you didn’t like, you could just opt-out and decide not to fly? The answer is — nope. According to CNN and the TSA, a ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals compels all passengers to be screened, whether they fly or not. Refusing screening will result in being denied access to secure airport areas and may result in civil penalties.
“Advanced imaging technology screening is optional for all passengers,” TSA said in a statement released Monday. “Passengers who opt out of [advanced imaging] screening will receive alternative screening, including a physical pat-down.” But anyone who refuses to complete the screening process will be denied access to airport secure areas and could be subject to civil penalties, the administration said, citing a federal appeals court ruling in support of the rule. The ruling, from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, says that “requiring that a potential passenger be allowed to revoke consent to an ongoing airport security search makes little sense in a post-9/11 world. Such a rule would afford terrorists multiple opportunities to attempt to penetrate airport security by ‘electing not to fly’ on the cusp of detection until a vulnerable portal is found.”
Meanwhile, backlash against the new scanners is growing. A “We Won’t Fly” day of protest has been established and the issue now has its own website.
Are you ready to stop flying over this?
Will you refuse to fly?online surveysIt's been a decade since the death of Kimberley Labrecque's husband, Fabien Guindon, but Labrecque remembers the day "like it was five minutes ago."
"I'll never forget it," said Labrecque. "It was the worst day of my life, having to tell my children, who were four and six at the time, that their dad died."
Guindon, 38, a blue collar worker for the town of Oka, was buried alive while digging a ditch.
In Quebec, a worker dies in an accident on the job about nearly once every five days, statistics show.
A CBC News comparison of provincial occupational health and safety legislation has found that Quebec has the lowest maximum allowable fines in Canada for employers who violate workplace safety laws.
Although those fines were updated in 2009, the legislation governing Quebec's health and safety regime, by the provincial Labour Ministry's own admission, is decades out of date.
'All they could see was his hand'
Labrecque remembers getting the call letting her know her husband had been in an accident and rushing to the hospital. The first thing she spotted was an ambulance gurney covered in mud.
"It felt like a punch in the stomach," she said. "I lost my breath and totally collapsed."
Fabien Guindon was killed a few months after this photo was taken with his sons, then aged six and four. Kimberley Labrecque pasted herself into the photo, far right. (Submitted by Kimberley Labrecque)
Guindon had been in the trench when it caved in.
The work had not been done to code: the angle of the walls was too steep, and the earth that had been removed had been piled up too close to the edge, its weight and the weight of the excavator causing the walls to collapse onto Guindon.
"All they could see was his hand," Labrecque said her husband's co-workers later told her.
They heard his muffled cries for help. But it took 20 minutes to unearth him, and by then it was too late.
Oka flouted workplace safety rules
Quebec's workplace health and safety board, then known as the CSST, found the town of Oka deficient in its work methods and the application of its safety measures.
"The municipality applies a management style focused on production, flouting health and safety," read the CSST's report on Guindon's death. "It's an organization where no one takes responsibility for workplace health and safety when it comes to excavation work."
Kimberley Labrecque is still trying to cope with the death of her husband, Fabien Guindon. (CBC)
The CSST fined Oka $16,000 and sanctioned the crew's foreman, although the penalty levied against him was later withdrawn. At the time, the maximum penalty for a corporate entity such as Oka was $20,000.
Three years after Guindon's death, Quebec increased fines for workplace health and safety offences for the first time in 30 years, tripling them to $60,000 for a first offence. It also introduced a provision to allow for yearly increases, based on inflation.
"These measures have been needed for a long time, to bring in line delinquent employers who couldn't care less about the health and safety of their staff," reads a 2009 statement from Michel Arsenault, then president of the Quebec Federation of Labour.
Yet, as a disincentive to workplace safety violations, those fines are still a fraction of the penalties imposed in every other province and territory in Canada.
Fines elsewhere in Canada start at $250K
In 2017, the maximum fine for a first offence for a Quebec corporate entity such as a municipality is $66,183, climbing to $330,918 for a third and later offences.
Compare that to other provinces:
In British Columbia, the maximum fine for a first offence is $697,625, increasing to $1.4 million for a second offence.
In Alberta, a first offence nets a maximum fine of $500,000. That amount goes up to $1 million for subsequent offences.
In Manitoba and across the Atlantic provinces, the maximum fine for a first offence is $250,000, increasing to $500,000 in Manitoba and in Nova Scotia for second and subsequent offences.
Fining employers for workplace health and safety violations is meant to provide an incentive to prevent injuries, illness and fatalities on the job.
Katherine Lippel, Canada research chair in occupational health and safety at University of Ottawa, believes the threat of time behind bars could make a difference in the number of deaths and injuries on the job in Quebec.
"The theory is that deterrence is more effective when the sanctions are higher," said Katherine Lippel, Canada research chair in occupational health and safety at University of Ottawa.
Lippel said Quebec has chosen a different model: Instead of steep fines for safety violations, it charges employers premiums based on their worker compensation payouts — a practice known as "experience rating."
"For a large firm, for every dollar paid to the worker in worker's compensation, it can have a five-fold impact on the premiums of the employer in subsequent years," said Lippel.
"It's an economic insurance incentive to make sure the claims are as low as possible."
However, Lippel points out, that doesn't always translate into making a workplace safer.
She said Quebec's system tends to have another consequence: employers in the province are more litigious, contesting claims much more often than employers in other provinces do.
In any given year, Lippel says, the final appeal tribunal in Quebec hears about 31,000 claims -- about half of them from employers.
Compare that to about 5,000 heard annually by the final appeal tribunal in Ontario, of which fewer than three per cent of the appeals came from employers.
No threat of jail time
Quebec is also the only jurisdiction in Canada that does not include jail time for company directors found liable for workplace violations that result in injuries or death.
Lippel believes the threat of time behind bars could make a difference in the number of deaths and injuries on the job in Quebec.
She said the provision for up to 12 months in jail in Ontario does appear to translate into worker safety issues being taken more seriously in that province.
It took 20 minutes to unearth Fabien Guindon. By then it was too late. (submitted by Kimberley Labrecque)
In the past two years, Ontario has sentenced at least six individuals to jail time in relation to a workplace safety violation.
In the same time period, Nova Scotia has handed down two sentences, including a recent four-month term for a repeat offender.
Consensus 'difficult to achieve'
Quebec Labour Minister Dominique Vien did not agree to an interview on the subject.
However, the Labour Ministry issued a statement saying the workplace health and safety regime hasn't been updated for 35 years, and it recognizes the need to do so.
"Regulation in the areas of prevention and compensation, financing, paying damages, and governance are complex domains for which consensus is difficult to achieve," the ministry said.
In 2015, the Labour Ministry asked a committee made up of employers groups and unions to come up with a master plan to modernize the regime. The committee has not reached a consensus on about a quarter of its 51 recommendations.
The minister is now waiting for the Labour Ministry and the province's workplace health and safety board, now called the CNESST, to analyze the outstanding issues.
Kimberley Labrecque, Fabien Guindon's widow, has spent the decade since her husband's death lobbying for stronger fines and penalties and raising awareness about workplace health and safety.
The town of Oka named a garage in Fabien Guindon's honour after his death. (Elias Abboud/CBC)
She believes the paltry fines and the fact that there is no threat of jail time for managers who don't ensure the safety of workers in Quebec are serious shortcomings.
"They just don't care," said Labrecque of Quebec legislators. "In my eyes, they have the tools: if they want to put jail time, they can ask for it. They can ask to raise the fines. Everything is possible, but nothing is being done."
Lippel says she can understand why the families of workers killed on the job feel Quebec's workplace safety and health regime offers them so little solace.
"When the fine is $60,000, that's the maximum for the loss of a loved one, that's almost insulting to the victims," Lippel said. "They certainly don't understand how this can be justice, if the value of a life is so low."
"I promised my husband in his casket, that he wouldn't die for nothing," said Labrecque, who now tours the province, counselling others to be dead serious when it comes to workplace safety.
She believes she's making a difference.
"When you see these big husky, tattooed men, and they're crying," she said. "I think I got to them, [saying] that they have a family, and they should be careful. I'm glad that I was able to do that."There are days when, after scanning the news, I push back from my computer and think, "Holy shit, is this how the French Revolution kicked off?" Today was one of those days.
In Washington, D.C., the eight, white, male bank CEOs were so relieved to avoid the rabble picketing outside their estates up in Greenwich, CT, that they allowed members of the House Financial Services Committee to wag accusatory fingers and scold them on their continued use of private jets to transport them around the country. In return, they promised they’d try to remember how many hundreds of thousands of dollars they "earn" per year:
Wells Fargo’s Stumpf had some trouble remembering his salary. “My compensation in 2008, I’m embarrassed, I think it was 850 — I can’t remember the exact number. Let’s say $850,000,” he said.
Well, whatever Stumpf does, he should also remember not to call this year’s cash payout a bonus!
Across the hall in another chamber, Stewart Parnell, CEO of The Peanut Corporation of America, a.k.a. "Salmonella Central," defiantly pleaded the Fifth in the face of proof that his greed and arrogance caused at least nine deaths to date. Cost of doing business, right?
Then it turns out that sweet little victim Ruth Madoff, wife of archvillain Bernie "I’m a Prisoner in My $7 Million Apartment" Madoff, somehow managed to transfer $10 million out of a brokerage account run by her husband... the day before Bernie was busted. Um... negative optics, anyone?
It’s no wonder the country’s fixated on whackjob "Octomom", Nadya Suleman. At least she’s genuinely crazy.
["New American Gothic" cross-posted at Dependable Renegade]A Belarus-born Israeli man has been arrested last month for allegedly trying to join the ranks of Islamic State in Syria, the Shin Bet security service said Wednesday.
Valentin Vladimir Mazalewski, a 40-year-old father of five from the town of Shibli in northern Israel, allegedly bought a one-way ticket to Turkey, planning to cross the border to Syria and join the jihadist group, the Shin Bet said.
Valentin Vladimir Mazalevsky. Shin Bet
Mazalewski immigrated to Israel from Belarus in 1996. According to the Shin Bet, he converted to Islam in 2000 after meeting his current spouse, an Israeli Arab from Shibli, during his army service.
The Shin Bet said that Mazalewski was active in online forums of ISIS supporters, where he expressed his intentions of leaving for Syria and attempted to coordinate his arrival with members of the group.
This week, Haaretz reported that the number of Arabs jailed in Israel for activity inspired by radical jihadist movements soared by almost 600 percent over the last year. Eighty-three people have been detained, up from just 12 at the end of 2015.
The detainees, who include both Israeli citizens and Palestinians, have been influenced mainly by either the Islamic State group or Al-Qaida.
Over the past three months, the Shin Bet security service has announced a long list of arrests of those suspected of jihadist activity. They include three residents of Taibeh, arrested last September on suspicion of activity inspired by Islamic State (two also allegedly planned to join the organization’s ranks in Syria); a couple from the Galilee town of Sakhnin, arrested that same month after returning from Iraq where they had joined Islamic State; a resident of Jaljulya who was arrested last November for expressing support for Islamic State, buying a submachine gun and a pistol, and planning to go to Syria; and a Taibeh resident arrested last month for swearing allegiance to Islamic State, learning how to make bombs and, according to the Shin Bet, planning to blow up a bus in Tel Aviv.
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The majority of those arrested, including all the examples above, are Israeli Arabs rather than Palestinians from the West Bank. In most cases, they were arrested either because they were in internet contact with Islamic State activists overseas, or because they were planning terror attacks.
Others were arrested when they tried to go to Iraq or Syria to fight with Islamic State and, in a few cases, people were arrested upon returning from those countries.For the past few years, racing fans who tuned in to the FIA World Endurance Championship could watch Porsche, Audi and Toyota duke it out in the series’ top LMP1 class—a class that featured the most advanced race cars in the world going at it in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and some of the best tracks on Earth.
But Audi is out, and as of Friday, Porsche is too, all for the much lesser electric open-wheel series that is the FIA Formula E Championship.
Much of it is a symptom of the growing costs of running a Le Mans Prototype 1 race car, which is in line with what some Formula One teams spend. For manufacturer after manufacturer, these costs have been too great to justify in the face of Formula E’s cheap, media-friendly alternative.
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Formula E is just a few years younger than WEC, which started in 2012. But the choice for manufacturers is simple, with Formula E’s lower-cost setup offering companies a testing ground for electric cars, a step above LMP1’s permitted hybrids in terms of future technology. This recent all-electric exodus is also forebodingly similar to what happened to WEC’s predecessor, which died a bleak and self-imposed death in the 1990s partially due to letting costs get out of control.
A year or two ago, this seemed all but implausible. When rumors came Thursday that Porsche would end its dominant program in LMP1, we were left to wait and sweat it out. As one of only two manufacturer-backed teams left in the LMP1 division, a Porsche withdrawal would have devastating impacts on the series and could even kill its top class altogether.
But we didn’t have to wait long. On Friday, it was official. Porsche, winner of the last three 24 Hours of Le Mans even after falling to 56th place at one point this year, would end its World Endurance Championship LMP1 efforts at the end of 2017 and leave Toyota as the lone manufacturer left in that category.
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This exodus is all thanks to LMP1's crippling costs, but you also need to look at the class’ resulting lack of competition, and its struggle to provide relevancy to the most cutting-edge tech in road cars.
LMP1 Costs Are Astronomical
Peugeot is an excellent example of how cost is what’s choking the top class of the world’s premier endurance-racing series. Peugeot, rumored to return to LMP1 around 2016, had interest in WEC’s top class even for its inaugural 2012 season. But each time it’s tried, the financial commitment has been too much.
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Peugeot had been one of the top teams in LMP1’s diesel era from the mid-2000s until 2012, when the company pulled out of its World Endurance Championship effort just two months before the season began. Europe was in a financial crisis at the time and Peugeot was on the ropes, as it had bet big on midsize sedans—just about the worst-performing kind of car in recent years. Autosport cited a company statement as saying the withdrawal was due to hard economic times and a focus on turning around declining car sales.
Peugeot has been healthier as of late, with sales back up and the economic crisis resolved, but they took one look at LMP1's huge hybrid-era costs and passed, as Sportscar365 reported last year:
Speaking to Endurance-Info, Peugeot Sport director Bruno Famin said the escalating costs to compete in the premier class of the FIA World Endurance Championship currently has the French manufacturer not being able to commit to such a program. “The budget is [the problem],” Famin told Endurance-Info. “The President of PSA dreams of a return of Peugeot to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and more generally, in endurance [racing]. “But for this there are conditions… That PSA gets better, which is pretty much engaged and that the requested budget is sharply down. “Currently it’s just an idea and a target on the horizon.” Peugeot, which ran factory 908s in Le Mans-labeled series from 2007-2011, pulled the plug on its program just weeks prior to the inaugural round of the WEC in 2012 due to company wide financial issues.
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Famin called out other companies spending ridiculous amounts of money, and hinted that Peugeot would love to go back to endurance racing once the financial commitment needed to compete returned to something sane. From Sportscar365:
However, with Audi and Porsche repordidely spending in excess of $200 million annually, and Toyota having recently increased its 2016 budget to nearly $100 million, Famin said Peugeot would be unable to compete with those numbers. “The FIA WEC is a magnificent championship with beautiful cars,” Famin said. “The series is ideal for manufacturers and is much better than F1. “The technology is interesting as well as the format. Manufacturers fight with [each other] and we remember the manufacturers as winners more than drivers, with a few exceptions. “The big reservation concerns the budget, which is currently far too high. We can only praise the approach of the FIA and ACO to reduce costs.... “Peugeot will return to endurance racing the day it will be possible to mount a real project with something behind it.”
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We’ve seen those numbers before. Audi’s LMP1-Hybrid efforts were estimated at nearly $250 million a year, as Porsche’s are rumored to hover at over $200 million; news website Sportscar365 estimates Toyota’s to be around $100 million annually.
As a bit of comparison, Ferrari competed in F1 on an annual budget of $470 million in 2013 including hospitality, NBC Sports reports, making it the highest spender for that season. But the smallest F1 team, CNN reports, runs on a yearly estimated budget of $44 million. The top Verizon IndyCar Series team ran on $15 million in 2013.
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With costs nearing F1 levels and more relevant racing series out there, an LMP1 exit makes sense. It isn’t fun to hear about, but it makes sense.
Formula E Is Hilariously Cheap By Contrast
Formula E’s annual budget is far below even IndyCar, with CNN reporting that teams had a $3.5-million annual spending cap in 2016. For the fifth, sixth and seventh seasons of Formula E, which span from 2018 through 2021 since the series runs from the fall of one year to the summer of the next, FIA regulations mandate that the price of any race car should not exceed 800,000 euros.
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That’s $945,000 at current exchange rates, which is less than 1 percent of what Ferrari spent on research, development and manufacturing of its F1 car in 2013. The $945,000 figure is the max price for the Formula E car, ready to race and powertrain included.
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The World Endurance Championship did make an effort to keep costs down with some changes to aero, staffing and testing-day restrictions in 2016. But the “down” part wasn’t exactly about making the series less costly than it already was. It was to keep prices from climbing even higher.
But keeping costs from getting even higher wasn’t enough, at least to keep Porsche or Audi around. By dumping the spaceship-looking LMP1 cars and moving into Formula E, Porsche will effectively save a solid $200 million a year while also testing its full-electric technology in race conditions.
Formula E Also Offers Something LMP1 Can’t: Competition
Over the five years that the World Endurance Championship has run, the four main manufacturer efforts have been from Audi, Toyota, Porsche and Nissan. Only one remains. Here’s when and why the others quit:
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Nissan: The team competed in WEC in 2015, but Autosport reports that the team withdrew shortly before the 2016 season began due to development issues. The race car had just gone through a complete redesign, and Nissan hadn’t begun manufacturing yet. LMP1 project boss Mike Carcamo told the website that it didn’t make sense to test and develop during race season, and that the team would prefer to focus where it could be successful.
The team competed in WEC in 2015, but Autosport reports that the team withdrew shortly before the 2016 season began due to development issues. The race car had just gone through a complete redesign, and Nissan hadn’t begun manufacturing yet. LMP1 project boss Mike Carcamo told the website that it didn’t make sense to test and develop during race season, and that the team would prefer to focus where it could be successful. Audi: The manufacturer left WEC after the 2016 race season, strapped with Dieselgate burdens and on its way to compete in Formula E.
The manufacturer left WEC after the 2016 race season, strapped with Dieselgate burdens and on its way to compete in Formula E. Porsche: The company will leave WEC after this race season, heading up a Formula E effort and leaving Toyota as the only remaining manufacturer in LMP1 at the time being.
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With the LMP1 class down to one committed manufacturer after this season, there isn’t much of a reason to stick around—for fans or for teams. If there’s no one to compete with, spectators have no measure of how your cars stack up against anyone else’s.
The fewer teams you compete against, the less your triumphs mean. After Audi’s 2016 exit, the LMP1 class was down to just two teams, Toyota and Porsche. That couldn’t have given Porsche too much incentive to keep at it.
(Also, if you’re wondering which manufacturer was the last to run a factory-backed prototype car after the fall of the WSC in the early ‘90s, yep, it was Toyota.)
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That makes LMP1 an expensive endeavor that doesn’t have a big payoff in terms of competition and showing what a car can do. Meanwhile, Formula E is dense with manufacturers—both existing and incoming.
Electric Racing Is A Testing Ground For Street Cars, Which Is What Le Mans Used To Be
Before Porsche’s exit, the World Endurance Championship made an even harder push to transform its top class into a testing ground for new technology in its manufacturers’ street cars. The LMP1 class integrated hybrids into competition, and Le Mans begged Porsche, which already runs hybrids, to stay just last month by mandating plug-in hybrids for LMP1 class in 2020.
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Now, we’re trying to find out if LMP1 will make it to 2020.
That’s for good reason, too. It doesn’t make sense to shovel out hundreds of millions a year to compete in cars that fall on the middle step of the gas-electric ladder, when, in reality, the automotive industry is moving to electric power in the near future and electric racing can be had for a tiny, tiny fraction of the cost.
Formula E gives companies a place to test their electric road technology, which is what’s appealing right now. With the early 2020s as the target date for a lot of manufacturers to start pumping out electric, autonomous vehicles on a regular basis, testing this stuff in harsh racing conditions is important.
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The planned support series for Formula E, expected to come around in the next few years, will be electric and autonomous. That’s even more useful to test in.
For instance, rumors last year were that BMW was looking at entering an LMP1 program just like Peugeot. But BMW went to Formula E instead, for relevance purposes. Autosport reports that motorsport boss Jens Marquardt said the focus on hybrids didn’t mesh with the company’s focus on the electric BMW i brand, and that the current LMP1 rulebook “does not fulfill [BMW’s] needed criteria.”
But while BMW was still thinking about WEC, its budget was huge. BMW had a proposal with a rumored $450 million first-year and developmental budget, which is just $20 million short of Ferrari’s F1 budget mentioned earlier. That’s a ton of money for a series that isn’t a household name like F1 across the ocean.
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BMW’s board shot down that costly proposal, and announced earlier in July that it would be joining Formula E for the 2018-2019 race season.
(As an aside, this problem is reverberating across the motorsports world. BMW’s rival Mercedes recently skipped out of its position in Germany’s legendary touring car series DTM for Formula E.)
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With emissions crackdowns and one Dieselgate scandal after another among companies, it really only makes sense to go electric—on roads and in series that promote development. (Things like NASCAR, for example, have almost entirely moved past the “testing grounds” phase of their life cycles. Modern NASCAR is here for entertainment, not necessarily to test the latest V8 gasoline engines.)
That’s not to say Formula E has it all figured out and will be the next big thing in racing. Despite attracting a lot of car companies with low costs and promises of |
targeted — a point that should be of note for project developers in any of these parts of the world. Jogmec also doesn’t discriminate in terms of exploration or development projects — being heavily involved in both stages.
With billions to spend and a hunger to secure supply, this firm could become a valuable partner for numerous projects around the world.
Here’s to the right backing,
By Dave Forest
More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:A returning subject on this blog, how to automate device screenshots with Node.js and Chrome. This post will cover installation and running the script on either Mac OS or Linux. If you’re brave, you can use Windows too 😉
Update: A Chrome update actually broke the code for full page screenshots using forceViewport, the code samples have been updated to support the change.
Full error message:
(node:30456) UnhandledPromiseRejectionWarning: Unhandled promise rejection (rejection id: 1): TypeError: Emulation.forceViewport is not a function (node:30456) DeprecationWarning: Unhandled promise rejections are deprecated. In the future, promise rejections that are not handled will terminate the Node.js process with a non-zero exit code.
Automating Screenshots of your Website
There’s a ton of services for this out there, but if you have some kind of edge case or simply just need a better way of taking screenshots, please read on.
The example code makes use of async and await, so please be on Node.js 7.8+.
As always I recommend NVM for installing different versions of Node.
Getting / Starting Chrome Headless
Assuming you want to run this on a linux server, after installing Google Chrome via apt/pacman/yum, run: google-chrome --version
Expected output: Google Chrome 59.0.3071.115 (or higher)
Install Guides for:
Ubuntu apt-get install google-chrome-stable
ArchLinux
To start the headless chrome browser, simply run:
google-chrome --headless --hide-scrollbars --remote-debugging-port=9222 --disable-gpu
Note: Your terminal will now be occupied by running that chrome browser in headless mode, if you want to detach it and keep it in the background, append a & to the command like so:
google-chrome --headless --hide-scrollbars --remote-debugging-port=9222 --disable-gpu &
Another tip, if you want to know the process ID of your chrome headless browser, append &; echo $!, which will output the process ID of what you just started:
google-chrome --headless --hide-scrollbars --remote-debugging-port=9222 --disable-gpu &; echo $!
so you can use that to kill the process, if you want to restart it or just be rid of it.
Taking Screenshots with Headless Chrome
Let’s get to the code! If you copy the below and save it as screenshot.js and in the same directory run
npm install minimist chrome-remote-interface node screenshot.js
Copy & paste ready code 😉
const CDP = require('chrome-remote-interface'); const argv = require('minimist')(process.argv.slice(2)); const fs = require('fs'); const targetURL = argv.url || 'https://jonathanmh.com'; const viewport = [1440,900]; const screenshotDelay = 2000; // ms const fullPage = argv.fullPage || false; if(fullPage){ console.log("will capture full page") } CDP(async function(client){ const {DOM, Emulation, Network, Page, Runtime} = client; // Enable events on domains we are interested in. await Page.enable(); await DOM.enable(); await Network.enable(); // change these for your tests or make them configurable via argv var device = { width: viewport[0], height: viewport[1], deviceScaleFactor: 0, mobile: false, fitWindow: false }; // set viewport and visible size await Emulation.setDeviceMetricsOverride(device); await Emulation.setVisibleSize({width: viewport[0], height: viewport[1]}); await Page.navigate({url: targetURL}); Page.loadEventFired(async() => { if (fullPage) { const {root: {nodeId: documentNodeId}} = await DOM.getDocument(); const {nodeId: bodyNodeId} = await DOM.querySelector({ selector: 'body', nodeId: documentNodeId, }); const {model: {height}} = await DOM.getBoxModel({nodeId: bodyNodeId}); await Emulation.setVisibleSize({width: device.width, height: height}); await Emulation.setDeviceMetricsOverride({width: device.width, height:height, screenWidth: device.width, screenHeight: height, deviceScaleFactor: 1, fitWindow: false, mobile: false}); await Emulation.setPageScaleFactor({pageScaleFactor:1}); } }); setTimeout(async function() { const screenshot = await Page.captureScreenshot({format: "png", fromSurface: true}); const buffer = new Buffer(screenshot.data, 'base64'); fs.writeFile('desktop.png', buffer, 'base64', function(err) { if (err) { console.error(err); } else { console.log('Screenshot saved'); } }); client.close(); }, screenshotDelay); }).on('error', err => { console.error('Cannot connect to browser:', err); });
You should be good to go.
You can specify the URL by running:
node screenshot.js --url https://gegenwind.dk
To make a full page screenshot (careful, this behaviour is still buggy), simply include --fullPage true in your command.
Credits for code to:
this post on medium which didn’t work for me on Mac OS X and also I needed the delay much higher than none
some other snippets I can’t seem to dig up any more
Automated Mobile Testing
In order to test which devices have which real and which CSS resolution you can have a look at mydevice.io which has a reasonable collection of smartphones and their resolutions and their device pixel ratios.
If you want to check out your own screen/phone you can use the device pixel ratio test.
To use headless chrome and node to test how your page looks on mobile simply change the following defaults (or change them via command line arguments):
const viewport = [375,667]; // iPhone 7
and
var device = { width: viewport[0], height: viewport[1], deviceScaleFactor: 3, mobile: true, fitWindow: false };
Voilá!
Summary
Thank you very much for reading, actually the post I once upon a time about phantom.js was pretty successful, so I felt a bit nostalgic writing this post.
Why do you want to take screenshots? What’s your use case? I’m super curious!
Further Reading
Check out the Google Blog PostWASHINGTON: Blackwater, a notorious private security firm, which also had agents in Pakistan, threatened to kill a US State Department investigator for examining the company’s performance, the US media reported on Monday.
The news, reported first by The New York Times, cited an internal State Department memo, claiming that the threat was made just weeks before Blackwater guards shot and killed 17 civilians on Sept 16, 2007 in Baghdad’s Nisour Square.
US embassy officials in Baghdad, however, sided with Blackwater, forcing the State Department investigators to leave.
Also read: Beyond Blackwater: Prince looks to resources in Africa
Four former Blackwater employees are currently on trial in a US court for the Nisour Square deaths.
The killing, seen as an example of the impunity enjoyed by private security firms on the US payroll in Iraq, exacerbated Iraqi resentment towards Americans.
The lead State Department investigator, Jean Richter, warned in the memo dated Aug. 31, 2007, that the firm had created “an environment full of liability and negligence”.
Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2014It might snow Wednesday. View Full Caption Shutterstock
CHICAGO — Chicago might have its first snowfall of the season Wednesday morning, forecasters say.
Rain and snow showers are possible before 8 a.m. Then the forecast shifts to just rain in the afternoon, said National Weather Service meteorologist Amy Seeley.
If there is snow, it isn't expected to stick, Seeley said, noting that in past years the first snowfall came earlier in the year.
Still, this comes just days after Chicago saw an 81-degree high on Friday, 79 on Saturday and 72 on Sunday.
The high on Wednesday is expected to top out at 49 degrees. Thursday is supposed to be warmer and drier, with a high of 58.
Friday is expected to be cooler again with a high near 48. Rain showers are possible at night and through early Saturday morning, when it might be cold enough for snow showers.
The average date of the season's first snowfall is Oct. 30, according to the National Weather Service, which has been tracking snowfall since 1886.
The earliest Chicago has ever gotten trace amounts of snow was Sept. 25, 1942. The earliest we've ever gotten a measurable amount (.01 of an inch or more) was Oct. 12, 2006.
And the earliest the city's ever gotten an inch or more was Oct. 19, 1989, when 3.8 inches fell.The ad-supported streaming video site, and product of a partnership between NBC Universal and Fox, is opening its doors to the general public tomorrow after approximately five months in private beta.
For the first time, users will be able to freely stream Hulu's Flash-based, ad-supported TV and movie content. Many had actually expected the site to go live today, and several sources simply reported that it already had.
Content comes from over 50 partners including Sony Pictures Television, MGM, NBC Universal, Fox, Warner Brothers Television, and Lionsgate. Still absent from the lineup is CBS, which instead hosts full episodes of its programs on its own site. ABC also offers streams of some of its shows, including content in HD.
Hulu will continue to remain off limits to users outside of the US, largely due to foreign rebroadcasting rights which traditionally take a long time to get approved. For example, a recent study cited in The Register stated that it takes an additional 16.7 months on average for an American television program to make it to Australian television. Given the volume of content Hulu has claimed to have at its disposal, it looks like the wait could be a while.U.S. media is quick to blame Putin for the assassination of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov.
But Itina Khakamada – a top ally of Nemtsov in the opposition – said the killing was “clearly not in Putin’s interest. It’s aimed at rocking the situation.”
Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev agrees.
Mikhail Delyagin – a top advisor to Nemtsov for a year and a half – said that Putin didn’t do it, and compared it to the shootdown of Malaysian Flight 17 over Ukraine:
The fact is obvious: this is a Malaysian Boeing, shot down by the Nazis at the walls of the Kremlin. *** This is a classic sacrificial lamb, textbook case. Good job Americans, good job Nazis, good job liberals. I don’t know who of them did this. But it was done beautifully. *** We have to be prepared that Ukraine will be brought to Russia a lot faster then I thought just recently. Before I thought that we are safe from Maidan until November, now it is clear that Maidan may be lit up already in the spring. The sacrificial lamb has been slaughtered.
Even the U.S. government’s Voice of America states – in an article entitled “Could Nemtsov Threaten Putin in Death as in Life?” – that Putin loses much more than he gains by the assassination:In the most delightfully cliché scandal in recent hockey history, coaches from a Russian hockey team found a spy device hidden in their room.
According to Sport-Express, a listening device was allegedly discovered by coaches from Metallurg Magnitogorsk inside their coaches’ room at Ice Palace in Saint Petersburg. Metallurg is in a Gagarin Cup series against SKA Saint Petersburg, losing 2-1 on Friday night.
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Magnitka's visiting coaches in a Gagarin Cup final found a recording mic inside a coach room — Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) April 15, 2017
Igor Eronko of Sports Express reports that neither of the teams’ general managers or players really wanted to comment on it. (For what it’s worth, SKA is the richest team in the KHL, and their vice president is also the VP of Hockey Russia.)
Writer Alexey Shevchenko of Sports Express reports that the device had a microphone attached to it, and that Metallurg was expected to send it to the League for more investigation.
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As you can see, the listening device isn’t exactly cutting edge spy tech. It sorta looks like something you would have built in shop class or after a trip to Radio Shack. ‘Hey, Sergei, do you heff Double-A battery for illegal listening device for planting in opponents’ coaching room? I only heff two.’
We honestly don’t know what to make of all of this. For all we know, this was an artifact that had nothing to do with the series.
Or Metallurg bugged themselves to offer a distraction from the series.
Story continues
Or maybe SKA was spying on them, which ultimately means that Metallurg probably never discussed coaching plans over email, or SKA would have had them already.
Photo via Sports-Express
—
Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at [email protected] or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
MORE FROM YAHOO SPORTSThe consortium of governments and institutions involved in the Human Genome Project should commit to finishing the finished genome. Our recent experiments indicate that these last bits contain potentially important genes and other elements important to our health.1
In April, 2003, the Human Genome was declared complete, but a close reading shows that the actual claim was that the genome is “complete in nearly every functional way” or “is as complete as it can be.”2 It is estimated that this means it’s 99 percent percent done, and the focus since 2003 has been on acquiring more genomes, not finishing the last one percent of ours. But what if this last one percent is “functional”, and we are also missing one percent of the estimated 20,000 to 25,000 genes,3 or 200+ genes? The most important reason to finish the genome is that any of these “missing” genes never get studied.
The reason why the last one percent has not been finished is because it is really hard. Mainly it is composed of repetitive sequences, like CAG-CAG-CAG-CAG-CAG-CAG...that go on for millions of DNA letters. This confuses the technology and software, something we have overcome. The reason the last one percent is important is because we found that in between all those hard repetitive sections lie undiscovered genes, some of which we have now found. All gene-containing sequences go into something called the "reference genome,"4 and that is what every scientist uses to study and try to find the genetic contributions to diseases or traits. If a gene is not in the reference it never gets studied. So our having discovered these will enable lots of others to study them. There are others who appreciate the need to truly finish the human genome, and some have succeeded in localizing (mapping) large clones to highly repetitive regions. Our approach bypasses the need for the mapping step, and goes directly to nextgen sequence.
And there is one thing about nature, it is efficient, so there is a reason why these repeat regions exist (even if we don’t know what it is yet), and there is a function for these genes (again, even if we don’t know what that function is yet, or what happens when the gene is broken). There still is a debate about the importance of the rest of this stuff, sometimes called “Junk DNA” or “Dark Matter DNA”. But I think the prevailing scientific opinion is that the rest of the genome, the intergenic (between gene) regions are important, and contain other important things, but we haven't figured out much about these regions.
It is likely that most of these missing pieces of the genome are in the center and at the ends of our chromosomes, called centromeres and telomeres.5,6 These regions play an important role in DNA replication (cell division) and gene protection. And they are known to be part of certain diseases. These telomeres are mainly made up of repetitive sequences, which scientists have noticed gets shorter as cells age, or in some cancers. So, many scientists think they are there for a buffer so that as the erosion occurs with age, that erosion does not destroy any genes. First, if there are genes in there, which we have now discovered, they may play a role in aging (and diseases of the aged). Second, to date all groups have studied one repeat sequence that is 6 letters long (GGGTTA), however, from our experiments, we found five-letter-long sequences (AATGG and GTGGA) that are 150 tunes more abundant than the often studied six-letter sequence. So, we think that perhaps a greater understanding of aging, and disease of the aged, like cancer, may be better explained now that we can look in the right place... again, these missing parts cannot be studied until they are “discovered,”
It is time to re-commit to finishing the genome. Sequencing technology has gotten better, and “tricky” experimental approaches, such as ours, can help. What if one of the undiscovered genes, is really important, but nobody is looking at it? The sooner we truly finish the human genome, the sooner we will be truly able to exploit it, for understanding and health.
References:A Broward Sheriff's deputy, accused of using excessive force in a February 2014 incident in Deerfield Beach, turned himself in Monday. Deputy Justin Lambert was booked into the main jail after the State Attorney's Office issued a warrant for his arrest. (Published Monday, June 8, 2015)
A Broward Sheriff's deputy, accused of using excessive force in a February 2014 incident in Deerfield Beach, turned himself in Monday.
Deputy Justin Lambert was booked into the main jail after the State Attorney's Office issued a warrant for his arrest.
Lambert and another deputy were seen on surveillance video roughing up 50-year-old David Gonzalez outside a gas station. They claimed Gonzalez resisted them.
Deputy Lambert is seen in the video slamming Gonzalez face-first onto the pavement, leaving him with a broken eye socket. Lambert claimed he was justified in using force against Gonzalez.
Charged Upped on BSO Deputy Accused of Using Excessive Force
A Broward Sheriff's deputy, accused of using excessive force in a February 2014 incident in Deerfield Beach, turned himself in Monday. Deputy Justin Lambert was booked into the main jail after the State Attorney's Office issued a warrant for his arrest. (Published Monday, June 8, 2015)
After seeing the video, prosecutors in April charged Lambert with misdemeanor battery and both deputies with filing false police reports -- both crimes are misdemeanors.
The courts have since ruled that Gonzalez's injuries were serious enough to charge someone with felony battery. And, after some attorneys questioned why the deputy was facing only a misdemeanor charge, prosecutor Michael Satz changed his mind and charged Lambert with felony battery.
When Lambert was charged with a misdemeanor, Sheriff Scott Israel suspended him with pay. Now that he faces a felony charge, Sheriff Israel has suspended Lambert without pay.
Lambert was released on bond.This being Allen West though he'll still try and drag it through the courts as best his lawyers can. The result as certified is outside the margin for an automatic recount.
via The Hill
“As expected, the Election Night results have been confirmed. It is now time to put the campaign behind us. I am honored that the voters of the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches have chosen me to be their voice in Congress. Regardless of whether they voted for me or my opponent, I am committed to representing the interests of all residents of Florida’s 18th Congressional district in Washington,” Murphy said in a Saturday statement.
West had raised concerns about the vote. The Tea Party freshman sent a letter to a Florida elections board supervisor on Thursday that said he might take legal action over what he termed “discrepancies” at the polls.
The vote gap between Murphy and West was too large to trigger a recount.Alec Baldwin was arrested on May 13 in New York City, reports In Touch Weekly.
The magazine obtained photos of the actor being handcuffed by a police officer, and according to an insider he was, "riding his bike the wrong way and didn’t have ID on him.”
TMZ confirms the arrest, reporting that Baldwin was arrested for biking the wrong way on Fifth Avenue.
An onlooker told In Touch that the actor seemed "calm and quiet" while he was being arrested, though another source told the magazine he "went ballistic" and was screaming at the police prior to his arrest.
UPDATE: Police told the New York Daily News that Baldwin became unruly with police officers when they asked him for identification after they stopped him on Fifth Ave. near 16th St. on Tuesday morning.
"He became belligerent, yelling and screaming at the officers, 'I don't have ID. Just give me the f--king summonses,'" a police source told the paper.
UPDATE 2: Shortly after his arrest for illegal biking and disorderly conduct, Baldwin turned to Twitter to express his displeasure with the New York City Police Department, reports Gossip Cop.
"Officer Moreno, badge number 23388, arrested me and handcuffed me for going the wrong way on Fifth Ave,” wrote Baldwin in a tweet that appears to have since been deleted. “Meanwhile, photographers outside my home ONCE AGAIN terrified my daughter and nearly hit her with a camera. The police did nothing.”For the first time in its 80-year history, Augusta National Golf Club has female members.
The home of golf's Masters championship, which has faced increasing criticism because of its all-male membership, invited former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and South Carolina financier Darla Moore to become the first women in green jackets when the club opens for a new season in October.
Both women accepted.
"This is a joyous occasion," Augusta National chairman Billy Payne said on Monday.
The move likely ends a debate that intensified in 2002 when Martha Burk of the National Council of Women's Organizations urged the club to include women among its members. Former club chairman Hootie Johnson stood his ground, even at the cost of losing Masters television sponsors for two years, when he famously said Augusta National might one day have a woman in a green jacket, "but not at the point of a bayonet."
The Augusta National, home of the Masters. Photograph: David J Phillip/AP
Payne, who took over as chairman in 2006 when Johnson retired, said consideration for new members is deliberate and private, and that Rice and Moore were not treated differently from other new members. Even so, he took the rare step of announcing two of the latest members to join because of the historical significance.
"These accomplished women share our passion for the game of golf and both are well known and respected by our membership," Payne said in a statement. "It will be a proud moment when we present Condoleezza and Darla their green jackets when the club opens this fall. This is a significant and positive time in our club's history and, on behalf of our membership, I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome them and all of our new members into the Augusta National family."
A person with knowledge of club operations said Rice and Moore first were considered as members five years ago. That would be four years after the 2003 Masters, when Burk's protest in a grass lot down the street from the club attracted only about 30 supporters, and one year after Payne became chairman.
Moore and Johnson are close friends, both with roots in South Carolina and banking, and the person said Payne and Johnson agreed on the timing of a female member. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the club typically does not discuss membership issues, said it was important to Payne to be respectful of the membership process. The person said prospective members often are not aware they are being considered.
Augusta National, which opened in December 1932 and did not have a black member until 1990, is believed to have about 300 members. While the club until now had no female members, women were allowed to play the golf course as guests, including on the Sunday before the Masters week began in April.
The issue of female membership resurfaced again this year after Virginia Rometty was appointed chief executive of IBM, one of the Masters' corporate sponsors. The previous four CEOs of Big Blue had all been Augusta National members, leading to speculation that the club would break at least one tradition – membership for the top executive of IBM or a men-only club.
Rometty was seen at the Masters on the final day wearing a pink jacket, not a green one. She was not announced as one of the newest members.
Moore, 58, first rose to prominence in the 1980s with Chemical Bank, where she became the highest-paid woman in the banking industry. She is vice president of Rainwater, a private investment company founded by her husband, Richard Rainwater. She was the first woman to be profiled on the cover of Fortune Magazine, and she made a $25 million contribution to her alma mater, South Carolina, which renamed its business school after her.
Moore was mentioned as a possible Augusta National member during the height of the all-male membership debate in 2002. She and Johnson worked on South Carolina's $300 million capital campaign in the late 1990s.
"Augusta National has always captured my imagination, and is one of the most magically beautiful places anywhere in the world, as everyone gets to see during the Masters each April," Moore said. "I am fortunate to have many friends who are members at Augusta National, so to be asked to join them as a member represents a very happy and important occasion in my life.
"Above all, Augusta National and the Masters Tournaments have always stood for excellence, and that is what is so important to me."
Rice, 57, was the national security adviser under former President George W. Bush and became secretary of state in his second term. The first black woman to be a Stanford provost in 1993, she now is a professor of political economy at Stanford's Graduate School of Business.
"I have visited Augusta National on several occasions and look forward to playing golf, renewing friendships and forming new ones through this very special opportunity," Rice said in a statement released by the club. "I have long admired the important role Augusta National has played in the traditions and history of golf. I also have an immense respect for the Masters Tournament and its commitment to grow the game of golf, particularly with youth, here in the United States and throughout the world."
Rice recently was appointed to the US Golf Association's nominating committee.
Johnson regarded the membership debate as infringing on the rights of a private club, even though every April it hosts the Masters, the most popular of the four major championships, which brings in millions of dollars through television rights for the highest-rated telecast in golf.
In a 2002 interview with the Associated Press, Johnson said the makeup of the club was more about four members-only parties each year than who plays the course.
"Our club has enjoyed a camaraderie and a closeness that's served us well for so long, that it makes it difficult for us to consider change," he said. "A woman may be a member of this club one day, but that is out in the future."Investors liked what they saw in PayPal’s second-quarter financial results, reported by the digital and mobile payments giant on July 26. Revenues grew to $3.14 billion in the quarter that ended in June, an increase of 18 percent over the same period last year. Total payment volume of $106 billion was up 23 percent, year over year.
Even better, PayPal’s favored earnings-per-share measure — which it does not calculate in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP — came in at 46 cents per share, 3 cents more than Wall Street analysts had expected. The company has trained investors to focus on this number, rather than on the less pretty GAAP-compliant numbers most companies are judged by. And focus they did.
Exceeding analysts’ estimates — “beating the number,” in Wall Street parlance — is crucial for any corporate leader interested in keeping his or her stock price aloft. Even the smallest earnings miss can send shares tumbling.
Examining how a company meets or beats analysts’ estimates, therefore, can be illuminating.
PayPal’s stock has been on a tear this year, up almost 50 percent since January. At a recent $59, its shares are trading at over 40 times next year’s earnings estimates. It is clearly an investor darling, providing all the more reason to dig into its numbers.Drafts for Manchester City’s 2016-17 season training shirt were leaked several months ago, but the team over at FootyHeadlines.com have again come up with clear shots of what City players will train in next season.
While the main kits are receiving all sorts of criticism, this clean and smart design is quite easy on the eye and one could argue it’s nicer than the new home kit, which has come under fire from supporters on social media.
Check out the 2016-17 Manchester City training top:
Description: “Based on the same template as the new PSG 16-17 training shirt, the Manchester City 2016-17 training jersey boasts the club’s traditional sky blue as base color, combined with accents in yellow. The yellow is used in the form of a stripe on each sleeve and the Nike logo on the right chest of the Man City 16-17 training kit.
The understated design of the Nike Manchester City 2016-2017 training shirt is rounded off with a low-key crew-neck collar. Unveiled last December, the redesigned Manchester City crest sits on the left chest of the new Manchester City training shirt.”Pre-construction is already underway on the first phase of the Purple Line Extension, which will stretch the subway from its current terminus at Western Avenue to La Cienega Boulevard with new stations at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax and Wilshire/La Cienega. Earlier this year, Metro received $2.1 billion in federal grants and loans for the first phase and the agency this summer picked a contractor to build the project.
In the meantime, Metro is beginning to turn its gaze toward the project’s second phase, which will extend the tracks to a downtown Beverly Hills station and a station at Avenue of the Stars and Constellation Boulevard Century City. In the above report, Metro staff are asking the Metro Board for approval to seek federal funding for phase two in the form of a $1.1-billion grant from the federal New Starts program and a $307 million low-interest loan from the federal TIFIA program.
The target date for completion, with the federal funding, would be 2025. That’s one year earlier than the original target date for the second phase (the first phase to La Cienega Boulevard is forecast to open in 2023). Pursuing more federal funding as quickly as possible has other advantages — offsetting a higher cost estimate for the project, as the report explains.
The Purple Line Extension is also funded by Measure R, the half-cent sales tax increase approved by nearly 68 percent of Los Angeles County voters in 2008. The full Metro Board of Directors will consider the staff proposal for Phase 2 funding at its Oct. 2 meeting.
Like this: Like Loading...Which economies have fared best and worst during the global financial crisis?
GDP growth rates slowed sharply in most rich economies in the second quarter. So where does that leave output relative to its level before the start of the financial crisis? If we rank the G7 countries according to the change in real GDP since the end of 2007, Canada tops the league. But Canada, like the United States, has a fast-growing population, whereas the number of Germans and Japanese has started to shrink. GDP per person is therefore a better measure of relative performance. As the chart below shows, by this gauge Canada is still 1% below its pre-crisis level and America is 3.5% down. Among the G7 countries only Germany has regained its end-2007 level. Comparing output now with its level before the crisis actually understates the depth of the slump. An alternative yardstick (see article) is to compare GDP per head now with what might have been expected if it had continued to grow at the same pace as during the ten years before the crisis. On this basis, even Germany has not yet caught up, and Ireland's income per head is now a painful 25% below its previous trend.Krauthammer was not a fan of Trump’s NATO speech today – to say the least – and ripped it apart today on Martha MacCallum’s show as she tried earnestly to defend it.
Watch:
Krauthammer says the biggest news from Trump’s speech is what he didn’t say. At a ceremony where they are remembering the dead and wounded from the Manchester terrorist attack, Trump not only lectured NATO members about ponying up to pay their fair share but refused to say “we will honor Article 5”, which means that when one is attacked they are all attacked. Krauthammer called this omission incomprensible.
He also pushed back at the notion that it’s a good thing for Trump to lecture members about paying their fair share. Krauthammer says the amount that we’re talking about is only about 100 billion, which is relatively trivial amount, and says it won’t make a dime’s worth of difference if there is any invasion.
Further he pointed out that Trump overlooks the fact that NATO nations are represented in Afghanistan and that many of them have a “higher per capita loss of their soldiers” than the United States. He says “so the idea that they haven’t lifted a finger to fight terrorism is simply wrong”.
There’s more and you can watch it in the above video.Rocket League's [Steam] Autumn Update has officially landed and there's quite a lot that's changed this time.
Few games have managed to completely hook me in the way that Rocket League has, so it's fantastic to see them continue to push out new free content to keep expanding the game.
This latest update adds in a fair amount of new content, as well as some quality of life changes. I won't go over all of it, since there's tons of changes, but I will mention a few highlights.
For starters, there's the new seasonal map named 'Farmstead', which won't be around forever as far as I understand. An interesting idea, to give the game a little variety throughout the year. They've also put up the new standard layouts for 'Wasteland' and 'Starbase ARC'.
Other map related changes include a new 'Transparent Goalposts' option, which is enabled by default. This will help with some of the camera angles cutting off the action. This might be my favourite features, because it's so simple yet it's so incredibly useful.
They've also chucked in over 90 new free items to equip on your vehicles. They've also introduced a new customization item in the form of player banners.
They've also now added in LAN support to the PC version, so you can gather your friends together for your own tournaments!
There's a lot more too, check out the full changelog here.Cannabis is one of the most widely used illicit substances, and recent evidence suggests an increase in the prevalence of cannabis use, abuse, and dependence (Compton et al. 2004; SAMHSA 2004; Stinson et al. 2006). There is growing interest in both the therapeutic and harmful effects of cannabinoid compounds. Amongst their many effects, exogenous cannabinoids have been reported to modulate cortisol release. However, the precise acute and chronic dose-related effects of these compounds in humans are not well-known. Furthermore, recent preclinical studies suggest that endogenous cannabinoids or endocannabinoids appear to modulate neuroendocrine function.
Preclinical studies suggest that the acute administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9-THC), the principal active constituent of cannabis, is associated with a dose-dependant increase in cortisol levels ( Brown and Dobs 2002 ). However, in humans, the acute effects of cannabinoids on cortisol release are less clear with some ( Cone et al. 1986 ), but not other studies ( Dax et al. 1989 ) reporting increased cortisol levels associated with acute administration of cannabinoids.
Prolactin
The human and preclinical literature is mixed with reports of a decrease, increase, or no change in prolactin levels following the administration of cannabinoids (Cone et al. 1986; Dax et al. 1989; Lemberger et al. 1975; Markianos and Stefanis 1982; Mendelson et al. 1984; Mendelson et al. 1985; Murphy et al. 1990; Rettori et al. 1988; Wenger et al. 1987).
Most of the existing literature on the acute effects of cannabinoids does not control for possible effects of chronic exposure to cannabis. The latter is important given increasing preclinical and clinical evidence suggesting the development of tolerance to several cannabinoid effects in association with chronic exposure. Studies of baseline prolactin levels in individuals with chronic exposure to cannabinoids have also been mixed with some (Dax et al. 1989; Harmon and Aliapoulios 1972; Olusi 1980) but not other evidence (Block et al. 1991) suggesting that chronic cannabis exposure is associated with lower baseline prolactin levels. Finally, in the only study examining baseline cortisol levels, there were no differences between cannabis users and controls (Block et al. 1991).
In summary, the existing literature, while suggestive of an acute effect of cannabinoids on cortisol and prolactin release in humans, is limited by small sample sizes (n=6–22), heterogeneous samples with regard to cannabis exposure, lack of controlling for chronic cannabis exposure, differing methodologies, and limited dose–response data. Related to dose–response, some cannabinoid effects, e.g., on anxiety are biphasic, with low and high doses producing divergent effects. Whether cannabinoids have biphasic hormonal effects in humans is unknown. Finally, while there are some studies that have separately examined the acute and chronic endocrine effects of cannabinoids in humans, we are unaware of any studies comparing the acute, chronic, and acute on chronic |
$498 million in funding. More than 200 people working on water quality programs at the EPA would lose their jobs.
“Americans have a right to safe, clean drinking water, but President Trump is killing that right with a meat axe,” said Jamie Consuegra, a legislative director with the NRDC.
Luckily for environmentalists and anyone who drinks tap water, Trump’s wishes have not come to political fruition, at least not after Congress’s first round of budget negotiations since he became president. Over the weekend, lawmakers averted a government shutdown and agreed on a five-month federal budget that leaves funding for the EPA largely intact, according to reports.
Trump was frustrated by the negotiations, particularly because Democrats have refused to include funding for his proposed wall on the border with Mexico. On Monday, he tweeted that voters would need to elect more Republican senators in 2018, or the Senate could change its filibuster rules in order to avoid making budget compromises with Democrats.
“Our country needs a good shutdown in September to fix this mess!” the president added.
The NRDC argues the EPA needs more funding to protect drinking water, not less. Many potentially dangerous chemicals and other contaminants are not included in federal drinking water regulations, and the EPA has not added any substances to the list since the law was last updated by Congress in 1996. Only perchlorate, a dangerous chemical used in rocket fuel that has seeped from military weapons disposal sites, has been slated for regulation, but the EPA has not established perchlorate standards for drinking water since proposing to regulate the pollutant six years ago, according to the report.
“We take it for granted that when we turn on our kitchen tap, the water will be safe and healthy, but we have a long way to go before that is reality across our country,” Olson said.
Environmentalists have honed in on drinking water issues ever since the water crisis in Flint, Michigan erupted into the headlines in late 2015. Lead contamination caused by faulty water quality treatments poisoned residents in the majority-Black city, where state officials recently agreed to replace aging delivery lines.
Similar problems have exacerbated a lead contamination crisis in East Chicago, Indiana, where Trump’s EPA administrator, Scott Pruitt, recently made a brief appearance and spoke to residents who have been forced to use water filters or leave their homes completely.
The NRDC determined last year that 18 million people in the US were served by drinking water systems that reported federal lead violations. Lead can cause an array of cognitive and other health problems, especially in children.Never Speak Ill of Binaural Beats in My House, Woman!
I have been intrigued about binaural beats for some time now without ever really diving headlong into them. I think if I’m being honest, I saw them as the lazy persons meditation, or maybe even meditation without the spiritual element.
Also, when they first hit the scene commercially speaking, they were ridiculously expensive and I know people that have spent literally thousands of dollars on programs from companies such as Holosync.
Having said that, people who I like, trust, and respect have been raving about their benefits for some while now and urging me to check them out. So when Carl approached my about writing a post I thought it may be time to lower my skeptical guard and give him the platform to convince me.
It’s a longish post, but that’s because it goes into the science behind the idea and I think it’s important when we make such claims to back them up with evidence! Otherwise we risk drifting into the Law of Attraction land of hopes and dreams.
There are a couple of affiliate links in this post one of which goes to a long letter sales page. Normally I would never link to something like that and it’s only because I trust Carl that I’m doing so now. But if you’re against the whole affiliate deal, let me know and I’ll ask Carl to send you a direct URL.
Edit by Tim: There is an interesting debate in the comments that I think you should read so that you can make your own mind up on this.
Never Speak Ill of Binaural Beats in My House, Woman!
I had a row with my girlfriend recently. Not a blazing row, I hasten to add; no insults were thrown, no violence threatened. In retrospect, it was more of a quiet disagreement.
But in my house, when you speak ill of binaural beats, you can be expected to be held in low regard and potentially even banished to the naughty cupboard.
“Go over there & reflect on the evil you’ve just uttered”, I wanted to say.
Instead, I stammered, Colin Firth style:
“But darling… binaural beats cause brainwave synchronization… which has been repeatedly proven to provide a whole raft on benefits…. like reduced stress…. increased creativity… remember the Princeton university studies? …. Leonardo Di Vinci even referenced it …. increased endorphins… it’s better than meditation… you devil woman”
She looked up at me, grimacing, and noted: “But I just said I liked binaural beats”
“I know”, I said, “but you don’t love binaural beats. And if you used them properly, you’d love them like I do”.
The Problem with “Liking” Binaural Beats
The reason I wanted my darling Nina to “love” binaural beats, is that people who love something are more likely to take time out to do more of it.
I love eating steak & playing Sim City on my iPad, so I don’t need to motivate myself to do more of either.
People who “like” something will rarely prioritize it above “more important” pursuits like watching crap on TV & moaning about the recession.
I quite like the buzz I get from doing 50 push ups, but not enough to swap it for a tasty bacon sandwich on a Sunday morning. So more often than not, I eat sweet cured pork, rather than punishing my body. Who woulda thought?
It’s all about feeling the love.
Why I Want Nina – And You – To Love Binaurals
When used regularly – binaural beats truly rock. And they come with a raft of health benefits (see below).
And as she’s the woman I love, I want Nina to get the same benefits that I’ve been getting for the past few years – namely less stress, more energy, better ideas & an ever-increasing sense of well-being.
(OK, plus I figure I’ll get more sack action & home cooked food. You got me?)
And for you – well, I’m all for meeting happy & chilled people. Binaural beats will help you to feel more happy & chilled. Voila. Good karma.
Why All Open Minded People Should Consider Using Binaurals
Simply put, there’s no personal development tool that offers such a high reward / investment ratio. In short, you get MAJOR benefits for sitting quietly with headphones on.
I call binaural beats the “lazy way to inner peace”, because they don’t take much skill in the slightest to get results. If you can sit still with your eyes shut for 20 minutes & continue breathing, you have the skill-levels required for quantum leap improvements using binaural beats! And no, you don’t need to know how to meditate.
As such, if you are interested in personal growth, are relatively open-minded, and are willing to experience profound improvements in mental & physical well-being, read on, and I’ll explain all.
Quick Recap: What are binaural beats?
For those of you scratching their heads, wondering what on earth binaural beats are, here’s a quick summary:
Binaural beats are sound waves, typically played as MP3s. You listen using headphones. These sound waves are below the level we can consciously hear. There’s some magic science going on, but in layman’s terms, to “make sense” of the sounds, your brain has to s-l-o-w down & really chill out. It basically goes into nap mode.
So your brain is asleep (in alpha, theta or delta brainwaves, for the geeks amongst you). But you are awake. This feels invigorating. And it’s very good for you (see below).
It’s a bloody wonderful experience!
Where’s the Science, Please, Charlatan?
OK enough rhetoric; it’s time for some science. I don’t want you to take my word for it. (Seriously, don’t)
So here’s a random splattering of thought-provoking tid-bits I’ve learned on my binaural beats journey. For sake of brevity, I’m giving you the bare essentials, but you can get full references at Binaural Beats Geek
Just one session creates awesome benefits. A summary of 20 peer reviewed papers noted that binaural beats are an “effective therapeutic tool”, and that “the immediate psychological effects on memory, attention, stress, pain, headaches & migraines were shown to benefit from even a single session”. Nice.
Proven physiological impact. Dr Vincent Giampapa, former president of the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine, wrote in the New England Journal of Medicine that binaural beats “dramatically impact” the production of three hormones directly related to longevity of life & overall well-being; namely cortisol, DHEA & melatolin.
Cortisol – which is similar to adrenaline; having too much causes stress – goes down (in one study by 46%); DHEA – used as a “source ingredient” for virtually every “good” hormone in the body, a real immune system booster – goes up (43% average); and melatonin – a chemical produced when we are deeply asleep goes up by up to 98%.
In short, our bodies seem to love binaural beats. Your body will thank you for using them!
Multiple proven health-increasing benefits. According to research papers from Wilson & Rhodes, binaural beats “increase relaxation, meditation, pain management; improve sleep, and reduce stress”. Not a bad set of benefits for a tool which starts at around $10.
Increase creativity & brain functioning. The Monroe Institute found that binaural beats “increase focus, problem solving, creativity, memory, learning, sleep induction, pain control & enhanced learning”.
Find a second-hand copy of the incredible book Megabrain by Michael Hutchison – for a 300 page roller-coaster on the benefits of messing with your brainwaves. You’ll never look at binaural beats the same way again.
Increased relaxation & learning. Want to relax more, but achieve more too?
A research paper from a team at Marie Curie Cancer Foundation found that binaural beats increase production of serotonin, which increases relaxation & reduces pain.
Also, production of catecholamines is boosted, which are vital to memory & learning. So you really can relax deeply and learn more at the same time. Super sweet.
Increased IQ? Here’s where the benefits start to get really trippy.
Dr Siegried Othmer found that binaural beats users enjoyed average IQ increases of 23%. If the IQ was lower than 100 to begin with, the average leap was 33 points. There’s hope for us idiots yet!
Plus, in a follow-up study one year later, Dr Othmer reported “major long-term improvements in self-esteem & concentration, and significant improvements in sleep patterns, irritability & organization”. So the effects last after you stop using them.
Impact on Sleep, Anxiety & Depression.
Finally, three separate research studies demonstrated a “significant reduction” in anxiety; an “increase in the quality of life”; binaural beats “influence people to fall asleep”; and levels of depression amongst depressed folks reduced to that of a control group of non depressed people.
So if you’re an anxious, depressed insomniac, you’re in luck. (Note – that’s a joke – naturally you should see a Doctor!)
Convinced to give binaural beats a go yet?
Having used binaurals (or their new, powerful cousin – Isochronic Tones) several times a week for 3 years, I can attest to the fact that I’m much more relaxed; more creative – referenced by the fact I’ve started 5 businesses & work for myself now – I sleep better; I stopped smoking; and I’m a much happier bunny than I used to be.
I don’t let stress get to me anymore. I haven’t had a cold for 18 months.
And based on the emails I get from subscribers to my site, these benefits aren’t limited to me. I get notes from people all around the world who gush about their increased creativity, better state of mind, and overall sense of well-being.
So, kind skeptic: When are you going to give this ground-breaking technology a chance?
And I mean, a proper chance. i.e. try it for a few weeks. See what changes. I guarantee, you will experience changes. Nice ones, too.
… Just One Last Thing, Columbo Style
I nearly forgot: My favorite benefit of binaural beats is that they get you into a state of brainwave synchronization. This is a state of deep awareness & intense mental clarity, caused when the left & right hemispheres of your brain become synchronized.
Remembers Tim’s awesome post on creativity that involved sticking a finger up your nose to see which side of your brain was in control? Well, with this little beauty both sides are operating at the same time.
And not only does this massively increase your level of creative thought & feelings of well-being, but as binaural beats expert Bill Harris sagely notes, you’ll feel “an experience of connection with the rest of the universe, accompanied by profound inner peace & happiness”.
Even Dr Lester Fehmi, Head of Biofeedback Research at Princeton University, describes this state as:
“an ‘into-it-ness’, where instead of feeling separate & narrow focused, you tend to feel more unified with the experience, you are the experience – and the scope of your awareness is widened a great deal… it’s as if you become less self-conscious and you function more intuitively”.
Look: if the head of brain stuff at PRINCETON is raving like a little fairy about “unifying” with the universe, you know this stuff is worth checking out.
Now, I must say that even I – with all hours my practice & effort & pro-binaural-beats-propaganda – don’t reach this state every time. It takes a bit of skill, practice and commitment, but aren’t the potential results worth that?
In short, you need to be super-chilled, and properly let go of all thoughts & stresses. It happens when it happens.
But when you do manage it… wow.
Basically, this is as close to enlightenment – in terms of what feels like a connection to God (sorry Tim) – as you’ll likely experience on this plane.
Words can’t describe the feeling… because it’s not really “you”; your brain shuts off and you just… feel…. connected. It’s bliss.
Go Get Some Binaurals, They’re Quite Cheap
So, here’s the deal – if you’re a busy person, who wants to maximize their time & results, you could do a lot worse than playing with some binaural beats to get you into a state of peak performance / bliss / relaxation quickly.
My only ask is that you try them for a few weeks before making a judgment. You’ll find that you relax more & get better results each time you use them.
A good cheap option is to choose something from the avalanche of options at Unexplainable Store ($10-30 – opt for “Isochronic Tones” for best results). These are inexpensive, pretty powerful, and fun.
If you want to make a profound shift, like me, I’d highly recommend the 6 month program from Brain Evolution System, which I’ve just completed. I’m gonna send Tim my CDs so he can experience it too.
Basically you’re supposed to listen every day (I didn’t – maybe 3-4 times per week), and it gradually takes you deeper and deeper into this crazily blissful state of mind. You’ll notice a profound shift in the way you see – and relate to – the world.
You’ll feel better, sleep better, and spend 30 minutes each day in Nirvana.
I hope I’ve shattered your paradigm on binaural beats. For a free sample, ebook, and tips on getting better results, feel free to sign up at Binaural Beats Geek. Otherwise, go forth and prosper.
And – to my lovely Nina – never speak ill of binaural beats again, woman!
Carl Harvey is a 26 year old entrepreneur, sales trainer, NLP-er & marketer. He runs a number of cool websites including Binaural Beats Geek. His girlfriend is lovely, although she better not ever speak ill of binaural beats ever ever again. He’ll happily answer any questions in the comments below. He likes to paraphrase Ghandi and say “I’ve got a super busy day today, so I must be sure to listen to binaural beats for longer than usual”. Honestly, he does say that.
Tims Note: Ok, I’m sold on the theory and I am going to commit to trying them out EVERY DAY for the month or so. If you’ve ever used them on a consistent basis with them let me know how you got on in the comments.
If you haven’t, but intend doing so now, please let me know how you get on as I’d like write a follow up post at some stage.
Tim’s Follow Up September 2014
They’re bollocks.With the Pro Tour right around the corner, I’ve been doing exactly what you’d expect—playing infinite Vintage Cubes on Magic Online. After this extensive testing, I’ve put together an objectively correct list for you:
Top 8 Overrated Cube Cards
Honorable Mention
Heir of Falkenrath
This may look like a solid reanimation enabler, but only being able to discard once is a serious shortcoming. Ultimately, Heir is too small, too difficult to get to work, and not what you should be looking for in Cube (despite being very aggressive).
8) Necropotence
As a Storm connoisseur, I’ve come to the conclusion that Necropotence is wildly unplayable. It’s too hard to cast, gives you cards too late, and doesn’t draw you very many cards if your opponent has any semblance of pressure. It’s even worse in mono-black value decks (not a deck I recommend to begin with, by the way), and I’d avoid ever adding this card to your deck.
7) Gush
In what is going to be a common theme among overrated cards, Gush gets a perception boost by being absurd in Vintage. It’s not at all what you want in Cube, as setting yourself back two land drops for two cards is not a good deal, and that’s assuming you’ve assembled two Islands. Playing just one Gush also means you can’t really build your deck around this, and I’d recommend avoiding it.
6) Ancestral Vision
Despite its excellence in Legacy Cube, Ancestral Vision is just too slow to be reliable in Vintage Cube. There are some decks that want it (heavy control springs to mind), but the vast majority of the time this just isn’t fast enough. If you’ve ever drawn this on turn 6, you understand why I call it overrated.
5) Balance
Balance may be one of the historically best cards in the game, but that doesn’t mean it’s automatically great in Cube. I’ve found Balance too hard to get to work reliably, and it matches up poorly against artifact mana decks, which are among the best decks in Cube. This will certainly have its moments, but most decks do not want Balance, and I’d never take this as early as everyone else seems to.
4) Swords
As any streamer can attest, as soon as a Sword appears in a pack, the chat goes nuts. Swords are the opposite of what I’m looking for in Cube—they are slow, require creatures, provide small incremental advantage, and are vulnerable to removal. This isn’t anything approaching normal Limited—Swords don’t bring enough to the table.
3) Show and Tell
Show and Tell seems like the kind of card I’d like, but the downside is just too high. Your opponent gets the first untap with their free permanent, and too many of your opponents will have giant monsters or a way to deal with whatever you’ve brought to Show and Tell. This backfires too easily and too often to be as highly rated as people think.
2) Umezawa’s Jitte
Jitte suffers from all the same problems as the Swords, but commands more respect, somehow. Once again, its reputation precedes it, and that has to be what’s leading people to slam Jitte as if that’s a wise thing to do.
1) Skullclamp
Skullclamp is a card-drawing engine, but too slow and too finicky to live up to expectations. Not only do you need a bunch of 1-toughness creatures, you have to spend mana to play the creatures, and then equip them. That takes away from your board presence, and it’s unlikely you will have time to leverage all of the extra cards. Skullclamp is a card I rarely get passed, and a card that I’ve almost never seen win games.The Lilium has wings and flies like a regular plane, but takes off like a helicopter by swiveling its ducted fan engines, much like DARPA's VTOL X-Plane concept. The engines, batteries and controllers are all redundant for safety, and it can take off in a space as small as 50 x 50 feet. The inventors want to certify it in the light sport aircraft (LSA) category, meaning pilots with as little as 20 hours training could fly it in good weather conditions. To start with, though, it would be confined to airfields and take off like a regular airplane.
The plan is to eventually get it approved for vertical takeoffs, which would be fully controlled by a computer rather than a pilot. It will feature fly-by-wire joystick controls and a touchscreen, panoramic windows, a retractable landing gear and recharging system that could plug into regular power. Thanks to the ducted engines, it'll be much quieter than helicopters during takeoff and landing.
Despite the ESA's backing, the project has a lot of hoops to jump through. As we've mentioned, certification for regular airplanes is already time-consuming and expensive, and the Lilium hardly qualifies as regular. Getting it approved for vertical takeoffs is really a stretch, as the only comparable aircraft is the V22 Osprey, which cost billions to certify. Also, 500 km on battery power sounds very dubious, considering the high performance.
However, the inventors have already flown a half-scale prototype (above) and plan to fly a full-scale model this summer, with manned flights ambitiously scheduled for 2017. However, we've heard that tune before from Terrafugia, AeroMobile and numerous other wannabe flying cars, and we're still waitingWhen I was creating my collection of Thanksgiving Recipes a couple weeks ago, I was skimming my recipes to see what I might include. I realized I had far too few recipes for vegan desserts and decided that needed to change. That’s how this recipe for Vegan Mexican Chocolate Chips came into existence.
These cookies are a spicy spin on a delicious recipe from on of my favorite cookbooks, The Vegan Table, by someone who I truly admire, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau.
All of the recipes in this cookbook are wonderful – my favorite is the Muhammara dip, which is made with roasted bell peppers and walnuts – delish! Definitely pick up a copy if you are looking for some new vegan recipes.
Also, if you have questions about a vegan lifestyle, I highly suggest checking out her podcast, Food For Thought.
Now back to the cookies! I’ve made the original recipe quite a few times, as my husband is a huge fan of chocolate chip cookies. Sometimes, I would omit the cocoa powder so they were the more traditional style. They always turn out great.
In the recipe, she mentions that you could use peanut butter chips instead of regular chocolate chips and it got me wondering how else I could modify the recipe to turn it into something new.
SO what else goes really well with chocolate?
Chili peppers! It may not be everyone’s first thought but if you’ve ever had Mexican hot chocolate then we’re on the same page here.
Simply adding a couple of spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon and cayenne pepper, you create an entirely different kind of cookie with a surprise kick.
Now, a couple of notes:
Be careful not to add too much cayenne. Start with less than you think, taste the mixture and then add more if you feel like it needs it.
Check the ingredients on the chocolate chips that you buy. Some brands contain milk or milkfat (gross). Cocoa butter IS vegan 🙂 You can also buy vegan chocolate chips here.
I’ve tried to start switching to coconut oil when baking for health reasons but also to avoid purchasing Earth Balance, which contains palm oil. Google palm oil and you’ll see why.
These cookies are great for anyone who loves chocolate and also a fun treat for parties. People won’t expect the interesting flavor profile 🙂
Enjoy!When Tim Berners-Lee invented the web by linking one document to another — called hypertext — it was a breakthrough. Since then an almost unimaginable pile of functionality has been poured onto the rickety underpinnings of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) that got the web started. With the advent of Web 2.0, smartphones, and now tablets, the once simple language to run the web has turned into a fractured Humpty-Dumpty of plug-ins, protocols, codecs, incompatible browsers, and platforms.
Every web application developer or content site that wants a top-notch reading experience for its users not only has to take into account several different computer browsers but develop separately for Apple’s mobile devices, Android, and BlackBerry if they want to reach their entire audience. Flash, the most ambitious attempt to span platforms with a single language has run into a wall when it comes to Apple and suffers from being a proprietary solution.
For users the situation is just as frustrating, with a constant trial and error of which applications will run in which browser or on which phone. And for video there is a never-ending hunt for the right player or codec to accomplish what in this age seems like it should be a simple task. Even worse, switching computers or phones or even upgrading to a tablet can mean having to switch applications, another painful and seemingly unnecessary complexity to modern life on the web.
HTML5 is designed to fix all those problems in one grand transition to a massively overhauled version of the web’s most popular language: HTML. The new version makes media — especially video — into a first class citizen, allowing it to be streamed natively without fiddling with plug-ins or rifling through browsers looking for one that works. It also adds true support for web applications, knitting together the hodgepodge of applications environments like JavaScript, Adobe’s Flash, and ActionScript into a unified and universal environment built around an extended JavaScript and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets).
Along with streaming media, the surge in print publications moving to the web is one of the largest trends in online computing. Unfortunately web standards have proven inadequate to the task, requiring the invention of specialized reader front ends like Zinio and Kindle on the PC, and hand-coded applications for smartphones and tablets like those from CNN, the New York Times, and just about every periodical with the resources to hire their own programming team. Hearst has already starting converting magazines to HTML5 and expects to have most of their transition completed by the end of 2012.
New York Times Chrome Web Store Application written in HTML5
HTML5 adds native tags for common document structures including headers, footers, sections, captions, and figures so that the browser itself will be able to intelligently display multi-page documents without plug-ins or custom applications. A publication will be able to create a single version of their content and have it render effectively across every compliant browser and platform, including phones and tablets. Because HTML5 also standardizes access to user interactions that same content can be fully interactive on every platform.
Books and magazines? What about GAMES?The world is now seeing an unsustainable level of consumption that is destructive to the environment. Discourse on climate change, for example, has plagued the mainstream media wherein experts weigh in on the adverse and irreversible damage that human activities has caused on the environment. This is mainly due to things like car exhaust which aside from being dangerous to the environment, also end up often requiring aid from Beverly Hills car accident lawyers because of the more direct physical effect cars can have on humans. Temperatures have continued to rise at unprecedented levels, causing ice caps to melt and sea levels to rise. This has been identified as among the factors that have put to risk entire populations living in coastal areas. There are several more identified environmental changes, such as high levels of extinction in bio-diverse forests, an irreversible change in the world’s ecosystem, and other such incidents.
Many experts point to the unregulated business explorations, as well as the free market system, that continues to trigger the collapse of the environment at an alarming rate. The industrialization of many countries has created pollution in unprecedented and harmful levels; mining and logging concessions has led to the deforestation and destruction of thousands of hectares; and human production, consumption, and waste is severely interfering with the natural processes occurring in the environment. This has led to several initiatives from different sectors, particularly those pro-environment sections of society who have seen or experienced firsthand the chilling effects of the destruction of the environment.
What is Environmentalism?
Environmentalism is a movement that seeks to advocate against harmful human activities that affect nature. Proponents have long put forward suggestions and resolutions to reduce the damage that populations inflict on the environment — from political, economic, to social initiatives. Climate justice, for example, is a growing call of environmentalists who consider it preposterous for small, coastline nations to primarily suffer the effects of rising sea level when these nations have little contribution to the level of green house gases in the atmosphere.
This movement aims to promote mechanisms to protect the environment and wherever possible, start healing. The initiatives vary from small-time efforts to reduce the use of plastic, to changing and pressuring governments to adapt and follow international agreements limiting the level of green house gas emissions per country. The United Nations, for example, has institutionalized and ramped up its measures on protecting the environment by regularizing an Environment Programme in the United Nations, where conferences on climate change and other environmental issues are tackled between and among various stakeholders.
Recent developments agreed upon in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) is the commitment of countries to keep global temperature from rising above 2 degree Celsius. This includes the pursuance of certain efforts to meet the said target. Almost all countries are signatories to this convention, except Syria and most recently, the United States, which announced its withdrawal last June 2017.
Environmentalism also has different approaches. There is free market environmentalism which still puts emphasis on businesses and corporations to find means to promote the protection of the environment in the conduct of their respective businesses. These are the tenets of green capitalism which seeks to produce technology that are environment-friendly, compensating for the damages done by certain industries to the environment.1 Canola Oil is RAPE OIL
Quick: Where does canola oil come from? Don't know? Well the internet has some shocking news for you, buddy:
"Here are just a few facts everyone should know before buying anything containing canola. Canola is not the name of a natural plant but a made-up word, from the words "Canada" and "oil". Canola is a genetically engineered plant developed in Canada from the Rapeseed Plant, which is part of the mustard family of plants. According to AgriAlternatives, The Online Innovation, and Technology Magazine for Farmers, 'By nature, these rapeseed oils, which have long been used to produce oils for industrial purposes, are... toxic to humans and other animals.'
Rapeseed.
It is an industrial oil. It is not a food. Rape oil, it seems, causes emphysema, respiratory distress, anemia, constipation, irritability, and blindness in animals and humans.
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There's more, but to conclude: rape oil was the source of the chemical warfare agent mustard gas, which was banned after blistering the lungs and skins of hundred of thousands of soldiers and civilians during W.W.I."
The Facts
Whoa! Holy shit! We love the way the writer crammed in every scary word they could think of: rape, war, cancer, emphysema, respiratory distress, anemia, constipation, irritability, blindness, Canada.
Well to start, congratulations to the canola oil marketing people, who realized at some point that the oil from rapeseed--or Rape Oil--probably needed another name to succeed with housewives. Thus: Canola Oil.
"....Why don't we change the name?"
Probably our favorite part of this story is where they quote the magazine saying canola oils "are... toxic to humans." We're thinking the words they omitted for the ellipses there were, "obviously" and "not."
The story goes on for much longer than our excerpt up there, and climaxes with this scene straight out of direct-to-DVD horror movie:
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"My daughter and her girls were telling jokes. Stephanie hit her mom's arm with the back of a butter knife in a gesture, 'Oh mom' not hard enough to hurt. My daughters arm split open like it was rotten. She called me to ask what could have caused it. I said, 'I'll bet anything that you are using Canola oil'. Sure enough, there was a big gallon jug in the pantry."
Another canola-related death.
Damn! You'd think we would have heard about something like that! Unless it's just the rantings of an anonymous crazy person!
Fortunately, not only is this not true, but canola oil is healthier than most other cooking oils. This will not help you if your arm ever "splits open like it is rotten." In that case you likely have that flesh-eating bacteria and you might as well eat whatever the hell you want.
Check out Dan O'Brien's latest column, where he shows you Why You Don't Steal from Cracked. Or,if you're tired of reading, and just want to watch Sarah Palin get interviewed while a turkey is slaughtered by a mad man, check out our Top Picks, where we bring you the best links from around the web and The Mirth Canal.SHANGHAI/BEIJING (Reuters) - With 6 million Chinese tourists expected to travel abroad over the Lunar New Year break, China’s Jan. 27 to Feb. 2 holiday is crucial for Taiwan tour agency operator Li Chi-yueh, who relies on mainland visitors for a third of his revenue.
Tourist stroll through a food stall at Raohe street Night Market in Taipei, Taiwan January 18, 2017. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
But Li’s hopes are not high this year, after the number of mainland tourists plummeted 36 percent since President Tsai Ing-wen took power in May. Though Tsai says Taiwan wants peace with China, Beijing suspects she seeks formal independence.
“China uses its sightseeing tourists as a diplomatic weapon,” said Li, owner of Taipei-based Chung Shin Travel Service, who has been representing Taiwan’s tour operators to lobby Tsai to improve ties with Beijing. “There’s a lot of concern that the industry won’t survive if we carry on like this.”
The concern is not confined to Taiwan - tour operators and government officials elsewhere in Asia say they fear China is using its increasingly high-spending tourists as a lever to pressure or reward its neighbors.
A government official from South Korea - which has irked China by agreeing to let the United States deploy an anti-missile system - said Chinese and Korean tour companies had told him the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) had instructed Chinese agencies to cut tours to South Korea by at least 20 percent between November and February.
The official calculated that thousands of potential travelers were lost after eight applications to add charter flights between the countries in January and February were rejected without explanation.
“This is not a win-win situation - it is mutually disadvantageous. But what can we do? As far as defense is concerned, we have no room to compromise,” said the official, declining to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Chinese companies told him the measure was designed to cut an excessive number of low-quality, low-priced tours for Chinese tourists visiting Korea, the official said. The CNTA did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
The number of Chinese tourists visiting South Korea inched up 1.8 percent on year in November, versus a 70.2 percent increase in August and a 22.8 percent rise in September. That was the worst since August 2015, when arrivals slid 32 percent after a Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreak.
In early November, the United States said it would deploy the anti-missile system battery in South Korea within eight to 10 months.
POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY
China has not said it is seeking to limit tourists to South Korea or Taiwan to express displeasure at political disputes.
Earlier this month, when asked about the limiting of charter flights over Lunar New Year, China’s Foreign Ministry said it did not understand the details of the situation but that cooperation and exchanges between the two countries needed to “have a basis in public opinion”.
For Taiwan, China has said it was natural that Chinese tourists were choosing not to visit Taiwan at a time of political uncertainly.
By contrast, the Philippines and Malaysia are enjoying strong spurts in growth of Chinese tourism as Beijing removes travel warnings and eases visa rules. Chinese tourist arrivals between March and December in Malaysia jumped 83 percent from a year earlier.
Both countries have been moving diplomatically closer to Beijing in recent months.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak returned from a November state visit with about $34 billion in deals, prompting criticism at home that he was “selling off” his country.
The Philippines, historically at odds with Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, has seen its President Rodrigo Duterte make overtures to China at the expense of traditional ally United States since he was elected in May 2016.
The number of tourists visiting the Philippines from China rose 40 percent in the first 10 months of 2016 compared with the previous year.
Chinese tourists are the world’s highest overseas spenders. They are expected to spend $210 billion abroad this year, Euromonitor data shows, double the amount Chinese firms spent on overseas mergers and acquisitions in 2016.
“UNWELCOME”
Mainland travel companies Reuters spoke to acknowledged that traveler numbers to some countries were changing, but declined to comment on whether they had received government directives to discourage particular destinations.
“Travelers are voting with their feet. They are choosing to go the country that will make them happy and avoid the country that might make them feel unwelcome,” said Xu Xiaolei, chief brand officer at China Youth Travel Service (CYTS), one of China’s top three state-owned travel |
arms craning.
Bun’s entrance is perfect, and so is the work of whomever is on camera duty for The Late Show. Bun’s able to tone down his delivery to match the intensity of the song– he doesn’t have to yell to make an entrance. Bun is masterfully good at this maybe because he’s been doing this about as long as I’ve been alive. He builds his intensity as the song crescendos towards the end of his verse, and it’s very clear that this energy gives Austin a huge boost for the third verse. I have goosebumps. Austin takes it to 11, he’s singing like his life depended on it– and Bun is on ad-lib duty. The song ends with exhaled punctuation from Bun, “Triiilllll,” and the Late Show crowd goes wild.
It was all worth it, if only to hear Stephen Colbert say, “Parquet Courts, everybody, and Bun B!”
Parquet Courts – Captive of the Sun (feat… by eidurrasmussenCincinnati settled with the family of David "Bones" Hebert, a Northside man killed by police in 2011.
David Paul "Bones" Hebert was shot and killed by the Cincinnati police Monday, April 18, 2011. (Photo: Provided)
The city of Cincinnati has settled with the family of David "Bones" Hebert, a Northside man killed by Cincinnati Police in 2011, The Enquirer has learned.
City taxpayers will pay the plaintiffs $187,500, City Solicitor Paula Boggs Muething said.
The agreement, which came before U.S. District Court Judge Mike Barrett Thursday, also calls for the city to issue a joint statement with the family on the case. That statement has not yet been drafted.
"I think it was a fair resolution," Boggs Muething said.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters determined Cincinnati police Sgt. Andrew Mitchell had justification to shoot and kill Hebert to protect himself and three other officers on April 18, 2011.
"If he didn't have a deadly weapon when he approached, he probably would not have been shot," Deters said in August 2011 as he ended the criminal investigation into Hebert's death.
Family, friends and others, however, questioned the judgment of the officers.
Hebert, 40, was a cook at a Northside restaurant and well-liked local musician.
Look for updates Friday at Cincinnati.com. This story has been modified.
Read or Share this story: http://cin.ci/1I5YHp3Westworld and Stranger Things stand out as the most talked about shows of 2016, but they’re essentially about information; information eked out week by week, driving you to discuss, theorise and, that most basic realm of TV enjoyment, anticipate next week’s instalment.
Donald Glover’s new FX show Atlanta operates on a whole different plane. It’s not about hooking you in on what happens next or mapping out an overarching narrative, its enjoyments being varied and manifold. I was utterly, 100%, not-even-checking-my-phone, grabbed by it from the very first episode, and I say that as someone who doesn’t usually feel in the magnetic field of a show until around episode 4. Set amid the still very much burgeoning Atlanta trap scene, it could easily have relied on fairly stock, stereotypical characters, the emphasis being on the depiction of the genre and the era, but the show has a lot of personality and a lot of heart.
Brian Tyree Henry is an absolute revelation as Alfred ‘Paper Boi’ Miles, a despairing rapper who is simultaneously aggressive (and you best believe he’ll follow through) and yet kind of a softie; an overgrown kid who is desirous of the life hip-hop infamy brings, but who comes to realise that the perks of bullshit aren’t meant for him, to paraphrase Kendrick. His facial expressions are certified GIF gold, changing between polar opposites with cartoon-like speed.
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Darius (Keith Stanfield) meanwhile, is a brilliant creation, an otherworldly prophet who varyingly shows himself to be a wise philosopher and a complete idiot. Whether it’s leaving the club to go play Zoo Tycoon or feeling compelled to stop and ask a bouncer if he’s ever had to throw out another bouncer, Darius is unpredictable and hilarious.
Then there’s the protagonist Earn, played by show creator and writer (and soon to be Lando Calrissian, what a year he’s had) Donald Glover. Earn is kind of a proxy for the viewer, an outsider thrown into the mix and trying to make sense of it all. He’s a complex character, professionally and financially at rock bottom but intellectually superior, and yet, as much as he mocks the world around him with dazed looks of indifference, deep down you know and he knows that he’s there because he wants to be. As one barmaid scolded him in episode 8: "If you're at the club that means you deep down want to be at the club. You're not special."
This trio have a weird chemistry, a bunch of nerds playing cops and gangstas and too proud to look each other in the face and ask: “what the fuck are we doing, man?” They’re so entertaining that you could happily watch them in different situations each week and enjoy their scrabbling rise in the (completely dysfunctional, moron-populated) music industry, but Atlanta has grander plans.
Following a non-linear format, the show has a different tone and pace each week. One episode is given over entirely to Van (played by the destined for stardom and major roles Zazie Beetz) and unfolds like an episode of Louie as she scrambles to find clean urine for a work drug test, eventually turning, with a grimace, to her baby’s nappy.
Another is set entirely within the confines of a fake BET chat show, Paper Boi being forced to comment on trans issues and debates he’d really rather just be left out of. In one hilarious segment, a “trans-racial” black man pretending to be a 35-year-old white golfer practices for his caucasian surgery, looking in the mirror and saying: ‘What IPAs have you guys got on tap?” and “Did you see Game of Thrones last night?”
Atlanta doesn’t take itself too seriously (note the fourth wall-breaking invisible car gag at the end of episode 8) but it also has a serious and noble intent to explore areas of black culture not normally seen on TV and has some guttural moments, especially the one in which Earn is processed at a police station, which unfolds more like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest or an episode of The Wire.
Atlanta may not have a sexy and succinct premise that’s sadly increasingly necessary for shows to become "water cooler", but is more deserving of bar conversation among your friends than any other show on air right now.Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Business Secretary Vince Cable: "Evidence of disconnect between pay and performance"
Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced plans to force companies to have binding votes on executive pay every three years.
Companies will then have to stick to their pay plans for the next three years or have another shareholder vote.
Labour has said there should be a binding vote annually, however.
Under the new plans, firms will also have to publish a simple figure every year showing how much executives have been paid.
And they will have to publish exit payments - saying how much directors will be paid if they are sacked or resign.
Mr Cable said the proposals were a "strong package of reform" which would restore a "stronger, clearer link between pay and performance".
Currently, while shareholders get to vote on executive pay packages every year, their votes are not binding so in theory the board can ignore the vote.
Shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna criticised the plans for falling short of demands for a binding vote annually, and accused Mr Cable of making a U-turn on the issue.
"It is deeply disappointing that having marched us all up the hill he appears to have marched us back down again," he said.
Symbolic
Analysis: Single pay figure A director with a relatively low figure for aggregate remuneration may compare favourably to one with a higher figure - but not when the composition of the package is looked at more closely. The key to making this proposal work is keeping a very clear distinction between amounts earned in the year, performance pay earned for previous years' performance, and pay that may be earned for future years' performance. If we do not keep this distinction clear, history tells us we will see base pay creep up - a consequence that Vince Cable can in no way have intended. Viewpoint: Pay rules 'could backfire'
The binding shareholder vote on executive pay will require a simple majority of more than 50% for a policy to pass.
Labour called for a higher threshold of 75%.
BBC political correspondent Norman Smith said part of this was about politics - reining in top pay - and part of it was the government sending out a symbolic message to buttress the argument that "we're all in this together".
The Association of British Insurers (ABI), whose members include the biggest institutional investors in the City, welcomed the proposals, saying they were "practical, workable and should help tackle excessive executive pay".
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) greeted the news with caution.
"If binding votes every three years deliver improved levels of shareholder accountability, we have no objections," said John Longworth, BCC director general.
"But government intervention should stop there. Setting levels of executive pay is a matter for companies, their boards, and their shareholders, not politicians."
'Complex and woolly'
In theory, the reforms should change the balance of power between investors and boardrooms Will empowering investors work?
Gavin Oldham, chief executive of retail stockbroker The Share Centre, said it was a step in the right direction.
"Institutional shareholders are now realising what personal investors have actually understood for a long time - that executive pay matters and they need to take more attention of the general conditions of the economy and how their employees are getting on."
BBC business editor Robert Peston said executive pay rises may also be tempered by the new simplicity and clarity Mr Cable hopes to bring to the question of how much bosses actually pocket every year
"Right now it is very difficult to see the total amount that any executive takes home because the remuneration sections of annual reports are immensely long, complex and woolly, especially in regard to earnings from large and important long-term incentive plans," he said.
Last week, shareholders in the advertising group WPP voted against the company's executive pay report, which included a £6.8m deal for chief executive Sir Martin Sorrell, by a majority of 59.5%.
Last month, shareholders in the insurance company Aviva voted down its remuneration report.
Some observers said that there was a shareholder spring taking place, with shareholders becoming more active.The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the single greatest race in motorsport.
A high-speed triumph of technology and innovation, the French classic pits world-class drivers and multi-million-dollar teams against each other in a hard-fought battle that draws well more than 200,000 spectators each year.
But the 24 Hours of LeMons is none of those things.
Intended as an endurance race for "lemons", or undesirable, barely roadworthy cars, the contest has been running for a decade in the US, where amateur drivers gather to do battle in $500 machines that would otherwise never be seen near a racetrack.
Having started out as a joke between friends, LeMons has grown internationally with well more than 100 events held since 2006. The series came to Australia for the first time this year, where organisers held a low-key race for cars worth less than $1000 at Wakefield Park in Goulburn.
Sean Patrick Herbert, Supreme Commander of the local challenge, says the event's appeal is simple.
"Most people look at a racetrack and think 'I'd like to do that one day', but most people won't do it because they can't afford it," he says.
Rusty Gregory with his Peugeot 306 racer. Photo: Supplied
"This is a very cost-effective, safe way to do it, and it gives you a bit of fun out on the track."
The rules are fairly simple. Teams comprise of five or six drivers, who have to bring safety gear such as helmets, race suits and fireproof boots, though they don't need a professional racing licence.
Organisers state that cars "must be acquired and prepared for a maximum of $1000", which includes race-ready modifications such as fixed-back seats and a roll cage.
A handful of parts such as such as brakes, wheels and tyres are allowed outside the cap, which is policed quite loosely. We spotted oversized brakes pinched from racecars and Mercedes-AMG performance machines that would cost well more than $1000 alone, and some of the teams were running cars that looked mighty close to the $1000 cap. A tidy 1990s Subaru WRX wagon looked pretty decent, as did a Honda Prelude VTi-R coupe of similar vintage.
Related Content 24 Hours of Lemons hits Australian shores
But neither featured at the pointy end of the race, which was won by something far more pedestrian.
Teams are encouraged to thoroughly document the purchase and preparation of their vehicle, "Or at least make up plausible-sounding stories in advance", and to be wary of "BS factor" penalties that discourage teams from misleading judges.
The event has a light-hearted feel, encouraging teams to dress in costume during scrutineering checks before the race.
Rolling up in a 1995 Peugeot 306 hatchback, Rusty Gregory's "Rusty Pug Racing" outfit wear fake moustaches, berets and striped tops.
Their hatchback has a basket on the bonnet filled with wine, cheese and baguettes.
"Those are our bribes for the judges in case they're a little bit hungry and we need to get anything by them," Gregory says.
"We haven't done a lot with the car [but] we put a lot of effort into the stickers.
"Our plan is to go out and do laps. I wouldn't trade this for the world."
The event goes to plan, with the 24 hours of racing held over two days, allowing teams a chance to patch up their car overnight.
The event was won by the 2005 Mazda3 of "Team Matar MX5", which bought a written-off example of the modern hatch for a few hundred dollars, before selling off undamaged parts to fund their campaign. "Ravage Raceworks" was second with an EL Ford Falcon, and the "Fantastic 5" took third with its Hyundai Excel.
The fastest lap of the race, a 1m13.53s effort was recorded by the twin-turbocharged Toyota Soarer of "Old Cants n Sons", who rescued the tatty coupe from a life rotting away in a suburban front yard. The team fixed its faulty head gasket and went to work transforming the luxury coupe into a racing machine.
The 'Team Matar MX5' Mazda3 passed scruitiny before winning Australia's first 24 Hours of LeMons. Photo: Supplied
The race is likely to return in 2016, moving to other states and New Zealand as part of a planned expansion.
Few carsin the event showcased tank-like build quality. Photo: Supplied On track action from the 2015 24 Hours of LeMons in Wakefield Park. Photo: SuppliedTonight at JAXconf 2011, the great journey of the JAX Innovation Awards nomination and voting process came to its conclusion at the Awards ceremony in the Hilton Convention Center, San Jose. After an intensive 3 month program of nominations, judging and community votes, which saw thousands of votes cast, the Awards were presented by judging panel chair, Sebastian Meyen, and Mark Hazell, of organizers S&S Media.
The JAX Innovation Awards recognized and rewarded the excellence and innovation across the Java Ecosystem, with 3 categories determined by community voting.
So, as the famous saying goes, the winners are:
Most Innovative Java Technology – JRebel
Most Innovative Java Company – Red Hat
Top Java Ambassador – Martin Odersky
Jevgeni Kabanov, founder and CTO of Zero Turnaround, the company behind JRebel, expressed his thanks to the communities for nominating and voting for JRebel as Most Innovative Java Technology.
Accepting his award via video link, Top Java Ambassador winner Martin Odersky said, “It is a great honour to be made Top Java Ambassador. I see it as recognition of 16 years of passionate work, first around Java, then around Scala, in which my goal has always been to blend functional programming methods in a smooth way into the Java environment.”
The presenters were joined on stage by Dan Allen, of Red Hat, to accept the Most Innovative Java Company Award.
Additionally, the Jury‘s Special Award goes to Brian Goetz. Sebastian Meyen pronounced the official Jury statement, stressing that Brian Goetz has demonstrated that he will not rest on the laurels of Java’s past success, but will elevate Java to the next level going forward. Brian deserves this award because of the impact of his work, which will ripple far and wide through the community.
The JAX Innovation Awards 2011 were announced back in March and, after a period of community nominations, deliberation by a panel of independent Java experts, and a final round of community voting, we would like to congratulate the winners of each category: JRebel, Red Hat, Martin Odersky and Brian Goetz. We would also like to thank everyone who nominated, voted and took part in the JAX Innovation Awards 2011, and helped to make the Awards such a success.Aliwal Barracks, Tidworth, southern England. After lunch in the officers’ mess — water from a silver goblet, spaghetti and garlic bread — we repair to Captain Winterbourne’s private quarters.
Her rooms — two in total, plus a toilet — are not spectacular. Blue carpet, cream walls, institutional modern furniture; she has a fridge, TV and photos of friends. A white sewing machine rests on the side. Not so spectacular — except the shoes. There must be 50 pairs. Most have high heels, many are new and none were on display before 2013. Hannah Winterbourne, 29, is an officer serving with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers; at present, she is attached to the King’s Royal Hussars. In 2013, she came out as a transgender woman. And today, she is the highest ranking transgender soldier in the British army.
Until 2000, LGBT people were banned from serving openly in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. They are not welcome in most militaries in Asia, Africa and Central America. The US repealed its “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy as late as 2011. To this untutored civilian, the army — any army — is a hotbed of machismo. Why would a transgender woman choose to sign up?
“I joined the army not because I wanted to be a trans woman in the army. I joined because I wanted to be an engineer,” says Winterbourne. “I wanted to lead soldiers and I wanted to get away and I wanted to do adventurous training.” She wanted to work on the Challenger 2 battle tank as well.
And so she has. Meanwhile, she has switched her gender identity from male to female. “They give you these magic hormones,” she says. Over years the body changes. “It’s quite exciting” — and quite “difficult” and “scary”, too. She takes her hormones through patches: “I stick them on twice a week and crack on.”
Is the army a good place to transition?
Awards and mermaids on a windowsill © David Severn
“I can’t think of anywhere better.” In the military, she is valued for her competence as an officer, she says. In the heat of battle, her comrades care more for her skills with a tank than intricate issues of gender.
That does not mean coming out was easy. At Sandhurst, training to be an officer, “I was an openly gay man,” she says. “I found that identifying as a gay man was a way to express myself to a certain degree. It was never particularly satisfactory and I never found much solace in the gay male community.”
Favourite thing As a rule, Winterbourne does not reveal her previous name. “That name has no relevance any more. I am the person I have always been. A name is a label and that was a label I did not particularly identify with,” she says. Had she been born a girl, her parents would have called her Rose. “Hannah Rose is my name. I identify with it and I always have done.” Her favourite thing is the sword her parents gave her after Sandhurst. Her previous names are engraved on one side of the blade and, since her transition, her parents have offered to engrave her new ones on the other side — “as a symbol of their support”. “As my dad says it, ‘Two sides to the same coin’, which is quite nice.”
In 2012, Winterbourne was sent to Camp Bastion, south-west Afghanistan, for two months. “I was there to support the equipment, but we were under the same threats as everyone else.”
For the youthful engineer, the tour presented “demands” beyond the usual pressures of deployment. Her living space was the size of her small sitting room at Aliwal, she says. (This afternoon, the autumn sun trickles through her window. Outside — English trees and Salisbury Plain. It is awfully quiet. The barracks resembles a university campus with tight security, clipped lawns and nondescript brick architecture. Communal spaces — red carpets, red curtains — emanate comfortable stuffiness. Winterbourne’s rooms could be student digs.) In Afghanistan, she shared the space with seven men.
“Previously, I’d always had my own space, where I could shut the doors and express myself,” she says. On tour, she hid her identity “24/7”. Lying in bed at night — cooped up without privacy — her situation felt unsustainable.
Winterbourne says she would have transitioned “no matter what” but Afghanistan added urgency. What did she hope from her transition?
“I hoped that my family would still want to be my family, and my mum and dad would accept me as their daughter. I hoped my friends would still want to go out drinking and go to rugby matches with me.” She hoped her job would be OK, as well, and she would find a partner who accepted her as female. “I wanted what everyone wants in life — and I wanted that in my female identity not in my male identity.”
Winterbourne came out in stages “to friends first, then to family, then to the military and then to the wider public”. “There is nothing worse than being partially out with some people and not with others, and then going somewhere and thinking, ‘Oh god, what if someone else is there?’” Once out, she says, such panic disappears.
Winterbourne's sitting room © David Severn
How was it telling her family? “I think my parents felt guilty they hadn’t spotted it sooner — or guilt that I hadn’t felt comfortable telling them sooner. There was a feeling of ‘We don’t know you any more, because if all this is true and we didn’t know about it, how can we possibly know you?’.” It took time to sink in, but her parents were never less than loving.
A picture hangs in the bedroom with words arranged like the letters of an eye test — “The way I see it if u want the rainbow u gotta put up with the rain,” it reads. “It’s Dolly Parton,” she says. “I just love it. I just think it sums up a lot of my life.”
In the sitting room, various awards share the windowsill with soft toys — an owl in academic dress and red bow tie, plus a few mermaids. “The owl was knitted by my mum,” she says. It was a gift after Cardiff University made Winterbourne an honorary fellow in July.
Antique desk and mantel clock © David Severn
The mermaids represent her work for Mermaids, a charity that helps young people who feel “at odds with their birth gender” (according to its website). Winterbourne is the patron.
“I have very early memories of wanting to express myself female,” she says. As a child, she could only do so in total secrecy. At Mermaids, she sees “these kids blossom in their true selves”. “They don’t have to do what I did — spend 10 or 15 years questioning my identity. Self-loathing.” Her message is that she is happy. “It’s really important that younger transgender people don’t always hear doom and gloom stories about transgender people being beaten up or murdered across the world.”
Military medals in the officers’ mess © David Severn
The charity has its critics, notably in the rightwing media. It is accused of “meddling” with children as young as four or five — too young, apparently, to grasp the meaning of gender. “People sometimes get Mermaids and transgender children a bit off,” says Winterbourne. “They think we’re forcing choices on these children. We are not. We’re just giving them a safe space to be themselves and they flourish in that. We’re not asking them to be anything. We’re just saying, ‘Who do you want to be?’ And believe it or not, kids know who they are. There are no choices being made.”
Winterbourne describes herself as “outgoing” and “cheeky” — “I like a party as much as the next girl”. Her glamorous Instagram account bears this out. Is her appearance important? “I think most transgender people go through a period — early on in transition — of being very conscious of how they look, because they’re so eager for society to accept them as the woman or man or the non-binary person they know themselves to be.” Initially, she was like that. “I was desperate to look as female as possible because I wanted people to accept me as the woman I was.”
Portrait of April Ashley © David Severn
In time, she has grown to be self-accepting. “I know I’m a transgender woman, I know I’ve got masculine features, I know I’m tall, I know I’ve got big feet, I know I’ve got a deep voice, but they’re my big feet, it’s my deep voice and it’s my identity. And I’m happy with that. When you’re like that, the rest of life, the rest of society suddenly becomes easier.”
Easier, but not necessarily easy. “I am transgender, I will never stop being transgender,” she says. “Would I like to have been born female in the first instance? Of course. I have restrictions placed on me. I can’t bear my own child, for example.” Added to that, society “sees us as less than women”, which means finding a partner can be hard.
Personal mementos including a picture featuring a Dolly Parton quote © David Severn
Winterbourne is going out with film-maker Jake Graf. He is a transgender man. “It’s worked,” she says. The couple has “a common thread of understanding”, yet there’s “no reason” why a relationship with a cisgender man might not work as well.
A portrait of a woman hangs above the sewing machine. “It was a present from Jake, from our time in New York a few months ago. We both have a thing for street art.”
In the bedroom, a collage commemorates a holiday in Mallorca. “This year I went on holiday with my mum,” says Winterbourne. Her relationship with her parents is stronger than ever “because I can be fully open with them and they’ve realised they didn’t do anything wrong,” she says. “I’m still the same person on the inside, I’m just expressing myself in a different way.”
In the corner, hangs a portrait of April Ashley — “a trailblazer in the trans female community in the UK” — by Winterbourne’s friend Sophie Green, who is also a transgender woman.
The artwork and high heels seem a long way from the gnarled portraits of old heroes, medals and memorabilia from past campaigns, the vast candelabra, dark wood and leather sofas of the officers’ mess. How is the mess-room banter? “Most of the banter comes from me,” she says. “There’s a fine line between banter and bullying and harassment, and I think for the most part the army gets it right.” Besides, a degree of “black humour” is important, she says, for the sake of building team spirit.
Lunch time in the dining room of the officers’ mess © David Severn
Winterbourne in the dining room of the King’s Royal Hussars © David Severn
Winterbourne is transgender representative for the British army, working with headquarters to ensure its policies are transgender inclusive. “I mentor all of our transgender soldiers and their chain of command.”
How has transitioning changed her as an officer? “In my older guise, as a white middle class man, I had a lot of privilege,” she says. Only since her transition has she felt what it’s like “to be treated differently, in some cases just for being female”. Now she is “more compassionate”, she says. “I think that’s made me a better officer and a better soldier.”
What advice would she give a younger self? “I’d say, ‘You’re not alone’. Not everyone is blessed with support from their friends and family, but there’s always somewhere to go, someone to talk to, Mermaids being a great example.” You might also join up with the British army.
Winterbourne and Challenger 2 tanks © @hannahw253
‘Before and after’ photos with boyfriend Jake Graf © @hannahw253
At the Cosmopolitan Women of the Year Awards in 2015 after being named ‘Ultimate Trailblazer’ © @hannahw253
At a Sparkle charity event in Manchester © @hannahw253
‘Before and after’ photos © @hannahw253
Alexander Gilmour is associate editor of House & Home
Photographs: David Severn; @hannahw253A local architect who wants a new Buffalo train station that embraces the future said the debate about its location should not just be between the Central Terminal and Canalside.
Adam Sokol has drawn a non-traditional concept at Larkinville, by railroad tracks that cross an overpass over Swan and Seymour streets.
Sokol said the area around the station could also be like a miniature High Line, the popular linear park in Manhattan located on an elevated section of a former railroad spur.
He envisions a small station, green space and a transit and bicycle hub. He also said a Metro Rail stop could be added.
"The station should be inspiring, optimistic," said Sokol, who has offices in Buffalo and Los Angeles. "It should say, 'Welcome to Buffalo, here's a city that has a great future ahead of it.'
"I think Larkinville is a destination and has had a lot of success, and this sets the stage to go beyond."
[Related: Three sites for new Buffalo train station all pose challenges]
A committee headed by Mayor Byron W. Brown plans to decide by the end of April where the new train station should be located. The first public meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Common Council Chambers.
Most of the public attention has been on returning passenger rail to the Central Terminal, where it was from 1929 to 1979, or on or near Canalside. Sokol hopes Larkinville will be seriously considered, too.
He calls the proposed structure Buffalo Central Station because of its central location and proximity to the I-190 exchange, and as an homage to the Central Terminal.
Sokol's concept would be made of polymer plastic. It's meant, he said, to offer a "welcoming and sheltering gesture."
"It's a big roof, with a lot of it outdoors," Sokol said. "We wanted to keep it simple.
"It's meant to be more inspirational than literal," Sokol said of what he called "a first sketch."
Sokol said the station's design should look more to New York City, where the modern refurbishment of Pennsylvania Station includes an acre-wide glass ceiling, rather than to Rochester, whose new station opening later this year reprises the look of a previous one.
Sokol said supporters of a train station at Canalside should not dismiss the importance of being able to head west to Chicago, something travelers would not be able to do from there. Canalside supporters say that is not important, since only two trains daily pull in and out of the Depew station, which allows trains to head west to Cleveland and Chicago.
Sokol said changes in rail travel could eventually mean more trips and ridership to Chicago. Buffalo, he said, should have the ability to accommodate such shifts, if they occur. He said it would also say something about Buffalo as a city.
"The Larkinville station will say 'Departure for Chicago,' which is important to Buffalo symbolically, " Sokol said. "Getting to Chicago is significant, because it's the national hub for everything. You get to Chicago, you get to anywhere."
Central Terminal's backers include several politicians, among them Rep. Brian Higgins, D-Buffalo. Canalside also has its influential backers, among them Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp., the state agency overseeing Canalside's development.
Sokol thinks the Central Terminal can have a great future without being a train station once again. He also questions the need to potentially overload Canalside with a train station when the emerging Larkinville, less than two miles away, is equipped to provide rail service in all directions.
Elizabeth Giles, an executive board member of Citizens for Regional Transit, which promotes mass transit, said she has been impressed by Larkinville's development. But she thinks the Central Terminal makes more sense because it was built to house trains, and because a train station there would help breathe new life into one of Buffalo's architectural treasures and help a struggling neighborhood.
"Larkinville seems to have the same advantages in terms of location as the Central Terminal, except you're not simultaneously investing in one of the city's architectural treasures," Giles said. "If the station is going to be that far out, it's only a hop, skip and a jump to the Central Terminal."
Sokol said the discussion about a new train station needs to be about the future, without being wedded to the past.
"We need infrastructure to support the economy of the 21st century," Sokol said. "Preservation is great, nostalgia is great, but they are not one and the same. Medina has a very cute little train station that has no train service, and is now a museum. Thomas the Tank Engine rides on it.
"In Buffalo, the dialogue is always about bringing back the past," Sokol said. "Why can't we make Bailey-Fillmore to the way it was 50 years ago? The past is not coming back, but we can still have a great future.
"By the same token, trains have historically been at the Central Terminal or Exchange Street," he said. "But we don't have to be locked into what was before."THE anti-immigrant Danish People’s Party (DPP) has been in the vanguard of Europe’s populist right for a decade and a half. It scored huge gains in elections on June 18th, coming second with 21% of the vote. But the DPP will not be joining the centre-right government announced last week by Lars Lokke Rasmussen of the Liberal Party. Indeed, no other parties will. Unable to form a coalition due to policy divisions, Mr Rasmussen will lead a single-party minority government, with tacit parliamentary backing from the DPP and two other right-leaning parties. Together they have a fragile one-vote majority in Denmark’s 179-seat parliament. And with 37 seats to the Liberals’ 34, the DPP is already starting to show its power.
Mr Rasmussen’s defeat of Helle Thorning-Schmidt’s Social Democrat-led administration was far from definitive. The Social Democrats remain the largest party in parliament with 47 seats. While no left-leaning coalition was possible, the so-called “blue bloc” is deeply split too. The Liberals and the DPP disagree on taxes, social spending and the European Union, leading the DPP to turn down Mr Rasmussen’s offer of cabinet seats.
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Denmark’s multiparty political system frequently produces minority governments, but this one seems unusually tricky. The surge in support for the DPP has it brimming with confidence and determined to drive hard bargains. While Mr Rasmussen was still trying to form a coalition last week, an EU summit required the attendance of Ms Thorning-Schmidt as caretaker prime minister. Mr Rasmussen gave her his blessing. But the DPP’s Eurosceptic leader, Kristian Thulesen Dahl, warned her to keep a low profile and caustically remarked that she would enjoy a last meeting with her Brussels friends.
While Mr Thulesen Dahl’s refusal to enter a coalition disappointed many of his voters, the DPP is well-versed in exercising power from the sidelines. From 2001-2011 it bartered its parliamentary weight for concessions on social spending and tighter immigration rules.
To counterbalance the DPP’s power, Mr Rasmussen has promised to “work broadly in parliament”, the Danish euphemism for cobbling together support on a case-by-case basis. One of his first acts was to reintroduce a tax break for home improvements, an idea backed by two small leftist parties but opposed by the Liberal Alliance, a putative ally. Yet he also dispatched his foreign minister to Berlin to explain Denmark’s plans for beefing up border security. This is a central plank of the DPP’s platform, and may violate Europe’s Schengen open-border rules.
By making both moves in his first week in office Mr Rasmussen showed his willingness to cross ideological divides. But piecemeal governance is hard, even in consensus-driven Denmark. Just one defector on the right could topple him.The director of the National Institutes of Health says an Ebola vaccine would be ready by now if it were not for cuts to the NIH budget.
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"NIH has been working on Ebola vaccines since 2001. It's not like we suddenly woke up and thought, 'Oh my gosh, we should have something ready here,' " Dr. Francis Collins told The Huffington Post in an article published Sunday. "Frankly, if we had not gone through our 10-year slide in research support |
one meant for mobility rather than sheer protection. Still, it wasn't just her outfit that struck fear in the enemies who were unlucky to cross her, but what she was.
A shifter. She had been born with the ability to take many forms, albeit only for a short time. It was a rare and powerful trait, and even if she preferred stealth and infiltration, she could just as easily take on foes with the power of a small army. Not many people would willingly face someone as mighty, and for good reason. It was truly a blessing, and more than a little strange, how good-natured and friendly she was, not one to hold grudges despite the poisonous atmosphere she liked to frequent.
"So, I don't see Blake today. Where is she?" The first question pertained to their mutual friend, the lycan who had been the entry pass for the archer's first visit to the inn.
"We got separated."
"Is she still upset with Yang?" Ruby gestured affirmatively, allowing the obvious next question to surface. "Are you still upset?"
She sighed deeply, sinking down on her seat, and took a sip of the glass that had appeared in front of her while she wasn't looking. The alcohol burned in her throat, but also dulled her nerves. Sometimes it was lucky how little she was used to liquor, the slightest amount being enough to work the desired effect.
"Wouldn't you?"
The long haired woman looked defeated but comprehensive about the response. She might've not known the huntress' blonde sister well, but it was easy to understand why her actions were so hard to forgive.
"So..." She finished the new drink, but made no motion to ask for more. "Onto business. You're still after the Schnee, aren't you?"
"Yes. The trail's gone cold again, she always knows my next move."
"You could've come to me sooner, you know I don't mind giving you a hand."
"Does that mean you have something?" The short-haired girl asked hopefully, yearning for a new piece of the puzzle.
"Yes, I've been after someone myself, a bounty hunter, and I heard some rumors. She was last seen here, and she's said to be heading north." The shifter pointed to a village in a small hand-drawn map she pulled from her pouch.
Ruby took note of the information with a subtle smile. North meant away from her path, but it also meant the prey was on the run from her. All things considered, it felt like a victory.
"Thanks. Oh, and..." The silver eyed girl pointed to the bartender. "...you should ask her out."
They both looked at the woman who stood behind the bar, cluelessly cleaning a glass from a patron who had left. She was quite good-looking, short brown hair framing her face, a single long strand running down her right cheek, slightly lighter in tone at the tip. She also dressed very sharply, a stylish corset over a beige shirt and pants that looked quite expensive, both dark brown with black highlights. Many customers came in trying to woo her, but were promptly dissuaded by her refined brawn, unexpectedly having a sharp mouth and a mean punch.
"What?" The brunette wasn't expecting the remark, but Ruby had long noticed her subtle glances. There was something there, it just needed a push.
"I mean it, Velvet. You never know when it's the last time you'll see the ones you care about." The archer got up to exit, now that the business was finished, but her arm was grabbed, and she was met with worried eyes.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, just tired. It shouldn't be long now till it's over."
And with that she walked away, leaving behind the stunned Velvet staring blankly.
It was late when Ruby managed to return to her campsite. Everything was where she'd left it, no man lurking around those parts. She picked up the cold leftovers of her last meal, a roasted squirrel, and took a bite. It tasted horribly, because of the ash she had spilled on it to avoid predators, but it didn't matter as long as it fended off the hunger.
She removed the knife from its strap, placing it under her bedroll for a quick draw if need be. Then she lied down, deciding to rest for the night. Her portable cot wasn't necessary to provide heat, the red cape was more than enough, but it helped fight the elements.
Before falling asleep, she fumbled in her pocket, playing with the small amber crystal inside.
I'm so close, Penny. I'll make this right, I promise.
It feels so good to be back in this world again.
I actually wrote most of this chapter before I even finished The Girl Made of Marble. It's the core set-up for the new story I was aiming to tell, and it's meant to raise a lot of questions that will be slowly answered along the rest of the way.
As always, don't be shy with the reviews. It's your feedback that fuels my writing.Anna and Elsa have an honest-to-goodness conversation, then we get a bit of Kristoff's backstory.
Chapter Text
Anna took a deep breath and checked her purse one last time. No point in forgetting something and having to traverse the house again.
Her hand hovered over the doorknob. She pulled it back and strained her ears, listening for Elsa.
Nothing.
Anna sighed, then opened the door. She made her way downstairs, then paused. She could see that the living room was clear, but someone was in the kitchen; she could hear them.
At the bottom of the stairs, she started going straight for the front door, then stopped. “This is ridiculous,” Anna muttered. Her car was in the garage. Under their terms of ‘avoid each other to keep things easier,’ Anna had planned to go out the front door and open the garage from the outside so she could get her car and leave.
But there was a perfectly good door to the garage in the kitchen. Anna turned around.
Even if it was Elsa in the kitchen, their avoidance was just getting silly at this point.
But even though she was trying to be more reasonable about this, she couldn’t stop listening to whoever was in the kitchen as she drew closer, trying to figure out who was cooking.
A split-second before she walked in, Anna recognized the humming as Elsa’s. She even recognized the song.
Anna stopped just outside the room. She leaned against the wall and fought the impulse to close her eyes because it would be too easy to forget herself if she did. If she closed her eyes, she could pretend she was back in her room and Elsa was too. They could just be sitting, doing homework, and Elsa might be humming.
Or maybe they would be lying in bed together, hair splayed over their pillows, and Anna would be tracing circles on Elsa’s hip.
Maybe—
Anna opened her eyes and sighed. She did that a lot lately.
This was why they had this plan in place.
“Hello?” Elsa stopped humming. She’d probably heard Anna sigh.
“Hey there.” Anna stepped around the corner, trying to push recent memories out of mind. “I’m just headed out.” She glanced toward the door to the garage.
“Oh, cool.” Elsa turned back to her mixing bowl. “I’m baking some cookies.”
Anna’s eyes slid back toward Elsa, now that she was looking away. “Huh.” She took a few steps paused on the far side of the counter, by the garage door.
They were supposed to keep things simple, shallow.
“Any particular reason?” Anna asked. She tilted her head. “You were never much for the kitchen.”
Elsa slowed her mixing and glanced over her shoulder. “Oh, um...” She hesitated. It was the most innocuous question, but nothing between them was ever kept to face value. “Its the dorm kitchens,” Elsa continued. “They’re terrible and sticky and disgusting and I hate them. So, since I’m home and not busy, I had this urge to do something in the kitchen.” She shrugged. “Cookies are simple enough.”
Anna nodded. And... as frustrating as everything was, as much as their distance was necessary, was wise, it felt good to be around Elsa. It felt right.
And she was eighteen now.
Surely, if there was room for things to change, she could at least try. Prod the fire and see if sparks flew.
Anna took a step forward. “Can I try some of the dough?”
Elsa turned around all the way. Her lips tightened, but it looked like she was holding back a smile. “Sure.”
“Thanks.” Reaching forward, Anna scooped a finger through the mixing bowl. She pulled out a glob of cookie dough. “Do you need any help with the cookies?” Anna asked. She licked the dough off her finger. Prior plans with Kristoff felt distant.
Elsa’s eye twitched. She set the bowl down firmly. “And then what, Anna?”
“Uh... we bake them, then eat them?” Anna stepped back.
“No!” Elsa put a hand to her mouth after the outburst. Softer, she continued, “You know what I’m talking about. I mean what—what happens if we do this? We keep a distance for a reason. If we break that decision, then, then...”
“Then what?” Anna shrugged. “I’m eighteen now,” she said earnestly. “I’m graduating high school in a couple weeks. We don’t—”
“ We do.” Any hint of Elsa’s smile had vanished. She sighed. “Just... even with that now... what do you propose?” She took a step forward and grabbed Anna’s shoulder. “We have nowhere to go from here. We have no roadmap and as much as it worked before, secretly dating or whatever, it isn’t sustainable.”
Anna felt stupid for just being happy that Elsa was touching her shoulder. “I don’t know.” Out of habit, she leaned into that hand. At least Elsa didn’t pull back. “I don’t know but you said before that we were worth it, worth the risk and the scandal and everything. We took a chance and, until the end there, things were good, Elsa.” She put her hand over Elsa’s, holding it closer against her skin. “We can be that way again.”
“Yes...” Elsa sounded breathless. Her hand tightened around Anna’s shoulder. “And it really was good, Anna, but... we can’t.” Her voice cracked. “And I would by lying if I said I didn’t want to get that back again. I do. I want it so bad.”
Anna’s heart pounded in her ears. She half-expected Elsa to lean in and kiss her like normal.
“But we don’t have a roadmap,” Elsa said. “We don’t have a plan—”
“ Then let’s make a plan!” Anna growled.
Elsa’s face fell. “It can’t be done. There is no path to what we want from each other that doesn’t ruin other relationships in the process.”
Anna stared at her. She stepped back and her shoulder slipped out of Elsa’s grasp. Silence welled between them until she thought she might drown in it. Finally, she whispered, “What if I found one, truly. Would you take my hand and walk it with me?” She swallowed a lump in her throat. “Or are you just done? Are we actually over, and you just can’t say it?”
Elsa blinked. For a long, dangerous second, Anna wondered if, in some universe, she was happier without Elsa at all, if she were just better off without her life revolving around a girl too afraid of herself to let them reach out to one another and find a way to just be.
Then, slowly, Elsa nodded. “I would go with you if you had a plan” she said. “It sounds... impossible, but there’s nothing I want more.”
Nodding, Anna took a few steps back. Back into distance, back into reality. The kitchen seemed to blur back into focus around her. “I’ll see you around then.”
“Yeah...” Elsa seemed troubled.
Anna turned to leave.
Elsa grabbed her hand.
“I’ve handled this badly,” she said, speaking quickly, “but I hope you never doubt that I tried. I always tried.”
And then Anna wasn’t sure who started it, who stepped forward first, but they closed the distance somehow with a soft kiss. Elsa’s lips felt like yesterday’s dreams, and she kissed with a familiarity that made Anna’s heart ache.
Before she could hurt any worse, she tore herself away. Her eyes found Elsa’s. They’d been distant for a reason; it was torture to get a taste of what had been without the promise of more to some.
“I’ll try too,” Anna said, then ran out of the kitchen.
*
“And you’re sure you’re not bored?”
Anna shook her head. “Nope. This is fun.”
Kristoff gave her a weird look, then shrugged. “Thanks for driving me, but you don’t need to pretend. I mean, we’re going grocery shopping.”
“Groceries are fun.”
He snorted and compared his coupons to the canned goods on the shelf. “If you think grocery shopping is fun, adulthood is gonna be a wild ride.”
“It’s just nice to, you know, do normal stuff?” Anna shrugged.
He raised his eyebrows as he grabbed some beans. “Do you not go grocery shopping with your, uh, guardians?”
Anna paused. They walked a few paces down the aisle. “Not really, actually. They usually run out on quick errands solo, and they’re both so busy with their jobs that they like to go together, when there’s time, as a sort of date.”
“That’s married life for you.”
They chatted about groceries, coupons, and domesticity until Kristoff had collected all his food for the week. On their way to the front, he hefted a bag of dog food into the cart too.
“There we go,” he said. “Gotta keep Sven fed with more than just my table scraps.”
Anna glanced at the price. “How long does a bag last him? He’s such a big dog.”
“Not long enough.” Briefly, Kristoff looked tired. “But I’ve bought Sven food when I couldn’t buy my own. Don’t see sense in stopping now.”
She didn’t comment as they went through the checkout and back to her car. They loaded the groceries with bit of small talk over the weather, but fell into silence again when she started the car. Glancing over, Kristoff seemed oddly small without Sven by his side. The dog came in the car with them almost no matter where they went, if Kristoff was driving.
They were halfway back to his apartment when he said, “I left home when I was 18. I had my car, some cash, and Sven.” He laughed. “It probably sounds dumb, but I needed that dog by my side.”
“It’s not dumb.” Anna glanced over and smiled encouragingly.
“Thanks,” he said. “I guess this is a good time to explain that I was raised in a weird new-age, semi-Nordic religious commune.”
Anna blinked, but kept her eyes on the road. “Wait what?” If she hadn’t been driving, she would have stared at him.
“That’s probably how I would react too,” he said. “It was weird and involved rocks and trolls.”
“... Trolls?”
“Trolls.” He didn’t elaborate on what, exactly, that meant. “Also a lot of rocks in circles. Musical traditions. The full cult experience.”
Anna really wished she wasn’t driving. She would have tried sending a bunch a nonverbal cues to indicate acceptance. As it was, she said, “Okay. Rocks and music are cool.”
“I’m still in contact with my family,” he said, “but things are... strained. My Grand Pappy, he’s kind of the communal grandfather-patriarch figure? He took it the hardest when I left. I started questioning things when I was 17. Things came to a head about this pseudo-arranged marriage—”
“You were engaged?!” Anna slammed the breaks, seeing a red light a little late.
Kristoff chuckled. “It involved moss and rocks when I was like five.” He shrugged. “I wasn’t interested when the time to actually do it came around. That and other factors led me to leave.”
“I would hug you,” she said, “but I’m driving and that isn’t safe.”
“I’ll accept a rain check on the hug. No worries.” He placed a hand on her shoulder, briefly. “It’s been hard, but I prefer life out here to life back there. Even if I don’t really talk to people much.”
Anna shook her head. “You... you’ve clearly risen to the occasion,” she said. “You keep yourself and Sven fed, you’re going to college, you have an apartment... You have a super awesome friend who would never judge you for your background. Plus, family stuff is complicated.” She sighed. “It’s super complicated and sometimes things are just strained. I still believe you’ve held up marvelously, all things considered.”
“Thanks,” he said. Something in his tone shifted, and Anna felt as though he was reading something in what she’d said that didn’t apply to him. “Is there something else going on with you at home?” he asked. “You seem a little off today and I’m kind of done talking about myself for the next week.”
She smiled tightly. “Same old, same old.” Things with Elsa were always complicated. They just generally didn’t feel quite this shitty. “I just keep feeling as though everything would be better if I were gone, but we’re all just just being too polite to admit I should leave. I keep wondering if it’s okay to self-approve myself to just go.”
“Everything would be better?” He sounded mildly skeptical. “Who exactly benefits if you leave?”
She snorted as she pulled into Kristoff’s apartment complex. “Everyone.” Herself, for one. “I would probably be happier away from this environment where I’m stuck in this half-role forever.” Idunn too. “My father’s wife wouldn’t be constantly stuck with the reminder of her husband’s infidelity by my presence.” Adgar himself, even if he might disagree. “My father could sort out his mid-life crisis and would honestly be better off without me to distract and complicate things.” And Elsa, most of all. “And Elsa would finally be able to relax in her own damn house instead of worrying about all the drama with me.”
“Who’s Elsa?”
All the blood drained from Anna’s face. She turned to face him, horrified at her slip. Briefly, she was grateful she’d already parked the car, or else she’d have crashed it into something.
Kristoff frowned and leaned forward. “Are you okay?” A pause. “You really don’t look okay. Look, we don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. Honestly. I’m just worried about you.”
And Anna would have taken him up on the offer to leave it be, she really would have. Except she’d driven out to see him with Elsa’s kiss replaying over and over in her mind. She closed her eyes, leaning back against her car seat. For a moment, the memory welled up again and she could almost feel Elsa’s lips against hers.
“Elsa is my father’s daughter by his wife,” she said. “She’s older by a bit less than two years, and she’s my half-sister.”
“Huh. That must make things a bit awkward.” He hopped out of the car. Anna opened her eyes and got out too, feeling oddly light at having said half of the truth. It was still more than she’d told anyone.
“Definitely,” she said, getting the groceries out of the back.
On their way up the stairs, Kristoff asked, “Why haven’t you brought her up before?”
Anna immediately changed the subject to how Kristoff organized his groceries, which was fairly topical. There was only room for one person in his kitchen area, however, so she ended up sitting on the couch and petting Sven as he put the food away.
For a moment, everything felt normal.
But Kristoff’s question hung in the air, asked and unanswered.
Anna took a deep breath. She was halfway there already. Might as well.
“Because she’s also my ex-girlfriend,” she said.
Kristoff turned away from the pantry, frowning. “Who are you—” His eyes widened. “Wait. Are you saying...”
Anna nodded.
“Oh.” Kristoff blinked.
Her nose prickled and she briefly fought the impulse to cry. Her thoughts raced through arguments on whether or not Kristoff would judge her, which would be understandable. On the other hand, he hadn’t exactly grown up with standard cultural mores, so maybe not.
He nodded slowly as he turned to put the rest of the groceries away. “You sound like you’re in an awkward situation.”
Anna laughed so hard she coughed, concerning Sven. Even with the anxiety, her chest felt lighter. She hadn’t thought opening up about the secret would feel so freeing. Even if Kristoff judged her and never wanted to see her again, she’d gotten to say what was happening out loud, to someone who wasn’t at all connected to the whole mess.
He put the last item in the fridge and walked over. Sitting on the couch beside her, he ruffled Sven’s ears before turning toward her. “Anna,” he said, “You’re really not okay right now, are you?”
Anna shook her head. “I’m in a really unhealthy living situation of my own doing. It’s complicated and I don’t even know if I want to leave, really.” She leaned back and Sven jumped halfway onto the couch so she could keep petting him. “It’s painful to be there when part of me wants, so badly, to just GO, to start over somewhere and try to find a place where I can be myself.” She paused. “But part of me also wants to come up with a plan so Elsa and I can be together.”
“Um...” Kristoff made a face somewhere between confusion and concern. “Catch me up on what’s going on?”
“ We dated before she graduated high school and it was good. Legitimately good. Since then we agreed to be distant to protect ourselves and then recently—” She felt a little guilty for neglecting to say it was earlier that afternoon. “—we kind of opened things up again and we can’t be together unless we come up with an actual plan as to how that’s doable without living a secret forever from her parents, who are the only people who really know we’re sisters, really.” Anna sighed. “So I’m caught between trying to figure out a plan and wondering if I should just go. Maybe I want to go and not worry about it. Or at least get space if I’m going to worry about it.”
He considered her a moment. To her relief, he didn’t exude any judgement. “So you’re leaning towards leaving?”
She hesitated. Agreeing to that statement felt oddly final, as though she were committing to an irreversible shift by doing so. “What do you think I should do?” she said at length
He smiled at her, a little sadly. “I am reluctant to give an answer like that,” he said. “But... from what you’ve told me, I wouldn’t discourage you from trying to leave.” A pause. “When do you graduate anyway?”
“Just a couple weeks.” Elsa’s college did a strangely late Spring Break. Anna’s high school had off almost a month ago.
He sighed. “Well... now would potentially be a good time to have a conversation about that. I really don’t want to give life advice, but... it might be good for you to get out of the house, out of your isolated family bubble for a bit.” He frowned. “And it doesn’t have to be permanent. Even if you just move out and work for a year and decide you want to go back, you could talk to them about it, maybe.”
“Minus the part where I dated their daughter?” Anna asked, voice dry.
“I’d probably avoid that fact,” Kristoff said. He bit his lip. “And Anna, just so you know, I am concerned for you, but... I’m not judging you either. Things have been complicated and I can’t speak for how you got to where you are.”
Anna swept him up in as big as hug as she could manage. Sven joined in too. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Pulling back, she glanced at her watch out of habit and winced. “It’s about time for me to get back though,” she said.
“This was good though,” he said. They stood up. Regarding her a moment, he added, “No matter where you go, stay in touch?”
“Absolutely,” Anna said.
Driving home in her car, she knew there was no place she could go that would lose her Kristoff’s friendship. But she kept wondering how far she needed to go in order to stop being Elsa’s sister. If she could shed that label, truly and entirely, then she could maybe, just maybe, come back and just be her girlfriend.
She got home to find Idunn waiting in the kitchen, sipping her coffee.
“ We need to talk,” Idunn said, setting her coffee down on the kitchen table. “Have a seat.”Real estate mogul Donald Trump leads the 2016 GOP pack but faces problems with the broader electorate, according to a new poll that found half of U.S. voters would be embarrassed to have Mr. Trump as president and showed Mr. Trump trailing the two leading Democratic contenders.
Mr. Trump led the 2016 GOP presidential field at 28 percent in the national Quinnipiac poll released Tuesday, followed by Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas at 24 percent, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida at 12 percent, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson at 10 percent and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie at 6 percent.
Among registered voters overall, though, 50 percent said they would be embarrassed to have Mr. Trump as president, 23 percent said they would be proud, and 24 percent said they wouldn’t feel either way. Fifty-three percent of voters overall said they don’t think he has a good chance of winning in the general election next November.
“Half of American voters say they’d be embarrassed to have Donald Trump as their commander in chief and most Americans think he doesn’t have a good chance in November, but there he is still at the top of the Republican heap,” said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll.
On the Democratic side, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had a 31-point, 61 percent to 30 percent, lead over Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont, with former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley at 2 percent.
In head-to-head match-ups, Mrs. Clinton led Mr. Trump by 7 points, 47 percent to 40 percent, and Mr. Sanders led Mr. Trump by 13 points, 51 percent to 38 percent.
Thirty-five percent of voters overall said they would be embarrassed to have Mrs. Clinton as president, 33 percent said they would be proud, and 29 percent said neither.
“Hillary Clinton tops him. Sen. Bernie Sanders hammers him, and Sen. Ted Cruz is snapping at his heels. Can a candidate that half the American electorate thinks is an embarrassment win in November?” Mr. Malloy said.
Overall, 59 percent said Mrs. Clinton would have a good chance of beating the 2016 GOP nominee next November. She led Mr. Rubio by 1 point in a head-to-head match-up, 44 percent to 43 percent, and was tied with Mr. Cruz at 44 percent apiece.
Fifty-three percent of voters did say Mr. Trump would do a better job handling the economy, compared to 43 percent for Mrs. Clinton. But 48 percent said Mrs. Clinton would do a better job handling terrorism, compared to 45 percent for Mr. Trump.
Mr. Trump had a positive 63 percent favorability rating among Republicans, with 30 percent reporting an unfavorable opinion of him.
But he had a negative 33 percent/59 percent favorable/unfavorable split among overall voters - the second-worst net score behind former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who had a 28 percent/56 percent split.
Mr. Bush also had the worst net split among Republicans, with 37 percent reporting a favorable opinion and 52 percent reporting an unfavorable opinion.
Mrs. Clinton had a negative 43 percent/51 percent favorable/unfavorable split among overall voters, but a positive 82 percent/13 split among Democrats.
Mr. Cruz had the best rating among Republican voters, with 68 percent reporting a favorable opinion and 7 percent reporting an unfavorable one. Forty percent of Republicans who watched or listened to the last GOP debate also said Mr. Cruz did the best job, followed by Mr. Trump at 20 percent.
Copyright © 2019 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.FOR those who were in any doubt, Lexington can assure readers that the big-party conventions in Tampa and Charlotte were not the most riveting or suspenseful of affairs. The acolytes of Ron Paul, a libertarian presidential candidate with a devoted and disgruntled following, did not disrupt the Republican pow-wow in Tampa as feared. Nor did Hurricane Isaac, which had appeared to be heading that way. The biggest suspense at the Democratic shindig in Charlotte centred on the weather too: whether, given the downpours all week, Barack Obama would be able to give his acceptance speech on September 6th in an open-air stadium. In the end, it was moved indoors; but few outside Mecklenburg County, North Carolina were on the edge of their seats.
The past two weeks of speechifying were a far cry from the Democratic convention of 1924, when it took 103 ballots to settle on a nominee. The outcome of a convention has not been in doubt since 1980, when Ted Kennedy tried to grab the delegates already pledged to Jimmy Carter. Although it is theoretically still possible that the primaries may yield an inconclusive result, leaving it up to the convention delegates to pick a presidential candidate, in practice the parties are keen to avoid the public bickering and unsavoury deal-making that would entail, so tend to rally around the favourite long beforehand. In fact, the Republican Party was so determined to present a united front this time round that it did not even bother to announce a proper tally of votes for the nomination—the whole reason, in theory, that all the delegates had gathered.
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There was not even much suspense about what would be said in the speeches. The parties now carefully vet all utterances from the podium to make sure they hew closely to the theme: how wonderful their man is, especially when compared with the horrors the other guy will unleash. The last time any politician said something truly unexpected and memorable at a convention was in 1992, when Pat Buchanan overshadowed the Republican nominee, George Bush senior, with a stem-winding tirade against “a religious war going on in this country”. By contrast, the organisers in Charlotte seemed all in a lather this year because Bill Clinton was late handing in his speech. In Tampa, when John Kasich, the governor of Ohio, departed from his approved script, a red light beneath the teleprompter began flashing frantically. It was one of the better speeches of the night.
Conventions are not just becoming duller to watch, they are also getting more unpleasant to attend. Security has been ratcheted well past airport levels. In Tampa, a whole elevated highway that ran past the venue was closed to all traffic for a week. Unsmiling security screeners in Charlotte confiscated umbrellas from the sodden delegates by the hundreds. Even the lobbyists and hangers-on are having a tougher time of it. The Democrats, reluctant to seem in hock to big business, have largely banished corporate sponsors. Invitations to side events and parties in both cities came with elaborate legalese about meeting federal anti-corruption laws. In an era of cameras in mobile phones and “citizen journalists”, the parties are anxious to avoid displays of conspicuous boozing and cigar-smoking.
Even attending a convention can be seen as something of a political liability for politicians running against the partisan tide. Republicans running for Congress in Democratic-leaning spots, such as Hawaii and New Mexico, skipped their party’s party, as did Democrats in Republican strongholds, such as Utah and Missouri. Both Senate candidates in Montana gave their conventions a miss, too. Party leaders on both sides have allowed their underlings to stay at home and focus on their own campaigns.
No wonder that it has become fashionable to argue that conventions should be done away with, or at least dramatically curtailed. Few Republicans mourned the forced compression of their jamboree into three days, thanks to Isaac. The Democrats had already done the same, voluntarily, without obvious ill effects. The festivities are expensive to mount, after all, and the official business, plus a good dose of oratory, could easily be dispensed with in a day-long pep rally. Some Democrats have floated the idea of a series of such rallies in different cities around the country, the better to appeal to local voters.
New stars rising
All this is an acknowledgment that the free publicity the conventions used to provide is atrophying. The big television networks, for example, seem eager to cut things short. They scandalised Republicans this year by declining to air the first night of speeches from Tampa, forcing Ann Romney’s appearance to be pushed back by a night. Ratings have been in decline since 1976, except for a blip in 2008. Only 30m viewers tuned in to hear Mr Romney accept the nomination, whereas John McCain drew 39m four years ago. By the same token, convention “bounces” in the polls, usually fleeting, are also getting smaller. Hence the increasingly desperate theatrics, including enlisting a rumpled Clint Eastwood to chat to an empty chair.
But even if the conventions are largely irrelevant to the present election, they are critical to future ones. No other event gives a party’s rising stars the chance to shine in front of so many of the activists, donors and pundits who will help shape future races. This year Marco Rubio, a Republican senator from Florida, burnished his already glowing reputation, and Julián Castro, the Democratic mayor of San Antonio, drew attention by becoming the first Latino to give his party’s keynote address. It is a safe bet that Mr Obama’s speech this year (admittedly, after The Economist went to press) will not have nearly as much bearing on his political career as the one he gave, to a rapturous reception, at the Democratic convention in Boston in 2004.“A drum! A drum! Macbeth doth come.” So say Shakespeare’s Weird Sisters in an uncanny prophesy of the Scottish play’s ubiquity this coming year. Rory Kinnear and Anne-Marie Duff star in Rufus Norris’s National Theatre production (previews from 26 February). Christopher Eccleston and Niamh Cusack are next in line in Polly Findlay’s RSC version (previews from 13 March). The Royal Opera, meanwhile, revives Verdi’s Macbeth (from 25 March) closely followed by Shostakovich’s satirical update, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk (from 12 April). For good measure, Kit Monkman has made a fluidly poetic film version, opening in late March, to add to the growing catalogue of movie Macbeths.
I suspect there is an element of chance to this profusion of Macbeths. At the same time, there is clearly something about the play that speaks to us urgently today. It is fashionable to see King Lear, with its madness and nihilistic bleakness, as the most modern of Shakespeare’s tragedies. But you could make an equally good case for Macbeth.
It deals, after all, with the destructive nature of unchecked power-lust and political ambition: it is no accident that the play has spawned a host of modern variations, from a 1955 gangster movie, Joe Macbeth, to a 1967 parodic play, Macbird, in which Barbara Garson wickedly implicated Lyndon Johnson in President John F Kennedy’s assassination.
The curse of Macbeth: why I keep going back to see a play that I don’t like | Jane Howard Read more
The play also provides one of the most extensive insights ever written into the mind and soul of a murderer. Malcolm refers to the Macbeths as “this dead butcher and his fiend-like queen,” but that’s not what we see on stage. Instead, Shakespeare’s play prefigures Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment in giving us access to the mental agonies of a murderer who is simultaneously a free agent and a victim of fate.
Increasingly the play is also viewed as a study of inherited notions of manliness and of a marriage shadowed by the loss of a child: Justin Kurzel’s 2015 film, starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, began with a funeral service for the Macbeths’ dead baby. It was palpably an event that shaped the subsequent action.
But I would argue there is one crowning reason, aside from its political relevance and domestic acuity, why Macbeth is always with us: it is quite simply the greatest theatrical poem ever written. The language, once heard, haunts the memory forever. Poets have also been quick to appreciate it. Peter Porter has said: “Nowhere is Shakespeare’s language more musical in the correct sense of the metaphor – not lyrical and euphuistic but continually thematic, with its own deep-set harmonies.” For a more detailed analysis, I would recommend the section in William Empson’s Seven Types of Ambiguity where he unpicks the lines “Light thickens / And the crow makes wing to the rooky wood.” Empson points to the suggestion of witches’ broth or curdling blood in “thickens”, to the cluck of the k-sounds implying an abrupt crackling of sticks and to the way the vowels at the end indicate increasing darkness as the crow takes flight.
Shakespeare may sometimes have been casual in his plotting but Macbeth proves that images and words were chosen with great deliberation. The idea of equivocation constantly recurs in a play in which “nothing is but what is not”. Frank Kermode says: “It is surely impossible to deny that certain words – time, man, done – and certain themes – blood, darkness – are the matrices of the language of Macbeth. One might guess that they took possession of Shakespeare as he did his preparatory reading. That they are thereafter used with conscious intention and skill seems equally certain.”
Precisely because it is an intricate dramatic poem, the play has had a somewhat chequered stage history. In the Victorian theatre, with its love of vast sets and hordes of extras, spectacle swamped |
are still fighting to get their boats released by the Greek government and vow to try again.
Our modest and peaceful initiative has exposed, for the world to see, the lengths the Israeli government will go to to stop nonviolent international initiatives. We have put the plight of Gaza and the illegality of the siege once again on the radar where it was previously ignored. We have exposed the sad but ultimately unsustainable fact that the Israelis have managed to extend their vindictive siege of Gaza to the shores of Europe and have widened the gulf between the Greek government and Greek popular sentiment with regard to Palestine.
Most importantly, we have given a boost to the larger, massive, multicultural, multinational movement for Palestinian rights. This Friday, hundreds of international activists are flying to Ben Gurion airport where they plan to tell border control agents of their intent to visit Palestine. This “flytilla,” as it has been dubbed, has also aroused a hysterical response from the Netanyahu government. Here again, the world’s attention will be focused on Israel’s control and blockade of movement in and out of the West Bank. The Knesset is on the verge of passing a bill that will effectively outlaw boycotts, a law that will likely only strengthen the resolve and increase the size of the international Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Movement. And then there will be the showdown at the United Nations, when Palestinians will be calling for recognition as a state.
The Israeli government can only continue its egregious violations of human rights and torpedoing nonviolence initiatives for so long. Eventually, justice will prevail and Palestine will be free. And initiatives like the flotilla will be remembered as part of a continuous wave of resistance that helped turned the tide.”
SourceNo butts: Councillor Richard Foster (left) wants to ban smoking in all public places in Melbourne. Credit:Joe Armao ''The ban would extend to any public place that could in no way be considered a private place, so basically anything that is not private land, so that would include alfresco dining areas, outside office blocks, anything like that,'' he said. There had been enough ''tinkering'' with laws around smoking. ''We have extended [no-smoking] boundaries around play areas, we have extended boundaries around childcare centres and hospitals, it is about time that we actually made it simpler for smokers and healthier for everybody else … just ban it outright and be done with it,'' he said. The idea already had some support among other Melbourne City councillors. A briefing on smoking ban options would be held for council staff next month. Cr Foster is hoping to have a trial of the public smoking ban introduced as early as March.
''There are no shortage of complaints about smoke being in the wrong places and interrupting the healthy lives of non-smokers, so that has got to drive something like this,'' he said. ''It is really just in the interest in the 80 per cent-plus of us that don't smoke.'' He said he favoured the Baillieu government extending the public-area smoking ban across the state. Cr Foster said he was not
expecting a legal challenge to the proposed ban. ''There will be some resistance from some quarters, of course, but by and large I think it has very strong support,'' he said. ''There have been surveys done in other council areas indicating wide-ranging support for measures like this, it is just that nobody has gone so far. ''It is about time a large city did.'' Cr Foster said the public smoking ban could help traders in the city.
''This could actually be a real boon for retailers in Melbourne, to be the only place in Victoria, indeed in Australia, where you are far less likely to encounter cigarette smoking when you go do your shopping.'' Quit Victoria, Cancer Council Victoria, the Heart Foundation (Victoria) and AMA Victoria have called for a statewide ban on smoking in outdoor dining and drinking areas. They also want statewide smoking bans near children's play equipment, the entrance to public buildings, public transport stops, sporting grounds, patrolled beaches between the flags, pedestrian malls and public events such as music festivals. The acting chief executive of the Heart Foundation Victoria, Kellie-Ann Jolly, said: ''The proposal to ban smoking in public areas within the City of Melbourne is a step in the right direction for the health of not just Victorians, but the many visitors, both interstate and international, to Melbourne. ''We think councillors and local governments like City of Melbourne should be supported by state legislation to enforce smoking bans in public areas.
''Heart Foundation Victoria along with Quit, Cancer Council Victoria and the Australian Medical Association Victoria have been working together to lobby the state government to adopt legislation to ban smoking in outdoor dining and drinking areas. We're hoping this latest push by Cr Richard Foster will help convince them to adopt a new law.'' Quit Victoria manager of tobacco policy Kylie Lindorff said a total ban on smoking in public places was not on its agenda at this stage. Loading ''The main reason is because we think it would be difficult to enforce,'' she said. Ms Lindorff said smoking bans in outdoor dining and drinking areas was Quit Victoria's priority.Ryan Reynolds has made it crystal clear that he wants the Deadpool movie to be R-rated, but he still has time for younger fans.
The actor took some time away from filming Deadpool to meet up with a fan named Tony Acevedo, who is battling Hodgkin’s disease. The set visit was arranged by the Make-A-Wish foundation, inspired by Acevedo’s desire to meet the “real” Deadpool.
Reynolds posted a couple of cute shots of the meet-up on Instagram, showing Acevedo stealing Deadpool’s mask and gloves.
Deadpool has a particular poignancy for cancer survivors, a character whose cancer was cured by a medical experiment that left him horribly scarred but with an advanced ability to heal.
According to THR, Acevedo said his reason for liking Deadpool was because, “Deadpool never dies and everything he touches has magical powers.”
H/T The Hollywood Reporter | Photo via Vancityreynolds/InstagramA TEENAGER pleaded guilty to raping a 90-year-old woman he brutally attacked as she walked home from church in Dusseldorf’s old town. A court was told the elderly pensioner was walking through the famous Altstadt district when was confronted by the young man screaming “money, money!” WeltN24 2 The teen hid his face when he appeared in court
Getty Images 2 The pensioner was walking back from St. Lambertus Church on October 2 WeltN24 2 The attack took place in an alley in Dusseldorf's famous Altstadt district
He is also said to have shouted “Keep silent, or death,” according to German media reports. When he discovered she had no cash, the young man dragged her into a alleyway between two buildings where he raped her while choking her. The defendant - known only as Souhayl M - then rifled through her handbag, stole her house key and wrote down her address. The 19-year-old now faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced later this month. The elderly victim had to be hospitalised after the attack. Her attacker, a Spaniard of Moroccan origin, was charged two weeks later after his DNA matched with that taken from the scene of another robbery he’d been arrested for last May. Dusseldorf police were also able to construct a likeness of the suspect after a police officer recognised the man at a train station. In his appearance before Dusseldorf District Court on Thursday, Souhayl admitted to carrying out the vile attack. "When I got home, I could not believe what had happened," said the defendant in his statement.
Souhayl, of no fixed address, said he was on cocaine, ketamine, and alcohol prior to the attack, and had set out to commit robbery not rape.
After glancing through his criminal record, however, the judge pointed to a case of suspected sexual assault back in Spain, which Souhayl denied.
Born in Morocco, Souhayl was reported to have had a history of being involved in petty crime.
He dropped out of school at 15 and joined a spin-off of the infamous US-based street gang, the Latin Kings.
WeltN24 2 The teen could be sentenced to 15 years when he appears back in court
Getty Images 2 Dusseldorf police were able to construct a likeness of the suspect
In Spain, he was arrested several times, including for violent brawls, and eventually fled the country in 2016 after he was threatened with jail time.
In Germany, he quickly became known to police for a string of shoplifting incidents and other small thefts.
Souhayl is also charged with stealing 30 euros from a woman at a nightclub.
Having admitted to charges of rape, theft and bodily harm, the young man faces a prison term of up to 15 years when the trial resumes for sentencing.
His trial will continue on March 27.While somewhat unknown for many years, Sami “Druggedfox” Muhana began 2015 quietly as he took 17th at Paragon Orlando and CEO 2015. However, he exploded to the forefront of everyone’s mind after a set with TSM | Leffen at EVO 2015, where his Sheik and Marth took one of the favorites to win the event to his last stock. With his Sheik he demonstrated a remarkably high level of skill in reaction tech-chasing, and with his Marth he performed fantastic chain-grabs on FD that led to people comparing him to Mew2King. Despite his loss in this set he went on to place 9th at the event after defeating S2J and Duck in losers. Some in the community thought that this was a fluke, especially after Paragon LA where he placed 17th after losing to MacD and Hugs. However, at his next tournament, HTC Throwdown, he played very well, placing 4th after defeating Mango, Colbol, and SFAT before losing a nail-biter to Silent Wolf. In October, Druggedfox performed somewhat poorly at The Big House 5 where he lost early to Ginger, a respectable Falco out of Michigan, before ending in 17th after a loss to Plup. Despite this setback, he finished the year strongly at Tipped Off 11 where he tore through losers after a round one loss to Drunk Sloth. In top 64, he defeated the likes of Ice, Gravy, Professor Pro, Javi, n0ne, and Wizzrobe on his way to winning the tournament. – David Tyler(@flossy_tas)Mad Hot Ballroom Theatrical release poster Directed by Marilyn Agrelo Produced by Marilyn Agrelo
Amy Sewell
Brian David Cange
Wilder Knight II Written by Amy Sewell Starring Madeleine Hackney Music by Joseph Baker
Steven Lutvak Cinematography Claudia Raschke-Robinson Edited by Sabine Krayenbuhl Production
company Nickelodeon Movies
Just One Production Distributed by Paramount Classics Release date May 13, 2005 ( )
Running time 106 minutes Country United States Language English Budget $500,000[1] Box office $9.4 million[1]
Mad Hot Ballroom is a 2005 American documentary film directed and co-produced by Marilyn Agrelo and written and co-produced by Amy Sewell, about a ballroom dance program in the New York City Department of Education, the New York City public school system for fifth graders. Several styles of dance are shown in the film, such as tango, foxtrot, swing, rumba and merengue.[2]
Plot [ edit ]
Based on a feature article written by Sewell, Mad Hot Ballroom looks inside the lives of 11-year-old New York City public school kids who journey into the world of ballroom dancing and reveal pieces of themselves along the way. Told from the students' perspectives as the children strive toward the final citywide competition, the film chronicles the experiences of students at three schools in the neighborhoods of Tribeca, Bensonhurst and Washington Heights. The students are united by an interest in the ballroom dancing lessons, which builds over a 10-week period and culminates in a competition to find the school that has produced the best dancers in the city. As the teachers cajole their students to learn the intricacies of the various disciplines, Agrelo intersperses classroom footage with the students' musings on life; many of these reveal an underlying maturity.[2]
Release [ edit ]
The documentary premiered at the 2005 Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah and was purchased by Paramount Classics and Nickelodeon Movies. It had a limited theatrical release in the United States on May 13, 2005. Mad Hot Ballroom was the second highest grossing documentary in 2005 after March of the Penguins.[3] As of February 7, 2012, it had earned over $8.1 million, making it the sixteenth-highest-grossing documentary film in the United States (in nominal dollars, from 1982 to the present).[4]
Awards [ edit ]
Awards bestowed upon Mad Hot Ballroom include:[5]
See also [ edit ]RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — The “guests” are issued key cards for their rooms, receive three catered meals per day and sleep in luxury suites outfitted with big-screen TVs, king-size beds and shiny wallpaper.
They call it the Family House, and it feels like a boutique hotel, if you can overlook the lack of windows, the towering walls outside and the location — inside one of Saudi Arabia’s high-security prisons for jihadis.
The house is designed to give jihadis who behave well a respite from inmate life and help them reconnect with their wives and children, and perhaps even conceive new ones.
That positive reinforcement is emblematic of the Saudi approach to its homegrown jihadi, which would not translate well to the West. Those who have done their misdeeds abroad and have not participated in attacks at home are generally regarded as misled Saudi sons who need to have their thinking corrected so they can return to society as good, obedient subjects.
Prison is not just to punish a person and then let him out. hat’s a danger to him and to society. If he gets out and is good with himself, his family and society, that is better.
That philosophy was clear during a recent tour of al-Ha’ir Prison south of Riyadh, one of Saudi Arabia’s five facilities holding its more than 5,000 inmates charged with terrorism-related offenses.
“Here we have all the types of terrorism that you have in the kingdom,” said a guide, a portly, mustachioed assistant prison director who gave only a nickname, Abu Nawaf, for security reasons.
“Prison is not just to punish a person and then let him out,” he said. “That’s a danger to him and to society. If he gets out and is good with himself, his family and society, that is better.”
The effectiveness of that approach — which the Saudis argue is preferable to, say, sending inmates to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba — is hotly debated and probably will be for some time, as independent assessments are rare.
Saudi officials say recidivism is low, but Abu Nawaf could provide no statistics. And the International Committee of the Red Cross has no presence in Saudi Arabia, so it cannot monitor prison conditions.
Western human rights groups, rarely allowed inside the kingdom, say conditions are believed to be better in high-security facilities than in regular criminal prisons, where allegations of mistreatment and overcrowding are more common.
The imposing and unmarked facility sits on the edge of the desert, ringed by two high walls interrupted by well-guarded gates. More than 1,700 inmates — all men — reside in wards that are connected by bright white corridors. The iron gates, doors and guard booths are purple.
All inmates get certain benefits, Abu Nawaf said, like a monthly stipend equivalent to $400 for incidentals and the possibility of “temporary release” for family functions. An inmate heading to a relative’s wedding, for example, gets $2,666 so he can give a gift.
Large rooms with couches and tables are provided for family visits, and inmates who are not considered dangerous also receive “special visits” from their spouses in small rooms with pink walls, pink beds, a minibar (no alcohol, of course) and a bathroom.
Each wife can visit once a month, resulting in a polygamy benefit for men with more than one spouse.
Those with four wives get one visit each week.
“Those with four wives get one visit each week,” Abu Nawaf said.
Even inmates on death row are allowed these special visits. Abu Nawaf saw no problem with their being able to procreate.
“It is not only his right,” he said. “It is his wife’s right, too.”
Nearby is the local branch of the Prince Mohammed bin Nayef Center for Advice and Care, a reform program staffed by psychologists and religious officials who try to deradicalize inmates by teaching them what Nasser al-Ajmi, a psychologist with the center, called “correct Shariah thought.”
Newly arrived inmates are assessed by a psychologist to identify social factors that may have led them astray, like drugs or alcohol, family troubles or hanging out with the wrong crowd, Ajmi said.
When appropriate, inmates then meet with clerics to talk ideology. One cleric, Khalid al-Abdan, said his work often involved correcting misunderstandings about jihad and telling inmates that the wars in Syria and Iraq did not qualify because they were more about sectarianism and politics than about religion.
He also reinforces the idea that individuals should be obedient to their rulers and not declare jihad on their own. “These instructions can only come from the rulers,” he said.
When asked what he teaches regarding Shiites, considered infidels by most Saudi clerics and militant Sunni groups like the Islamic State, who often execute their captives, he said the inmates could hold whatever views they liked as long as they were not violent.
“If someone says that Shiites are infidels, that is his opinion and it is not important for us,” he said. “If he wants to kill them, that is a problem.”
A banner on one wall listed numbers of successful sessions and participants, but no one recalled Yousef al-Sulaiman, a young Saudi who went through this reform center two years ago.
In August, Sulaiman blew himself up inside a mosque used by the security forces, killing at least 15 people, according to Saudi news media. Other graduates of this and other branches of the center have also returned to militancy, including a man who blew himself up near a mosque last year and 44 of 77 suspects in a deadly attack on a Shiite mosque the year before.
“Here, we treat ideological sickness,” said Ajmi, the psychologist, when asked about such failures. “Just like when a child gets sick and gets better, the sickness can come back later.”
At the end of a white corridor lined with cells was a courtyard with artificial turf and a metal grate for a roof, where the inmates are permitted to hang out, smoke and get fresh air. There were a small market selling drinks and snacks, a room where inmates could make (monitored) telephone calls and a small library.
On the library’s shelves were newspapers and books on education and religion, including “English for Beginners” and an Arabic translation of “The Eighth Habit,” the sequel to the self-help hit “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” which was not available.
A nearby cell held five inmates, each with a neatly made single bed and a set of shelves holding books, bottles of cologne and a chess set.
One inmate, Abdullah Mohammed, 29, said he had been studying Shariah at a state university in Riyadh in 2014 when images of violence he saw in Syria persuaded him to travel there and join the Nusra Front, Syria’s affiliate of al-Qaida.
“I saw that people were being displaced as refugees, so I wanted to save them,” he said. But he was soon disappointed.
“Then I went there and saw chaos, people killing everyone else, and you didn’t know who was your friend and who was your enemy,” he said.
So he fled to Turkey, where the Saudi Embassy helped him get home. The government was offering amnesty to foreign fighters at the time, so he did not go to prison right away. But he soon got mixed up in some other nefarious business that landed him behind bars.
“I had some contacts with some people,” he said, declining to elaborate.
He placed blame for his ordeal not on bad decisions or incorrect thinking but on the government and the news media — of the United States.
“I am a victim of the American government and the American media,” he said, despite being unable to understand rudimentary English.
His wife had come to visit two weeks before, he said. They do not yet have children, he said, but they might by the time he is supposed to get out, in seven months.The Dow Jones Industrial Average, shown here in a line graph for the week of Nov. 7-11, completed a record rally on Friday by climbing to a new all-time high and wrapping its best week since December 2011. The index's astounding revival since plummeting 800 points on election night has many analysts believing the domestic markets will continue to be bullish through the end of the year. Image courtesy New York Stock Exchange/DJIA
NEW YORK, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Wall Street continued its record Donald Trump-inspired turnaround on Friday by posting yet another all-time high for the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
The index climbed another 40 points by the end of trading Friday to finish at 18,847.66 -- its highest finish in history, and just 152 points away from the 19,000-mark.
In addition to posting a new record high, the Dow also wrapped its best week since December 2011 -- a gain of more than 5 percent since the opening bell Monday. The rise is spectacular considering the index shed 800 points at the height of uncertainty on election night.
Wednesday, though, the market rebounded as uncertainty gave way to renewed optimism about the positive economic prospects of a Trump presidency.
The S&P 500 sagged slightly on Friday, dropping 3 points to 2,164.45, and the tech-weighted Nasdaq, which struggled to join the surge this week, climbed 28 points to 5,237.11.
"The last couple days we've had big moves. Now everyone's saying, 'let's catch our breath,'" analyst Frank Ingarra said Friday. "We're in this period of a big rebalance in the market as people try to read the tea leaves to know what the new president is going to do and which sectors are going to win or lose."
Industrial and financial shares were most responsible for this week's remarkable comeback, as investors poured money into futures they believe will benefit from likely Trump policies of increased government spending and decreased corporate regulation.
Financial stocks in the S&P 500 finished the week up 11 percent and industrial shares rose 8 percent.
RELATED Oil prices sharply lower on OPEC production
Many analysts say it's likely they will continue to be bullish through the end of the year and into early 2017, when Trump takes office.
Thanks to Trump's election and the positive economic ripple it's created so far, the U.S. Federal Reserve might also finally raise key interest rates at its next policy meeting on Dec. 13-14 -- or at least at a quicker pace than it had planned -- as the new GOP administration is expected to boost inflation above the 2 percent benchmark.
The Fed raised the federal funds rate in December 2015 after nearly a decade of rates near zero, but has left them unchanged for all seven policy meetings so far this year.The most surprising Casio news out of Baselworld 2016 is the announcement of the G-Shock Gulfmaster GWN-Q1000, an all-new ocean concept Gulfmaster model and the first G-Shock to feature the Quad Sensor. The Quad Sensor includes the altimeter-barometer, compass (with automatic horizontal compensation), and thermometer of the Triple Sensor Version 3, plus a depth gauge to measure water depth like the upcoming Frogman GWF-D1000. The GWN-Q1000 is a significant upgrade to the Gulfmaster GWN-1000 that will prove its seaworthiness to the most demanding maritime users.
Update: The first two GWN-Q1000 models are the black and blue GWN-Q1000-1AJF and the white and blue GWN-Q1000-7AJF with a list price of ¥100,000 JPY each and an August 2016 release in Japan.
Update 2: Casio announced a September 2016 Asia release for the GWN-Q1000-1A and GWN-Q1000-7A. Casio America announced the GWNQ1000-1A for a September release with a list price of $850.
The environmental sensors are designed to track changing ocean conditions by coast guard personnel and others who are active on the sea. The barometer tracks changes in atmospheric pressure to predict sudden weather changes. The thermometer tracks changes in air and water temperature. The compass helps to determine the direction of the wind and tides. The depth meter measures the current depth when underwater.
The GWN-Q1000 also has a tide graph and moon age data. It is the first Gulfmaster model with sunrise/sunset data and a sapphire crystal. The watch has a resin case with a carbon fiber reinforcement. The back cover and band are made of soft urethane for maximum comfort on the wrist. The index, hour, and minute hands have a phosphorescent treatment for visibility in the dark.
The Gulfmaster GWN-Q1000 exterior design is similar to the GWN-1000 with some unique changes. The LCD subdisplay is now on the upper half of the face and the tide graph and barometer indicators are at the 5 o’clock position and also include a sensor mode indicator. The side buttons look more like the Frogman rather than the circular buttons of the GWN-1000. Like the GWN-1000 it has numbers on the bezel to display changes in altitude and atmospheric pressure.
Other key features include shock resistance, 200-meter water resistance, Tough Solar power system, Multi-Band 6 radio wave time-syncing, world time (48 cities + UTC), 1/100 second stopwatch (24 hours), countdown timer (60 minutes), 5 daily alarms, hourly time signal, manual sensor memory function with time stamp function, and full auto double LED light with afterglow (1.5 or 3 seconds).
The GWN-Q1000 measures 48.0 × 57.3 × 17.0 mm and weighs 113 grams.
GWN-Q1000-1AJF
Black resin with blue bezel.
GWN-Q1000-7AJF
White resin with blue bezel.
Official G-Shock Gulfmaster GWN-Q1000 Promotional Video:
Previous Photos:
Photos via casio-intl.com, casio-watches.com, news.mynavi.jpThe original lineup of the Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe and Pete Best regularly performed at different clubs in Hamburg, West Germany, during the period from August 1960 to December 1962; a chapter in the group's history which honed their performance skills, widened their reputation, and led to their first recording, which brought them to the attention of Brian Epstein.
The Beatles' booking agent, Allan Williams, decided to send the group to Hamburg when another group he managed, Derry and the Seniors, proved successful there. Having no permanent drummer at the time, they recruited Best a few days before their departure. After breaking their contract by playing at another club, Harrison was deported for being underaged, and McCartney and Best were arrested and deported for attempted arson.
The Beatles first met Astrid Kirchherr in Hamburg, who was instrumental in their adoption of the famous Beatle haircut. During their time in Hamburg, Sutcliffe decided to leave the group to continue his studies. In April 1962, less than a year after leaving the group, he suffered a brain hemorrhage and died as a result.
Hamburg in the 1960s [ edit ]
Hamburg had once been Germany's main seaport, the fourth largest in the world, but in 1943 virtually the entire city had been reduced to rubble by World War II bombing raids. By 1960, when they arrived, the Hamburg that had grown up from the ruins of WWII had established a reputation throughout Europe as a city of vice and criminal activity. In contrast to an economically depressed post-war Liverpool, Hamburg was a wealthy city.
Leaving Liverpool [ edit ]
Williams, a 29-year-old Liverpool businessman and promoter, had sent his leading group, Derry and the Seniors (later known as Howie Casey and the Seniors)[3] to Hamburg, where they were enjoying success, and wanted to send an additional group. He initially tried to send Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, but Storm and his group were committed to a Butlins holiday camp and turned Williams' offer down, as did Gerry and the Pacemakers. Williams started promoting concerts for The Beatles in May 1960, after they had played at his Jacaranda club in Liverpool, and offered The Beatles the Hamburg bookings.[6][8] He booked them into Bruno Koschmider's Indra club in Hamburg for a season of bookings starting on 12 August 1960, but said that he was not impressed with them as a musical group, and hoped to find a better act to follow them.[10]
As they had no permanent drummer, McCartney looked for someone to fill the position, which was difficult, as Lennon later said that drummers were "few and far between", because a set of drums was an expensive item.[12] Harrison had seen Best playing with the Black Jacks in The Casbah Coffee Club[13] (which was run by his mother, Mona Best). He was regarded as a steady drummer, playing the bass drum on all four beats in the bar, which pushed the rhythm, and was known in Liverpool at the time as being "mean, moody, and magnificent" by female fans,[15] which convinced McCartney he would be good for the group.[16] After the Black Jacks broke up, McCartney asked Best to go to Hamburg, telling him they would earn £15 per week each. Best had the chance to go to a teacher-training college, as he had passed his school exams, unlike Lennon, McCartney and Harrison, who had failed most of theirs, but decided that playing in Hamburg would be a better career move.
The St. Pauli quarter of Hamburg, where the Indra club was located, was well known as an area where prostitutes were to be found, and was a dangerous place for anyone that looked different from the usual clientele. McCartney's father, Jim McCartney, was reluctant to let his teenage son go to Hamburg, but relented after a visit from Williams, who told him that he "shouldn't worry". Lennon's aunt, Mimi Smith, was also reluctant to allow Lennon to go to Hamburg, wanting Lennon to continue his studies, but Lennon placated her by exaggerating the amount he would earn. Best had an audition in Williams' Jacaranda club on 15 August 1960,[23] and travelled to Hamburg the next day as a member of the group.[24][25] Williams later admitted that the audition with Best was not needed, as they had not found any other drummer willing to travel to Hamburg, but did not tell Best in case he asked for more money.[26] The group were to be paid about £100 per week, which was much more than promoters in Liverpool paid. Williams drove the group and their equipment in his Austin J4 minibus[27] which was loaded by crane onto a ferry at Harwich on 16 August 1960, and landed at Hook of Holland.
All five Beatles, Williams and his wife Beryl, her brother Barry Chang, and "Lord Woodbine" were in the minivan, along with Georg Sterner (Koschmider's translator and future waiter), making a total of ten people, which resulted in a journey that was both uncomfortable and dangerous.[29] As Williams had not obtained German work permits, they were detained at Harwich for five hours. Williams finally convinced the authorities that they were students on holiday,[30][31][32] although work permits were later obtained after their arrival in Hamburg.[33] Note: "Lord Woodbine" and Williams ran a strip club called New Cabaret Artistes club at 174A Upper Parliament Street in Liverpool. Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Sutcliffe once played backing music for "Janice the Stripper" there, in July 1960.[34]
Hamburg clubs [ edit ]
In the early 1960s, the Hamburg scene revolved around the Kaiserkeller, Top Ten, Star-Club, Beer-Shop, Mambo, Holle, Wagabond (pronounced vagabond in German) and the Pacific Hotel, as well as the less popular clubs like Grannies, the Ice Cream Shop, Chugs, and Sacha's. The Reeperbahn and the Grosse Freiheit were decorated with neon lights, with posters advertising the performers in the clubs. Each club had a doorman whose job was to entice customers inside, as the drinks were expensive (for Babycham and watered-down beer). Customers who would not, or could not afford to pay were dealt with severely by being beaten and then thrown out.[35]
The Indra and Kaiserkeller [ edit ]
The Indra Club, where The Beatles first played on arriving in Hamburg, as it appeared in 2007.
The Beatles arrived very early in the morning of 17 August 1960, but had no trouble finding the St. Pauli area of Hamburg, as it was so infamous.[36] Unfortunately the Indra Club (64 Grosse Freiheit) was closed, so a manager from a neighbouring club found someone to open it up, and the group slept on the red leather seats in the alcoves.[38] The group played at the club on the same night, but were told they could sleep in a small cinema's storeroom, which was cold and in very poor condition, the Bambi Kino[30] (33 Paul-Roosen Strasse).
McCartney later said, "We lived backstage in the Bambi Kino, next to the toilets, and you could always smell them. The room had been an old storeroom, and there were just concrete walls and nothing else. No heat, no wallpaper, not a lick of paint; and two sets of bunk beds, with not very much covers—Union Jack flags—we were frozen."[39] Lennon remembered: "We were put in this pigsty. We were living in a toilet, like right next to the ladies' toilet. We'd go to bed late and be woken up next day by the sound of the cinema show and old German fraus [women] pissing next door."[30] After having been awoken in this fashion, the group were then obliged to use cold water from the urinals for washing and shaving. They were paid £2.50 each a day, seven days a week, playing from 8:30-9:30, 10 until 11, 11:30-12:30, and finishing the evening playing from one until two o'clock in the morning. German customers found the group's name comical, as "Beatles" sounded like "Peedles", which meant a small boy's penis.
Harrison remembered the Reeperbahn and Grosse Freiheit as the best thing the group had ever seen, as it had so many neon lights, clubs and restaurants, although also saying, "The whole area was full of transvestites and prostitutes and gangsters, but I couldn't say that they were the audience...[43] Hamburg was really like our apprenticeship, learning how to play in front of people."[44] Best remembered the Indra as being a depressing place that was filled with a few tourists, and having heavy, old, red curtains that made it seem shabby compared to the larger Kaiserkeller, a club also owned by Koschmider and located nearby at 36 Grosse Freiheit. After the closure of the Indra because of complaints about the noise, the Beatles played in the Kaiserkeller, starting on 4 October 1960.
Performances [ edit ]
Their playing schedule at the Kaiserkeller remained the same as it had been in the Indra.[32] Lennon said: "We had to play for hours and hours on end. Every song lasted twenty minutes and had twenty solos in it. That's what improved the playing. There was nobody to copy from. We played what we liked best and the Germans liked it as long as it was loud."[30] The Beatles had been used to simply standing still when they had performed in Liverpool, but Koschmider would come to the front of the stage and loudly shout “Mach schau, mach schau!” ("make [a] show" or, more idiomatically, "put on a show" for the customers). Harrison explained that this prompted Lennon to “dance around like a gorilla, and we’d all knock our heads together.”[47] As Best had been the only one to take O-Level German at school, he could communicate with Koschmider and the clientele better than the rest of the group, and was invited to sing a speciality number called "Peppermint Twist" (while McCartney played the drums) but Best complained that he always felt uncomfortable being at the front of the stage.[49] Willie Limpinski, Koschmider's business manager, decided that the club would attract more customers if it presented continuous live music.[50]
Williams warned the Beatles about the competition they would face by playing in the same club as the Hurricanes by saying, "You'd better pull your socks up because Rory Storm and the Hurricanes are coming in, and you know how good they are. They're going to knock you for six."[30] In early October 1960, Storm and the Hurricanes were free to travel to Hamburg, replacing Derry and the Seniors at the Kaiserkeller. They arrived in Hamburg on 1 October 1960, having negotiated to be paid more than the Seniors or the Beatles. They played five or six 90-minute sets every day, alternating with the Beatles. They were appalled at the living conditions the Beatles and other groups like Howie Casey and the Seniors (who were sleeping in one room at the back of the Kaiserkeller) had to put up with,[53] so they booked into Hamburg's Seamens' Mission.[54]
Violence and conflict [ edit ]
The stage of the Kaiserkeller was made of planks of wood balanced on the top of beer crates, so the two groups made a bet to see to who would be the first to break it. After punishing the stage for days, a slight crack appeared, and when Storm jumped off the top of |
Theaters.
At the same time Szlengel published poems and satirical prose in the satirical newspaper "Szpilki", "Pins", but also in the Jewish newspaper "Nasz Przegląd" ("Our Review") he published gloomy prophetic poems which foreboded the approaching storm - the Hitlerian danger which threats the whole human kind. Also these poems tended to a publicist style - and they clearly send their message, without metaphors or literary ornaments, see his pessimist poems like "Don't Buy the New Year Calendar" or "A Frightened Generation".
The separation from the Polish environment was very painful to Szlengel. We learn about it from his poems full of nostalgia to Warszawa. In one of them, "The Telephone", he tells how while sitting near the telephone, he wanted to speak to one of his Polish friends behind the wall of the Ghetto. To his amazement, he found out that he has nobody to call, as their ways were completely separated during the Ghetto times. This poem was probably among the first ones he wrote after the erection of the Ghetto.
The next poems are rather a chronicle of the Ghetto life and its future. His poetry was written to the literary crowd, which had gathered in "Sztuka" (art) coffee-shop on Leszno Street. There Szlengel gave a show on the stage, together with other satirical writers, such as Leonid Fukszanski, "Mecenas Wacus (Waclaw Tajtelbaum), Andrzej Wlast - very well known names before the War - and also Pola Braun, the singers Wera GGran and Marysia Ajzenstadt, the piansit Władysław Szpilman and others.
The poems were not written only to the actual crowd of the "living diary", or lovers of his poetry, recited in many parties and special evenings in private homes, Szlengel was aware of the fact that he was writing for history and also to the future reader. For this reason he assembled his poems in files which he distributed in various hiding place in the Ghetto and outside the Ghetto.
To mark the 35th anniversary of Ghetto Warszawa's uprising, Irena Maciejewska published all the poems, which she managed to find - excepone: " The key at the Concierge ". This is an ironic poem, aimed at all those whowere the first to tathe opportunitgiven to them by the Germans, to rob the Jewish property and also the first to serve the new Masters. This poem was not included in the collection published in Warszawa, but we learn that Szlengel himself refrained from including it in his collection. And thus he wrote to the "pedants" who would come one day and publish his poetry: "I didn't include my poem "The key at the Concierge" because I wait with publication of this drastic subject (the title should not be taken as simple as it sounds) to days when the nationalist instincts which were inflamed by the brown shirts will fade, and with peace we will make the account with the sins of our neighbors." The poem was published in the anthology of Michal Borwicz ("Piesn ujdzie calo" - The song will sourvive, 1947) and also in the anthology of the satirical Polish poetry of Leon Pasternak and Jan Spiwak (1950).
Szlengel does not explicitly to these subjects. There is no exact key to the chronology of Szlengel's poems. But we can assume according to the contents of the poem, when they were written. So is the poem "Things", which is a rather living history of the deportations and decreasing the Ghetto's space, or "A Page from the Diary of the Actions" which describes the heroic expel of Janusz Korczak and his orphan children to the Umschlagplatz - a rare document of an eye-witness - and "Kontratak", (Counterattack) a giant testimony page to the Jewish armed uprising on 19 April 1943.
Władysław Szlengel lived all the Ghetto period and he perished during the Warszawa Ghetto uprising in April, in the bunker of Szymon Kac on 36 Swietojenska Street, and with his sharp brilliant pen, he brought into expression the tragedy which occurred there. He didn't refrain from attacking the masters from the Jewish Police, by writing names and incidents.
Szlengel erected a memorial to the simple man and he left a very unique description of the Jewish revolt. He writes under all circumstances and see himself as the diarist in a sinking ship, the poet of the dying and the murdered. His opening lines to the collection of his poems - "What I Read to the Dead" is so shocking and explain the situation of the Ghetto's prisoners,in such truthfulness that compared to it, thousand of papers written about the subject since then become pale.
Names...
Ziuta... Asia... Eli... Fanja... Siuma... Do they tell you anything? Nothing.
People... unnecessary people. They were thousands of them. In thousands they were driven to the Umschlagplatz, in thousands they were bitten by the whip, torn apart from their families, loaded into the cargo trucks, poisoned by gas. Not important. The Statistics will not mark them, they will not be given any commendation.
Names. Empty sounds. For me they were living people, relatives, tangible, these are human lives whom I have known from events in which I participated. These tragedies intensified by feelings are more important for me than the fate of Europe.
They are gone...
As a farewell, the S.S. officer shoots at the group who was realeased.
Władysław Szlengel
Władysław Szlengel: Selected Poems
Translated and Edited by Halina Birenbaum & Ada Holtzman
(Spis treści - partial list)
Co czytałem umarłym – What I Read to the Dead (Polish) Hebrew אשר קראתי למתים
Posłowie Epilogue (Hebrew) | Notatka dla pedantów Note to the Pedants (Hebrew) | Do polskiego czytelnika To the Polish Reader (Hebrew)
Szałasy (Nasz Przeglad - (Our Review) 20.09.1937) - Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacle) –סוכות
Wiosna na ulicy Pawiej (18.04. 1937) - Spring on the Pawia Street – אביב ברח' פאביה
Wiersz na temat nieżydowski, ("Nasz Przeglad", 5.10. 1937) - A Poem not about a Jewish Theme שיחה על נושא לא-יהודי
Samolot (6.04.1937) - An Aeroplane - אוירון
Nihil Novi (1937)
Warszawa III (25.04. 1937) - (na marginesie felietonu Pierrota:"Warszawa II") - On the margins of a Feuilleton by Pierrot „Warsaw II")
Sklepiki (18.12.1938) - Small Shops – קטנות חנויות
Płyną okręty (Quasi una Fantasia) 1938 - Ships are Sailing (almost a Fantasy) הספינות מפליגות (כמעט פאנטסיה)
Szukam cłowieka (1938) - I'm looking for a Human Beinמחפש בן אדם
Przerażone pokolenie (25.01. 1939) - Frightened Genaration דור מבוהל
Prima Aprilis (1939) - "Nasz Przeglad" (Our Review) - 1st Aprilראשון באפריל
Niemowlę ( 1.01.1939) - An Infant - 1939 תינוק
Kol Nidrei (14.09.1937כל נדרי- (
Malzenstwo Dyktatora, Szpilki (1939) - Pins, The Marriage of the Dictator (a Feuilleton חתונת הדיקטטור – פלייטון - (
Cisza (Akwarela letnia) (13.08.1939) - Silence (Summer Aquarelle) שקט - (אקוורל קיצי)
Tobuł tułaczy 5.02.1939 - A Bundle of a Vagabond – שק של נדודים
The Warsaw Ghetto Poems ( From the Book of Irena Maciejewska)
Co Czytalem Umarlym- What I read to Dead
Co czytałem umarłym – What I Read to the Dead (Polish)
Hebrew אשר קראתי למתים
What I Read to the Dead (English)
Posłowie Epilogue (Hebrew) | Notatka dla pedantów Note to the Pedants (Hebrew) | Do polskiego czytelnika To the Polish Reader (Hebrew)
Wołanie w nocy - A Cry in the Nightבכי בלילה -
Okno na tamtą stronę - The Window to the Other Side – חלון הפונה לצד ההוא
Telefon - The Telephone - הטלפון
Legendy wigilijne - Legends of the Eve of Christmas – אגדות ליל חג המולד
Dwaj panowie na śniegu - Two Men on the Snow – שני אדונים בשלג
Paszporty - The Passports - דרⳫונים
List - The Letter - מכתב
Alarm - אזעקה
Klucz u Stróża - The Key is at the Concierge – המפתח אצל השוער
Mała stacja Treblinki - The Small Station of Treblinka – התחנה הקטנה טרבלינקה
Obrachunek z Bogiem – An Account with God, Warsaw Ghetto 1943 – חשבון עם אלוהים
Kartka z dziennika akcji - A Page from the Diary of the Actions – דף מיומן האקציה
Okolice Warszawy - Warsaw Suburbs – פרוורי וארשה
Pomnik - The Monument - אנדרטה
Dzwonki – Bells - הצילצולים
Rozmowa z dzieckiem - Talking with a Child – שיחה עם ילד
Nowe święto - A New Holiday – חג חדש
Ostatnia legenda o Golemie - The Last Legend about the "Golem" of Prague – האגדה האחרונה אודות הגולם
Cylinder - A Cylinder (Top Cap) - הצילינדר
Wiersz o dziesięciu kieliszkach - A Poem about Ten "Chalices" (Wine Glasses) – שיר אודות עשר כוסות
Cyrk - A Cyrcus - הקרקס
Zahlen bitte! - You Have to Pay Please! – נא לשלם בבקשה!
Dwie śmierci - Two Deaths – שתי מיתות
W ten dzień - At This Day – באותו היום
Piękna niedziela - The Beautiful Sunday – יום ראשון היפה
Romans współczesny - A Contemporary Romance – רומן בן זמננו
Erotyk anno domini 1943 - An Eroticist Year 1943 - ארוטיקן שנת 1943
Dajcie mi spokój - Leave Me in Peace - עיזבוני במנוחה
Bardzo przepraszam - I Beg Your Pardon - סליחה רבה
Rzeczy - Things - החפצים
Już czas - It's Time - זה הזמן
Za pięć dwunasta - Five minutes to Midnight - חמש דקות לחצות
Kontratak (wersja II) - Counterattack - התקפת נגד
Varia - Various - שונות
Résumé, czyli Krakowiaki makabryczne - Resume of the Macabre Krakoviacs - תקציר קרקוביקים מקבריים
Pamiętają o mnie (Piosenka Majera Mlinczyka) - They Remember Me (A poem by Majer Mlinczyk) - זוⳫרים אותי
Fraszki - Trifles - זוטות
Trzy listy o wąsach i bródce - Three Letters about a Moustache and a Short Beard - שלושה מכתבים על אודות השפם והזקנקן
Pożegnanie z czapką - Parting from a Cap - פרידה מכובע
Selected Poems I (Polish & English)
Selected Poems II (Polish & Hebrew)
Selected Poems III (Polish & Hebrew)
Selected Poems IV (Polish & Hebrew)
Ce que j’ai lu aux morts… Szlengel Poetry Translated from Polish to French by Jean-Yves Potel
Clarifications
What I Read to the Dead (Polish)
What I Read to the Dead (Hebrew)
What I Read to the Dead (English)
What I Read to the Dead (English - in Kobos Web Site "SHOAH")
We Remember Władysław Szlengel, The Ghetto Poet! We Shall Not Forget!Most horror movies are generally told from a male perspective, despite the fact that studies have shown the audiences for these films are 50% female. There have been some powerful genre movies made by women, featuring feminist leanings and a strong female viewpoint. We wanted to highlight these works — those films that bypass the stereotypical (naked) damsel in distress trope and call attention to the male gaze, sometimes turning it back onto itself. If the only names that come to mind when discussing horror are Hitchcock and Romero, let this list also serve as an introduction to fantastic female filmmakers who enjoy scaring the hell out of their audiences.
Trouble Every Day
Claire Denis’ blood-soaked meditation on desire, obsession, and longing centers on a pair of cannibals (Vincent Gallo and Béatrice Dalle) who indulge their animal appetites with abandon and force us to face some of our most primal fears: being eaten alive, being alone, and losing time.In 1991, Harvard Business Review article Computerless Computer Company by Andy Rappaport and Shmuel Halevi explained how Microsoft’s PCs overwhelmed Apple’s Macs. Most of the article’s wisdom would hold true today if applied to Google and Android’s domination of the iPhone.
Since Steve Jobs orchestrated Apple’s turnaround in the late 1990s, Apple has recovered from the near-death experience when Jobs returned and Microsoft loaned Apple $150 million. Apple is now one of the world’s richest companies in the world and is no longer in what the authors called a battle for long-term survival when they asked the question:
“Apple beat Microsoft by six years, a lifetime in computers, in developing a graphics-oriented operating environment. So why is Microsoft the most powerful company in the computer industry while Apple wages a battle for long-term survival?”
But the question could be restated in today’s terms:
Apple beat Google by 15 months, a lifetime in mobile phones, in developing a touchscreen smartphone. So why is Google the most powerful company in the mobile industry while Apple wages a battle for new products to restart its stalled growth?
Since its introduction, Android—like the PC has reached 90 percent market share. And, though smartphone shipments have dropped to single digits, last year iPhone shipments declined.
The Mac’s advantage, like the iPhone’s, was a superior operating system that measures ease of use, graphics power, and software and network integration. A couple of years ago, Android 4.4 KitKat reached parity with iOS. Today, it could be argued that iOS 10 is better than Android 7 Nougat, but any difference is too marginal to matter.
Like Windows, Android product improvements were driven by an intensely competitive clone hardware market because silicon component manufacturers could innovate and sell to many Android phone maker, while building for Apple meant selling to one phone maker with comparatively smaller market share.
Google's advantage over Apple
While Apple shovels its own cash reserves into R&D, Google has the advantage of leveraging worldwide spending on mobile hardware components and by hundreds of Android smartphone makers—the list beginning with giant Samsung and ending with tiny unknown Asian manufacturers. Apple designs and contracts the fabrication of its A10 Fusion processor, like Sun did with its Sparc processor before giving up and turning to Intel to supply its chips. Android phone makers can choose from a variety of processors from Qualcomm, Nvidia, MediaTek, Hi Silicon, Samsung and Intel that makes the AMD/Intel X86 competition look tame.
Silicon integration or the packing of more functions onto a single chip makes it hard to determine where a semiconductor company ends and a smartphone company begins. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor includes much more than a CPU: GPU, LTE category 4 modem, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, NFC, USB, camera support, HD display support and fast charging—to name a few.
Silicon integration reduces the design and development investment for the Android phone maker, and competition produces a wide variety of capabilities that lets the phone maker curate the best single processor to meet the retail price that will win customers. Phones are really the chip makers’ phones with the phone makers’ plastic or metal wrapped around it—like Windows notebooks are Intel computers.
iOS 10 availability less than Android availability
iOS 10 is available on only a narrow range of Apple proprietary iPhones and iPads. Android is available on a diverse spectrum of phones and tablets in terms of size, features and price points. Like PCs, there is an Android product for every niche and a niche for every Android product.
The opening paragraph of Rappaport and Halevi’s article seems to predict mobile ecosystem companies Google and Facebook:
“By the year 2000, the most successful computer companies will be those that buy computers rather than build them. The leaders will leverage fabulously cheap and powerful hardware to create and deliver new applications, pioneer and control new computing paradigms, and assemble distribution and integration expertise that creates enduring influence with customers.”
Google and Facebook and many smaller companies that build the mobile ecosystems are not software companies, but mobile companies. And like Microsoft defines and dictates how X86 devices are designed and built, Google defines how Android devices are built. Google also defines how billions of smartphone users expect to interact with mobile apps and how tens of thousands of Android developers write new applications.
Google owns mobile search, own mobile navigation and has a billion Gmail users. Facebook owns social and a large share of the messaging market. Uber owns transportation. Apple ignored those ecosystem opportunities to make money on proprietary hardware, and it wastes money investing in its own mapping and mobile navigation product to stop its users from using the superior alternative from competitor Google. When one of Apple’s street view vans appears, it brings with it the question: Is this not too little too late?
It would seem Apple would be better off combining cheap powerful computers in data centers with apps on its phones and perhaps even Android phones to deliver pioneering new applications and control large new ecosystems, emancipating it from its struggle to grow hardware-dependant iPhone revenues.
Perhaps Apple should find a new flywheel for growth to replace the iPhone that draws new customers to its other products. A compelling virally growing ecosystem app that captures many of the more than 2 billion smartphone users would make a better flywheel.S.F. to offer George Lucas prime lot for his museum
Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close S.F. to offer George Lucas prime lot for his museum 1 / 8 Back to Gallery
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee plans to officially offer George Lucas a prime lot near the Bay Bridge as the site for a museum to house the "Star Wars" creator's collection of illustrative art and Hollywood memorabilia.
"It's the best site we could find both in terms of location and for winning the needed approvals in a timely fashion," said one source close to the talks.
Known as Seawall Lot 330, the site is across the Embarcadero from Piers 30-32, where just a month ago the Golden State Warriors were planning to build their 18,000-seat arena. The team is now looking at Mission Bay, having concluded that the political hurdles of the waterfront site were too high.
The team was figuring on building a hotel and condos on Seawall Lot 330 to help pay for the arena, but chances were good that the project would go before voters because it would have exceeded the area's height limits. That wouldn't be a problem with the Lucas museum.
The Port of San Francisco owns the empty lot, appraised two years ago at $30 million, and would lease or sell it outright to Lucas.
Lucas has offered to spend $700 million of his own money on the museum. If he's feeling ambitious, the mayor is open to letting him try to build his museum on Piers 30-32.
"But that could take a lot of time and money," said our source, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations.
Lucas has been looking around for a site since the Presidio Trust vetoed his plans for a museum across from Crissy Field earlier this year. The Presidio has offered an alternative near the Letterman Digital Arts Center, but Lee's biggest worry is Chicago, which has invited Lucas to build his museum near Soldier Field.
Other sites that the city and Lucas' team have looked at include Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 8 Washington St. and two privately owned lots in the Mid-Market area.
Lee's offer letter to Lucas is expected to go out Thursday.
College try: First it was a resolution calling on community college accrediting officials to delay their action that would effectively close City College of San Francisco. Now, state Assemblyman Phil Ting is trying to take the fight out of them by going after their wallets.
Ting has quietly inserted language into the Assembly's proposed budget bill that would block the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges from raising dues next year on all 112 member colleges by 5 percent, or an average of $1,000 each. The commission says the extra money is needed to pay for the legal costs it has incurred battling over City College in court.
"We don't think taxpayers should be subsidizing irresponsible litigation," said Ting, D-San Francisco.
Commission spokeswoman Eliza Chan called it "really unfortunate" that her agency, a nonprofit supported by the colleges it rates, has had to shell out for a legal defense in the CCSF fight.
"But we want to point out that the lawsuits were brought on by third parties," Chan said. "We were not the ones who initiated the lawsuits."
Ting, however, argues that the commission is being sued only because it overstepped its authority in trying to rescind CCSF's accreditation.
"Their job is to ensure community colleges are in complete compliance with their accreditation, and City College at this point has completed 95 percent of the work they need to do to be in compliance," Ting said. "I can only assume that if they reject (City College's appeal), it's not that they have the best interest of the students in mind - but they have some alternative agenda."
Biden bucks: Vice President Joe Biden rolls into San Francisco on Wednesday for a pair of up-close fundraisers to benefit Democratic candidates in the midterm elections - and, boy, does the price drop when it's the No. 2 guy.
The first reception is an afternoon affair at the Sea Cliff home of billionaire eco-warrior Tom Steyer, where tickets start at $500, increase to $2,500 for a photo with Biden and top out at $5,000 for a photo of you and your friends with the VP.
From there, Biden heads to the Fairmont Hotel penthouse for an early dinner with Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and about 40 guests who are paying $10,000 each.
It's a far cry from the $32,400-a-guest sellouts that President Obama commands.
Or maybe we should say the sellouts that President Obama used to command.
Insiders tell us the midterm congressional elections don't generate near as much interest - or money - as when Obama was running for re-election.
Pink passion: Anthony Robinson definitely has a thing about pink underwear.
The 55-year-old Robinson, known around Union Square as the "underwear burglar," allegedly hit the Victoria's Secret Pink store on Powell Street three times in February before police caught him. Robinson was booked on suspicion of burglary and possession of drug paraphernalia and for outstanding robbery warrants, police say.
Robinson soon got out, and now he's suspected of hitting the same store three more times - including May 21, when he allegedly grabbed 19 pairs of undergarments (15 bras and four panties) worth $444.
The store manager recognized Robinson from his many previous visits and alerted security, who detained him for police.
Now he's back modeling the very latest in jail jumpsuits.This article is about the 1849 fire in the Montreal Parliament buildings. For the 1834 fire in the British parliament, see Burning of Parliament
The burning of the Parliament Buildings in Montreal was an important event in pre-Confederation Canadian history and occurred on the night of April 25, 1849, in Montreal in the Province of Canada. It is considered a crucial moment in the development of the Canadian democratic tradition, largely as a consequence of how the matter was dealt with by then co-prime ministers of the united Province of Canada, Sir Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine and Robert Baldwin.
The St. Anne's Market building lodging the Legislative Council and Assembly of Canada was burned down by Tory rioters in retaliation for the Rebellion Losses Bill while the members of the Legislative Assembly were sitting in session. The episode is characterized by divisions in pre-Confederation Canadian society concerning whether Canada was the North American appendage of the British Empire or a nascent sovereign nation.
In 1837 and 1838 Canadians rebelled against the oligarchic rule of the British colonial administration, first in Lower Canada, then in Upper Canada (or the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario respectively). Political reforms followed the rebellions as Canada was of vital strategic interest to the British Empire. Simply put, the British did not want to lose the rest of North America, especially given the inconclusive results of the War of 1812, and they acquiesced to what gradually evolved into full legal national sovereignty.
Many key leaders of the Rebellions would play focal roles in the development of the political and philosophical foundations for an independent Canada, something achieved on July 1, 1867. Opposition to this movement was principally represented by the somewhat aristocratic British colonial administration and their extended community, in addition to organized fraternal associations, such as the Scotch-Irish Orange Order and the Anglo-Montreal bourgeoisie of the era. The Rebellion Losses Bill was intended to both offer amnesty to former rebels (permitting them to return to Canada) and an indemnity to individuals who had suffered financial losses as a consequence of the rebellions. Though the bill was passed by the majority of those sitting in the Legislative Assembly, it remained unpopular with the Loyalist population of Montreal, who decided to use violence to demonstrate their opposition. As such, the Parliament was destroyed amidst considerable mob violence, and an invaluable collection of historical records kept in the parliamentary library lost forever.
Despite the tense situation and deplorable socio-cultural crime committed by the mob, Lafontaine proceeded cautiously, fought off armed thugs who had shot through his window, and maintained restraint and resolve in his actions. Jailed members of the mob were released on bail soon after their arrest and a force of special constables established to keep the peace. Though there was public concern this might be a crushing blow to the reform movement, Lafontaine persevered despite the opposition, and would continue in his role developing the tenets of Canadian federalism – peace, order, and good government. Within a decade public opinion had shifted overwhelmingly in the development of a sovereign Canada.
Parliament moved to Montreal [ edit ]
The Province of Canada (or United Canada) was born out of the legislative union of the provinces of Upper Canada (Ontario) and Lower Canada (Quebec) in February 1841. In 1844, its capital was moved from Kingston, in Canada West (formerly Upper Canada), to Montreal, in Canada East (formerly Lower Canada). St. Anne's Market, located where Place d'Youville stands today, was renovated by architect John Ostell to host the provincial parliament.[1] As part of the moving of the capital, all books in the two parliamentary libraries, as well as those of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council were transported by boat on the St. Lawrence.[citation needed]
General elections were held in October 1844. The Tory party won a majority and Governor Metcalfe had its principal spokesmen enter the Executive Council. The first session of the second parliament opened on November 28 of the same year.[citation needed]
Economic crisis [ edit ]
In 1843, the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed the Canadian Corn Act, which favoured Canada's exports of wheat and flour on the UK markets through the reduction of duties. The protectionist policy of Lord Stanley and Benjamin Disraeli, in continuity with Great Britain's colonial practice during the first half of the 19th century, was overturned in 1846, by the repeal of the Corn Laws and the promotion of free trade by the government of Robert Peel.
Canada's chambers of commerce feared an imminent disaster. The Anti-Corn Law League was triumphant, but the commercial class and ruling class of Canada, principally English-speaking and conservative, experienced an important setback. The repercussions of the repeal were felt as early as 1847. The Canadian government put pressure on Colonial Secretary Earl Grey to have Great Britain negotiate a lowering of the duties imposed on Canadian products entering the United States market, which had become the only lucrative path to export. A reciprocity treaty was ultimately negotiated, but only eight years later in 1854. During the interval, Canada experienced an important political crisis and influential members of society openly discussed three alternatives to the political status quo: annexation to the United States, the federation of the colonies and territories of British North America, and the independence of Canada. Two citizens' associations appeared in the wake of the crisis: the Annexation Association and the British American League.
After 1847, the fears of the chambers of commerce in Canada were confirmed, and bankruptcies kept accumulating. Property values were in freefall in the cities, particularly in the capital.[2] In February 1849, the introduction in Parliament of an indemnity bill only aggravated the discontent of a part of the population who had watched d'un mauvais œil the passing of a series of legislative measures by the reformist majority, which took power in beginning of 1848, about a year before.
Rebellion Losses Bill [ edit ]
In 1845, the Draper-Viger government set up, on November 24, a commission of inquiry into the claims the inhabitants of Lower Canada had sent since 1838, to determine those that were justified and provide an estimate of the amount to be paid. The five commissioners, Joseph Dionne, P. H. Moore, Jacques Viger, John Simpson and Joseph-Ubalde Beaudry, submitted their first report in April 1846. They received instructions from the government to distinguish between claims made by persons participating in the "rebellion" and those who had given no support to the insurrectionist party. The total of the claims considered receivable amounted to £241,965, 10 s. and 5d., but the commissioners were of opinion that following a more thorough enquiry into the claims they were unable to make, the amount to be paid by the government would likely not go beyond £100,000. The Assembly passed a motion on June 9, 1846[3]:311 authorizing a compensation of £9,986 for claims studied prior to the presentation of the report. Nothing further was accomplished on this question until the dissolution of parliament on December 6, 1847.
The general election of January 1848 changed the composition of the House of Assembly in favour of the opposition party, the moderate reformists led by Robert Baldwin and Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine. The new governor, Lord Elgin, who arrived in the colony on January 30, first formed a government that did not have the support of the majority of the members in the House. These withdrew their support of the Executive by a vote of no-confidence on March 3.[4] On March 7, governor Elgin called in Baldwin and Lafontaine, respectively leaders of the majority parties in both sections of the united province, to the Executive Council. On March 11, eleven new ministers[5] entered the Council.
On January 29, 1849, Lafontaine moved to form a committee of the whole House on February 9 to "take into consideration the necessity of establishing the amount of Losses incurred by certain inhabitants in Lower Canada during the political troubles of 1837 and 1838, and of providing for the payment thereof".[6] The consideration of this motion was pushed ahead on several occasions. The opposition party, which denounced the desire of the government to "pay the rebels", showed itself reluctant to begin the study of the question which was on hold since 1838. Its members proposed various amendments to Lafontaine's motion: a first, on February 13, to report the vote by ten days "to give time for the expression of the feelings of the country";[7] a second one, on February 20, declaring that the House had "no authority to entertain any such proposition" since the Governor General had not recommended that the House "make provision for liquidating the claims for Losses incurred by the Rebellions in Lower Canada, during the present session".[8] The amendments were rejected and the committee was eventually formed on Tuesday, February 20, but the House was adjourned.
The debates that took place between February 13 and 20 were particularly intense and, in the House, the verbal violence of the representatives soon yielded to physical violence. Tory MPPs Henry Sherwood, Allan MacNab and Prince attacked the legitimacy of the proposed measure, stating that it rewarded the "rebels" of yesterday and constituted an insult to the "loyal" subjects who had fought against them in 1837 and 1838. On February 15, executive councillors Francis Hincks and William Hume Blake retorted in the same tone and Blake even went as far as claiming the Tories to be the true rebels, because, he said, it was they who had violated the principles of the British constitution and caused the civil war of 1837–38.[9] Mr. Blake refused to apologize after his speech, and a mêlée burst out among the spectators standing on the galleries. The speaker of the House had them expelled and a confrontation between MacNab and Blake was avoided by the intervention of the Sergeant at Arms.[10]:101
The English-language press of the capital (The Gazette, Courier, Herald, Transcript, Witness, Punch) participated in the movement of opposition to the indemnification measure. A single daily, the Pilot, owned by cabinet member Francis Hinks, supported the government. In the French-language press (La Minerve, L'Avenir), the measure was unanimously supported.
On February 17, the leading Tory MPPs held a public meeting to protest against the measure. George Moffatt was elected chairman and various public men such as Allan MacNab, Prince, Gugy, Macdonald, Molson, Rose and others gave speeches.[10]:101–2 The meeting prepared a petition to the governor asking him to dissolve the parliament and call new elections, or to reserve the assent of the bill for the Queen's pleasure, that is to say, to defer the question to the UK Parliament. The press reported that Lafontaine was burned in effigy that night.[10]:102
On February 22, Henry John Boulton, MPP for Norfolk, introduced an amendment that all persons having pleaded guilty or having been found to be guilty of high treason should not receive compensation from the government.[11]:305 The government party supported the amendment, but the gesture had no effect on the opposition, which persisted in denouncing the measure as amounting to "paying the rebels". Certain liberal MPPs, including Louis-Joseph Papineau and Pierre-Joseph-Olivier Chauveau, opposed the amendment because, according to them, it resulted in the recognition, by the government, of the legality of the military court created by former acting governor John Colborne in order to speedily execute the prisoners of 1839.
On March 9, the Legislative Assembly passed the bill |
not.
Such neglect becomes all the more tragic because neuroscience is beginning to develop ways to restore communication and help patients who are trapped inside their heads by a disorder of consciousness to get outside themselves. For example, in a small percentage of misdiagnosed ‘vegetative’ patients, the sleeping pill Ambien (zolpidem) has been shown to activate networks and restore overt evidence of consciousness. Another agent, the flu drug Amantadine, has been shown in a large randomised clinical trial to accelerate the return of consciousness following severe brain injury. These are exciting pharmacological developments that are now being incorporated into rehabilitation.
Another promising approach, with which I was involved as a co-investigator, was the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS), using electrodes to stimulate the thalamus of a severely brain-injured man six years after a near-fatal brain injury. Prior to DBS, he was unable to communicate, save for an occasional eye blink. He could not eat by mouth, was dependent upon tube feedings, and had poor limb control. With DBS, he could say six- or seven-word sentences, recite the first 16 words of the American Pledge of Allegiance, and tell his mother that he loved her. For the first time since his injury, he could eat by mouth, free of artificial nutrition and hydration. He also had improved limb control.
While still a long way from being an established therapy, our work was the first proof of principle that DBS can promote a late recovery in the severely injured brain. And it did something more: We helped restore a degree of personal agency. Our patient could voice a preference, be placed back in his room when he wanted, and was returned from his long exile in a liminal state of consciousness.
Pretty remarkable stuff, but this promissory note will be possible only if these patients are properly identified and not tragically warehoused in custodial care. Despite the progress that has been made over the past couple of decades in the identification of a new brain state, and the advent of novel neuroimaging methods, drugs and devices, the status quo remains dire for this population. In the face of incontrovertible evidence that such patients can be helped, rank and file clinicians remain nihilistic about brain injury, and resources for ongoing care are wanting. The net outcome is that patients who might benefit from more intensive rehabilitative efforts generally wind up exiled in nursing homes. It is a paradox that begs for an explanation.
If we return to the origins of the right to die in the US, we might find an answer to this critical quandary. When the right to die was established in the Quinlan case in the 1970s, the court ruled that her parents could remove her ventilator and let her die because of an irreversible loss of her cognitive state. This right was broadened and sustained in other cases involving patients in the vegetative state: in 1990, the US Supreme Court found a right to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining therapy for Nancy Beth Cruzan in Missouri; and throughout the early 2000s, the nation relitigated the right to die of Terri Schiavo in Florida. While irreversibility was true in her case, and in patients who are permanently vegetative, this perception of futility has been over generalised to other patients with severe brain injury who were not permanently vegetative but instead minimally conscious.
There is an irony that, in establishing one set of rights, we have trampled on the rights of others. In establishing the right to die, we have marginalised conscious individuals and deprived them of their right to a self
In fact, instead of revealing the truth about large numbers of other patients, these cases have polarised us on ideological grounds and have become grist for the ‘culture wars’. During the Schiavo debate, for instance, those on the right took a ‘pro-life’ point of view, falsely asserting that Schiavo was conscious and not in the vegetative state, in order to counter those supporting her surrogate’s decision to withdraw care. This diagnostic distortion was matched on the left by those who were worried about the advent of MCS, introduced in 2002 – three years before the Schiavo case grabbed national headlines. They were concerned that this new diagnosis might undermine the right to die by introducing the possibility that some patients thought to be vegetative were in fact conscious. Against these cultural forces, it became a zero-sum game, pitting the right to die against the right to care, a fight made all the more complicated because some minimally conscious appear vegetative when they are not.
There is an irony that, in establishing one set of rights, we have trampled on the rights of others. In establishing the right to die, a right that I wholly endorse as an extension of our liberty interest, we have marginalised conscious individuals and deprived them of their right to a self. They have been segregated from the medical mainstream, deprived of adequate rehabilitation, all with the consequence that we have kept them from being more fully reintegrated into civic community. By not adequately identifying consciousness when it exists and failing to foster it when it does, we have perpetuated a kind of neuronal segregation. By depriving these patients of proper care and rehabilitation, we are robbing them of their voice.
The remedy to this marginalisation will not be found merely in improving access to medical care or health insurance. Indeed, failing to move from narrow questions of insurance coverage to the rights of these individuals would be akin to trying to justify the Jim Crow laws of the segregationist American South. That was a charade of the doctrine of separate but equal, which was based on a deeply flawed 1896 Supreme Court ruling in Plessy v Ferguson that said segregation was legal so long as those who were segregated from each other had access to equal treatment. That reasoning was completely illogical in theory and a myth in practice. But it was the law until Brown v Board overturned Plessy v Ferguson and integrated the schools in 1954.
So too for patients with liminal states of consciousness, who can never be properly cared for if they remain segregated in chronic care facilities and nursing homes, neglected and marginalised. To integrate them into the mainstream, society needs to recognise that these are conscious individuals who have thoughts and feelings. They too have civil rights and are entitled to the full protection of the law like all other citizens.
Among these protections in the US is enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), which seems to be grossly violated where this patient group is concerned. By denying individuals with disorders of consciousness a careful diagnosis and access to rehabilitation, we are preventing their return to our shared community. Earlier generations called such systemic exclusion segregation, and it is not hyperbole to suggest its use here. After all, we are talking about conscious beings, vulnerable and wholly dependent upon the largess of others, shuffled off to chronic care never to be heard from again. With the emergence of an evolving neuroscience that has the capacity to give them voice, and their families hope, there is a compelling mandate to do more for these individuals who have, for too long, lived on the margins of society. Their plight should be the civil rights agenda of our generation.The Tribute in Light illuminates the sky behind the 9/11 Memorial waterfalls and reflecting pool in New York on September 10th, 2014. (Photo: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)
Walk around any city at dawn this time of year and you'll likely encounter a grim, feathery graveyard. Migrating birds that have crashed into windows lie stunned or dead at the bases of buildings, only to be swept up by property managers or snatched away by predators as the sun rises.
Collisions with buildings and other human structures are perhaps the biggest contributor to avian fatalities in North America. Many species migrate by night and are perilously dazzled by artificial illumination, for reasons we don't yet completely understand. Lights on skyscrapers, airports, and stadiums draw birds into urban areas, where they smack into walls and windows or each other, or flap around and eventually perish from exhaustion-related complications.
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We now have a comprehensive and weirdly fascinating case study of this problem thanks to researchers probing some of America's most-famous artificial lights—the night-burning beams paying tribute to the September 11th attacks each year at New York's former Twin Towers site. Using radar, binoculars, and acoustic monitoring, observers logged a thick frenzy of seemingly lost birds around these lights.
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Over seven night-long 9/11 tributes in recent years, the beams disrupted the flight patterns of more than a million birds, causing them to aimlessly loop and chirp incessantly, according to researchers from the University of Oxford, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the New York City Audubon. Nearly 16,000 birds circled the beams over the course of one night in 2015. When the lights were darkened, that number dropped to about 500.
Radar images show high numbers of birds circling the 9/11 tribute lights as compared to when the installation is turned off. (Graphic: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)
What's going on in birds' brains that makes them react this way? Many ornithologists think it's related to how the creatures navigate. During migrations in the spring and fall, a large number of species chart their courses according to the position of the setting sun, the moon, and the stars. Glaring lights from human sources short-circuits this system.
"Light is a powerful stimulus. Think of how powerful it can be for attracting moths, or people if you are in a dark place or a place in which some striking light installation points high into the sky above the ocean of artificial light below in a city," says Andrew Farnsworth, a Cornell University researcher and study co-author. "Also think of what happens when you get very close to such a powerfully intense light—it can become disorienting to perceive much beyond the bright. It seems plausible, without ascribing human traits to birds here, that there may be similar sorts of experiences that attract and disorient birds."
Birds also have "light-mediated molecules" in their eyeballs that help them detect the Earth's magnetic field and travel accordingly, which is something light might disrupt, Farnsworth says. "Birds slow to look, or because they cannot see beyond it, they circle trying to gather information about where they are, and they start calling probably as a function of this disorientation to try to locate other individuals like or sort of like them."
Birds congregate in the beams of the 9/11 tribute lights in New York in 2015. (Graphic: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)
Observers noted flight disruptions of as many as 2.5 miles as a consequence of the 9/11 beams, particularly in warbler species like the American Redstart, Northern Parula, Ovenbird, and Common Yellowthroat, as well as with Baltimore Orioles and Yellow-billed Cuckoos. So how can humans pry these creatures from the perilous magnetism of the tribute beams in New York, where an estimated 90,000 birds die from building collisions each year?
Well, some plans are already in motion: Several years ago, the tribute organizers started shutting down the installation for 20 minutes if they noticed more than a thousand birds circling dangerously. That action helps "avoid a pile of dead birds in southern Manhattan," says Farnsworth, and shows that "despite the charged and emotional and somber energy of the tribute... [the organizers] care about birds as well."
"Any bright light or sets of bright lights can interfere with migration at night," Farnsworth adds. Lit-up energy infrastructure can be a culprit, too, including in rural areas. New York is also one of several North American cities, including Chicago, San Francisco, and Toronto, with a "lights-out" policy, dimming illumination during migrating seasons in towers like the Chrysler Building and Rockefeller Center.
Even so, many bird-lovers would argue more should be done in New York and beyond, like making other imposing structures dark at night and designing artificial lights to point downward instead of at the sky. "The best solution is absolutely to turn off lights where and when possible," Farnsworth adds. "If we can mitigate our behavior—and this is in the grand sense—so that our actions don't cause more death, that's a good thing."
This story originally appeared on CityLab, an editorial partner site. Subscribe to CityLab's newsletters and follow CityLab on Facebook and Twitter.Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption BBC Newsnight has obtained distressing footage from inside an Aleppo hospital
How do you report something you can't show people because it is judged too ghastly for them to see?
This issue hit me with both barrels between the eyes this week when I had to wrestle with a series of images from besieged Aleppo.
They had been taken by Syrian doctors in an underground hospital and forwarded to me by Dr David Nott, the pioneering war surgeon who has been using Skype to teach his colleagues over the internet how to, for example, rebuild a man's face.
I first covered war in 1988 and I've seen more than enough real horror with my own eyes.
But the Aleppo hospital pictures were grim beyond the saying of it. Be warned. What I must write and you will now read is a terrible litany of suffering.
Image caption This little boy has sustained an injury in his spine
They include a boy, so coated in cement dust I can't say whether he is alive or dead; a boy, dead; two boys, lying on the floor next to a drain because there are no beds left, both dead; a boy, alive, his face a river of blood; a boy, alive, holding up his broken arm; a boy, dead; a girl with ginger hair, dying.
A boy, his face white from dust apart from a smear of blood running from his eyes to his nose; the 17th, a baby girl, dying; a teenage girl in a white headdress, it and her face splotched with arterial blood; a dead infant; a father, covered in cement dust, dead, holding the arm of an infant, also dead, the infant headless.
Most of these images we cannot show you. The reason is simple: there is no watershed on the internet and you cannot put out these kind of images without causing people, especially children, real upset.
I understand this completely.
Image caption Bombs have badly damaged the hospital in Aleppo
I returned from Rwanda and Burundi in 1988 from reporting a massacre for the Observer, and back in London described a machete wound to a friend, who wrote TV comedies. His face went green.
I realised that from then on, I should be careful about what I said about the details of man's inhumanity to man; still more about what I showed via image and video.
But then the other thing. Something truly horrible is happening to the people of eastern Aleppo.
They rose up against Bashar al-Assad five years ago. They are not with Isis but against them; they seek a third path between the tyrant and the fanatics.
They are trapped inside a siege. They have nowhere to hide. So when the cluster bombs fall - the ones that don't go off are marked Shoab 0.5m in Russian, so we have a pretty good idea who is dropping them - they kill.
On our BBC Newsnight film we did show something of what happens when a cluster bomb lands on a city packed with children.
The doctors in the underground hospital filmed one little boy with a ball bearing from a cluster bomb in his spine; a second with a ball bearing that had entered the back of his head and lodged in the skull just behind his nose.
Image caption A girl waits for treatment at the hospital in eastern Aleppo
We did show blood on the floor of the hospital - there is no time to get rid of it and, since the waterworks has been bombed, no good water supply. We did show neurosurgery taking place on the floor because no beds were free.
But we didn't show what often happens: that cluster bombs kill children. The danger is that, for fear of causing upset, we end up sanitising war.
This matters because Western policy on Syria is in deep trouble. Assad's strategic narrative - it's a choice between me or Isis - is becoming more and more true.
Image caption This ball bearing from a cluster bomb was removed from a patient's liver
The danger for Western security is that policy may drive good people into the hands of Isis because they hate Assad so much. But if people in the West do not see the reality on the ground because media organisations don't want to cause upset, then the story gets obscured or buried.
Hollywood hoovers up the dreadful dust of war. In multiplex movies you see machine-guns spit and shells fall - but not people with no eyes because of the percussion effect from high explosives; you see heroism, but not children with ball bearings in their spine.
Assad and Russia say they are fighting terrorism. None of the dead children pictured on my phone and indelibly in my memory are terrorists.
Correcting these falsehoods - both benign and malign - is the job of journalism. Right now we are not showing you the full horror of the war in Syria.WASHINGTON — Drivers on the nation’s Interstates could soon be paying more to travel.
A transportation proposal sent to Congress by the Obama administration on Tuesday would remove a prohibition on tolls for existing Interstate highways, clearing the way for states to raise revenue on roads that drivers currently use at no cost. Congress banned tolls on Interstates in 1956 when it created the national highway system under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The administration said lifting the toll ban would help address a shortfall in funding to pay for highway repairs. The tolls, along with other changes, could provide an additional $87 billion for aging roadways, tunnels and bridges, the administration said.
The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, which represents toll companies and their vendors, applauded the administration’s decision.
“Tolling is a proven and effective tool to fund and finance more than 5,000 miles of roads, bridges and tunnels in 35 states,” said Patrick Jones, the group’s executive director. “To ensure our roads and bridges remain safe and reliable requires a variety of solutions. All options should be on the table so that states can choose the funding methods that work best for them.”About
Watch the TEASER TRAILER (without my ugly mug talking about it):
Or the 30-second version, for anyone like me with a short attention span.
Yep, we got blogged about-- and backed-- by Mike Krahulik (Gabe) on Penny Arcade. We couldn't be more thrilled.
Listen to our hour-long interview about the project on the Battleship Pretension podcast!
You should also read this great article about the project on FirstShowing.net!
And check out my brief interview on the Succotash Comedy Podcast podcast.
NEW! Here's my interview on DJ Grandpa's Crib Crowdfunding podcast!
Also NEW! Here I am on The Worst Show on the Web!
How are boundaries defined in comedy? Is there a line, and if so, when is it okay to cross it? Is it in our nature to make fun of things that make us uncomfortable, topics that might otherwise be considered dire or taboo?
In recent years comedians have faced increased scrutiny over the content of their material, largely due to the ever-present and permanent nature of the information age. Certain comics have been made to apologize for offending members of their audiences, while others have lost jobs due to the dissemination of jokes that were deemed "in poor taste."
The feature documentary "That's Not Funny" will address these issues, events and more via historical analysis, archival footage, and first-hand interviews with comedians, comedy aficionados, and those who would seek to impose a limit to what is considered acceptable for a performer to say on stage or elsewhere. By exploring and discussing this matter with an even hand, we hope to arrive at a better knowledge of why each side feels so passionately about such a divisive topic, and also perhaps a deeper understanding of the function of comedy itself.
We have already conducted interviews with the following participants:
Gariana Abeyta (The Popcorn Mafia, Out of Print)
Paul Cibis (NerdMelt, San Francisco Sketchfest)
Emery Emery (The Aristocrats, Ardent Atheist)
Jackie Kashian (The Dork Forest, Comedy Central Presents)
Kyle Kinane (Funny People, Comedy Central Presents)
Benny Parks & Sam Rodriguez (Super Tuesday News, Early Late Night with Raf)
Greg Proops (Whose Line is it Anyway?, The Smartest Man in the World)
Paul Provenza (The Aristocrats, ¡Satiristas!)
And this is just the very top of our WISH LIST of further interviewees (some of whom I have contact information for already):
Michael Richards / Daniel Tosh / Tracy Morgan
Louis C.K.
Margaret Cho
Andrew "Dice" Clay
Ricky Gervais
Gilbert Gottfried
Anthony Jeselnik
Penn Jillette
Seth MacFarlane
Bill Maher
Tig Notaro
Monty Python (all surviving members)
The Onion writing staff
Patton Oswalt
Trey Parker & Matt Stone
Don Rickles
Joan Rivers
Chris Rock
Joe Rogan
Sarah Silverman
Doug Stanhope
Plus we plan to track down many, many more comics, comedy writers, family members of deceased legends (Kelly Carlin, Rain Pryor, etc.), and comedy journalists/historians. We also intend to interview people on the other side of this debate: anyone who has been vocal about being offended or outraged by a joke, and those who have demanded or received an apology from a comedian. Our goal is to understand why.
Director / Producer / Editor - Mike Celestino (The Last Days of Cinerama)
Producer / Editor / Assistant Director - Robert Garren (The Last Days of Cinerama)
Director of Photography - Alex Simon (Out of Print)
Consulting Producers - Brent Celmins and Paul Cibis
Original Score - James M. Garren (The Last Days of Cinerama)
Check out:
Our viral spec music video for OK Go
Our runner-up entry in They Might Be Giants' music video contest, judged by John Hodgman of The Daily Show
Our music video for Los Angeles' premiere fantasy-themed rock-metal juggernaut, Ogre Mage
Our music video for Hermosa Beach's hard-rock superstars Lose Control
Mike doing stand-up ten years ago
Follow us on Twitter at:
@THATSxNOTxFUNNY, @mikecelestino, @WHNProductionsI have mentioned before that I despised the notion of praising a video game story just because it takes itself seriously and is thus “good enough for a video game.” Don’t get me wrong, both story and writing in most games are still shit and the general standard in the industry remains low. However, good examples are not rare enough to be treated like a bearded lady; they are constantly out there and they keep popping up persistently. Game developers, like Valve and Rockstar, among others, continue to put in the effort and the time, which should not be ignored under any circumstances but should instead be used to zealously shame the Capcoms and the Bethesdas of the industry.
The former can’t spell their own fucking games or name or anything. The latter is high on glue.
Having said that, in over a decade of decently written games in an industry that has not been ignoring the aspect of storytelling, a new standard is yet to be set since 1999. That’s because that year, came a title with the best story video games have ever produced. If you are familiar with the alternative vGA’s, the so called ‘Vidya Gaem Awards’, then you know what game I am talking about (or you could just read the title :/ ). If you still do not know, for whatever reason (hey, it’s possible), I would like to bring your attention to the vGA’s writing category titled “Planescape Award for great writing” and the reason it is called that is because the gold standard in video game writing is epitomized by… I hope you’re ready for this!… Planescape: Torment, a Black Isle Studio’s PC role playing game.
Back when all RPG’s looked like this.
I know what you’re thinking: “who made you the ultimate authority on writing, you can’t even spell “video game awards”?” Well, I know about writing as much as Shakespeare knew about PC RPG’s so I’ll keep this short without any embarrassing attempts to appear smurt but let me hit you with some knowledge. Planescape: Torment’s story spans over 800000 words, which makes it the length of the first six books of Harry Potter, 30% longer than Tolstoy’s War and Peace, and twice the length of the complete Lord of the Rings. Now, that alone does not mean much. I can write an endless book by starting it with a character getting into a car and ending it with said character getting out, after a million pages of “brrrmmm brmmm, bbrrrrrrmmm.” The real achievement here is that this really long ass story is actually really freaking good!
“I personally guarantee it… Brains.”
How could it not be when pictured up there is the producer of the game, Guido Henkel (look at that picture again and tell me you’d dare produce mediocre work), while the lead designer is none other than my fellow Hokie, Chris Avellone, whom you may know as the guy behind such gems as Fallout 2, Icewind Dale, KOTOR 2 and more. I could quote praises of the quality of that very element of the game all day long, from every gaming site that’s worth a damn and not only would that be pointless at this time but it would still not drive the point home because when someone thinks of a good video game story, they don’t think of Planescape unless they’ve played it. It’s that good. I think that the most important point anyone can make about this title, in today’s generally inadequate view of what a video game story should be, is summarized in this piece, or more specifically in this line :
“Torment is quite simply the greatest story ever told in a videogame, but that isn’t setting a high bar. Even when compared to the best examples in other media, however, Torment stands tall. Unfortunately, no one can be told about Torment; you have to play it for yourself.”
And if you’re still not convinced, here are a few quotes from the game:
Nameless One: “It insults the dead when you treat life carelessly.”
Morte: “Women were the reason I became a monk… and, ah, the reason I switched back.”
Vhailor: “Justice is not blind, for I am her eyes!”
Ravel: “There is no room for ‘2’ in the world of 1’s and 0’s, no place for ‘mayhap’ in a house of trues and falses, and no ‘green with envy’ in a black and white world.”
Me: “Go buy the freaking game!“Arguably as important as the grape grower and the wine maker is the winery dog. Meet seven of Queensland's top dogs.
Barney. Ridgemill Estate. "During vintage he'll wander through the vineyard, and say g'day to all the pickers," says Jacob Veness. "He's got heaps of grass to run around in." Barney is a "playful" dog according to Veness, but "sometimes he'll sleep all day!" (ABC Southern Qld: Peter Gunders)
JS Bark. Robert Channon Wines. "JS has a rigorous routine of going to the carpark to meet and greet, but as soon as she is done with that job she collapses," Robert Channon says. "She was an RSPCA puppy described as a 'Labrador Mix'. The various other ingredients are not quite known. But she's a delightful blend. She's so gentle she tends to hide from children. She is happy as long as there's enough grapes on the ground to eat when we're picking." (ABC Southern Qld: Peter Gunders)
Betty. Whiskey Gully Wines. "She's a Jack Russell, but she's almost pure black, which is weird isn't it? John Arlidge says. "She keeps the snakes away. She's fearsome, but I think in every aspect of wine making she is totally uncooperative and useless!" Arlidge laughs. "But when you drop grapes on the ground they are hers! Every dog we've had has loved grapes. I think they think of them as dessert." Arlidge says Betty has a real sense of humour, "because she's black, if I'm wandering around at night, she'll creep up at me, leap up, and scare the living daylights out of me. She's good fun." (ABC Southern Qld: Peter Gunders)
Toohey. Riversands Winery. "When I'm not around he's my unofficial manager," says David Blacket. "If he's not greeting guests he's down the paddock on the back of the bike, or with the backpackers picking. He knows exactly what's going on. He's got his bed in the shed, so he sleeps with the wine around him. He gets lots of attention, and if he decides he's not getting enough he'll feign a limp, and someone will pick him up and give him a pat!" (ABC Southern Qld: Peter Gunders)
Shadow. Moonrise Estate. "He's named Shadow because he likes to be with me all the time, even to the point of sitting in the tractor with me," Trevor Sharp explains. "His official job is to meet and greet all the guests, but he also likes to wee on the car tyres!" Sharp warns. "As a wine dog he's fantastic. If people sit down inside, they'll get a dog in their lap. He tries to make sure everyone is comfortable. I'm not sure if it's because he's missing a leg, but he gets a lot of cuddles. We don't know how he lost his leg as we adopted him from the RSPCA." (ABC Southern Qld: Peter Gunders)
Bill. Heritage Wines. "He's head of security," says Paddy Kassulke. "He has a good life. He's 14. He belonged to my daughter. As a youngster he was a rogue. With his brother they spent a lot of time in the back seat of the police car being taken back home. We decided it was wise to split the dogs up, so Bill came to live at the winery. And both dogs have behaved themselves ever since. He loves apples and grapes. He certainly lives in the right town for those two fruits! The visitors love him. He gets his photo taken often. I think he thinks he's a star!" (ABC Southern Qld: Peter Gunders)
Muscat. Lucas Estate Wines. "He was an abandoned dog that turned up at the end of our road nearly six years ago," explains Louise Samuel. "I was a pretty sad person when I lost my husband, and people said 'get a dog', and Muscat turned up not long after. He works hard at the winery. He's a grape grader! He used to catch rats and mice, but the cats do that now. He always tells me when there's customers coming, and he's even on a label of mine. We made a pretty rough wine we named 'hair of the dog', but I think the dog was embarrassed, so we put a painting of him on a Liquor Muscat! I'm pretty sure he thinks the grape variety was named after him!" (ABC Southern Qld: Peter Gunders)
Visit a Queensland winery and there's a good chance you'll be first greeted by a four legged 'employee'.
"A lot of our wineries are small family owned wineries, so it's all part of the atmosphere having a dog or two around the place," Trevor Sharp from Moonrise Estate says. "I think the dogs have the top job here. They don't have to work too hard, and they get a lot of attention."
Unlike other working dogs, no one breed stands out at the wineries. But they do share one trait, the love of grapes.
"Apparently grapes are meant to be bad for dogs, but our dogs have always eaten them and they've survived pretty well," says Robert Channon. "But we did have a drunk cow the other week. We sometimes leave the stalks and pressings in a nearby paddock. One cow wandered in where she shouldn't have, found the pressings and had a good drink. She had quite a hangover the next day!"That was made quite clear in an Opinion page article published in the Star this week. That article was written and endorsed by 65 Canadian specialists in infectious diseases, public health or related sciences.
What you need to know and understand fully is the fact that there is no scientific medical evidence of any “dark side” of this vaccine. The Gardasil vaccine has been tested by highly credible national and global public health agencies and the scientific evidence overwhelmingly concludes that it is safe and effective.
The investigation, published on the Star’s front page with a large banner headline — “A wonder drug’s dark side” — told you that “Hundreds of thousands of teen girls have safely taken Gardasil … But a Star investigation has found that since 2008 at least 60 Canadians experienced debilitating illness after inoculation. Patients and parents say the incidents point to the full disclosure of risks.”
The Toronto Star has come under intense fire from Canada’s public health community for its investigation last week into Gardasil, the HPV vaccine given to teenaged girls across Canada to prevent cancer.
The experts who endorsed the article and the public health community throughout North America have weighed in vigorously, expressing strong concern that the Star’s investigation was alarmist in the face of the established science. I agree.
That opinion article was submitted to rebut the Star’s Gardasil investigation and provide important and necessary perspective to our readers. The Star did the right thing in publishing the health specialists’ article. I believe it presents the established scientific facts on Gardasil, making clear the vaccine’s value in preventing cervical and other cancers.
The only — and very rare — serious side effects of HPV vaccines that scientific studies point to are allergic reactions. Continuing studies of databases of adverse effects “have not found any evidence of any other serious side effects,” the experts said in their article.
While journalists certainly have every right to investigate the medical, pharmaceutical and public health establishments – and indeed, should — the standards of excellence and responsibility expected in any journalism that pertains to health and medicine demands that the evidence-based science be given proper weight over the emotional stories of individuals that science labels “anecdotal evidence.”
“Especially in medical stories, journalists must be held to the highest standards,” she said. “The impact of misinformation is far too grave, not only for our own personal health, but for decisions on public policy.”
In matters of public health, the science of vaccine safety is significant. Penny Park, executive director of the Science Media Centre of Canada, a non-profit organization set up to encourage excellence in media coverage of science issues, told me that this is of great importance in medical stories that have an impact on personal and public health.
These critics rightly charge that in giving disproportionate and dramatic play to the heartbreaking stories of young women who suspect their illnesses are linked to having received the vaccine — and, indeed, either they or their doctors have reported those illnesses to a public database that collects individuals’ reports of adverse vaccine reactions — the proven scientific evidence of the vaccine’s safety was not made clear enough to readers.
The widespread criticism of the Star’s story expressed by those within the medical, scientific and public health communities is fair and valid. The many experts who have come forward to explain fully the science of this vaccine’s safety are highly credible. I believe they have spoken up out of genuine concern that the Star has fallen short of evidence-based standards of reporting on public health. They fear the Star investigation could cause harm if young women and their parents don’t fully understand the robust evidence of the vaccine’s safety and thus, avoid the vaccine.
The Star now understands and takes seriously the concerns and criticism. As publisher John Cruickshank said in responding publicly on CBC Radio’s As it Happens this week, “We failed in this case. We let down. And it was in the management in the story at the top. I take responsibility and we will focus on doing better in the future.”
It’s too bad there isn’t a vaccination to prevent journalistic misstep. I suspect we’d all line up for that shot about now. The fallout here has been devastating for the newsroom. As editor Michael Cooke rightly points out, “the Star has a long history of important investigative reporting on possible safety issues of the drugs we use and the pharmaceutical industry that produces them. The piece on the HPV vaccine Gardasil was done as part of that stream of coverage.”
To be fair, in the Gardasil investigation, reporters David Bruser and Jesse McLean absolutely do not conclude or state that the vaccine caused any of the suspected side effects the young women talk about. The article was written carefully to try to impart to readers the message that there was no conclusive evidence.
And, if you read the article carefully, you will see that it states explicitly the fact that “there is no conclusive evidence showing the vaccine caused a death or illness.” It explains that in all of the cases discussed in the article, it is the opinion of a patient or her doctor that a drug has caused a side-effect. As well, the story tells you that comprehensive clinical trials and other data “show the vaccine’s well-studied safety and efficacy.”
It includes the voice of Dr. Jennifer Blake, president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, who said, “I’m extremely comfortable that this is a safe vaccine.” It reports that hundreds of thousands of girls in Canada have safely taken Gardasil.
But the proven and stated fact of the vaccine’s safety was seemingly lost to too many. I think that’s largely due to the dramatic front-page presentation with its large headline heralding the vaccine’s “dark side” and subheadline telling you that 60 Canadians experienced debilitating illness after inoculation.
That subhead doesn’t inform you that there is no science-based evidence whatsoever that the vaccine caused those debilitating illnesses. The captions accompanying the photos of four girls contained none of the above context the story took care to include.
The main photo caption accompanying a large photo of a mother sitting in her deceased daughter’s bedroom and stating, “Linda Morin found her 14-year-old daughter Annabelle dead in the bathtub shortly after she received her second injection of the HPV vaccine Gardasil” is alarmist in the face of the fact that there is no scientific evidence to prove the vaccine caused her daughter’s death.
The reports of these young women’s illnesses come from a public database of adverse vaccine effects. The Star’s investigations editor, Kevin Donovan, has said publicly he believes this is valid |
criteria and we started developing a strategy for a next generation Drupal 8 port that will adopt the new patterns and identify misalignments in order to address them.
An Open Source CRM to reduce cost
While cloud based SaaS products are becoming popular, the need for true open source and lock-in free solutions is constantly rising. They allow true data ownership!
After a year of research with constant prototyping and after successfully gaining experience with other Drupal 8 focus projects, MD Systems is ready to build a next generation CRM system that covers our requirements and is a great fit for a wide variety of projects.
The project will focus on very specific use cases such as backing a peer to peer donation platform in early development cycles. This allows to reduce the minimum viable product and skip a broad variety of features. An agile process is established to complete the CRM for other applications.
CRM will become a game changer
The new version of CRM Core and AbleOrganizer will be developed as a joint effort of MD Systems and Trellon, the initiator of CRM Core. Additionally, a larger full week community sprint will be organised.
The CRM will allow easy upgrading of existing installations for early adopters.
Gaining maturity, the CRM will more and more become a game changer. Without adding significant cost to any website project, a customer will be able to benefit from CRM functionality and learn about new aspects of collecting data and establish a data driven strategy to grow his business.Children’s publisher to revise wording in Growing Up for Boys after backlash on social media and Amazon
Usborne publishing has apologised and announced it will revise a puberty guide for boys that states that one of the functions of breasts is “to make the girl look grown-up and attractive”.
Published in 2013, Growing Up for Boys by Alex Frith is described by Usborne as a “frank and friendly book offering boys advice on what to expect from puberty and how to stay happy and confident as they go through physical, psychological and emotional changes”. According to the publisher, it “covers a range of topics, including moods and feelings, what happens to girls, diet, exercise, body image, sex and relationships, self-confidence, alcohol and drugs”.
It is the section on breasts that has drawn criticism, after writer and blogger Simon Ragoonanan, who blogs about fatherhood at Man vs Pink, posted a page from the book on Facebook. “What are breasts for?” writes Frith in the extract. “Girls have breasts for two reasons. One is to make milk for babies. The other is to make the girl look grown-up and attractive. Virtually all breasts, no matter what size or shape they end up when a girl finishes puberty, can do both things.”
Man vs Pink (@ManVsPink) Wtf? From the @Usborne book 'Growing up for Boys': Girls have breasts for two reasons - feeding babies and looking grown-up and attractive. pic.twitter.com/r1I34eLlvK
Books for girls, about girls: the publishers trying to balance the bookshelves Read more
“This just seemed awful and completely unjustifiable,” Ragnoonanan told the Guardian. “Usborne are serial offenders in peddling gender stereotypes to kids.”
After a campaign led by parent group Let Books Be Books three years ago, Usborne announced that it would discontinue publishing gendered titles, such as its pink Girls’ Activity Book and blue Boys’ Activity Book.
The criticism of Growing Up for Boys spread to Twitter, and then to Amazon, where the title has received a swath of one-star reviews in the hours since Man Vs Pink highlighted it. Reviewers described the book as “sexist”, with one asking: “Surely we can do better than this, in terms of what we teach our sons?”
Claire Nicholls, a teacher from Bristol who criticised the book on Twitter, said that she approved of the book as a resource for children, and praised its position on breastfeeding. “Teaching young boys that breasts are for feeding babies and even acknowledging that not all women can, is fantastic,” she said.
But Nicholls said that describing the “other” purpose of breasts – “to make the girl look grown-up and attractive” – was “extremely problematic”, because it “reinforces the sexualisation of breasts which makes girls and women self-conscious”.
“The other huge issue is the false equivalence of developed breasts with attractiveness and being ‘grown-up’,” she added. “The ‘grown-up’ statement is troubling. There are girls of 13 with developed breasts. To describe them as ‘grown-up and attractive’ would be worrying, as would infantilising an adult woman with smaller breasts,” she said.
Let Books Be Books, which continues to campaign against sexism in children’s books, was also critical. “It’s disturbing to see this kind of sexism in a book aimed at pubescent boys. It suggests that girls bodies are for boys to look at, which is not the kind of message we’d expect publishers of children’s books to want to send out,” said Trisha Lowther from the campaign group.
Parents push to end gender division of boys' and girls' books Read more
Fen Coles, co-director at Letterbox Library, a children’s bookseller specialising in inclusive and diverse books for schools and parents, also found the page problematic.
“The language used, bearing in mind this is a book ‘for boys’, strongly suggests that girls’ breasts exist for boys, for their admiration, for their gaze,” she said.
“If we want to encourage our children to have healthy relationships with each other and if we want to build a culture of consent, suggesting body parts exist solely for their ‘use’ by another person, seemingly outside of the control of the person the body part belongs to, is at the best, disempowering and at the worst, very dangerous. This is ill thought out, regressive and irresponsible language being used in what is intended as an educational book. We’re very surprised this wasn’t picked up by an editor.”
A spokesperson from Usborne Publishing told the Guardian: “Usborne apologises for any offence caused by this wording and will be revising the content for reprinting.”For “cat-curious” men life can be hard. Dogs are well known to be a mans best friend so society views a single man that owns a cat as something to be wary of. In truth some of us just prefer cats, we are just born that way, we are wired differently than the rest of you but that doesn’t mean we are to be feared or shunned. Michael Showalter’s Guys Can be Cat Ladies Too goes a long way to helping people understand that loving cats isn’t a lifestyle choice, its just how we are.
Thank you, Michael Showalter, for allowing me to show off the crazy cat lady inside me.
Guys Can be Cat Ladies Too offers hope and advice for pussy loving men everywhere in their quest to understand and be understood by cats.
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Pocketby Andrew Sacher
Rangda, aka Six Organs of Admittance’s Ben Chasny, Sun City Girls’ Sir Richard Bishop, and prolific drummer Chris Corsano, will release their third album The Heretic’s Bargain on February 19 via Drag City (pre-order). So far they’ve shared the opening track, “To Melt The Moon,” an instrumental with hypnotic guitar somewhere between Middle Eastern melodies and the Bond theme. Check it out, with the tracklist, below.
Rangda are also touring soon, starting with a Brooklyn show on March 4 at Saint Vitus. Tickets for that show go on sale Friday (1/15) at noon. All dates are listed below.
—
Tracklist:
To Melt the Moon 6:12
The Sin Eaters 2:53
Spiro Agnew 2:59
Hard Times Befall the Door-to-Door Glass Shard Salesman 7:55
Mondays are Free at the Hermetic Museum 19:07
—
Rangda — 2016 Tour Dates
Friday, March 4th in New York, NY at St Vitus
Saturday, March 5th in Boston, MA at Out of the Blue Too Gallery
Sunday, March 6th in Easthampton, MA at Flywheel
Monday, March 7th in Montreal, QC at Casa Del Popolo
Tuesday, March 8th in Toronto, ON at Geary Lane
Wednesday, March 9th in Detroit, MI at Marble Bar
Thursday, March 10th in Kalamazoo, MI at Bells Eccentric Cafe
Friday, March 10th-12th in Chicago, IL at Levitation Festival – Thalia Hall
Saturday, March 12th in Iowa City, IA at The Mill
Sunday, March 13th in Minneapolis, MN at The Cedar Cultural Center
Tuesday, March 15th in Bloomington, IN at Bishop
Wednesday, March 16th in Columbus, OH at Spacebar
Thursday, March 17th in Pittsburgh, PA at Andy Warhol Museum
Saturday, March 19th in Philadelphia, PA at Boot & SaddleStory highlights Trump and RNC have quintupled the size of their finance operation
Republicans have expressed concern about Trump's fundraising performance
Washington (CNN) Donald Trump's campaign and the Republican National Committee are adding about 85 fundraising veterans to their previously paltry operation, a move that could calm jitters that Trump is not equipped to raise money.
The roster of state finance chairs for the joint fundraising effort includes mainstays of GOP finance circles but also new, wealthy blood that is green to presidential buck-raking. Trump now has at least one state finance chair in 33 states and the District of Columbia.
The lineup suggests that Trump's fundraising team is making headway and professionalizing its donor contact operation. At least one bundler on the list, J ohn Rakolta, a former national finance chair, told CNN only three weeks ago that he had surprisingly received zero contact from the Trump campaign.
Trump's fundraising shop previously consisted publicly of only about 20 people, and the campaign began the month of June with only $1.3 million in the bank. Its July numbers are expected to improve significantly.
"Having so many long-time supporters eager to come on board signals our nationwide fundraising effort is continuing to gain steam months ahead of Election Day," Lew Eisenberg, the RNC's finance chair, said in a statement. "The effort to build national support began the first week in June and continues to gain momentum."
Read MoreBill Parcells will have to wait.
The Patriots announced on Thursday that linebacker Mike Vrabel, running back Kevin Faulk and cornerback Raymond Clayborn have been named finalists to be elected into the team's Hall of Fame.
Media, Patriots alumni and team staff met on April 6 to discuss potential finalists and then vote for the top-three contenders. Now that this year's trio has been chosen, fans will have the chance to vote online for the winner.
Vrabel, Faulk, and Clayborn beat out other potential finalists, which included Parcells, offensive tackle Matt Light, safety Rodney Harrison and offensive lineman Leon Gray.
Clayborn is a finalist for the third consecutive year, while Vrabel and Faulk are finalists for the first time. Faulk and Light became eligible for the Hall for the first time this year. Vrabel and Harrison became eligible last year.
Clayborn played for the Patriots between 1977 and 1989 and was named to three Pro Bowls (1983, 1985, 1986) in that span. Drafted by the Patriots out of the University of Texas in the first round, he went on to become the franchise leader in interceptions (36), which was later tied by Ty Law in 2004.
Faulk played 13 seasons in New Englnad, and retired as the team's all-time leader in all-purpose yards. He ranks fifth in franchise history in rushing yards and receptions, and he's the team's all-time leading return specialist, racking up over 5,000 yards on punt and kick returns. One indication of the three-time Super Bowl champion's well-rounded skill set is that he is one of just six backs in the 2000s to have rushed for more than 3,000 yards and accumulated 3,000 yards receiving. The others? Tiki Barber, Marshall Faulk, LaDanian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook and Michael Pittman.
Vrabel was without doubt one of the most versatile players on New England's three Super Bowl championship teams in 2001, 2003 and 2004. He started at both inside and outside linebacker during his Patriots career. He also played on special teams and served as a tight end in certain situations. All 10 of his receptions went for touchdowns, including scores in the team's back-to-back Super Bowl wins.
Listen to Tom E. Curran and Phil Perry's podcast leading up to the Patriots Hall of Fame nominations, including an interview with Patriots Hall of Famer Troy Brown (22:41 mark), via the player below. Or search CSNNE on iTunes.A Special Package Tea_Kettle Jan 9th, 2012 1,984 Never 1,984Never
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rawdownloadcloneembedreportprint text 23.17 KB [12:21 AM] sammiepie: You're flying over Ponyville and it's a glorious spring day. "The weather crew did a [12:21 AM] sammiepie: fantastic job during winter wrap up this year." you think as you lazily glide towards home. [12:22 AM] sammiepie: You get home and are dozing off on the couch when you hear a knock on your door. wat do? [12:22 AM] sunasmine: Open door to see who is there? [12:23 AM] cloppyhooves changed nickname to cloppyhooves_brbwhoo [12:23 AM] giggles_reading: open door [12:24 AM] sammiepie: You stretch as you get up to open the door. You open the door to a grey pegasus. [12:25 AM] sammiepie: It's Ditzy Doo the mailmare better known as Derpy Hooves. She smiles and says "Sign for a [12:26 AM] sammiepie: package." as she pulls it from her bag. wat do? [12:27 AM] sunasmine: sigh for package, while trying to remember what we ordered [12:27 AM] sunasmine: *sign [12:27 AM] giggles_reading: examine package [12:29 AM] sammiepie: You rub your chin and sign for the package. Derpy gives the plain brown parcel over and [12:30 AM] sammiepie: you feel it begin to vibrate. wat do? [12:31 AM] sunasmine: drop it and dive for cover, taking derpy with us? [12:31 AM] sunasmine: [totally a bomb =D] [12:31 AM] giggles_reading: [yea definitely] [12:31 AM] giggles_reading: w/ suna [12:32 AM] guest-677963 entered the room. [12:32 AM] guest-677963 changed nickname to property_of_molestia [12:32 AM] cloppyhooves_brbwhoo changed nickname to cloppyhooves [12:33 AM] sammiepie: You chuck the box out the door and grab Derpy as you dive for the ground waiting for the [12:34 AM] property_of_molestia: ho how is everyone [12:34 AM] property_of_molestia: so* [12:34 AM] pononymous: [CRPGing.] [12:34 AM] property_of_molestia: [o ok] [12:34 AM] sammiepie: boom of what is obviously a bomb. Seconds and then minutes pass and Derpy finally gets up [12:35 AM] sammiepie: and checks on the box. what do? [12:36 AM] property_of_molestia: [i wish i wasnt so lost] [12:36 AM] sunasmine: feel embarassed, "okay, maybe it wasn't a bomb" then inspect package with her [12:38 AM] giggles_reading: [derpy delivered a package to our house, it started vibrating so we thought it was a bomb] [12:38 AM] sammiepie: You blush and follow Derpy out to the package. She's reading the box and turns and asks [12:39 AM] sammiepie: "are you Roseluck?" wat do? [12:40 AM] sunasmine: "Um.....no I'm not." [12:40 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: [That] [12:40 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: [Was my Reddit Name] [12:40 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: [And my former steam name too.] [12:40 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: [>_>] [12:41 AM] property_of_molestia left the room. [12:41 AM] sammiepie: "Um..... no I'm not" you answer. Derpy frowns and facehoofs as she collapses on the ground [12:43 AM] sammiepie: on the verge of tears. She mumbles to herself "You dumb filly you're always doing this.." [12:43 AM] sammiepie: what do? [12:43 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: Huggu [12:43 AM] sunasmine: Try and comfort her, [12:44 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: And do that. [12:45 AM] sammiepie: You hug her and say "It's ok. We all mess up." She looks up and says "But this is my 4th [12:46 AM] sammiepie: time this week messing up deliveries!" The blone maned pony begins to cry into your [12:47 AM] sammiepie: shoulder as you rub her mane while trying to calm her down. [12:47 AM] sammiepie: wat do? [12:48 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: Slowly rub down her mane to her back. [12:48 AM] sunasmine: ask how long she's been a mail mare? [12:48 AM] sunasmine: oi! lets calm her down before sexin XD [12:48 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: Its just the back D: [12:48 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: Its not like her ass or something. [12:48 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: Pat her back? [12:48 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: How about that. [12:48 AM] wildplastic: What was in that box? [12:48 AM] sunasmine: sure, still ask [12:49 AM] giggles_reading: suna and Fleur [12:50 AM] sammiepie: "How long have you been a mailmare?" you ask while giving Derpy a pat on the back. She [12:51 AM] sammiepie: frowns and answers "14 years but I used to just work the paper mail. This is my second [12:53 AM] sammiepie: week on packages and I keep messing up. My life is ruined." [12:53 AM] sammiepie: wat do? [12:54 AM] sunasmine: "We all mess up at the beginning dear, but its important that we don't give up." [12:55 AM] guest-678203 entered the room. [12:56 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: "Bitch give me head" [12:56 AM] guest-678203 changed nickname to property_of_molestia [12:56 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: No? [12:56 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: Mmkay [12:56 AM] pononymous: derpykissu [12:57 AM] sammiepie: "We all mess up in the begining, but you shouldn't give up." you say to Derpy. You give [12:58 AM] sammiepie: the mail mare a quick kissu on the cheek. She blushes and stops sniffling as she give you [12:59 AM] sammiepie: a weak smile. She says "Most ponies aren't this nice to me because i look so funny. Why [1:00 AM] sammiepie: are you being so nice?" [1:00 AM] sammiepie: what do? [1:00 AM] sunasmine: [this could be a trap XD] [1:00 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: Cause yous a sexy bitch [1:00 AM] sunasmine: "I just think all ponies should be nice to each other" [1:01 AM] sunasmine: [while thinking fleur's XD] [1:02 AM] sammiepie: "I just think all ponies should be nice to each other." you say while thinking *dat plot*. [1:04 AM] sammiepie: Derpy smiles for real this time and says "Well I gotta go deliver this package to the [1:04 AM] sammiepie: right pony. I'll see you around?" wat do? [1:04 AM] sunasmine: "want some help?" [1:07 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: "I think I know where Roseluck lives. Want me to show you around?" [1:08 AM] sammiepie: "Want some help?" You offer to the mailmare as she gets up to leave. "I know where [1:09 AM] sammiepie: Roseluck lives." She mulls it over for a second and says "Sure." You help her deliver the [1:10 AM] sammiepie: parcel and she ropes you into helping her with the rest of her packages. Finally done you [1:11 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: [Sammiepie please be a bro] [1:11 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: [And send me the log of this] [1:11 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: [I have to go...unfortunately] [1:11 AM] sunasmine: [I'll make sure there is one, and cya] [1:11 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: [Thanks.] [1:12 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: [I'll just change my name and leave the tab open] [1:12 AM] fleur_de_lis_arts changed nickname to fleur_de_lis_sleeping [1:12 AM] fleur_de_lis_sleeping: [Nighty] [1:12 AM] sammiepie: both end up in front of her apartment. It's late and she offers you a cup of tea. wat do? [1:12 AM] sammiepie: [night] [1:12 AM] sammiepie: [dream of ponysex] [1:12 AM] sunasmine: Acctept offer and follow her to apartment [1:12 AM] giggles_reading: ^ [1:13 AM] pononymous: [Night.] [1:13 AM] pononymous: ^ [1:14 AM] sammiepie: You nod and she lets you into her apartment. It's a cozy little place. She offers you a [1:15 AM] guest-678392 entered the room. [1:16 AM] sammiepie: seat on a small worn out couch. "I have to go warm the kettle but I'll be right back." she [1:16 AM] guest-678392 changed nickname to datponyass [1:16 AM] sammiepie: says as she leaves the room. wat do? [1:16 AM] pononymous: [Hello Datplotpone.] [1:16 AM] sammiepie: [hiya] [1:16 AM] sunasmine: [heya datplotpony] [1:17 AM] datponyass: [me?] [1:17 AM] sunasmine: get comfortable on couch, but leave sme room for her [1:17 AM] sunasmine: [eeyup] [1:17 AM] pononymous: [Yes you.] [1:17 AM] datponyass: [ohai ;3] [1:17 AM] sunasmine: *some [1:17 AM] sunasmine: [have you been here before?] [1:18 AM] datponyass: [first time, but i dont wanna interupt a story ;o] [1:18 AM] sunasmine: [nah its cool, who is your fav pony?] [1:18 AM] datponyass: [uhh..well..thats the thing, i've never actually watched it..i'm kinda new to it ;x] [1:18 AM] pononymous: [ D: ] [1:18 AM] pononymous: [WAAAATCH EEEET] [1:19 AM] sunasmine: [found the porn before the show?] [1:19 AM] datponyass: [yeah hah, and i love it, watching s1e1 now] [1:19 AM] sunasmine: [nice] [1:19 AM] sunasmine: [well if you pick a fav, let us know :3] [1:20 AM] datponyass: [okay ^_^] [1:20 AM] giggles_reading: [oh, hello datpony, good to see a new face] [1:20 AM] datponyass: [:D] [1:21 AM] sammiepie: you sit on the couch and hear clattering in the kitchen. Depy yells "I'm ok!" and you hear [1:21 AM] pononymous: [Eeyup.] [1:22 AM] sammiepie: more banging. Finally she comes out with two mugs on a tray which she places on a coffee [1:23 AM] sammiepie: table in front of the couch. She smiles and flops down on the couch next to you. Its a bit [1:23 AM] sammiepie: of a tight fit on the small couch. wat do? [1:24 AM] cloppyhooves: (oh hello datpony) [1:24 AM] sunasmine: Sip tea, [regardless of taste], snuggle, then ask how she became a mail mare? [1:24 AM] pononymous: ^ [1:24 AM] giggles_reading: [btw feel free to chip in your 2 cents datpony] [1:24 AM] giggles_reading: w/ suna [1:25 AM] datponyass: [i'm fine listening right now, and watching the first episode xP] [1:25 AM] giggles_reading: [just know that you're welcome to] [1:25 AM] datponyass: [thanks :D] [1:26 AM] sammiepie: You sip the tea which turns out to be very good and snuggle closer to Derpy. You ask "How [1:26 AM] sammiepie: did you become a mailmare anyway?" [1:28 AM] sammiepie: She scratches her nose and says "Well I've always been a bit of a klutz because of the [1:29 AM] sammiepie: eyes so in Cloudsdale they assigned me to mail because I couldn't work in the weather [1:30 AM] sammiepie: factory or help with weather patterns so I became a mail clerk." [1:31 AM] sammiepie: "You must help on the weather squads right? I mean you're so fast and strong" she said as [1:31 AM] guest-678548 entered the room. [1:31 AM] guest-678548 changed nickname to hermocrates [1:31 AM] hermocrates: Howdy [1:32 AM] sammiepie: she trails a hoof down your back. [1:32 AM] sammiepie: wat do? [1:32 AM] sunasmine: [heya] [1:32 AM] hermocrates: [Oh, I see] [1:32 AM] sunasmine: [do we work as a weather pony?] [1:33 AM] sammiepie: [do you want to?] [1:33 AM] sammiepie: [you can be anything you want [1:33 AM] sammiepie: ] [1:33 AM] sunasmine: [kk] [1:34 AM] sunasmine: "Yeah. Accually, our team helps make the storms" [1:34 AM] giggles_reading: [are we in Cloudsdale?] [1:34 AM] sunasmine: while running a hoof through her mane [1:34 AM] sunasmine: and down her neck [1:34 AM] sammiepie: [no, ponyville] [1:35 AM] giggles_reading: [oker] [1:35 AM] whattheclop: http://www.ponibooru.org/post/view/75137 [1:35 AM] giggles_reading: w/ suna except say we're on "The Storm Squad" [1:35 AM] sunasmine: that works [1:36 AM] sammiepie: "Yeah, I actually am on the *Storm Squad*." You say as you run a forehoof through her [1:38 AM] sammiepie: blonde mane. She pulls closer to you and says "That must be really dangerous! Do you like [1:38 AM] sammiepie: it?" [1:38 AM] sammiepie: wat do? [1:40 AM] supertrekkie4: [my friend is offering to go to the next Bronycon with me, he'd pay for everything except [1:40 AM] supertrekkie4: a plane ticket.] [1:40 AM] sunasmine: "It can be dangerous at times, but I enjoy it." look into her eyes and lean in closer [1:40 AM] sunasmine:? [1:42 AM] sammiepie: "It can be a bit crazy at times, but I do enjoy it." you murmur as you lean in closer [1:44 AM] sammiepie: while looking deep into her golden eyes. She blushes and rests her hoof on your cutie mark [1:44 AM] sammiepie:. wat do? [1:44 AM] sunasmine: kissu~ do? [1:44 AM] sunasmine: kissu leading into makeouts do i mean [1:45 AM] hermocrates: ^ [1:45 AM] property_of_molestia: ^ [1:45 AM] hermocrates: [I'm thinking of getting my passport to go to the next Bronycon in July] [1:45 AM] whattheclop: I may consider bronycon but... why should I go? [1:46 AM] whattheclop: I think I should focus on saving money for blizz/quakecon [1:46 AM] hermocrates: [Quakecon's way too far for my tastes, sadly] [1:47 AM] whattheclop: well, dallas is a 3 hour drive from here so all I have to concern is lodging [1:47 AM] sammiepie: You lean in and gently kissu Derpy. She leans into you and sloppily inserts her toungue. [1:47 AM] datponyass: [oh god it's getting good :3] [1:48 AM] sammiepie: You start to makeout and she rolls you over so she's now on top without breaking the kiss. [1:48 AM] sammiepie: wat do? [1:48 AM] sunasmine: rub down her back to her wings =D [1:49 AM] sunasmine: [i have a wing fetish qq] [1:49 AM] supertrekkie4: stab her and fuck the wound [1:49 AM] sunasmine: [i was waiting for you to get back trekkie] [1:50 AM] supertrekkie4: [lol, I'm playin magic on xbox] [1:50 AM] sammiepie: You feel your wings rise and slowly rub down to her fully erect wingboners. As you start [1:50 AM] whattheclop: [skyrim crashed and then I realized it was 00:30] [1:52 AM] sammiepie: to rub up her wings she breaks the kiss and moans loudly. As soon as the moan escapes her [1:53 AM] sammiepie: lips she covers her mouth and says "Oh buck! We have to be quiet." [1:53 AM] sammiepie: wat do? [1:53 AM] giggles_reading: ask her if she has a gag. [1:53 AM] supertrekkie4: check her for venereal diseases [1:54 AM] guest-678725 entered the room. [1:54 AM] sunasmine: ask her why before kissing again? [1:56 AM] sammiepie: You ask "Why? Do we need a gag for the neighbors?" as you punctuate every word with a [1:57 AM] sammiepie: light kissu on the neck. She frowns at the joke and answers "My filly is in the other room [1:57 AM] sammiepie: sleeping and we can't wake her." wat do? [1:57 AM] guest-678725 left the room. [1:58 AM] sunasmine: [shes a mom abandon ship!...jk XD] [1:58 AM] supertrekkie4: rape [1:58 AM] supertrekkie4: the [1:58 AM] supertrekkie4: filly [1:59 AM] sunasmine: smile and kissu, continue as before, [2:00 AM] hermocrates: And be quiet, for the filly's sake [2:01 AM] sammiepie: You smile and kissu back up her neck. When you get back up to her lips you kissu her and [2:02 AM] hermocrates: [I'm going to bed. Good night, and enjoy your CRPG yo!] [2:02 AM] hermocrates left the room. [2:02 AM] sammiepie: whisper into her ear "Well then I'll have to be extra careful and slow." Then you start [2:04 AM] sammiepie: running your hooves through her primary feathers ssssllllooowwlllyy. She moans quieter and [2:05 AM] property_of_molestia left the room. [2:05 AM] sammiepie: starts to grind against your sheath causeing your semi hard ponyboner to snap to full [2:06 AM] sammiepie: salute. what do? [2:06 AM] sunasmine: let her rubbu for a lilttle, but start to rub her cutie marks [2:06 AM] guest-678860 entered the room. [2:06 AM] guest-678860 changed nickname to shockhoof [2:07 AM] joeshmo101_homework changed nickname to joeshmo101 [2:07 AM] shockhoof: Howdy Everypony [2:07 AM] giggles_reading: [heya shock] [2:07 AM] joeshmo101: [I think we just stumbled into a CRPG, shock] [2:07 AM] shockhoof: [sorry, no one was typing so I had no clue] [2:08 AM] giggles_reading: [foreplay with Derpy is currently happening] [2:08 AM] sunasmine: [heya] [2:08 AM] sammiepie: [hiya] [2:08 AM] datponyass left the room. [2:09 AM] giggles_reading: anyhoo. w/ suna [2:10 AM] sammiepie: You let Derpy enjoy the slow rocking she's doing and your forehooves meander down to her [2:11 AM] sammiepie: cutie marks. Once there you begin to rub circles around the bubbles on her plot causing [2:12 AM] sammiepie: her to moan again. wat do? [2:12 AM] sunasmine: "Shhh...." but keep rubbing [2:14 AM] sammiepie: You whisper into her ear "Shhh... you would want to be a naughty filly and wake the foal." [2:15 AM] sammiepie: You increase the pressure and you feel her getting wetter and wetter. She kisses you again [2:16 AM] sammiepie: to stop the moaning and starts to hump you lightly. [2:16 AM] sammiepie: wat do? [2:17 AM] sammiepie: [whoops *wouldn't] [2:17 AM] sunasmine: slowly slide ourselves into her? [2:18 AM] giggles_reading: ^ [2:18 AM] plotospex changed nickname to plotospex_brbpony [2:18 AM] guest-678926 entered the room. [2:18 AM] guest-678926 changed nickname to aibothedog [2:19 AM] sammiepie: You slowly lift her up and aim yourself at her sopping wet entrance. You lock eyes and she [2:20 AM] sammiepie: guides herself onto you and starts to pump up and down with a low moan. [2:20 AM] sammiepie: She gains speed as she rides |
, they’ll keep the mention of Vermont Cheddar Cheese in the series.The roster reformation for the Mariners under new general manager Jerry Dipoto continued on Monday afternoon with his third trade of the offseason.
The roster reformation for the Seattle Mariners under new general manager Jerry Dipoto continued Monday with his third trade of the offseason.
Dipoto completed a five-player trade with the Texas Rangers, acquiring outfielder Leonys Martin and right-handed pitcher Anthony Bass for reliever Tom Wilhelmsen, outfielder James Jones and a player to named.
“We’ll do this every couple of days it seems,” Dipoto joked about a media conference call to discuss the trade.
Martin is the obvious centerpiece of the trade for the Mariners. They addressed a serious need by adding an everyday center fielder.
“With Leonys Martin, I think we get one of the premier defensive center fielders in baseball,” Dipoto said. “He’s been among the best in the league over the last three years. This a guy we targeted from the get-go.”
The ultra-speedy Martin, 27, was the Rangers’ everyday center fielder for the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He had an Ultimate Zone Rating (a key defensive metric that measures overall outfield play) in center of 14.3 and 10.7 in those respective seasons, both great numbers. His Defensive Runs Saved were 13.4 and 12.0 (average per season). This past season he posted a 14.3 UZR and 12.0 DRS in center field for Texas.
However, his continued struggles at the plate in 2015 lost him his starting job to Rule 5 draft pick Delino Deshields, who converted to the outfield from second base.
Martin hit just.219 (63 for 288) with 12 doubles, five homers, 25 RBI, 14 stolen bases and just a.264 on-base percentage in 95 games last season, mostly as bench player. He was optioned to Class AAA Round Rock in early August.
“He’s coming off a down year, and frankly that’s when you acquire guys,” Dipoto said. “There was a soft spot in the ability to acquire Leonys, and we took advantage of that. His down year some of that can be attributed to plain bad luck. He didn’t not have a very high batting average on balls in play (.270), which is typically an indicator that it will turn around. He’s healthy, and he’s ready to go. This is guy that has put up about a nine and half WAR the past three years, which is not an insignificant number.”
Martin’s season essentially ended when he suffered a fractured hamate bone in his right hand Aug. 13 playing for Round Rock. He had surgery on the hand Aug. 26 to remove the hamate bone. He was activated from the disabled list Sept. 20 and appeared in one game with the Rangers as a call-up.
“He checked out great,” Dipoto said of the injury. “Our medical peopled looked through it very closely. The hamate bone is different than dealing with any kind of ligament or internal structure issue. He checked out healthy. We were very satisfied with the medicals.”
Martin has struggled with contact, striking out in almost 20 percent of his at-bats in 2013 and 2014 and posting a sub. 330 on-base percentage both seasons.
“He’s an aggressive hitter that’s not your normal top-of-the-lineup skill set,” Dipoto said. “He’s best served in the latter third. He’s got a good swing with plus-plus bat speed. You can always improve as a player. Leonys is going to be 28 years old, and this is the time you want to have players. The strikeout is always going to be part of his game. It’s a quick bat, and it’s in and out of the strike zone a little bit. But he does impact the game in other ways. You aren’t always going to find perfect players that check every box, but he checks some pretty significant boxes.”
Even with the struggles at the plate, Martin’s defense is still the most important aspect. Dipoto also consulted with new bench coach Tim Bogar, who served in a similar role in Texas in 2014, and Nelson Cruz, who was teammate of Martin for several seasons.
“Tim helped out a great deal, and Leonys obviously performed very well for him in Texas,” Dipoto said. “I spoke to Nelson Cruz about Leonys, and he had some very positive things to say.”
Martin defected from Cuba in 2010 and established residency in Mexico with Mariners pitcher Roenis Elias. Martin signed with the Rangers as a free agent.
Bass is a versatile reliever who appeared in 129 big-league games, including 18 starts. Last season he appeared in 33 games for the Rangers, going 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA. He had 15 multi-inning appearances and struck out 45 batters in 64 innings.
The Mariners give up one of their more versatile relievers in Wilhelmsen. He started the season in middle relief and finished as the team’s closer — a move marking the erosion of the bullpen. The 31-year-old appeared in 53 games, posting a 3.19 ERA while going 2-2 with 13 saves in 15 opportunities. He’s been a part of five big-league seasons with the Mariners, posting an 11-10 record with 67 saves and a 2.97 ERA in 267 games. Wilhelmsen was in second year of arbitration eligibility and was projected to make approximately $4 million this season after losing his arbitration hearing last season.
Jones spent most of 2015 with Class AAA Tacoma, hitting.272 with 12 doubles, seven triples, a homer, 28 RBI and 25 stolen bases in 72 games, despite missing time because of a concussion and a broken toe. He appeared in 28 games with the Mariners, hitting.103 in three call-ups.HTC might be gearing up for a wider audio assault. Just days after the 606w made a pass through China's TENAA with stereo sound, a 608t cousin has made the agency rounds carrying its own pair of front speakers. If the 608t looks familiar, it should -- it's effectively a spin on the One SV body (or rather, the somewhat similar One ST from China) with both the reworked audio as well as the same navigation layout that first appeared on the One. While we can't verify rumors that the 608t will step up to Jelly Bean, a quad-core chip and an 8-megapixel rear camera, the TENAA report does show that it will include TD-SCDMA for China Mobile as well as GSM and WiFi. However subtle an upgrade the phone will be, about all that's left is for HTC to orchestrate a formal launch.Washington October 25, 2011 (AVfM News) Last week on Thursday October 20, a red-line draft proposal for V.A.W.A. re-authorization was made public. That proposal includes a provision to apply guidelines set for college campuses as outlined in “Dear Colleague” letter issued by the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (O.C.R), which instructs schools to abandon the use of a “reasonable doubt” standard in sexual assault cases and instead use the less stringent “preponderance of evidence,” standard. It will be introduced to the Senate Judiciary Committee soon for deliberation.
This means that the diluted Preponderance of Evidence standard used in civil cases, and the removal of proper criminal justice entities in the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault on college campuses, will be coded into federal law and not simply an extension of O.C.R. policy.
Stop Abusive and Violent Environments, an organization dedicated to V.A.W.A. reform, had been lobbying feverishly with the Judiciary Committee staff to support a repeal of mandatory arrest policy funding and also to make V.A.W.A. gender neutral, thus recognizing male victims and female perpetrators of intimate partner violence.
S.A.V.E. has also been very active in lobbying for the recognition of false allegations of domestic violence as well as well as speaking out about misconceptions regarding Domestic Violence and misinformation alleged to be rampant in the Domestic Violence Industry.
Despite the lobbying, none of S.A.V.E’s recommendations were included in the updated draft.
As reported by AFVM news, the new Title IX requirements for federal funding (almost every public post secondary education institution is heavily dependent on Title IX funding) include the en-statement of new procedures for dealing with accusations of sexual assault on campus. These procedures first and foremost require the establishment of student and faculty tribunals who are not accountable to the law in any way and need only the preponderance of evidence standard to essentially convict a male student of sexual assault. While the accused student may not be sent to jail they are expelled from school and their academic records will show that they perpetrated a sexual crime.
Since the introduction of the new O.C.R. policy, academics and legal scholars have bitterly complained about its constitutionality. S.A.V.E. has also been very vocal about the danger posed to young men in college stating that the guidelines will result in a flood of false allegations and innocent male students having their academic careers and lives destroyed by what amounts to Kafkaesque tribunals in which the accused are presumed guilty and have no right to face their accusers and on which the entire burden of proof is placed on them.
Indeed, as has been seen at the University of South Dakota in the case of Caleb Warnner who last year was expelled from school and had his academic record tarnished by a sexual assault charge that was proven false by police, these procedures are already the DE-facto policy on many campuses. He has since won back his right to attend school again but only after much expense and considerable damage to his reputation.
There have already been scathing commentaries coming from several sources. Open Market’s Hans Bader penned an article titled “Senate bill would further undermine due process on campus” in which he states:
“It really is strange for a bill to delegate to a federal agency the power to lower due process protections and standards of proof to be used against private individuals. I have never seen any bill like this before, and it may be unprecedented. Giving OCR this power raises the danger that it could some day demand an even lower standard of proof like “reasonable grounds” or “probable cause” that would require discipline even where the accused is probably innocent as long as there is some possibility of guilt, effectively creating a presumption of guilt.
It also sets a precedent for future legislation forcing institutions to lower the standard of proof in other kinds of cases that could lead to the firing of employees or expulsion of students. It is also strange to delegate to an agency like OCR that administers one statute (Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination and harassment) the ability to dictate the standard of proof for an entirely different statute that it doesn’t even administer (VAWA, dealing with domestic violence and violence against women).”
Phyllis Schlafly, President of the Eagle Forum released an open letter to all U.S. Republican Senators yesterday urging them not to support the circulating draft. “Conservatives need to stand against the falsehoods and unconstitutional policies that surround the domestic violence issue” she said. “The bill should be re-written so that it adheres to the truth, experience and constitutional policies and helps women instead of harming families.”
S.A.V.E. is urging supporters to contact the Senate Switchboard ( 202-244-3121) and contact their Senators so they can express their disapproval of the new V.A.W.A. Draft.
Sources:
http://www.saveservices.org/wp-content/uploads/VAWA-2011-Draft.pdf see p. 64
http://www.openmarket.org/2011/10/24/senate-bill-would-further-undermine-due-process-on-campus/
http://www.saveservices.org/
www.eagleforum.org
http://thefire.org/article/13758.htmlspain-bastard:
thisisthinprivilege:
There’s a triggering bulletin board with ways not to gain weight/eat too many calories over the holidays in my dorm. As someone who has an eating disorder/is in recovery, it was really bothersome. I (politely!) graffitied it and this is the response I got. Really irritating.
This is how sick this culture of thin/dieting has gotten. The fact that people are laughing at the OP’s message. People feel shame for eating like normal humans, and the less you manage to eat the more “controlled” you seem which is admired by others. I think that’s just awful. I am vegetarian and eat somewhat healthy, and people go on and on about how “good” I am and how much “willpower” I have. Bullshit. Whether I decide to eat a cookie or not is not a reflection on me as a person.
Please, eat, and don’t feel guilty about it. Eat when you’re hungry. Eat when you’re sad. Eat for fun. It’s okay, and it doesn’t make you a bad, lazy or fat person, or anything like that.
I wasted years believing that, partly because of a very insecure mother and partly because of…everyone else around me. I recorded my food obsessively, couldn’t skip a workout(daily, at least 2 hours long) without beating myself up over it for days. I’d make up excuses to miss family events or going out with friends because I had “already eaten too much” that week and/or I didn’t want to skip a workout. It is not fun and it isn’t a good way to live - and it won’t help anyway.
I’ve gotten a lot better and I feel a lot more relaxed and comfortable with myself. I can skip workouts without getting anxious, I can eat what I feel like without hating myself for it. And - I haven’t gained massive amounts of weight like I feared I would if I didn’t keep in strict control. (In fact, I haven’t gained any - but that doesn’t actually matter)
Sorry, I don’t usually post this stuff but this strikes a chord with me and I just want everyone to know and believe that it’s okay to eat for nutrition AND for pleasure, and that you don’t need to lose weight to be beautiful and healthy.Jacob Rees-Mogg would be an “outstanding candidate” to be Prime Minister, according to Tory minister Jesse Norman.
Mr Norman revealed himself to be a fan of the “Moggmentum” bandwagon that has been building in recent months, leaving the flamboyant backbencher as the second favourite with some bookmakers to succeed Theresa May as Conservative leader.
Mr Rees-Mogg has sought to downplay the prospect of a future leadership bid – though he has stopped short of ruling it out altogether and wrote an article this week laying out his vision for the party.
When transport minister Mr Norman - who, like Mr Rees-Mogg is an old Etonian - was asked whether another product of exclusive private school could become Prime Minister in the future, he deflected by hailing his colleague.
“I think Jacob Rees-Mogg would be an outstanding candidate,” he replied. “I can only admire the Moggmentum that’s already underway.”
Earlier this week, Tory MP Heidi Allen said she could not remain part of the Conservative party if Mr Rees-Mogg became its leader.
Elsewhere in his interview with Centre Write, the magazine of Tory thinktank Bright Blue, Mr Norman said the Conservatives had to review its message on areas such as healthcare and the environment in order to win over younger voters attracted by Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour party.
“The party also has to be willing to look hard at how to tackle injustice,” he added.
“And it needs to be willing to talk about areas that people don’t regard as traditionally conservative, such as healthcare, the environment and the arts, on which conservatism in fact has some very useful things to say.
“There are no areas of policy and of public discussion that lie outside a strong, warm and intelligent conservatism, if it’s properly focused.”WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In a dramatic break from previous policy, the United States will join direct talks between U.N. and European powers and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program, the State Department announced Wednesday.
Wednesday's announcement is the latest step by the Obama administration to engage Iran diplomatically.
The Obama administration has asked the European Union's international policy chief, Javier Solana, to invite Iran to new talks with the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Germany, State Department spokesman Robert Wood said.
"If Iran accepts, we hope this will be an occasion to seriously engage Iran of how to break the logjam of recent years and work in a cooperative manner to resolve the outstanding international concerns about its nuclear program," Wood said.
Iran so far has refused Security Council demands to halt its production of enriched uranium, which it has said will be used to fuel nuclear power plants. The United States has accused Tehran of concealing efforts to develop a nuclear bomb, and the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog agency said it has failed to resolve questions about the aim of Iranian program. Watch how U.S. policy on Iran is changing »
The Bush administration had insisted that Iran first stop its nuclear program before any talks with the United States or its allies could go forward. Wednesday's announcement is the latest step in the Obama administration's efforts to engage the Islamic republic diplomatically after nearly three decades without formal ties.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, briefly addressing the administration's decision Wednesday, told reporters that "pursuing very careful engagement on a range of issues that affect our interests and the interests of the world with Iran makes sense."
"And there's nothing more important than trying to convince Iran to cease its efforts to obtain a nuclear weapon," Clinton said at the State Department, where she was meeting Panama's foreign affairs minister. Her comments came in response to a reporter's question about engaging Iran.
Washington, which has not had diplomatic relations with Iran since 1980, has participated in previous talks only as an observer. Wood would not speculate about whether a meeting involving Iran and the rest of the group might lead to direct one-on-one meetings of U.S. and Iranian officials.
"It's a little early to talk about that right now," he said.
Iran has so far responded coolly to the American overtures. In a statement carried on Iranian state television Wednesday evening, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Washington "has no right to suggest how other nations should live."
"Those who have nuclear bombs are backward nations, because the time for threats is over," Ahmadinejad said.
And in a statement carried by the official IRNA news agency, Ahmadinejad said Iran was "ready to cooperate" toward nuclear disarmament, as long as those efforts did not create obstacles for countries that wish to produce nuclear fuel for civilian power.
No date has been set for the next meeting of the "P-5 plus 1" group, which includes the five Security Council permanent members -- the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China -- as well as Germany. But Wednesday's announcement comes amidst a variety of signals from both sides that a major diplomatic shift was in the winds.
In March, President Obama delivered a televised message to the Iranian people offering new diplomatic engagement. And Clinton sat down with an Iranian official at a recent conference in the Netherlands on Afghanistan, but the two diplomats had no one-on-one contact.
During his presidential campaign, Obama called for talks with Iran without pre-conditions -- a proposal sharply criticized by Clinton, then his chief opponent for the Democratic nomination, among others.
Big obstacles to a U.S.-Iranian thaw remain, including reports from Tehran on Wednesday that Iranian authorities have charged an American journalist with espionage. Clinton told reporters that the the U.S. had asked the Swiss -- who represent U.S. interests in Iran -- for up-to-date information about Roxana Saberi, who has been jailed for nearly three months.
During the March 31 meeting in the Netherlands, the United States delivered a note to Iran that asked for a response on the status of Saberi and American citizens detained or missing in Iran. U.S. officials say they are still awaiting a response from the Iranians to the note.
CNN's Charley Keyes contributed to this report.
All About Iran • Barack Obama • Nuclear WeaponsWhy do some people fret over the most trivial matters while others remain calm in the face of calamity? Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have identified two different chinks in our brain circuitry that explain why some of us are more prone to anxiety.
Their findings, published Feb. 10 in the journal Neuron may pave the way for more targeted treatment of chronic fear and anxiety disorders. Such conditions affect at least 25 million Americans and include panic attacks, social phobias, obsessive-compulsive behavior and post-traumatic stress disorder.
In the brain imaging study, researchers from UC Berkeley and Cambridge University discovered two distinct neural pathways that play a role in whether we develop and overcome fears. The first involves an overactive amygdala, which is home to the brain's primal fight-or-flight reflex and plays a role in developing specific phobias.
The second involves activity in the ventral prefrontal cortex, a neural region that helps us to overcome our fears and worries. Some participants were able to mobilize their ventral prefrontal cortex to reduce their fear responses even while negative events were still occurring, the study found.
"This finding is important because it suggests some people may be able to use this ventral frontal part of the brain to regulate their fear responses -- even in situations where stressful or dangerous events are ongoing," said UC Berkeley psychologist Sonia Bishop, lead author of the paper.
"If we can train those individuals who are not naturally good at this to be able to do this, we may be able to help chronically anxious individuals as well as those who live in situations where they are exposed to dangerous or stressful situations over a long time frame," Bishop added.
Bishop and her team used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to examine the brains of 23 healthy adults. As their brains were scanned, participants viewed various scenarios in which a virtual figure was seen in a computerized room. In one room, the figure would place his hands over his ears before a loud scream was sounded. But in another room, the gesture did not predict when the scream would occur. This placed volunteers in a sustained state of anticipation.
Participants who showed overactivity in the amygdala developed much stronger fear responses to gestures that predicted screams. A second entirely separate risk factor turned out to be failure to activate the ventral prefrontal cortex. Researchers found that participants who were able to activate this region were much more capable of decreasing their fear responses, even before the screams stopped.
The discovery that there is not one, but two routes in the brain circuitry that lead to heightened fear or anxiety is a key finding, the researchers said, and it offers hope for new targeted treatment approaches.
"Some individuals with anxiety disorders are helped more by cognitive therapies, while others are helped more by drug treatments," Bishop said. "If we know which of these neural vulnerabilities a patient has, we may be able to predict what treatment is most likely to be of help."
In addition to Bishop, coauthors of the study are Anwar O. Nunez Elizalde at UC Berkeley; Iole Indovina of the Neuroimaging Laboratory of the Santa Lucia Foundation in Rome, Italy; Trevor Robbins at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom; and Barney Dunn at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit in Cambridge, U.K.Twenty years ago, the great Bill Hicks had a classic stand-up bit in which he imagined ad executives watching his rant against advertising, and saying to each other: “Oh, I see what Bill is doing! He’s going after the anti-marketing dollar, the righteous-indignation dollar! That’s a good dollar!” Hicks was pointing out the ability of advertising to, in an utterly cynical fashion, monetize anything and everything…even a foul-mouthed critique of the desire of advertising to monetize anything and everything.
As I watch large portions of the media hand-wring over Trump, without a serious discussion of the role of the media itself in creating the hostile, sexist environment within which Trump’s grotesque worldview can flourish, it is worth asking if the coverage is in large part about the righteous-indignation dollar.
Once again, Trump has exposed himself to be the misogynist many of us suspected. And, again – as with his racism and Islamophobia – the US media has been quick to pitch itself as outraged over his new grotesque comments from 2005.
I do not doubt the sincerity of the attacks on Trump from individual journalists. Nor is this an argument that the responsibility for Trump’s words can be found anywhere other than with Trump himself. But Trump’s disgusting comments are also a reminder that massive double-standards in how men and women are treated in and by the media are important context for the story.
Trump’s words did not emerge in a social vacuum, and, as an industrial collective, the US media’s track record on the representation of women is nothing short of shameful. There is more than a drop of irony in newspapers printing articles attacking Trump, while on other pages of their publications near anorexic models advertise clothing and other fashion items, forwarding an ideal body-type that is not only impossible to attain, but physically harmful. There is similar irony in television pundits shaming Trump’s shaming and glorification of sexual abuse, while at the same time women “over a certain age” are quietly erased from our screens in favor of younger, more “attractive” talent. Add this to the fact that in popular film and television, women are sorely under-represented and under-heard, and the hypocrisy is only magnified.
Of course, Trump is a great way for the US media to check some progressive boxes.
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Against racism? Check.
Against Islamophobia? Check.
Against sexism? Check.
The problem, however, is that Trump’s racism, Islamophobia and sexism are not counter-balanced by US media representations of African-Americans, Muslims and women…it is, more often than not, supported by them. Where, one should reasonably ask, were the hand-wringing editorials on how large swathes of the US news and popular media contributed to Trump’s rhetoric by giving credence to the very insults (that women are inferior sex objects) they now condemn? Where were the thought-pieces asking why women above a certain weight or age cannot make it as on-air talent in television? Where were the pundit round-tables looking into the role of corporate control and advertising in US media in shaping representations of women? This lack of critical introspection on the role of the media smacks of a deliberate attempt to deflect and obfuscate. It doesn’t absolve Trump, but it does implicate those who control our flow of news, information and entertainment.
So, yes, Trump is the villain here. But the broader message of current coverage is that structural sexism, racism or xenophobia are only important when Trump says something outrageous. When we consider US media history, that’s as disingenuous as it is hypocritical.If things keep going downhill for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Dion Phaneuf, a change in scenery might not be too far around the corner.
For all the criticism Phaneuf receives, he is one of the most productive blueliners in the league and has been since he made his NHL debut 10 seasons ago. He shoulders the bulk of the blame for the Maple Leafs’ defensive woes – he hasn’t finished a game with a plus rating since Dec. 23 – even though he’s not the reason the team is struggling.
It’s not unlike the situation Bryan McCabe found himself in toward the end of his tenure in Toronto before he was shipped out of town. Though it’s not an inevitability he gets dealt, Phaneuf’s name is out there.
Phaneuf doesn’t have an easy contract to move because he’s being paid like a franchise defenceman despite the fact he isn’t playing like one. His salary cap hit is $7 million annually until 2021, which means if the Leafs were to move the 29-year-old, they might have to retain some salary to get a deal done — depending on what Dave Nonis and Co. get in return.
With that in mind, here are five potential trade destinations for the Maple Leafs captain should they look to move him.
Colorado Avalanche: Last year when Phaneuf’s name was brought up in trade rumours, Elliotte Friedman told Sportsnet 960 The Fan the Avalanche were a potential fit. With Ryan O’Reilly’s name currently out there, some variation of Phaneuf for O’Reilly is a plausible scenario. The Avalanche, a team that relies too heavily on its goaltending, has been looking to bolster its blue line for some time. Jan Hejda, a pending UFA, is having an underwhelming season, and Phanuef would be an upgrade on the top pair beside Erik Johnson. A deal with the Avs would also reunite Phaneuf with his old buddy Jarome Iginla.
Potential trade chips: Ryan O’Reilly, Joey Hishon, Nick Holden, Jamie McGinn
Anaheim Ducks: This one might seem like a long shot, but consider this: Ducks GM Bob Murray has made 13 separate trades with the Maple Leafs since 2009. Francois Beauchemin is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and the salaries of Sheldon Souray, Eric Brewer and Ilya Bryzgalov are coming off the books at season’s end. The Ducks will have room on the blue line and money to spend. Phaneuf could do great things playing beside Hampus Lindholm, Sami Vatanen or Cam Fowler – three of Anaheim’s outstanding young defencemen. Phaneuf would also add some muscle to complement a smooth-skating defensive corps.
Potential trade chips: Matt Beleskey, Devante Smith-Pelly, Nick Ritchie, Shea Theodore, Nick Sorensen
Los Angeles Kings: On a recent episode of Hockey Night in Canada, Friedman suggested a Phaneuf for Mike Richards swap would make sense for all parties involved. Know what? Friedge ain’t wrong. Both men are on long-term deals with high cap hits attached, and it feels as though the 2004 world junior teammates could both use a change in scenery. The Leafs are always in need of a quality two-way centre who can go up against an opposing team’s top line, and with the future of Slava Voynov in question, the Kings could be in need of another talented blueliner able to chew up minutes to alleviate pressure off Drew Doughty.
Potential trade chips: Mike Richards, Valentin Zykov, Nick Ebert, Brayden McNabb
Edmonton Oilers: Both the Oilers and Maple Leafs have essentially entered overhaul mode, and the Oilers have a handful of talented, young forwards they could use as bait to land Phaneuf. If the Oilers end up with either Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel at the draft, it will be easier for them to part ways with one of their previous high draft picks. The current Leafs captain would be a solid fit with the Oilers for a number of reasons. First and foremost, he would be a significant upgrade to a blue line that has been a mess for years. Last season the Oilers allowed a league-worst 3.26 goals against per game and through 47 games this season they’re actually worse, giving up 3.3 goals per game. Some of that is poor goaltending. A lot of that is poor defence, and Phaneuf would immediately become the team’s best defenceman. He has valuable leadership qualities like Oilers captain Andrew Ference, and he could act as a mentor for a young defenceman like Darnell Nurse. Phaneuf is also from Edmonton, which could endear him to the fan base.
Potential trade chips: Nail Yakupov, Jordan Eberle, Justin Schultz, Bogdan Yakimov, Martin Marincin
Dallas Stars: Stars general manager Jim Nill desperately wanted to add a top-pair defenceman last off-season but wasn’t able to. Based on this season’s results, there’s no doubt Nill still aims to do that — and Phaneuf could be the player. The Stars have one of the worst power-plays in the league, operating at a mere 15 percent success rate, and a player like Phaneuf could quarterback the man-advantage. Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn — obviously — plus Jason Spezza, Alex Goligoski and Trevor Daley in all likelihood are off the table, so the Leafs would have to rely on getting a solid prospect coupled with a high draft pick rather than a top-six forward or top-four defenceman.
Potential trade chips: Cody Eakin, Brett Ritchie, Radek Faksa, Jason Dickinson, John Klingberg, Jamie OleksiakI remember the first time I went camping. I was 12 years old, and my swim team went on a rafting trip to the Delaware Water Gap. We got into camp in the dead of night, and I was blown away by the brightness of bodies in the night sky. I’d grown up well inside the nimbus of artificial light surrounding New York; what I remember most vividly is the feeling of disorientation as I stared up at the jam-packed firmament, streaked by the fluid, wispy smoke of the Milky Way, all of it animated from time to time by the fiery trail of a meteor. That looks so fake. Are those really all stars? How could there be so many up there, and how could I not have known about them until now? The unpolluted night sky, to me, was a revelation.
Filmmaker Ian Cheney had the opposite experience. Growing up in rural Maine, he saw the unfiltered night sky as a friend, a familiar, map-like indicator of home. It was only after he’d moved to New York as an adult that he started thinking about his connection to the night sky, and what happens when we as a species lose the reality of night - indeed, of darkness - in our daily lives. In a new documentary that's making its way across the country, The City Dark, Cheney takes a thought-provoking and lively look at the disappearance of darkness across our planet and the disruption of our natural cycles of light and dark.
Cheney, who won the Peabody Award for his 2007 documentary, King Corn, started pondering the curious loss of darkness in our 24/7 consciousness when he heard that the world population had tipped from being a majority rural population to a majority urban one.
Light changes habitat just like a bulldozer can.
“That got me thinking about the fact that, for the first time in the history of the planet, most people were now growing up in places where they couldn’t see an unpolluted night sky,” says Cheney. That shift from rural to urban mirrored his own shift from childhood to adulthood, and living in New York City. “So what does that mean? The night sky is just one part of what we give up from moving from countryside to city.” It was only on the journey of making the film, he says, that he came to understand all the myriad ways that artificial light affects us humans and the planet we inhabit.
In the film, Cheney consults historians, astronomers, and astronauts - people with rarefied experience with the cosmos - but he also talks with people who are familiar with the effects of artificial light on our ordinary everyday: the owner of a lighting store; a Boy Scout troop leader who brings city kids to the woods; a wildlife veterinarian who deals with disoriented birds; a lighting designer; a criminologist who studies how installing bright lampposts reduces urban crime.
When Matty Holzhacker, the Boy Scout troop leader in New York’s Washington Heights, brings his kids camping, they are astounded. “Oh my God—there’s like a hundred stars,” says one boy. (At one point during the film, Cheney himself counts out measly handfuls of stars at various locations from Battery Park and Times Square to Harlem and Staten Island.) But more profound is the sense of the larger world they get from the view—that there is a lot more out there, and more hours in a day to enjoy it. “Time goes slower,” another boy says, wonderingly.
“Our shift to being an urban population raises a lot of questions about our relation to nature,” says Cheney. “The modern environmental movement took hold only when we started to lose a connection to the natural world. Perhaps so, too, with light pollution. But maybe what matters is what we gain—and what we do—when we do in fact see it.”Like the ampersand, the ‘@’ symbol is not strictly a mark of punctuation; rather, it is a logogram or grammalogue, a shorthand for the word ‘at’. Even so, it is as much a staple of modern communication as the semicolon or exclamation mark, punctuating email addresses and announcing Twitter usernames. Unlike the ampersand, though, whose journey to the top took two millennia of steady perseverance, the at symbol’s current fame is quite accidental. It can, in fact, be traced to the single stroke of a key made almost exactly four decades ago.
In 1971, Ray Tomlinson was a 29-year-old computer engineer working for the consulting firm Bolt, Beranek and Newman.1 Founded just over two decades previously,2 BBN had recently been awarded a contract by the US government’s Advanced Research Projects Agency to undertake an ambitious project to connect computers all over America.3 The so-called ‘ ARPANET ’ would go on to provide the foundations for the modern Internet, and quite apart from his technical contributions to it, Tomlinson would also inadvertently grant it its first global emblem in the form of the ‘@’ symbol.
The origins of the ARPANET project lay in the rapidly advancing state of the art in computing and the problems faced in making best use of this novel resource. In the early days, leaving a ruinously expensive mainframe idle even for a short time was a cardinal sin, and a so-called ‘batch processing’ mode of operation was adopted to minimise down time. Each computer was guarded by a high priesthood of operators to which users submitted their programs (often carried on voluminous stacks of cards) for scheduling and later execution.4 The results of a such a ‘batch job’ might arrive hours or days later, or sometimes not at all: a single error in a program could ruin an entire job without any chance for correction. As time wore on, however, processing power grew and costs fell — by the mid-1960s, room-sized mainframes had been joined by newly compact ‘minicomputers’ measuring a scant few feet on a side5 — and the productivity of users themselves, rather than of the computers they programmed, became the greatest problem. In place of batch processing arose a new ‘time-sharing’ model wherein many users could ‘talk’ at once to a single computer, typing commands and receiving immediate feedback on their own personal terminal.6
The most common terminal design of the era was the ‘teletype’, a combined keyboard and printer on which a user could type commands and receive the |
of marijuana, some of which are grown at the location, which sell anywhere from $120 to $300 an ounce.
Patients can choose from a variety of methods to ingest THC, the active chemical in marijuana. They can smoke the dried flower, which is the most common method, take the concentrated THC in a tincture or lozenge, rub it into the skin as a topical salve, or eat it in a baked good. For Thanksgiving, the Wellness Connection featured a recipe on their website for turkey stuffing using marijuana butter.
"A lot of cancer patients come in here going through chemotherapy, looking for help with the pain and nausea," says Susan Gay, an employee at Wellness Connection. "In this area there are also a lot of fishermen who have damaged their bodies doing that really hard work and just live with chronic pain. In order to stay away from the opiates, this is a viable option for them."
Like some dispensaries on the West Coast, Wellness Connection plans to offer alternative healing treatments like acupuncture, massage, and even vouchers for personal counseling and dental care to its members. The group has also launched a full retail line, including vaporizers, pipes, books and herbal supplements. Unlike a traditional pharmacy, dispensaries do not require employees to have a special certification for handling the medicine. Executive Director Becky DeKeuster, a former teacher, says the best employees are often teachers and food-service workers, because they have strong interpersonal skills. All of the training in growing, handling and manufacturing the medicine happens on the job.
Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine
Prior to passage of the 2009 citizens' initiative, only a patient's family member could grow marijuana, and they could still face prosecution given Maine's previously murky laws regarding the plant. The 2009 initiative set up a clearer legal framework for patients and family members and it also set up a licensing system for third-party caregivers to grow and sell the drug to qualified patients. For prospective caregivers, this simply requires filling out some paperwork, getting a criminal history background check done, and having an enclosed, locked facility in which to grow the plants.
As a licensed caregiver, Paul McCarrier, 28, of Thorndike, is permitted by state law to possess up to six blossoming cannabis plants for each of his five patients. McCarrier, who is also a patient, grows his plants in a small greenhouse and sells it in dried form for around $250 an ounce. Since he doesn't have a state-licensed kitchen he can't sell processed marijuana products, like baked goods and tinctures, unless he makes it with the patient in their own kitchen. As with a dispensary, new patients require an i.d. and certification, and the paperwork is filed with DHHS for approval. Like dispensaries, caregivers are only allowed to sell 2.5 ounces of the dried herb to patients every 15 days.
"The smaller caregivers really work to focus on what the patients need by developing different strains, by making sure that they have a supplier that works for them," says McCarrier. "Generally it's a lot higher quality medication because it's grown in a smaller setting."
Economic Driver
"This is not just about patients," said Rep. Deb Sanderson (R-Chelsea) after accepting an award for her advocacy of medical marijuana at Home Grown Maine last November. "This is about small industry. This is about an economic driver, bringing jobs into communities, putting people to work, supporting your local agricultural business."
Rep. Sanderson noted that Maine's over 700 registered caregivers were not mentioned in the then most recent jobs report, showing a net gain of 7,400 private-sector jobs in Maine. There is no official data about how much the typical caregiver makes, but McCarrier says he earns around $600 a week. He says his product is often potent enough that his patients don't need as much.
"It depends on what kind of business model you're running," says McCarrier. "Some people like to ride the edge of regulation, so they're working this as a profit-driven model."
According to those interviewed, a grower can earn anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 a year. Maine Wellness Connection starts employees at $12 an hour with benefits. There's also a whole economic infrastructure, of pipe sellers, grow suppliers, pest control specialists, and even marijuana grower education programs and apprenticeships, that supports the industry. It's unknown how much the new law has added to the local economy, but with growers paying income taxes along with a five-percent state sales tax on the drug and a $300 per patient fee, the state is finally getting its cut.
Dispensaries vs. Caregivers: A Difference in Philosophy
As the legislative liaison for the Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine, a statewide network to connect qualified patients with caregivers, Paul McCarrier, with his long hair and shaggy beard, has been a familiar face in Augusta, lobbying for laws that allow easier access for patients to obtain their medicine and small farmers to grow it. This has led to some tension between dispensaries and caregivers, which exploded last August at a public hearing in Augusta over new rules for growing outdoor plants. Proposed rules developed by the Department of Health and Human Services for outdoor growing, requiring eight-foot-high fences and remote tracking censors, are considered cost-prohibitive by many patients and caregivers. Because of the backlash, those requirements were scaled back in the final rules released at the end of December. Nevertheless, there is a fear among the caregiver population that state regulatory policy will encourage big businesses and dispensaries to dominate the market, while pushing the small farmers out and forcing patients to buy their medicine at inflated prices.
"If there are tensions, that's a shame," says Becky DeKeuster. "From a movement standpoint, you want to at least be pulling the rope in the same direction."
DeKeuster points to provisions in the law that require dispensaries to grow all of their own marijuana and prohibit caregivers from selling their excess herb to them. She says that separation of the two models might have led to some angst.
Up on Hogback Mountain, G.W. Martin expresses a commonly heard sentiment within the local caregiver community.
"We're trying to defend the individual's rights to grow their plants," he says. "In other states, where you have to buy from a dispensary, that gives the dispensary control of the marijuana. Not saying we shouldn't have any dispensaries, but the people should have the control over their right to grow marijuana. That's what's going to keep the big money from away out of our marijuana business. Keep it Maine homegrown green bud. Maine's been doing just fine with the marijuana business. We've been an export state for a long time."
It was a battle that the caregivers were losing until they decided to take the fight to Augusta.
Taking It to Augusta
Following voter approval of the 2009 citizen initiative, medical marijuana received a renewed focus in Augusta. Conscious of Maine's conflict with federal drug policy and with strong input from law enforcement, a 2010 task force put more restrictions on the initiative. Among several provisions, the resulting legislation banned outdoor growing, making it prohibitively expensive for some patients to grow it themselves, and it also required patients to pay a $100 fee to sign up on a state registry. Proponents of the legislation pointed out that without a patient registry, there would be no way of tracking how much of the drug was being sold and to whom it was being recommended. On the other side, Alysia Melnick, the Public Policy Counsel for the Maine ACLU, argued that the policy violated patients' privacy by requiring them to disclose their medical conditions to the state and put them at risk of federal prosecution by putting them on a registry admitting to using the drug. Following the passage of the task force's bill, Melnick began considering writing legislation to restore the intent of the citizen initiative by allowing outdoor growing and making the registry optional for patients. Several months later, a peculiar alliance of patients, caregivers, left-wing and libertarian activists, the ACLU, Governor Paul LePage and a group of Tea Party-backed freshmen legislators got behind Melnick's bill. State officials and law enforcement were caught completely flat-footed by that new alliance that had only one thing that united them - marijuana. were filing into the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland early in the evening Saturday, November 10, for the annual United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball.As they marched toward the ballroom, a slightly skunky scent wafted into the lobby. The group stopped and looked around quizzically."Um...who brought the weed?" said one of the Marines finally.the Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine's second annual trade show, billed as the largest medical marijuana trade show in New England. Just downstairs from the Marine Birthday Ball, the Belfast-based 220s blasted out some Pink Floyd, while medical marijuana patients and pot advocates wandered from table to table checking out the wares - including handblown pipes and bongs, vaporizers, scentless pouches, and hydroponic growing supplies. Licensed growers displayed jars of high-grade strains of pot with names like Afghan Kush, Pandora's Cheese, and Chernobyl. Groups of onlookers carefully inspected large green, purple and orange buds speckled with crystals.A few floors up in the hotel, a husky, bearded man in a tie-dyed shirt was in front of a room checking IDs and prescriptions, while inside registered patients were puffing away at tables using smokeless vaporizers. No one was anxiously looking out for the cops - it was all at least pretty much legal under current Maine law (though not federal law), now that marijuana can be recommended to treat certain ailments, including glaucoma, cancer, Crohn's disease, HIV-related illnesses, chronic pain, seizures and severe nausea.Derek Tarbox, 29, of Standish was looking over a display of burlap sacks filled with Medicinal Mix, a compost popular with local pot growers. Tarbox says his 5-year-old son has a terminal illness and he is researching whether medical marijuana can be used to treat his pain."We give our kid pain pills that adults take," says Tarbox. "I shouldn't be giving my 5-year-old hard narcotics. These conventions are bringing all of the people from the state of Maine together. Everybody's coming out of the closet and everybody's finally allowed to come together and see all of the new products that are available."G.W. Martin, 34, a tall, burly Montville farmer, says the new law has helped him diversify his farm. Up on Hogback Mountain where he lives with his wife and three children, Martin says he likes to keep it simple. There's no electricity or running water, but there's an outhouse, which he says composts some "wicked raspberries."In addition to wood, meat and vegetables, Martin produces Medicinal Mix and builds grow houses for other cultivators. As a licensed caregiver, he can also supplement his family's income with the sale of medical marijuana, which he grows in a wood-heated greenhouse. Recently, Martin has come out publicly in an attempt to add some legitimacy to an agricultural commodity that has long been the number-one cash crop in Maine (over apples, hay and potatoes), albeit underground."Growing up in central Waldo County, unless you're very sheltered, you're going to learn about growing marijuana," says Martin in a thick Maine drawl. "More than half my friends and their families grew marijuana to pay their expenses, pay their bills, pay their rising property taxes. But the days of growing 100 plants out in the woods and hiding from the cops and planes... those days are over, man. Plus I'm getting work for myself and other folks that help me out on the farm. We haven't had something like this in rural Maine in a while." He chuckles and points to a sack of compost. "Now I dare to go out and say, 'This dirt is for growing pot! And I know it works! We've got all kinds of experience - the shit works!'"With the jam music, belly dancers and some eccentrically dressed attendees, last November's Home Grown Maine trade show felt a lot more like a subcultural soiree than a medical conference. Nevertheless, the mere existence of the trade show is evidence of how far marijuana has come from its illegal status to accepted medical treatment.The shift in Mainers' view of marijuana has been growing for decades, and it has been a bipartisan shift.Speaking at the Home Grown show, former state Senator Joe Brannigan (D-Portland) recalled co-sponsoring conservative Republican Rep. Porter Leighton's (R-Harrison) medical marijuana bill in 1980, after the spouse of a former legislator found relief from his cancer with cannabis. That bill passed, but never made it into law due to an aggressive federal drug policy at the time. But by the 1990s a wave of state initiatives - encouraged by studies finding marijuana could provide pain relief, control nausea and vomiting, stimulate appetite, and treat a range of other conditions - challenged the federal law.In 1999, Maine voters approved a citizen referendum that allowed doctors to recommend cannabis to patients, but not legally prescribe it. Ten years later, another citizen initiative passed and set up a licensing system to grow and sell marijuana either through small, registered growers called "caregivers" or through one of eight not-for-profit marijuana dispensaries geographically dispersed throughout the state.Thomaston's Wellness Connection of Maine, one franchise in a chain of four statewide dispensaries, is a small, nondescript storefront on the Route 1 strip next to a Chinese take-out. Patients must hit a buzzer, then show a valid i.d. and patient card in order to be let into the main waiting room. Soft New Age music provides a calming atmosphere, while a sweet, yet pungent aroma hangs in the air of the warmly lit space. First-time patients are given a stack of documents including information about the dispensary, various methods of ingestion, warnings about abuse and addiction, and state laws concerning medical marijuana. An attendant advises patients about the two main types of marijuana, indica and sativa, and what kind of effects to expect from them. For instance, indica strains are more likely to relax the body, acting as a sedative. Sativas are generally more stimulative. Each patient is given a tracking sheet to record the effects of their prescribed strain and decide which one works the best. Wellness Connection offers up to nine strains of marijuana, some of which are grown at the location, which sell anywhere from $120 to $300 an ounce.Patients can choose from a variety of methods to ingest THC, the active chemical in marijuana. They can smoke the dried flower, which is the most common method, take the concentrated THC in a tincture or lozenge, rub it into the skin as a topical salve, or eat it in a baked good. For Thanksgiving, the Wellness Connection featured a recipe on their website for turkey stuffing using marijuana butter."A lot of cancer patients come in here going through chemotherapy, looking for help with the pain and nausea," says Susan Gay, an employee at Wellness Connection. "In this area there are also a lot of fishermen who have damaged their bodies doing that really hard work and just live with chronic pain. In order to stay away from the opiates, this is a viable option for them."Like some dispensaries on the West Coast, Wellness Connection plans to offer alternative healing treatments like acupuncture, massage, and even vouchers for personal counseling and dental care to its members. The group has also launched a full retail line, including vaporizers, pipes, books and herbal supplements. Unlike a traditional pharmacy, dispensaries do not require employees to have a special certification for handling the medicine. Executive Director Becky DeKeuster, a former teacher, says the best employees are often teachers and food-service workers, because they have strong interpersonal skills. All of the training in growing, handling and manufacturing the medicine happens on the job.Prior to passage of the 2009 citizens' initiative, only a patient's family member could grow marijuana, and they could still face prosecution given Maine's previously murky laws regarding the plant. The 2009 initiative set up a clearer legal framework for patients and family members and it also set up a licensing system for third-party caregivers to grow and sell the drug to qualified patients. For prospective caregivers, this simply requires filling out some paperwork, getting a criminal history background check done, and having an enclosed, locked facility in which to grow the plants.As a licensed caregiver, Paul McCarrier, 28, of Thorndike, is permitted by state law to possess up to six blossoming cannabis plants for each of his five patients. McCarrier, who is also a patient, grows his plants in a small greenhouse and sells it in dried form for around $250 an ounce. Since he doesn't have a state-licensed kitchen he can't sell processed marijuana products, like baked goods and tinctures, unless he makes it with the patient in their own kitchen. As with a dispensary, new patients require an i.d. and certification, and the paperwork is filed with DHHS for approval. Like dispensaries, caregivers are only allowed to sell 2.5 ounces of the dried herb to patients every 15 days."The smaller caregivers really work to focus on what the patients need by developing different strains, by making sure that they have a supplier that works for them," says McCarrier. "Generally it's a lot higher quality medication because it's grown in a smaller setting.""This is not just about patients," said Rep. Deb Sanderson (R-Chelsea) after accepting an award for her advocacy of medical marijuana at Home Grown Maine last November. "This is about small industry. This is about an economic driver, bringing jobs into communities, putting people to work, supporting your local agricultural business."Rep. Sanderson noted that Maine's over 700 registered caregivers were not mentioned in the then most recent jobs report, showing a net gain of 7,400 private-sector jobs in Maine. There is no official data about how much the typical caregiver makes, but McCarrier says he earns around $600 a week. He says his product is often potent enough that his patients don't need as much."It depends on what kind of business model you're running," says McCarrier. "Some people like to ride the edge of regulation, so they're working this as a profit-driven model."According to those interviewed, a grower can earn anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 a year. Maine Wellness Connection starts employees at $12 an hour with benefits. There's also a whole economic infrastructure, of pipe sellers, grow suppliers, pest control specialists, and even marijuana grower education programs and apprenticeships, that supports the industry. It's unknown how much the new law has added to the local economy, but with growers paying income taxes along with a five-percent state sales tax on the drug and a $300 per patient fee, the state is finally getting its cut.As the legislative liaison for the Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine, a statewide network to connect qualified patients with caregivers, Paul McCarrier, with his long hair and shaggy beard, has been a familiar face in Augusta, lobbying for laws that allow easier access for patients to obtain their medicine and small farmers to grow it. This has led to some tension between dispensaries and caregivers, which exploded last August at a public hearing in Augusta over new rules for growing outdoor plants. Proposed rules developed by the Department of Health and Human Services for outdoor growing, requiring eight-foot-high fences and remote tracking censors, are considered cost-prohibitive by many patients and caregivers. Because of the backlash, those requirements were scaled back in the final rules released at the end of December. Nevertheless, there is a fear among the caregiver population that state regulatory policy will encourage big businesses and dispensaries to dominate the market, while pushing the small farmers out and forcing patients to buy their medicine at inflated prices."If there are tensions, that's a shame," says Becky DeKeuster. "From a movement standpoint, you want to at least be pulling the rope in the same direction."DeKeuster points to provisions in the law that require dispensaries to grow all of their own marijuana and prohibit caregivers from selling their excess herb to them. She says that separation of the two models might have led to some angst.Up on Hogback Mountain, G.W. Martin expresses a commonly heard sentiment within the local caregiver community."We're trying to defend the individual's rights to grow their plants," he says. "In other states, where you have to buy from a dispensary, that gives the dispensary control of the marijuana. Not saying we shouldn't have any dispensaries, but the people should have the control over their right to grow marijuana. That's what's going to keep the big money from away out of our marijuana business. Keep it Maine homegrown green bud. Maine's been doing just fine with the marijuana business. We've been an export state for a long time."It was a battle that the caregivers were losing until they decided to take the fight to Augusta.Following voter approval of the 2009 citizen initiative, medical marijuana received a renewed focus in Augusta. Conscious of Maine's conflict with federal drug policy and with strong input from law enforcement, a 2010 task force put more restrictions on the initiative. Among several provisions, the resulting legislation banned outdoor growing, making it prohibitively expensive for some patients to grow it themselves, and it also required patients to pay a $100 fee to sign up on a state registry. Proponents of the legislation pointed out that without a patient registry, there would be no way of tracking how much of the drug was being sold and to whom it was being recommended. On the other side, Alysia Melnick, the Public Policy Counsel for the Maine ACLU, argued that the policy violated patients' privacy by requiring them to disclose their medical conditions to the state and put them at risk of federal prosecution by putting them on a registry admitting to using the drug. Following the passage of the task force's bill, Melnick began considering writing legislation to restore the intent of the citizen initiative by allowing outdoor growing and making the registry optional for patients. Several months later, a peculiar alliance of patients, caregivers, left-wing and libertarian activists, the ACLU, Governor Paul LePage and a group of Tea Party-backed freshmen legislators got behind Melnick's bill. State officials and law enforcement were caught completely flat-footed by that new alliance that had only one thing that united them - marijuana. The Anarchist
On a grey afternoon this past fall, I took a drive with Will Neils to visit a few of the local players in the medical marijuana movement. Neils, 36, has been active in a variety of left-wing causes, starting in the 1990s with the anti-globalization movement to the recent local controversies over the Plum Creek development and the proposed East West Highway. With his trademark long, dark hair pulled back in a pony tail and his rapid-fire speaking style, Neils has inspired his supporters and aggravated his detractors, particularly those in positions of authority. While Neils had been arrested at political demonstrations for civil disobedience in the past, he usually managed to stay on the right side of the law until September 21, 2010, when his camp out in rural Appleton was raided by police. Neils was arrested and charged with felony marijuana possession and aggravated trafficking as he had a loaded shotgun behind the couch.* A few weeks later, facing hard time, Neils went out to Harvest Fest, a pro-marijuana festival in Starks. There he sat on the hill with Cindy Brown of Starks and Hillary Lister of Athens and they discussed their plan to change Maine's medical marijuana policy.
By the time of Neils' arrest, he had become very active in Augusta politics. It was through lobbying on a bill that would have restricted the use of solitary confinement in Maine prisons that he met Alysia Melnick of the ACLU of Maine. Soon the Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine (MMCM) began working together on the bill that would become L.D. 1296, "An Act To Amend the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Act To Protect Patient Privacy." Then in November 2010, Republican majorities were elected to both the House and Senate along with Tea Party favorite Paul LePage to the governor's office. Although Republicans have historically favored strict drug laws, the caregivers had a plan to reach the new conservatives.
* In November 2012 Neils took a plea agreement, agreeing to plead "no contest" to a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana for which he paid a $750 fine. In exchange for his plea, the charges of aggravated trafficking in marijuana were dismissed and the felony possession of marijuana charge was reduced to a misdemeanor.
The Libertarian
A tall wooden fence with an enormous "Ron Paul for President" sign lets us know we've arrived at the home of John Stewart and Cynthia Rosen, tea-party Republicans and marijuana caregivers.
A sign at the edge of the driveway reads: "NO TRESPASSING without the owners' express verbal or written authorization. This includes any and all Government Agents."
Stewart and Rosen have some experience making signs, as they were instrumental in raising the money for the "Open For Business" sign, which Governor LePage put up near the state's border with New Hampshire shortly after his election.
Stewart, a former legislative candidate and chair of the Washington Republican Committee, and Rosen, who co-authored the Maine Republican Party's so-called tea party platform, were also very active LePage supporters during the 2010 Republican primary. It was during that time that they got a signed statement from the future governor that he would support a return to the original intent of the medical marijuana initiative, according to Stewart.
"We pinned him down and got a written statement from him that he would support the will of the people," said Stewart. "We advocated for him and he won."
We find Stewart sitting at a bar in his greenhouse, which is heated with wood and biodiesel. With his long hair and beard, he is not the typical image of a conservative Republican, but as he explains it, "a conservative is someone who simply believes in the conservative use of government over the people," including laws against marijuana. Prior to growing pot, Stewart raised trout and lettuce, feeding the lettuce on the wastewater of the trout. He blames the state for changing regulations and making it cost-prohibitive to raise the fish, leading to his business going under.
"I just hung out here for a year and a half feeling wicked depressed and then along came medical marijuana. It saved the day!" says Stewart.
Papaya and fig trees with ripe fruit stretch to the high ceiling, and a crop of mature marijuana plants sits in the corner. A large white parrot gives the place a jungle-like feel, while young female apprentices tend to the plants. Neils and Stewart, both certified patients, sit at the bar and take their medicine.
From Concept to Law
Stewart invited Sanderson to visit his greenhouse when she declared her candidacy for the Legislature in the spring of 2010. Sanderson, who voted against the 2009 initiative, explained her evolution on the issue to the audience at Home Grown Maine.
"I was guilty of the stigma attached to marijuana and the use of medical marijuana," she told the audience. "My thought was, 'Oh great, we're just going to have people getting high on the street.' But because of the patient privacy piece and the government's overreaching attempt to come between a patient and their physician and insert themselves into your private medical record, [the bill] was something I could really embrace."
It was this message of personal liberty and honoring the will of the voters that helped bring several other new tea-party legislators on as co-sponsors. Meanwhile Rep. Sanderson gave Rosen, Stewart and Melnick permission to work on the draft of the bill with the Legislature's revisor's office. On the day of the public hearing for L.D. 1296, advocates, patients and caregivers packed the Health and Human Services Committee room to weigh in on the proposal. First up was Catherine Cobb, representing the Department of Health and Human Services, who promptly opposed the bill on several counts, saying the Department believed it opened up the program to abuse as the state would no longer be able to track medical marijuana suppliers.
"When we heard the testimony, I stood up and said, 'What?!'" recalls Stewart, who then promptly jumped out of his seat and headed for the exit.
"Where are you going?" asked Neils, following close behind.
"I'm going to the governor's office," Stewart called over his shoulder.
"Can I come with you?" Neils asked.
"Absolutely!" Stewart called back.
Stewart and Neils then confronted the governor's assistant (and daughter) Lauren LePage about Cobb's decision, but she didn't know the reasoning behind the move.
"Well, come to find out, [the governor] didn't know either," says Stewart, sighing.
While Stewart and Neils lobbied the governor's people, Rep. Sanderson called together a group of stakeholders including the governor's legal advisor, the Maine DEA, legislators, Cobb and Melnick. And when they came out of the meeting, the committee gave Sanderson's bill a unanimous vote of support, largely on the basis of patient privacy.
On the opening day of the legislative session in January 2012, legislators were greeted at the doors of the House chamber by a scruffy-looking group of young lobbyists. They passed out pins with marijuana leaves that said "Buy Local" and "[Marijuana] = Jobs." They shook hands with lawmakers, thanking them for their support. Legislators of both parties politely took the buttons, some putting them on their bags and lapels.
The Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine had finally become a political force in Augusta - newly empowered by their signature bill, L.D. 1296. With law enforcement kept at bay, caregivers began advertising their medicine and a few doctors began advertising their willingness to diagnose qualified patients.
Jake McClure, a registered caregiver and co-owner of Maine Hydroponic Supply in Jefferson, which reportedly had a boom in sales last year, says he doesn't look at dispensaries as competition anymore.
"Now that we've got the law the way we needed it to be and there's jobs for everyone, they're not really stepping on our toes," says McClure.
As the caregivers have begun emerging from the black market, they've also started reaching out to the community. In 2011, perhaps remembering the goodwill Republicans showed their industry, the Marijuana Caregivers of Maine donated $5,000 to the Help Heat Home charity drive, an initiative of the Knox County Republican Committee.
Opposition
While Rep. Sanderson has become somewhat of a hero in the caregiver community, the loosening of restrictions and elimination of the state registry for patients and caregivers have caused heartburn for others.
The Maine Medical Association and law enforcement agencies have become alarmed by the easy access and relatively lax regulations on the plant. As Maine DEA Agent Roy McKinney says repeatedly, Maine's medical marijuana law still conflicts with the federal Controlled Substances Act, and his agency is required to investigate when they receive a complaint of a suspect cultivating pot. However, since registering with the state is now optional for patients, who are permitted to grow for their own consumption, there's no way of knowing whether they are legally growing it or not. It's difficult, says McKinney, to decide how many resources to put into investigating the complaints, since often the target of the investigation falls under the medical marijuana exemption. But the police don't know until they check. Additionally, McKinney points out that pharmaceutical drugs, unlike medical marijuana, are highly controlled and sold through a closed distribution system, yet the drugs still make it into the hands of recreational users.
"Anyone who thinks that marijuana that falls under the [medical] marijuana act isn't going to be diverted [to recreational users] is being very naive," says McKinney.
L.D. 1296 also eliminated the authority of the state to carry out inspections of caregivers, even though dispensaries are inspected. The state can no longer keep track of how many doctors are recommending medical marijuana since the patient registry is now optional. Other legislative measures, which would have added medical marijuana to Maine's prescription monitoring program and set up more centralized growing facilities for the growing and tracking of the drug have been killed by the Legislature. Task force member Sen. Anne Haskell (D-Portland), the sponsor of the latter two initiatives, has been a longtime advocate for medical marijuana after her daughter started using it for her cancer. Haskell says she's observed that Maine's current policy is moving in a direction of de facto decriminalization of the plant.
"[L.D. 1296] represented the least restrictive uses of marijuana and we have to figure out whether we want to treat this as a medicinal plant or if we're going to treat it as a recreational plant," said Sen. Haskell. "I think we need to decide as a society whether we're going to go the route of Washington and Colorado or not."
Go the Route of Washington & Colorado?
In the aftermath of successful legalization efforts in Washington and Colorado, many observers believe the end of marijuana prohibition is near. Regarding federal enforcement of the marijuana law in states where it has been legalized, President Obama was recently quoted as saying, "We've got bigger fish to fry." Maine lawmakers have agreed to some degree. In 2009, Maine decriminalized possession of up to 2.5 ounces of pot, treating it only as a civil violation.
Rep. Diane Russell (D-Portland) has resubmitted her bill to legalize and tax cannabis for recreational purposes, a measure that received bipartisan support last session as it was even co-sponsored by current Maine G.O.P. Chair Rich Cebra. However, Democratic leadership has stated that they are not hot on the idea, and medical marijuana advocates like Rep. Sanderson and Rep. Mark Dion (D-Portland) are against it on the grounds that it could jeopardize the medical marijuana program.
"If we do it legislatively right now, I think we're asking for trouble from the federal government," says Sanderson. "I will not vote legislatively to legalize marijuana at this time and put our medicinal program in any kind of compromised position, with the security and viability of that program."
Within the caregiver community there's some worry that legalization would blow up their carefully crafted system, allowing big businesses to move in and squeeze small farmers out, while continuing to criminalize those who operate outside the regulatory parameters.
In California, counties like Humboldt, Trinity and Mendocino voted against the marijuana legalization referendum Proposition 19. Those counties, known as the "Emerald Triangle" because it is the part of California where the most pot is grown, are not as well suited for growing as other parts of the state, and so they stood to lose a lot if marijuana was legalized. Even under Maine's post-L.D. 1296 framework, there have been some murmurings within the grower community that perhaps more regulation isn't such a bad thing, though none said so on the record.
"The biggest concern I've heard from local growers recently is that the markets have won," says McCarrier. "We're seeing the free market work like they claim it does. There's less regulation, so the price is going down because demand is at a certain level. Because the medical marijuana law is patient focused, all of a sudden all of these people who grow for patients don't have as many customers because patients are growing it themselves to save money."
Rep. Russell says her bill will grandfather in the caregivers and dispensaries, providing a limited number of retail licenses so that the market can still make profits for producers. She says that since she believes that legalization is coming, passing it legislatively is preferable to a referendum because all of the details can be worked out through a more rigorous vetting process.
Meanwhile, Rep. Dion, former Cumberland County Sheriff, along with the MMCM and ACLU, have recently crafted a bill, which Rep. Sanderson plans to cosponsor, to give doctors full discretion in recommending marijuana to patients, rather than be limited to prescribing it only for a list of certain conditions. It's also likely measures to restrict access and provide a tracking system for the drug will be on the table, as they have been in previous years.
Gordon Smith of the Maine Medical Association, which has advocated for much stricter medical marijuana laws, sees the line between medical and recreational use blurring, particularly if the new legislative agenda from the MMCM and ACLU passes. If Maine's medical marijuana laws are liberalized any further, he says, then the state might as well just legalize the plant altogether. On a grey afternoon this past fall, I took a drive with Will Neils to visit a few of the local players in the medical marijuana movement. Neils, 36, has been active in a variety of left-wing causes, starting in the 1990s with the anti-globalization movement to the recent local controversies over the Plum Creek development and the proposed East West Highway. With his trademark long, dark hair pulled back in a pony tail and his rapid-fire speaking style, Neils has inspired his supporters and aggravated his detractors, particularly those in positions of authority. While Neils had been arrested at political demonstrations for civil disobedience in the past, he usually managed to stay on the right side of the law until September 21, 2010, when his camp out in rural Appleton was raided by police. Neils was arrested and charged with felony marijuana possession and aggravated trafficking as he had a loaded shotgun behind the couch.* A few weeks later, facing hard time, Neils went out to Harvest Fest, a pro-marijuana festival in Starks. There he sat on the hill with Cindy Brown of Starks and Hillary Lister of Athens and they discussed their plan to change Maine's medical marijuana policy.By the time of Neils' arrest, he had become very active in Augusta politics. It was through lobbying on a bill that would have restricted the use of solitary confinement in Maine prisons that he met Alysia Melnick of the ACLU of Maine. Soon the Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine (MMCM) began working together on the bill that would become L.D. 1296, "An Act To Amend the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Act To Protect Patient Privacy." Then in November 2010, Republican majorities were elected to both the House and Senate along with Tea Party favorite Paul LePage to the governor's office. Although Republicans have historically favored strict drug laws, the caregivers had a plan to reach the new conservatives.* In November 2012 Neils took a plea agreement, agreeing to plead "no contest" to a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana for which he paid a $750 fine. In exchange for his plea, the charges of aggravated trafficking in marijuana were dismissed and the felony possession of marijuana charge was reduced to a misdemeanor.A tall wooden fence with an enormous "Ron Paul for President" sign lets us know we've arrived at the home of John Stewart and Cynthia Rosen, tea-party Republicans and marijuana caregivers.A sign at the edge of the driveway reads: "NO TRESPASSING without the owners' express verbal or written authorization. This includes any and all Government Agents."Stewart and Rosen have some experience making signs, as they were instrumental in raising the money for the "Open For Business" sign, which Governor LePage put up near the state's border with New Hampshire shortly after his election.Stewart, a former legislative candidate and chair of the Washington Republican Committee, and Rosen, who co-authored the Maine Republican Party's so-called tea party platform, were also very active LePage supporters during the 2010 Republican primary. It was during that time that they got a signed statement from the future governor that he would support a return to the original intent of the |
inform their families. Once their families have been informed, the names will be released online. So far, 36 of those names have been released.
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Police forensic investigators work at the crime scene of a mass shooting, as bodies are removed at the Pulse gay night club in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016
Investigators work the scene following a mass shooting at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando Florida, U.S. June 12, 2016
Overnight on Sunday, dozens of bodies were pulled from the bullet-ridden Orlando nightclub four at a time
On Monday, officials said they had identified 48 of the 49 victims, and are working to inform their families
Workers on the scene were grim-faced as they worked through the night on Sunday to remove the bodies from the Pulse nightclub
Grim task: Law enforcement officials have erected forensic tents at the Pulse gay nightclub where Omar Mateen killed at least 49 people on June 13 in Orlando, Florida
Tragedy: The scene at the Orlando mass shooting that killed at least 49 people and injuring 53 others at the Pulse nightclub
Investigation: Police forensics investigators work at the crime scene of a mass shooting at the Pulse gay night club in Orlando on June 12. At least 49 people were killed when Omar Mateen opened fire inside
Three forensic investigators are pictured above working the crime scene as the windows at the nightclub are completely broken out
The broken windows at the gay night club are pictured above as investigators work the tragic scene
Investigators from the office of the medical examiner investigate on the west side of Pulse nightclub, as bullet holes and large holes can be found throughout the building
Mateen's ex-wife said he was unstable and physically abusive. He had a son with another woman, Noor Zahi Salman (left), who was listed as his wife on a 2013 mortgage and appears to have left him
Pictured: US citizen Omar Mateen, 29, the suspected Islamic extremist who slaughtered at least 49 people inside a gay club in Orlando early Sunday morning
PULSE KILLER 'SHOT DEAD AS HE EMERGED THROUGH HOLE IN WALL' Police officers crashed an armoured vehicle into a wall of US nightclub Pulse in a desperate bid to save hostages. Gunman Mateen was killed when he crawled through the wall firing his weapons at waiting officers. John Mina, chief of police at the City of Orlando Police Department, told how his officers handled the tense standoff with the terrorist who carried out the worst mass shooting in US history. Mateen shot some of his initial victims at the Orlando club before taking the rest hostage. He barricaded himself in a toilet with around four or five hostages and called 911. FBI Director James Comey added in a statement on Monday that the shooter was involved in precisely three calls to a 911 dispatcher at approximately 2:30am. Comey said: 'He (Mateen) called and hung up. He called again and spoke with the dispatcher and hung up. 'And the dispatcher called him back and they spoke briefly. 'During the calls he said he was doing this for the leader of ISIS, who he named, and pledged loyalty to. But he also appeared to claim solidarity with the perpetrators of the Boston Marathon bombings and solidarity with the Florida man who died as a suicideb bomber in Syria for Al-Nusra Front - a group in conflict with the so-called Islamic State. 'The Boston bombers and the suicide bomber from Florida were not inspired by ISIS, which adds a little bit to the confusion about his motives', Comey concluded. Police chiefs chose to act when he boasted to the 911 call handler about ‘bomb vests, explosives’ and said he would murder more young people. Officers first laid explosives on the wall to create a space which those held hostage could escape through. Officers then drove the vehicle at speed crashing into the wall when the first plan failed. Mateen then wriggled out of the hole and fired before he was shot down. Police said the action saved the lives of dozens of people.
Thirty-nine of the dead were killed at the club, and 11 people died at hospitals, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said.
Jon Alamo had been dancing at the Pulse for hours when he wandered into the club's main room just in time to see the gunman. "You ever seen how Marine guys hold big weapons, shooting from left to right? That's how he was shooting at people," he said.
'My first thought was, oh my God, I'm going to die," Alamo said. "I was praying to God that I would live to see another day.'
Mateen, who purchased the weapons legally, had been investigated by the FBI three times but the bureau did not take further action.
Concerns about homophobic remarks he made whilst at work did not stop him from being employed as a security guard at G4S for nine years.
The company offers security advice and personnel to countries around the world and also secures some US nuclear sites.
The gunman exchanged fire with an officer working around the club at 2am before going back inside, according to Orlando Police Chief John Minia.
Writing on Facebook, Pulse, which described itself as the most prominent gay club in Orlando, urged party-goers to 'get out and keep running' as bullets started to fly.
There were about 320 people inside the club at the time of the shootings and about 100 people were taken hostage.
'He had an automatic rifle, so nobody stood a chance,' said Jackie Smith, who saw two friends next to her get shot. 'I just tried to get out of there.'
At 2:09 a.m., Pulse posted on its Facebook page: "Everyone get out of Pulse and keep running."
Mateen went on to exchange gunfire with 14 police officers at the club, and took hostages at one point. In addition to the assault rifle, the shooter also had a handgun and some sort of'suspicious device,' Police Chief John Mina.
About 5 a.m., authorities sent in a SWAT team to rescue the remaining club-goers, Mina said.
At first, officers mistakenly thought the gunman had strapped explosives to the dead after a bomb robot sent back images of a battery part next to a body, Mayor Dyer said. The robot was sent in after SWAT team members put explosive charges on a wall and an armored vehicle knocked it down in an effort to rescue hostages.
Nine hero officers used a 'controlled explosion' to distract the shooter before fatally shooting him and were able to rescue about 30 hostages who were hiding in the bathroom of the club.
During the gunfire, an officer was shot, but he was saved by his helmet. It was thought that at least one hostage had been locked in a bathroom with gunshot wounds.
Mayor Buddy Dyer said in a press conference: 'Many were saved by the heroic efforts of the men and women of the OPD, the Orange County Sheriffs, Seminal County Sheriff's office.'
At around 6am local time police tweeted: 'Pulse Shooting: The shooter inside the club is dead.'
Local and federal authorities are tasked with what is expected to be a lengthy investigation into the shooting.
Photos taken both on the ground and overhead show forensic investigators at the scene working to piece together exactly what happened, as huge holes can been seen left in the walls.
Authorities said on Sunday that Mateen, who was from Port St Lucie in Florida, was quizzed three times by the FBI for terror links and concerns.
The shooter, who had no criminal history, was licensed to work as an armed security guard in Florida, law enforcement sources said.
An FBI spokesman said at a press conference later in the day that Mateen purchased multiple guns in the past few days.
The spokesman said that the investigations by the FBI were closed and that's why the 29-year-old gunman was able to purchase the weapons.
The federal agency said Mateen was first interviewed in 2013 after he made 'inflammatory remarks' to a colleague.
'The FBI first became aware of Mateen in 2013 as he made inflammatory comments to coworkers, alleging possible terrorist ties,' Ron Hopper an FBI special agent said during a press conference.
The 2013 investigation came after he told his co-workers he knew the Tsaranev brothers who were responsible for the Boston bombing.
MATEEN WAS 'DISTRESSED' WHEN HE BOUGHT ST LUCIE PROPERTY IN 2013 Further details about Mateen's property arrangements have come to light. Police officers have removed evidence from 519 and 937 south-west Bayshore Boulevard, St Lucie. The four and three-bed homes are a four minute drive between each other. Mateen was said to be in a 'distressed' state when he bought number 937 for $95,000 in September 2013. Today it is thought to be worth about $190,000. The Palm Beach Post reported that he took out a $76,000 loan to finance the home. It was advertised as a'spacious pool home' which needs 'a little TLC'. The second home at 519 was bought for $160,000 in 2010, having been built two years earlier. His father Mir Seddique, also known as Seddique Mateen, has his company The Durand Jirga, registered at 519. It has 10 rooms and is built over two stories and is worth about $250,000.
Federal and local law enforcement remove evidence from two Treasure Coast homes that are linked to Orlando nightclub shooter, 29-year-old Omar Mateen
Mateen's name was registered at two homes in Orlando which police raided on Sunday for evidence as their investigation continues
Edward Sotomayor Jr. (left) and Stanley Almodovar III (right) were the first victims identified in the aftermath of the worst mass shooting in American history
Police forensic investigators work at the crime scene of a mass shooting at the Pulse gay night club in Orlando
Police forensic investigators examine large holes on the side of the building which holds Pulse nightclub
Police forensic investigators work at the crime scene on Sunday after 49 people were killed at the Orlando club
COLLEAGUES COMPLAINED ABOUT MATEEN'S 'FREQUENT' RACIST AND HOMOPHOBIC COMMENTS AND SAID HE WAS 'UNHINGED' Mateen led what many would consider a normal life: he was married, had a child and worked as a security guard. But he was really an 'unhinged' extremist who regularly made homophobic and racist remarks at work. That's the account of former police officer Daniel Gilroy who worked alongside Mateen, 29, for security firm G4S. Gilroy said he complained to bosses but they did nothing because of Mateen's Muslim faith. 'I quit because everything he said was toxic,' Gilroy told Florida Today. '...and the company wouldn't do anything. This guy was unhinged and unstable. He talked of killing people.' Gilroy said Mateen would take over from him on shift at PGA Village between 2014-15. Mateen began stalking him, sent up to 30 messages and made around 15 calls to him a day, Gilroy added.
Investigators are facing a difficult task, as 49 people were killed inside the club during the shooting
The inside of Pulse night club appears to be heavily damaged as glass from broken windows is likely inside
FBI agents investigate the severely damaged rear wall of the Pulse Nightclub after the shooting on Sunday
FBI agents investigate the damaged rear wall of the Pulse Nightclub in what is the deadliest mass shooting in American history
AR-15 RIFLE MATEEN CARRIED HAS OFTEN BEEN USED IN MASS SHOOTINGS IN US HISTORY The AR-15 rifle is the civilian model of the M-16 and is capable of firing a large number of rounds in seconds The type of AR-15 rifle that terrorist Omar Mateen used to kill 49 people and wound dozens more at the nightclub in Orlando has become the weapon of choice for mass murderers in the U.S. and is one of the common links between the shootings. Even though it has caused carnage and left dozens of people dead in multiple shootings this decade alone, the military-inspired semi-automatic rifle designed for civilian use is perfectly legal in most states. There were calls for a nationwide ban after the same type of firearm - capable of firing dozens of rounds in less than a minute without being reloaded - was used in the Sandy Hook school shooting, but it remains readily available at gun shops and was purchased just last week by Mateen before he went on his killing spree. The AR-15 rifle is the civilian model of the M-16 and is capable of firing a large number of rounds in seconds Mateen, 29, was armed with a.223-caliber AR-15-type rifle and a 9mm semi-automatic pistol – both legally purchased – when he opened fire at the Pulse gay club in Orlando early Sunday morning. Called a ‘killing machine’ or 'weapon of war' by those who want to see it banned, the AR-15 rifle is the civilian version of the fully-automatic M16 used by soldiers in the Vietnam War. Unlike the M16, users must pull the trigger every time they want to fire a shot. The most common versions of the AR-15 have been banned in a handful of states, including California. When it is used against humans it is intended to cause maximum carnage in a brief amount of time, said experts.
'The FBI thoroughly investigated the matter including interviews of witnesses, physical surveillance and records checks.
'In the course of that investigation, Mateen was interviewed twice.'Ultimately we were unable to verify the substance of his comments, and the investigation was closed.'
In 2014, Mateen came to the FBI's attention again and agents interviewed him about a potential connection he may have had with American suicide bomber Moner Abu Salha, who lived about 30 minutes away in Vero Beach, Florida.
'We determined that contact was minimal and didn't to constitute a substantive relationship or threat at that that time,' Hopper said.
In addition, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms said that Mateen purchased two weapons legally within the last week.
'He is not a prohibitive person so he can legally walk into a gun dealership,' the representative from the ATF said. 'He did so within the last week or so.'
FBI agents investigate near the damaged rear wall of the nightclub on Sunday afternoon
Large holes were left in the brick wall at the rear of the nightclub after the horrific shooting
'He's a known quantity,' another source said. 'He's been on the radar before.'
Global security firm, G4S, confirmed that he worked for the company since 2007.
'We are shocked and saddened by the tragic event that occurred at the Orlando nightclub,' a statement by the company reads.
'We can confirm that Omar Mateen had been employed with G4S since September 10, 2007. We are cooperating fully with all law enforcement authorities, including the FBI, as they conduct their investigation.
'Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the friends, families and people affected by this unspeakable tragedy.'
An FBI spokesman said Sunday's mass shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism, adding that they are looking into whether it was an act of domestic or international terror, and if the Mateen was a lone wolf.
The FBI believe Mateen, who was shot dead by officers, may have 'leanings to radical Islamic terrorism'.
A group of authorities stand near the rear of the nightclub as they conduct an investigation into the shooting
But his father, Mir Seddique, told NBC News his son became angry when he saw two men kissing in Miami several months ago.
'This has nothing to do with religion,' he said. 'We are saying we are apologizing for the whole incident. We weren't aware of any action he is taking. We are in shock like the whole country.'
Twitter accounts which claim to be affiliated to the Islamic State have hailed the shooting, although DailyMail.com cannot confirm whether the terror group was behind the attack.
Mateen, a Muslim and father to a three-year-old son, was born in 1986 in New York and married Sitora Alisherzoda Yusufiy, who was born in Uzbekistan, in 2009.
His father told NBC News: 'We were in Downtown Miami, Bayside, people were playing music. And he saw two men kissing each other in front of his wife and kid and he got very angry.'
'They were kissing each other and touching each other and he said, 'Look at that. In front of my son they are doing that'. And then we were in the men's bathroom and men were kissing each other.'
Investigators take photos and examine the outside scene of the shooting at Pulse nightclub in Florida
Seddique said Mateen attended Indian River State College, as well as having an associates degree in criminal justice.
Manteen had a Statewide Firearms License and was trained in firearms, according to Fox News.
Hopper said Mateen made 'threats in the past that he has ties to terrorist organizations'.
Police were at his apartment in Port St. Lucie this morning. Ken Mascara, Sheriff of Port St. Lucie County, told DailyMail.com: 'We have sealed the apartment where Mateen was living. The FBI is bringing bomb diffusing equipment.'
Since the news of the horrific shooting emerged, celebrities and politicians are calling for stricter gun control laws.
President Obama furthered his gun control message today when addressing the massacre in Orlando.
'Although it's still early in the investigation we know enough to say that this was an act of terror and an act of hate,' Obama said, making no reference to ISIS or Islamic terror in his brief remarks.
Obama called the shooting spree, at the gay nightclub Pulse during Pride month in the United States, a reminder of how easy it is for someone to get a hold of a weapon that could kill people in a'school, or a house of worship, or a movie theater, or in a nightclub.'
The forensic investigators dressed in white jumpsuits with covers over their shoes in order to not contaminate the tragic scene
Dozens of police and emergency personal have surrounded the area around the nightclub in Orlando as the investigation continues
'And we have to decide if that's the kind of country we want to be,' Obama said.
'And to actively do nothing is a decision as well,' the president added.
Both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton took to Twitter on Sunday morning to give their initial reactions to what's now being called the most deadly shooting in United States history.
'Woke up to hear the devastating news from FL. As we wait for more information, my thoughts are with those affected by this horrific act,' Clinton wrote on Twitter, signing it with her trademark 'H' to show that the message was actually penned by the Democratic candidate.
In a statement made by her campaign later, Clinton also called for gun control.
'This is the deadliest mass shooting in the history of the United States and it reminds us once more that weapons of war have no place on our streets,' Clinton said.
Trump made Twitter followers aware of the shooting, then went back to attacking Clinton – this time for a new general election ad – before penning another tweet about the tragedy in Orlando, in which a gunman entered a gay nightclub and mowed down 49 people, with another 53 left injured.
'Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism, I don't want congrats, I want toughness & vigilance. We must be smart!' Trump later wrote.
It appears the street where the nightclub is on is completely closed as police and federal authorities investigate the incidentGREEN BAY, Wis. -- Trevor Davis has been through ups and downs before -- both in college and last season as a rookie. The Green Bay Packers wide receiver and punt returner believes those lessons will allow him to get past his fumble in Saturday night’s win over the Washington Redskins and earn the Packers’ punt-return job once and for all.
“I’ve learned that sometimes your emotions can get the best of you and you do think about things [too much],” Davis said Sunday, one day after he muffed the first punt of the game against Washington, setting up a Redskins field goal. “You go through things and you learn in life how to put things behind you. This is a game of consistency. You can’t go out there worrying about the last play.
“You’ve got to able to put things behind you, no matter if you score a touchdown or drop a punt.”
Through two preseason games, Davis has now done both.
After the Packers’ preseason opener, it appeared Davis was well on his way to being the Packers’ punt returner. Not only did he deliver a 68-yard touchdown on one return, he also added a 26-yarder later in Green Bay’s 24-9 victory over Philadelphia. It was a convincing argument from a player so desperate for the job that he sent special teams coordinator Ron Zook videos of him catching punts during the offseason break.
Trevor Davis returned a punt for a touchdown in the Packers' preseason opener, but a fumble in the team's second game brought into question his status as the team's full-time punt returner. Stacy Revere/Getty Images
Now, though, the Packers have to consider other options, whether it’s veteran wide receiver Randall Cobb, who has lobbied for the job he held as a rookie in 2011 and off and on since, or one of the younger receivers on the Packers’ roster. Max McCaffrey handled four punts after Davis caught a second one cleanly after his fumble.
“Honestly, I made sure I had all that stuff out of the way [mentally] before I went back out there,” Davis said of his thought process before his second catch. “Just talking to myself, ‘You know, you’ve been doing this since high school. Just go out there and catch the punt. No need to worry about the fact you dropped the last one.’ Because you can’t go out there with butterflies, you can’t go out there worrying. You have to go out there and do what you practice every single day. Just put it behind you.”
That’s what the touchdown in the opener was supposed to have done for Davis after last year. He’d shown his explosiveness as a punt returner with a 25-yard return against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 16 and a 55-yarder against the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 30. But two weeks later, Davis muffed a punt in what would end up being a 47-25 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 13. And he was never heard from again on returns.
This time, he’s hoping he has ample opportunity to redeem himself.
“I just know how good I am and I know how good I can be. And that’s not what I am,” Davis said. “It’s OK to be mad about it in the moment, but after that you know you have to get back out there and just keep going. Just like the touchdown, it’s behind me. It doesn’t really matter anymore. Fumble, touchdown, whatever, you have to move on to the next play and understand that you’re only as good as your last play. So I definitely have to pick it up.
“That’s a big momentum swing. The biggest thing on punt return isn’t the fact of getting yards, it’s being able to secure the catch. That’s the main thing first. That’s a big play and that’s a big play for [the other] team. So I cannot let that happen.
“In my mind and in everyone’s, I want everyone understanding that I’m going to be back there and everyone will be comfortable that I’m back there and they’ll know that I’ll be able to secure every catch. That’s completely unacceptable of me to drop a punt. That’s a huge play, a huge momentum shift. It just can’t happen.”
Editor’s note: Jason Wilde covers the Green Bay Packers for ESPN Wisconsin and hosts Wilde & Tausch with former Packers offensive lineman Mark Tauscher weekdays on ESPN Milwaukee and ESPN Madison.WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Saturday urged consumers to stop using liquid Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl and Zyrtec medicines for children and infants after a broad recall announced by the manufacturer, although it said the chance of serious problems was remote.
Johnson & Johnson’s consumer division announced a broad recall of products, including certain liquid infant’s and children’s Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec, and Benadryl products late on Friday.
A full list of the over 40 affected products made by McNeil Consumer Healthcare is available at www.mcneilproductrecall.com
“We want to be certain that consumers discontinue using these products,” FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said in a statement.
“While the potential for serious health problems is remote, Americans deserve medications that are safe, effective and of the highest quality. We are investigating the products and facilities associated with this recall and will provide updates as we learn more,” she said.
McNeil said it was recalling the products in consultation with the FDA after discovering manufacturing deficiencies that could affect the quality, purity or potency of the medicines.
The FDA said some of the products may not meet required quality standards, and parents and caregivers should stop administering them to children and switch to generic brands, which are not affected by the recall.
They said consumers should not administer adult strength medicine to infants or children since that could result in serious harm.
Some of the products affected by the recall may contain a higher concentration of active ingredient than specified; others contain inactive ingredients that may not meet internal testing requirements; and others may contain tiny particles, the FDA said.
The FDA said the chance of an adverse reaction was remote, but urged consumers to contact their doctors and the FDA if their children exhibited any symptoms.
McNeil Consumer said it was recalling all lots of the over-the-counter products. The medicines were manufactured in the United States and distributed in the United States, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Dubai, Fiji, Guam, Guatemala, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and Kuwait.
It said consumers with questions about the recall could contact the company at 1-800-222-6036 or the website.Recent changes in parking enforcements along Olympic Drive between Main and Fourth streets in Santa Monica are seeing a number of cars towed away each afternoon.
City officials say that they’re doing everything they can to alert the public, but The Mirror has observed people on a handful of different days simply not reading the signs and getting towed.
Clearly marked with a red “No Stopping, 2 P.M. to 5 A.M.” sign, sporting a clear picture of a car being towed by a truck, the new signs on the short stretch of Olympic Drive, installed October 2014 according to the City, are not deterrent enough for people looking for a convenient place to park.
The City has also attached a small label on the parking meters on the stretch that read: “Notice: Meter Day/Hours have changed. Please see posted signs for changes.”
Despite the warnings, an average of three to five cars a day are towed, according to Santa Monica parking enforcement and tow-truck drivers on the scene. A situation that is a costly exercise for those involved.
If caught overstaying your welcome, the Santa Monica City parking fine for the time violation on Olympic is $64. Your car then gets towed. It costs you a $131 administration fee at Santa Monica Police Station to get release papers for your vehicle. You will also have to pay any outstanding fines on your car before release papers are issued. Santa Monica tow truck companies will charge you an average $220 for the first day that your standard car is impounded on their lot, then $50 per day onwards. If you need to access the tow yard after 6 pm, add an average $85 to your bill.
If you arrive to your parking spot to find your car lifted on the back of a tow truck, you can expect to pay a drop fee of between $85 and $170 to have it released on the spot. You will however, still have to pay the $131 and $64, and you must have ID that matches your credit card, or you will be towed, regardless.
So, facing fines reaching $500, officials say that it pays to read the signs.
The tow truck drivers at Olympic explained that they try to give people as much time as possible, and that often it’s drivers with “disabled” signs who get caught out as they are used to parking everywhere without consequence.
The “No Stopping, 2 P.M. to 5 A.M.” on Olympic Drive between Main and Fourth Streets was instituted to create a new travel lane during peak travel hours to alleviate traffic congestion on Olympic Drive, according to the City.
“This extra lane was needed because the extension of Olympic Drive is heavily used as a connector between Ocean Avenue and Fourth Street, as well as the 10 Freeway,” City staff said.Are you a fan of the Legend of Zelda series? Do you have too many rupees in your wallet? Well then, this news will be fantastic for you!
A specific online retailer has shown us an item posting revealing Zelda trading cards will be released in Australia on June 30th, 2016. This information was first teased at the New York Comic-Con in 2015, with a display saying it was coming in 2016 with trading cards, dog tags, collector tins, sleeves, and playmats.
What intrigues me is the mention of playmats. Does this mean the trading cards will be a trading card game? Or is it something completely unrelated to the trading cards entirely? There is no mention on either of the online posts regarding any sort of trading card game; however because it is a “Collector’s Fun Box”, it’ll most likely just be a collectors item and not a game.
Currently, there’s no mention of any North American release. I’d bet it’ll be released internationally on the same day, but that’s completely unconfirmed. The online retailer shows the trading card “Value Box” (shown above) can be preordered for $20, while a booster pack can be preordered for $6.
Contents of the game from the site Contents of the game from the site Cards from 5 games: Twilight Princess Majora’s Mask A Link Between Worlds Ocarina of Time Skyward Sword
85 total cards in Base set including: Foil cards 23 regular cards 8 gold foil cards 12 decal stickers (1:2 packs) 9 tattoos
set including:
Does the base set indication mean there’s going to be more sets released in the future? This is the Zelda series’ 30th Anniversary, so I bet we can expect a lot of awesome releases this year like we were able to enjoy with the Year of Luigi in 2013.
Comment down below and let us know your thoughts!
CommentsI don't know if you've noticed, but survival games are absurdly popular. They can frequently be found bothering the Steam 'Top Sellers' list, even if—by every definition that counts—they're not very good. From the look of its trailer, Scrap Mechanic isn't the type of survival game to let you bash your face in with a rock pulled from your butt. Rather, it's a charming looking world that you can fill with buildings, machines and vehicles of your own creation.
"Scrap Mechanic is an all-new creative multiplayer survival game where you explore, scavenge and collect objects from all over a wide-open interactive world," explains the Greenlight page. Players will explore a randomly generated world that's filled with rare materials, and also be able to hit things with their sledgehammer.
Currently in development, the eventual plan is for Scrap Mechanic to feature survival and multiplayer elements. You can keep track of the game's progress over at its TIGForums DevLog. Scrap Mechanic is due out later this year.The upcoming third season of Starz’s flagship series Spartacus will be its last. The pay cable network also has set the title for the upcoming final season, Spartacus: War Of The Damned. It will premiere in January 2013. “It was an extremely difficult and emotional decision for my partners and I,” series creator/executive producer Steven S. DeKnight said. “Yet, in the end, the story was best served by rolling all of the remaining action and drama of Spartacus’ journey into one stunningly epic season that will be extremely satisfying for everyone who’s been along for the ride.”
Related: Starz Renews ‘Spartacus’ For Third Season
Spartacus was a breakout hit for Starz when its first cycle, Blood And Sand, premiered in January 2010. The series survived the tragic loss of its star, Andy Whitfield, who died of cancer last year. Its second season, Spartacus: Vengeance, featuring Liam McIntyre in the title role, averaged more than 6 million weekly viewers. The series introduced to TV a visually stylized violence previously only seen in movies like 300, spawned a successful prequel, Gods Of The Arena, and was sold in 150 countries. It also has been a top-selling DVD title. “Spartacus is a landmark series for the network which has enthralled millions of viewers and fans around the world,” Starz CEO Chris Albrecht said. “We are in agreement with our partners in the decision to conclude the story after War Of The Damned, as we believe it is the best way to maintain the integrity of the series and secure its legacy.”
Related: Spartacus Meets Spartacus At TV Academy
Making the decision that Season 3 will be last ahead of time is important as Spartacus is a historic figure and his life on the show has to follow a documented path to a pre-determined conclusion. War Of The Damned, now in production in New Zealand, takes place following the defeat of Roman commander Gaius Claudius Glaber. Spartacus and his men have amassed major victories against the Romans after the Battle of Vesuvius, increasing the ranks of the rebellion slaves to more than 30,000. This year, new sets for the series will include the construction of a full city, a Roman Villa, and the scene of the epic battle along the Appian Way. War Of The Damned stars returning cast members McIntyre (Spartacus), Manu Bennett (Crixus), Dustin Clare (Gannicus), Dan Feuerriegel (Agron), Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Naevia) and Ellen Hollman (Saxa) as well as new additions Todd Lasance as Gaius Julius Caesar, Simon Merrells as Marcus Crassus and Anna Hutchison as Laeta.German police officers will flood the streets of Cologne tonight after 600 women celebrating New Year's Eve were sexually assaulted in the city 12 months ago.
Around 1,800 officers will be deployed this evening - compared to just 140 in 2015 - following the wave of attacks last year.
Terror threats around the world means there will be a heightened security presence in major cities to prevent a similar incident to the Berlin Christmas market attack from happening.
And police will be on patrol in Germany after 1,200 women were sexually assaulted by 2,000 men in a number of cities across the country on New Year's Eve in 2015.
Scroll down for video
Police in Cologne were on guard when people gathered near the city's Cathedral on New Year's Eve
Police officers stand watch in front of Cologne Cathedral, not far from where hundreds of women were sexually assaulted last year
German police officers gather near the Hauptbahnhof before New Year celebrations for 2017 in Cologne, Germany
German Police stand in front of the Cathedral in Cologne, Germany, on New Year's Eve after hundreds of women were attacked in the city
In Cologne, police have installed new video surveillance cameras to monitor the station square after women were attacked nearby last year.
The attacks in the western German city, where police said the suspects were mainly of North African and Arab appearance, fuelled criticism of Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to accept nearly 900,000 migrants last year.
A leaked police document revealed the bulk of the crimes were committed in Cologne and Hamburg where 600 and 400 sexual assaults on women were reported respectively.
Authorities have therefore increased police presence at hotspots in the major cities, including Cologne.
Other cities where there was a large number of police on the streets included Brussels, Berlin, London and Madrid.
Policemen walk around the main train station on December 31, 2016 during the New Year's Eve celebrations
German police officers carry barriers near the Hauptbahnhof before New Year celebrations for 2017 in Cologne
A security officer carried out a security check in front of the famous Cologne Cathedral on Saturday night
Security guards patrolled the area in front of Cologne Cathedral - one year after 600 women were sexually assaulted on New Year's Eve 12 month ago
The tone of public debate in Germany has become shriller over the past two years with the influx of hundreds of thousands of migrants.
Some Germans blame Merkel for attacks such as the recent rampage in Berlin, where a failed asylum-seeker from Tunisia rammed a truck into a crowded Christmas market, killing 12 people and injuring dozens more.
The German capital has beefed up security after the December 19 carnage, deploying hundreds more police, some armed with machine-guns.
A police spokesman said: 'This year, what's new is that we will place concrete blocks and position heavy armoured vehicles at the entrances.'
Officers in Brussels, Belgium, carried out searches as people attended the New Year's celebrations in the capital
A police officer checks people while controlling access to the centre of Brussels, Belgium
A German police officer patrols the area near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, on New Year's Eve
Armed British police officers stand on duty ahead of the New Year's celebrations, in central London on December 31, 2016The baking challenge returns. The 12 new bakers don their aprons and head for the iconic tent. Their first signature challenge is to make a madeira cake.
The bake off is back...
Once again, 12 new bakers don their aprons and head for the iconic tent in the heart of the British countryside. Judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood have created 30 new challenges that will test their baking prowess, creativity and skill in a bid to find the country's best amateur baker. From Victorian classics to high-end patisserie, from chocolate sculptures to everyday staples, the bakers will need cool heads and even colder hands to make it to the final. With them every step of the way are Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, ready to lend a hand or a shoulder to cry on.
Starting with cake week, the bakers' first signature challenge is to make a madeira cake. It's a well-loved cake, but which of our bakers will try to impress by reinventing this classic, and who will play safe in a bid to get perfect madeira with its traditional crack?
With one challenge out the way, the bakers face their first technical - Mary's frosted walnut cake, a pre-war classic that is as British as they come. Light sponge sandwiched with buttercream and covered with sweet meringue, this technically challenging cake is one of Mary's favourites, and no-one wants to disappoint the queen of baking.
Day two, and the bakers have to go all out to impress |
in pleasing Jiro himself—one chef admits that he cried after Jiro finally considered one of his dishes acceptable after hundreds of dismissals.
One quickly realizes that this aspect—of ensuring every step of the process meets the same high quality standard as every other component—attributes to the overall exemplary quality of Jiro’s work. The film detours a bit to show the selection of the fish process, and how Jiro or his son seek the best fish possible without substitute. Or, more often, the dealers will reserve their best quality fish especially for Jiro—as they want their product to be put to the best use possible. Additionally, the film sidetracks to explain how the best fish can often be hard to find in this day and age, due to overfishing and overconsumption of sushi as a delicacy. Jiro and Yoshikazu both implore that the sacrifice of natural resources for food consumption cannot continue, though the film then returns to the subject of its title for its conclusion.
Having achieved so much acclaim and fulfillment in these later years, Jiro reflects on his past as an adolescent troublemaker, and many friends chime in that they remember him as a vicious bully. Jiro seems to recognize the redemptive quality to his story—that he began life as such a wayward youth only to have his all-consuming obsession provide a center of focus for his emotions and effort. The film also juxtaposes such an idea against the legacy that his sons struggle to negotiate in considering their own legacy. For although the Michelin judge awarded Jiro—and he accepted the prize—for serving such excellent sushi that meets their rigorous qualifications, it is revealed that Yoshikazu—his son—served the sushi that day.
Like its subject, the film works best when centering its focus upon Jiro to explore the various aspects that overlap with the most curious qualities contained within the renowned chef’s mentality: self-discipline, creativity, focus, and consistency. Near the end, one cannot help but be astonished by Jiro’s resolve and commitment. A man refusing to settle for less, refusing to compromise to his physical decline, refusing to wallow in his successes—and who continues to push himself forward for the betterment of himself, his craft, and those customers that he serves. For a film with a number of profound and provocative ideas at its epicenter, it is the study of this single man—one whose work and philosophy will continue to be spread through his sons and those influenced by the documentary itself—that one begins to understand the significance of a great piece of sushi.Dr. Wolchok said the problem had occurred in one patient at Sloan Kettering but had cleared up on its own. He agreed that it was advisable to order extra heart tests for patients taking checkpoint combinations.
Dr. Benjamin A. Olenchock, a study author from the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, was not available for an interview but said in a written statement that the heart problem had affected patients at his hospital. “As the number of patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors has markedly increased, rare cases of cardiac toxicity associated with the use of these cancer therapeutics, sometimes resulting in death, have been seen at multiple institutions including our own,” the statement said.
The first checkpoint inhibitor was approved in 2011. The drugs work by unleashing T-cells, a type of white blood cell, to kill cancer. But sometimes, the T-cells go into hyperdrive and attack healthy tissue. Doctors have known for years that the drugs can have dangerous side effects, including gut, lung and thyroid trouble. But the cardiac problems have taken longer to emerge.
There have been scattered reports in other, less prominent medical journals of heart problems, some fatal, in small numbers of patients taking checkpoint inhibitors alone or in combination. The new report is the most in-depth analysis, including tests for possible genetic or viral causes (none were found) and an examination of a drug-company database to identify other cases.
The patients described in Dr. Moslehi’s article — a woman, 65, and a man, 63 — developed heart problems and died a few weeks after just one intravenous treatment with a combination of two checkpoint inhibitors: Opdivo and Yervoy. Both patients had advanced melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, and were enrolled in studies. Neither had a history of heart disease.
The woman had chest pains, shortness of breath and fatigue, and was admitted to the hospital 12 days after her first dose of the drugs. She had myocarditis — inflammation of the heart — as well as other inflamed muscles and abnormal heart rhythms.Mon 23 2012
While your students likely won't see Timur Bekmambetov's film Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter in theatres (it's rated R), there's a chance they might read the book it's based on.
In his mashup of historical details and fictional supernatural conspiracy, author Seth Grahame-Smith imagines Abraham Lincoln's life as a secret quest to rid the U.S. of vampires. As Lincoln grows up and becomes a lawyer, politician, and, finally, president, he slays monsters that threaten the safety of his friends, family, and country.
What can teachers do with this meshing of history and fiction? First, remind students that historical fiction presents the past as part of a larger story. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, with vampires fighting in the Civil War, may be more obvious than most, but even the most carefully-crafted story, based on primary sources and taking multiple perspectives into account, should be examined as historical fiction.
Remind students to think critically about representations of the past.
Authors must select a viewpoint, develop their plot, and try to make sense of existing secondary and primary sources in a way that engages readers in a tale with a beginning and an end. Students should approach any work of historical fiction with a critical eye.
Second, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter presents an opportunity to talk to students about assessing secondary and primary sources. Grahame-Smith writes his novel in the style of a biography, including verified facts from Lincoln's life and quotations from genuine primary sources alongside horror-story fantasy, invented "excerpts" from the fictional "secret diaries" of Abraham Lincoln, and doctored photographs.
Ask students to think about the tricks Grahame-Smith uses to make his story seem true.
Ask students to think about the tricks Grahame-Smith uses to make his story seem true. When he "quotes" from Lincoln's imaginary vampire-hunting diaries, he formats the imaginary quotes just like his quotes from real primary sources. He includes misspellings to make them appear unedited, and he adds ellipses to make it look like he's taking the "quotes" from longer documents. He adds footnotes to explain details in the fictional sources, as though he were a historian explaining background or additional information.
So, how can students know if a detail or event reported as "true" in a story like this is true? Do your research! Look to primary sources and reputable secondary sources for confirmation.
For instance, did the young Lincoln actually win the loyalty of the "Clary's Grove Boys" by beating their leader in a fight? Is this story mentioned in any biographies or other secondary sources? Do any firsthand witnesses describe it? How about Lincoln himself?
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is a flight of fantasy, but its over-the-top combination of history and fiction can help remind students to always think historically. Never take anything you read for granted (with or without vampires)!Share with:
The sweet potato and fenugreek curry combines the nutritional benefits of two super foods, sweet potato and fenugreek. Add in some fenugreek seeds and you have yourself a delicious, super healthy food. In the ancient medicine systems in India and China, Fenugreek is used to improve metabolism in addition to using it to regulate blood sugar levels.
The Shakariya (sweet potato) Methi (fenugreek) nu shaak is my mother in laws’s favorite dish. She saw a bunch of fresh fenugreek leaves in the refrigerator, the day she landed here from India and was really pleased. The first thing she asked me if I knew how to make this dish. Well! I hadn’t even heard of the dish. So I asked her to teach me how.
And that’s when the trouble started.
She was ready to make the dish one fine morning and started the prep. I got hold of my notepad to take notes and started to take notes diligently. The trouble started when she like all mothers started to put in a pinch of this and dash of that! Slow down Lady! I wanted to say. I have to know how much of what you put in so I can tell my blog visitors how to recreate the dish at home. But she was in her zone, stirring now, adding something then and just going on about the business. I should have known better! That is exactly what my mom used to do and I do when I cook. It’s only when I am thinking about a recipe to put on the blog that I measure out things, try the recipe, get a feedback from the ‘Tasting Minions’ and then post.
Long story short, she made the dish. We ate it with some whole wheat rotis and a side of dal. But I had to make the dish one more time, measuring out the spices and noting them down. So I set to work a few days later and made the dish again going by the assumptions of a pinch of this and that. Then I wrote down the recipe and made one more batch to see if it was consistent. Don’t worry. No food was thrown away in this process and no one’s ego was hurt. It was all for a good cause.
In addition to being low carb, nutritionally power-packed this dish is super super easy to make for a weeknight dinner. Got 30 minutes and a pack of frozen fenugreek leaves? Lets get started.
Print Sweet Potato and Fenugreek – Shakariya Methi Nu Shaak Ingredients 1 pound fenugreek leaves
1 medium sweet potato
1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds slightly crushed
1/8 th tsp asafetida
1/2 tsp cayenne powder
1/2 tsp brown mustard seeds
salt to taste
2 tsp oil
a pinch of sugar optional Instructions Peel the sweet potato and cut it in half lengthwise. Then slice it in 1/4th inch thick pcs. Heat oil in medium pot ( it should have a tight fitting lid). Add in the mustard seeds, wait for them to crackle. Add in the asafetida,fenugreek seeds and then add in the sliced potatoes. Stir to coat and then reduce heat to medium low, cover and cook until potatoes are slightly cooked. You don't want them cooked through at this point because they will cook more along the fenugreek. You can do a simple test to check for partial doneness - If you insert a fork in the potatoes they will offer a some resistance. At this point, add in the cayenne, salt and the fenugreek leaves. Stir gently to coat and cover and cook until the fenugreek leaves are sautéed completely and the sweet potatoes are cooked through. For the authentic Gujarati taste, use a pinch of sugar in the end, mix and serve. Recipe Notes Best eaten soon after cooking for the freshest flavors.
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(Visited 2,187 times, 2 visits today)Tim Sassone was a good man in a tough business.
One of the best hockey writers in modern times, the Arlington Heights, Ill.-based Daily Herald’s Sassone dealt with ERA. In a sports journalism profession rife with egotism and elitism, caste systems and high-school lunchroom clique behavior, Sassone believed in an equal rights amendment for his work life. All colleagues were his peers with equal standing as professionals and human beings, even though as a hockey-beat newbie you paled in access and ability as he worked the locker room and phones like a virtuoso.
Wander into the lunchroom at then-Wachovia Arena during the Blackhawks-Flyers Stanley Cup Finals in 2010, and Sassone waved you over to dine with him. Put the products of the good second-period spread (thank you, Rocky Wirtz) on another table in the back of the United Center pressbox, and Sassone would join you, asking for a scouting report on the vittles. The only time where you gave him space was when Sassone was composing his story. You don’t bug masters at work.
Sassone died at 58, much too young by 21st century longevity standards, on March 25 after a long illness. Like losing buddy and co-author Jim Rygelski, 65, last December, the passing rammed home the fact the “Turk” relentlessly comes for all of us, one by one, and each day is to be savored to the fullest, and never wasted.
Making it hurt more is where I first encountered both Sassone and Rygelski: at the Northern Star student daily at Northern Illinois University between 1976 and 1978. I remember our early dealings clearly. Those days were nearly four decades ago, the time gone quickly, with the clock ticking seemingly faster.
I consider myself old-school in the business. So was Sassone. He did not surrender to the gulf that has now widened between media and athletes.
Coming up in the previous century, you stayed ahead of the competition with one-on-one relationships with athletes, coaches, and executives. Professionalism and personality built relationships, upon which good information was obtained. Sources were not burned. If you had to write negatively, the effort wasn’t extracted from an orifice shielded from the sun and had balance and fairness as its basis.
Sassone’s job, like everyone else’s, was made more difficult as access began closing up in a more corporate-oriented, megabucks-at-stake era post-2000. But he was so good at his craft that he was the most respected media person around the United Center, and certainly in the Top 5 in the hyper-political Chicago sports-media market.
As he battled illness to return to work in 2013, the Hawks presented Sassone with a special No. 25 red sweater in honor of his number of years on the hockey beat.
“For 26 years Tim painted a picture for Blackhawks fans and worked tirelessly to be a great reporter,” said Hawks executive VP Jay Blunk, who began in the old-school era as a Chicago Cubs media relations intern in the mid-1980s. “The entire organization was proud to work with Tim each and every day as he was driven to bring the hockey to life on the pages of the Daily Herald. He will be missed by everyone at the United Center and around the National Hockey League. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
I couldn’t write enough to honor Sassone, having known him in the business probably longer than anyone else working games. No. 2 in longevity on the Hawks beat had to be Tim Cronin. The pride of rustic Worth, Ill. is a true hockey aficionado and golf and sports broadcasting historian who covered the Hawks for three decades starting in 1978 for the Chicago southwest suburban Daily Southtown-Star. More recently Cronin looked over Sassone’s shoulder in the UC pressbox toiling for the Associated Press.
“Tim Sassone was a master craftsman of journalism,” he said. “He knew a good story when he saw one and knew how to make it better. Tim would always, always ask the most salient question, the one that would elicit either the best quote of the night or reveal the unseen truth.
“He was both a solid reporter and a gifted writer. The former was obvious by his command of the facts, but the latter was more subtle. Tim didn’t get fancy. He got to the point. He was able to say in 25 well-chosen words what others failed to say in 100. And he was brilliant on deadline.”
Sassone the person – lower-decibel than average, with a required amount of cynicism, but an absolute love of hockey and intolerance of incompetence in the sport – was just as good as the journalist, if not better.
“He was also a great guy,” Cronin said. “He would poke fun, grouse about perceived sins, help those new to the beat – the (Chicago) Tribune’s probably had eight writers since Tim took the Herald beat in 1988 – and was very much a friend.
“He was fun to play golf with, even when – and it was almost inevitable – he was mad about a shot and would fling a club. I’ve known him since the early 1980s, when he was at the Star/Herald, as the Chicago Heights (Ill.) Star’s Orland Park edition was then known, and knew immediately that he would go far.
“I never thought he would leave us so early. It’s awful. I feel most for his family, which he loved and adored.”
The Daily Herald permitted Sassone to write from home until a few weeks before his passing. He was that capable that he could craft an informed hockey story from afar. That’s the ultimate in respect.
We should not take the passing of such a skilled scribe lightly. We have a thousand sources of information online and on the airwaves. There’s a ton of heat, but how much light is there really? Amid the blizzard of opinions and number-crunching analysis, do we get enough of the “inside information” and educated reporting we really require for the proper perspective of the sports in which we invest so much emotionally?
I know my answer. Hopefully, you’ll come to the same conclusion one day.
Rest in peace, Tim. Heartfelt condolences to wife Christine, daughter Alison and son Andrew. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, at Blake Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave. in Lisle, Ill.“I definitely have psychopathic tendencies,” says one of the trolls. Source: ThinkStock
THE internet can be a frightening place with hidden crevices and dark bridges for trolls to hide under. But who are the anonymous people that provoke and hound others online, sometimes with devastating consequences?
When he was 14-years-old, Mark, who spoke on condition of anonymity, started trolling memorial Facebook pages of public figures who had died.
He says it gave him “a feeling of enjoyment and power over causing their family members distress and pain and anger.”
Among Mark’s counterparts this is known as “RIP trolling.”
“For example if a girl killed herself I would just say something like ‘RIP. Couldn’t handle the guilt of being an immense s**t any longer.’ You don’t need much to set their family members off,” says Mark.
Mark volunteers that the pleasure he derives from trolling isn’t “normal.” Reflecting on it further, he later adds: “I definitely have psychopathic tendencies.”
Other internet trolls found him wreaking havoc on social media and invited him to join their ranks. That was eight years ago.
These days, Mark trolls social media with accomplices from around the globe, spending about 14 hours a week baiting others online. The comments he posts are frequently violent, racist, misogynist and threatening.
One of Mark’s provocative tweets. Source: Twitter
Despite being kicked off Facebook more than 260 times and Twitter about 40 times to date, he has no remorse or guilt about his actions.
“When you first start … you feel bad about it sometimes. But once you’ve been doing it for years, you don’t think about it at all,” Mark says.
To press him on this, I pull out a specific example of one of his Tweets. It says: “Rape is always OK.”
“That is not an acceptable thing to say in public life,” I say to Mark.
“Yep, well that was because the discussion that was happening [online] was about defending rape victims and then someone actually said: ‘Rape is never OK’ so then I replied to that with ‘Rape is always OK,’ just to get a reaction,” he responds.
Me: “But why? If you are someone who has suffered sexual assault, that is such a wounding thing to say. It’s horrendous.”
Mark: “Because if you are a victim of sexual assault, you are open to it. You’ve already got a weakness to that kind of stuff.”
Me: “So you are targeting a person at their weakest point?”
Mark: “Yeah, pretty much.”
This meticulous hunt for a stranger’s wounds is astounding. Why can’t he even attempt to put himself in the victim’s shoes?
“Oh yeah sure but if I was to think of that, I’d just think: ‘Well, I haven’t been raped so I don’t care’,” he says.
I’m then forced to ask: “Do you believe what you are saying?”
“Generally not,” he says.
This is the point of the conversation at which gender is unavoidable. Not always, but often it is women that are under attack.
“Well yeah it is because women are generally weaker,” Mark says, “they are more easily offended and easier to anger and stuff like that.”
Me: “You’re not choosing them because of misogyny, you’re choosing them because they are an easy target?”
Mark: “Yeah generally you can say something about their kids which is gonna set them off pretty quickly. Like you could post what school they go to and stuff like that. That’s gonna get them really angry.”
“I don’t actually have any problem with them being a woman. I’m doing it because at that moment it time, I’m going to get a better reaction out of them.”
Charlotte Dawson died after spending years fighting trolls. Source: News Limited
Craig, 26, is another young, fully employed male who spends hours each week trolling others. In theory a troll could be anyone but both Craig and Mark agree that most of their cohort is just like them — young, white males.
Like Mark, Craig also started this pastime in high school and usually trolls in a group. Unlike Mark, he believes deeply in many of his online comments and doesn’t take part in or agree with gender-based, racist or violent trolling. You could view him as a political troll who enjoys the “adrenalin rush” and the “intellectual exercise.”
Describing himself as “extremely left wing,” Craig frequently sets out to wind up public figures who he believes are centre-left or so-called ‘new atheists.’
“One of the biggest things I draw out of trolling public figures is that they are just as dumb and stupid as the rest of us. There’s nothing special about them,” he says.
It might seem odd that he’s trolling other people on the same side of politics as him, but Craig claims “they are not far enough left.”
“The people who really actually annoy me are what you’d call ‘keyboard activists’ or ‘slacktivists,’ the ones who sit there on Facebook and Twitter and all they do is post internet memes and images and engage in really soft political discourse.
“Their political commitment basically extends to what they can operate from their computer,” he says.
Craig goes on to say the centre left is “easy to troll because they are incredibly earnest their views.”
A fascinating Canadian study published last year found that internet trolling correlates strongly with the so-called dark tetrad of personality traits: psychopathy, Machiavellianism, narcissism and sadism. But in its everyday form, sadism has the strongest link.
One of the authors of that paper is Professor Del Paulhus from the University of British Columbia. He says the internet has given the sadist, who delights in hurting others, the perfect platform to consummate this dark desire.
“You now have the opportunity to be anonymous and hurt people that can’t hurt you back,” Professor Paulhus says.
Not only this, he says, but “the entire world can see what you’ve said.
“This appetite is the precise core of the sadist and it makes them different from the other dark personalities.
“Signs of suffering is what brings joy to them, as opposed to the psychopath who simply doesn’t care. It’s not that they seek out people to hurt. They just don’t care when people are hurt. To us that’s a key difference,” he says.
In this context, I put to Craig that he might be a sadist himself. Even though Craig works in the non-profit sector and does plenty of volunteer work, he concedes that perhaps he is a sadist.
“But I guess maybe this comes from a sense of self-righteousness here that what I’m doing is good and right. I have no problem with upsetting racists, and homophobes and sexists,” he says.
The conversation moves on but after a few minutes Craig deliberately comes back to sadism, stating that he does “enjoy inflicting that sort of suffering on someone who I think is a bad person.”
Mark says he doesn’t believe a lot of what he writes. Source: Twitter
Professor Marilyn Campbell from the Queensland University of Technology is one of Australia’s foremost experts in cyber bullying and is in the unenviable position of having been bullied herself because of her work.
She says the potential to experience psychological trauma because of online abuse is extremely real.
“This is not something to be taken lightly. There’s strong evidence to show that if you are the subject of online bullying or trolling, it can cause you significant ongoing distress including anxiety and depression and suicidal thoughts.”
When I remark to Canadian Professor Paulhus that some trolls show a noticeable lack empathy towards others, he agrees wholeheartedly.
“Yes indeed. We think empathy is the key to all of the dark tetrad. It’s the single variable that ties together the willingness to hurt other people,” he says.
Mark doesn’t just hurt other people, he goes so far as to blame them for becoming a victim.
“You are not just going to go after a random person. You are going to go after a person you already know has a weakness. So people kind of, in some way, make themselves victims,” he says.
Craig, on the other hand, appears somewhat empathetic to the victim’s position.
“I don’t want to do anything to anyone where it’s going to pose a credible risk to their employment, their reputation or their feeling of personal safety,” he says.
And in this game safety is a key consideration; it’s a mistake to think that trolling is just a few mean-spirited larrikins saying nasty things on the internet.
“Oh it can get really real-life. It can go pretty far,” Mark says to me at one point.
And then later adds: “It’s really easy for it to go from just playing around to destroying people’s lives. That actually happens really quickly.”
To pay back a vendetta, Mark claims to have recently taken part in “swatting” someone based in the U.S. This is an increasingly common practice among trolls where a hoax call is made to law enforcement authorities, usually claiming there is life threatening hostage situation or bomb threat at play. If the prank works, armoured personnel arrive at the location in full force: guns, screaming, sirens.
Trolling can move beyond the screen and into real-world scenarios. Source: Twitter
Under section 474.17 of the Criminal Code Act, it’s illegal to use a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence to another person in Australia.
However Mark couldn’t care less about the prospect of being arrested for his behaviour.
“They are bringing in new laws all the time so I know I’m going to get in sh*t for it but I’m just gonna keep on doing it,” he says.
To Mark, the notoriety he gets from peers is worth it. He uses the word “respect” a couple of times and explains that trolling gives him more status than he has in real life.
“I guess it means a lot to me,” he says.
As my talk with Professor Paulhus draws to a close, I’m still searching for some kind of reasonable explanation as to why some people can get such joy out of anonymously hurting others.
“I’m afraid to say, it seems to be part of the human condition,” he says in a pessimistic tone. “An unfortunate side effect of the free speech permitted by the internet.”
Ginger Gorman is a multi-award winning print and radio journalist, and a 2006 World Press Institute Fellow. She has been trolled herself as a result of her media work. Follow her on twitter: @freshchilli"We are united in blood … Unity is a gift that we need to ask for."
In a recent interview with Vatican Insider’s, Andrea Tornielli, Pope Francis talked about Christmas and addressed a few popular misconceptions about his new exhortation. For example, the Pope confirmed that Marxism “is wrong”, supported breast-feeding in public, and said that those who think there will someday be women Cardinals “suffer from clericalism.”
These snippets you have, no doubt, already read in the press, but what you may not have seen are the sections in which Pope Francis reaffirms his commitment to Christian unity.
The Pope draws attention to what he calls an “ecumenism of blood.” Francis reminds us that: “Those who kill Christians don’t ask for your identity card to see which Church you were baptized in.” The following segments are from Tornielli’s interview:
Is Christian unity a priority for you?
Pope Francis: Yes, for me ecumenism is a priority. Today there is an ecumenism of blood. In some countries they kill Christians for wearing a cross or having a Bible and before they kill them they do not ask them whether they are Anglican, Lutheran, Catholic or Orthodox. Their blood is mixed. To those who kill we are Christians. We are united in blood, even though we have not yet managed to take necessary steps towards unity between us and perhaps the time has not yet come. Unity is a gift that we need to ask for.
I knew a parish priest in Hamburg who was dealing with the beatification cause of a Catholic priest guillotined by the Nazis for teaching children the catechism. After him, in the list of condemned individuals, was a Lutheran pastor who was killed for the same reason. Their blood was mixed. The parish priest told me he had gone to the bishop and said to him: “I will continue to deal with the cause, but both of their causes, not just the Catholic priest’s.” This is what ecumenism of blood is. It still exists today; you just need to read the newspapers. Those who kill Christians don’t ask for your identity card to see which Church you were baptized in. We need to take these facts into consideration.
This coming January marks the 50th anniversary of Paul VI’s historic visit to the Holy Land. Will you go?
Pope Francis: Christmas always makes us think of Bethlehem, and Bethlehem is a precise point in the Holy Land where Jesus lived. On Christmas night, I think above all with the Christians who live there, of those who are in difficulty, of the many people who have had to leave that land because of various problems. But Bethlehem is still Bethlehem. God arrived at a specific time in a specific land; that is where God’s tenderness and grace appeared. We cannot think of Christmas without thinking of the Holy land. Fifty years ago, Paul VI had the courage to go out and go there and this marked the beginning of the era of papal journeys. I would also like to go there, to meet my brother Bartholomew, the Patriarch of Constantinople, and commemorate this 50th anniversary with him, renewing that embrace which took place between Pope Montini and Athenagoras in Jerusalem, in 1964. We are preparing for this.
Patriarch Twal of Jerusalem confirmed today in his Christmas message that in May 2014, Pope Francis plans to visit Jordan, Israel, and Palestine. This is an historic visit since Pope Paul VI embraced Patriarch Athenagoras in Jerusalem 50 years ago this January. Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople will meet him there to renew their fraternal bonds and discuss the way ahead for Christian unity.
Returning to the interview:
You announced a “conversion of the papacy”. Did a specific path emerge from your meetings with the Orthodox Patriarchs?
Pope Francis: John Paul II spoke even more explicitly about a way of exercising the primacy which is open to a new situation. Not just from the point of view of ecumenical relations but also in terms of relations with the Curia and the local Churches. Over the course of these first nine months, I have received visits from many Orthodox brothers: Bartholomew, Hilarion, the theologian Zizioulas, the Copt Tawadros.
The latter is a mystic, he would enter the chapel, remove his shoes and go and pray. I felt like their brother. They have the apostolic succession; I received them as brother bishops. It is painful that we are not yet able to celebrate the Eucharist together, but there is friendship. I believe that the way forward is this: friendship, common work and prayer for unity. We blessed each other; one brother blesses the other, one brother is called Peter and the other Andrew, Mark, Thomas.
Also see:
• Peter and Andrew: Brother Pilgrims to Jerusalem (March 22, 2013)
• Building Bridges Between Orthodox and Catholic Christians (May 01, 2013)
• Mark and Peter: Coptic Pope Tawadros II visits Pope Francis (May 13, 2013)
• “Sister Churches” Revisited (June 12, 2013)CLOSE Author Pat Conroy died Friday after battling pancreatic cancer. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
Author Pat Conroy in New York in 2013, promoting his memoir 'The Death of Santini.' (Photo11: Todd Plitt, USA TODAY)
South Carolina lost one of it greatest storytellers Friday with the death of author Pat Conroy, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 70.
He turned his difficult youth, family trauma and his home state's civil rights legacy into compelling best-selling novels like The Great Santini, The Prince of Tides, The Lords of Discipline and Beach Music. "I always steal the stories of my friends and family," he told USA TODAY in 2013. "Around me, no one is safe."
Conroy, who had suffered diabetes, high blood pressure and liver failure in recent years, went public with his pancreatic cancer diagnosis on Facebook about a month before he died. Even his cancer announcement read like one of his books. "Hey, out there," he wrote. "I celebrated my 70th birthday in October and realized that I’ve spent my whole writing life trying to find out who I am and I don’t believe I’ve even come close."
His family and friends echoed that tone when they announced his passing Saturday morning. "We wish he could tell you once again 'Hey out there' but we are the family, the friends, the readers and we are filled with grief and sadness. Pat Conroy left this world Friday, March 4, 2016 at 7:42 p.m., surrounded by his family and friends in his Beaufort home overlooking the marshes he so loved. There are rare people whose very existence make life bearable for the rest of us for reasons of grace, wisdom and understanding. Pat was such a men. To say he will be missed is the grandest of understatements."
Facebook | @Pat Conroy We wish he could tell you once again "Hey out...
“The water is wide and he has now passed over,” his wife, novelist Cassandra Conroy, said in a statement from publisher Doubleday.
Funeral arrangements are still being made; no details have been released.
South Carolina governor Nikki Haley paid tribute to Conroy on Twitter: "We can find comfort knowing his words and love for S.C. will live on."
South Carolina lost a beloved son tonight. Pat Conroy will be missed. We can find comfort knowing his words and love for SC will live on. — Nikki Haley (@nikkihaley) March 5, 2016
He was born Donald Patrick Conroy on Oct. 26, 1945. A pack of military brats, the Conroy children attended 11 schools in 12 years before the family eventually settled in Beaufort, about an hour from Charleston. He read obsessively as a child and called fellow Southerner Thomas Wolfe his inspiration to become a writer.
“Thomas Wolfe was the first writer I felt was writing for me,” Conroy said. “He was articulating a vision of the world that seemed ready for me.”
Several of his works, including his self-published debut The Boo, 1976's The Great Santini and 1980's The Lords of Discipline, drew on his experiences with the military, both as the son of a decorated but abusive Marine fighter pilot and war hero, as well as his years as a cadet at the Citadel in Charleston during the mid-1960s.
Both Santini and Lords of Discipline initially caused rifts with Conroy's family and his fellow Citadel classmates, but eventually, they helped bring about reconciliation as well.
"(Santini) brought my father back to me," he told Gannett News Service in 2005. "Because Dad hated when I wrote about him in the book, but he loved the movie star who played him. My father thinks he's personally responsible for Robert Duvall's career. In all seriousness, he says, `Son, Duvall was a B actor before. It was the first role he had with real meat in it... Duvall's career took off after he played me, son."'
The author would reflect at length on his relationship with his father in the 2013 memoir The Death of Santini. "My dad, always in denial, treated it all as fiction, like I had made it all up, not toned it down. To prove that, he reinvented himself. After my mother divorced him (in 1975), he had the best second act I ever saw. He became the best uncle, the best brother, the best grandfather, the best friend."
“I grew up hating my father,” Conroy said after his father died in 1998. “It was the great surprise of my life, after the book came out, what an extraordinary man had raised me.”
Conroy even jokingly offered the film rights for Death of Santini to Duvall and his co-stars free of charge, if they agreed to reprise their roles about "this ridiculous family I was born into."
After the 1980 publication of Lords of Discipline in which alumni and cadets plot to drive out the school's first black student and anyone who helps him, Conroy became ostracized by the Citadel community. Camera crews were not allowed on campus to shoot the 1983 movie version and Conroy was only full welcomed back in 2000 when he was awarded an honorary degree and invited to deliver the commencement speech the following year. During a 2002 homecoming visit, fans lined up for signed copies of My Losing Season, about his final year on the Citadel's basketball team.
Following his graduation in 1967, Conroy became a teacher and anti-war activist while his Citadel classmates went off to fight in Vietnam. But unlike many other draft-dodgers and protestors of his generation, he had skin in the game. “When I talk to Ivy Leaguers or war |
base said in a statement.
"There were no injuries and thus far we have found no damage or impact points here on base."
Japan's public broadcaster NHK reported that the pipes were stuck in a field about 300 metres from the base, positioned towards it.
The authorities suspected a left-wing radical group could be behind the incident, NHK said.
The incident comes amid increased focus on security issues in East Asia, amid severe tension between Japan and China over disputed islands.Part of the campaign:
Welcome back to the third round of Groundhog Day Mk. VI! Last time, Peru emerged from their mountain stronghold to claim victory. Who will take the throne this time? Let's find out!
The second cities roll out, and it seems that Carthage, Han, Phoenicia, and the Wabanaki have chosen entirely new settlement locations while Taungoo and Syracuse have returned to positions they used in round 1. Everyone else has settled in the same spot as round 2.
The first war comes fairly late, as usual. Interestingly, this time it's Greenland starting a war against Han, and it looks like Erik Thorvaldsson might be able to do some real damage!
Sure enough, three turns later, Greenland captures Luoyang!
The second and third wars begin on turn 49, when Carthage declares war on Taungoo and the Gauls attack Finland!
The war between Greenland and Han ends, and Gaozu gives away Jinyang in the peace treaty.
But then there's major trouble for Erik as Boudicca and Bayinnaung gang up on him! The Icenia army will be tough to fend off.
The War between Taungoo and Carthage ends with Dido handing over Utique to Bayinnaung.
The Gauls captures Espoo from Finland! Can we please have a game where Finland isn't rekt early on? No? Fine then.
Iceni captures Garedhar from Greenland! In the background, more wars start, specifically Saba vs. Carthage and Syracuse vs. Phoenicia.
Iceni, despite still being at war with Greenland, teams up with the Wabanaki to attack Taungoo. It's not clear how this might turn out.
An otherwise uneventful war between the Iroquois and the Beothuk ends with Nonosbawsut giving away Megwe'saqsit Lnu in the peace treaty. Typical Beothuk.
And then the Gauls capture Helsinki, eliminating Urho Kekkonen of Finland in 21st place. Again.
The Wabanaki are the first to make serious progress against Taungoo, capturing Utique!
The Iroquois attack the Beothuk again, but what's this? Yes, Nonsbawsut has founded a third city for the first time so far in Mk. VI!
Meanwhile, Iceni captures Brattahlid, reducing Greenland to the two cities they took from Han.
Erik then makes peace with Taungoo and gives away Jinyang. One city remains!
The Boethuk take back Megwe'saqsit Lnu! What do you want to bet they'll give it back again in the next peace treaty?
Taungoo makes peace with the Wabanaki and gives away Hanthawaddy. Ouch.
The Beothuk do indeed give away a city in their peace treaty with the Iroquois, only this time it's Gwitn Tewje'g instead of Megwe'saqsit Lnu.
Taungoo hands over another city, this time to Iceni. Boudicca decides to burn the city, which is definitely a good move.
Austria-Hungary attacks the Ottomans! Bursa is looking rather... exposed...
And finally Boudicca captures and razes Luoyang, eliminating Erik Thorvaldsson in 20th place!
The Wabanaki attack Carthage, which still hasn't repaired all the damage from their recent war against the Sabaeans. Dido just can't get a break.
Anyway, it is now turn 100, and it's time for the stats. The Gauls and the Tlingit top the charts in military strength, and after them it's a long drop down to third.
The tech race is still anyone's game, but Saba and the Wabanaki have a slight lead.
And the Gauls also have the most production, but somehow the United Kingdom is right on their tail!
Anyway, back on the battlefield, Austria-Hungary has taken Bursa from the Ottomans.
As usual, Peru builds the Great Wall. In fact, they've built it in every round so far.
Taungoo and the Beothuk team up against the Wabanaki! Henri's lands are looking really sparse...
Iceni declares war on Han! The newly settled cities of Thetford and Luoyang (rebuilt in a new place) look to be the centre of the conflict.
The Iroquois and Macedon join the war against the Wabanaki! Henri Membertou is in serious trouble!
Austria-Hungary unexpectedly captures the Ottoman capital! But can Franz Joseph break out of his peninsula?
Alexander captures Pannaqambskek! The Wabanaki collapse has begun!
In the north, Taungoo recaptures Hanthawaddy!
Meanwhile, Austria-Hungary has captured and is razing Edirne, eliminating Mahmud II of the Ottomans in 19th place.
Shortly thereafter, Saba declares war on Carthage again.
Phoenicia teams up with Syracuse to attack Iceland! Unfortunately, Dionysius is unlikely to get in the action here.
The Tlingit and Beothuk attack the Iroquois! Onondaga is already taking damage, and the Beothuk seem certain to recapture Gwitn Tewje'g!
The Tlingit easily take Osininka and move on toward the capital!
Back in the Wabanaki war, Macedon has captures Kespukwitk! Only one Wabanaki city remains, but at the moment nobody seems to be attacking it.
The Beothuk finally recapture Gwitn Tewje'g, after ten turns of milling about not doing much.
Then the Tlingit take Onondaga, expelling the Iroquois to their final city!
Iceni captures Luoyang! I foresee some flips in this city's future, however.
Makeda's second attempt to kill Carthage succeeds! With the fall of Qart Hadasht, Dido of Carthage is eliminated in 18th place.
Four turns later, the Tlingit capture Grand River, eliminating Hiawatha of the Iroquois in 17th place.
Meanwhile, Iceland makes peace with Phoenicia and gives away Vatnafjorður in the treaty.
Saba declares war on Macedon! Geography may be Alexander's best defense here, because he doesn't have much military strength left but he does have a lot of rivers, lakes, and marshes.
Time for the turn 200 stats! The Tlingit are now #1 in soldiers, while the former #1 Gauls have dropped to 6th.
The Gauls do have a slight tech lead, however.
And Austria-Hungary has taken the top spot in production, but the Tlingit and Iceni are VERY close behind.
The Wabanaki restart their war against Macedon, now on the offensive! They join the Tlingit, who have already driven Kespukwitk down to red.
On the next turn, Taungoo joins in! Who will get the former Wabanaki capital?
Taungoo takes it! The tlingit are now completely cut off from their enemy.
But Macedon captures it back! It's anyone's game again!
Meanwhile, Saba, which had peaced out earlier, decides it's time for round 2.
Far to the south, the Mississippi attack the UK, seeking to capture the isolated city of Liverpool!
That doesn't stop George from using the rest of his army to attack Macedon though.
And he decides to end the war with the Mississippi by just giving Tuskaloosa what he wants.
Back on the UK's other war front, George has captured Veroia! It also seems that Taungoo is back in possession of Kespukwitk.
Iceni declares war on Han again! It will be a tough fight, but I think Boudicca should eventually be able to break through and take Chang'an.
After just eight turns, she manages to do it. Gaozu of Han is eliminated in 16th place.
Meanwhile, the UK continues to deal serious damage to Macedon, taking Pannaqambskek!
Taungoo attacks the Wabanaki! I don't imagine Henri Membertou will last terribly long.
Syracuse gives away Adranon to the Mississippi in a peace treaty. I find this move... questionable.
Phoenicia attacks Iceland again! It will be a bloody battle, but Hiram should win out in the end.
Meanwhile, Taungoo has finally taken Utique, eliminating Henri Membertou of the Wabanaki in 15th place.
The Gauls attack the Mississippi! Not pictured: Adranon, which is completely defenseless.
Sure enough, the Gauls easily take Adranon.
Iceland recaptures Vatnafjorður! Step up your game, Hiram!
Iceni and Saba attack Taungoo! Boudicca is one of the first to develop crossbows, musketmen, and cannons, and they should come in handy here.
Boudicca easily captures Utique, but she's encountering surprising levels of difficulty elsewhere.
Taungoo flips Utique and loses it to Saba! The easiest route for Boudicca to invade Taungoo is now cut off. This may actually have saved Bayinnaung.
Saba runs into trouble in its core, however, as the UK declares war!
But first, time for the stats. The Tlingit still lead in military, but the Gauls have managed to rise back up to second.
The Gauls also still lead by one technology.
But Iceni has surged into the lead in production, a lead that might grow if they capture more Taungoo cities.
Meanwhile, Phoenicia has retaken Vatnafjorður and captured Reykjavik! Ingolfur Arnarson looks ready to make a brave last stand in Þingvellir though.
Boudicca founds the world congress, where the civilizations can pretend to conduct diplomacy while continuing to solve all their problems through war.
Boudicca also captures Jinyang from Taungoo. At least she'll get something from this war.
The Tlingit and the Beothuk joins the fight against Taungoo! Nonosbawsut already has units scattered throughout Taungoo territory that might give Bayinnaung a bit of trouble.
The United Kingdom attacks Macedon again! The Tlingit join too, hoping to snipe the city with a ship if possible.
Meanwhile Phoenicia finally takes Þingvellir, eliminating Ingolfur Arnarson of Iceland in 14th place.
Suddenly, the Tlingit snipe Bago! What the fuck...
And the Mississippi snipe Pella, eliminating Alexander of Macedon in 13th place. What is with these unexpected capital snipes all of a sudden?
The Gauls attack Syracuse. Quick, who could snipe Dionysius' capital?
Actually, Dionysius seems to be winning, because he just recaptured Adranon.
The Tlingit capture Kespukwitk, and the last Taungoo city is in the black!
And Nonosbawsut takes it! Bayinnaung of Taungoo is eliminated in 12th place.
Suddenly, the Tlingit attack the Gauls! Where on earth has Vercingetorix's army gone?
The Mississippi attack the UK, which may be a mistake considering that Tuskaloosa has no good way of getting reinforcements to Pella.
The Gauls retake Adranon and make peace to focus on the Tlingit. Technically, Syracuse actually won that war.
George easily captures Pella—the first time so far that the UK has held a foreign capital. However, they now face a DOW from the more technologically advanced Sabaeans.
The Tlingit take Helsinki with a naval attack! Sheiyksh is just racking up the capitals here.
The Tlingit and Beothuk declare war on Iceni! Bago looks vulnerable, but could the Beothuk defend it for them?
The Tlingit use another sneaky naval attack to take Adranon! Their navy really gets everywhere, doesn't it.
Speaking of which, they just captured Luoyang.
...And Chang'an. Jesus.
The Gauls make peace with the Tlingit and give away Espoo, which Sheiyksh decides to raze. Vercingetorix holds on to Adranon though.
The Iceni seem to have retaken Chang'an and Luoyang... for now.
Austria-Hungary dominates the world's fair. Interesting.
Iceni, now at peace with the Tlingit, teams up with Austria-Hungary to attack the Sabaeans!
The UK joins in the fun! Last time they held off Makeda—but can Makeda hold off the UK?
Boudicca captures Utique, and this time Taungoo isn't there to help flip it back to Saba.
But now it's time for the turn 400 stats! Since this is two turns late, I think this is the first time I've screwed up the timing of the stats in Mk. VI. Holy shit. Anyway, the Tlingit still lead in military, and their lead is growing.
Saba has now overtaken the Gauls in technology, but that doesn't seem to be helping them much.
And the Tlingit now have a considerable lead in production as well.
The Tlingit declare war on Iceni again and immediately capture Utique! This is not going to be pretty!
The Tlingit backdoor squad arrives again, and captures Luoyang... again.
Meanwhile, the Gauls try again to kill Syracuse.
The Beothuk make peace with Iceni and give away Hanthawaddy, which is probably going to fall straight into the hands of the Tlingit.
Syracuse responds to the Gallic DOW by taking Adranon again.
The Tlingit take Hanthawaddy, but Boudicca has pushed back and retaken Utique.
The Gauls retake Adranon, and the Mississippi join in, hoping to snipe Syracuse.
But that effort fails, and the Gauls take Syracuse, eliminating Dionysius in 11th place.
The UK attacks Saba a second time. Will it go better? Who knows.
Suddenly, the Tlingit make a major push, capturing Venta Icenorum! Holy shit!
Their navy also takes Chang'an again.
George V capture Ma'rib! That brings him up to three capitals, which might as well be the moon given his previous performances.
The Gauls attack the Mississippi again! Can Vercingetorix take advantage of Tuskaloosa's war with Peru, or will the Mississippi turn their troops right around and beat them back?
It seems like it will be the latter, as the Mississippi make peace with Peru and receive Trujillo in the treaty.
They also take Syracuse with a naval attack, although I don't see this lasting long at all.
The two sides make peace with the Gauls fully in control of Syracuse.
Meanwhile, the Tlingit are pushing deeper into Iceni, taking Caister.
And Garedhar...
At the same time, the UK continues to steamroll Saba, taking Sirwah. Qart Hadasht is in serious trouble as well.
And AUstria-Hungary takes Qart Hadasht, eliminating Makeda of the Sabaeans in 10th place.
And then Franz Jospeh attacks his former ally, George! Can he defend against the super Austro-Hungarian technology?
No, he can't. Sirwah falls easily. In the background, the Tlingit declare war on Phoenicia.
And George ends the war by giving away Ma'rib.
Somehow, the Beothuk have sniped Chang'an. There's a good one for /u/TheSpecialize's chart...
The UK, still hurting from the blows dealt to them by Austria-Hungary, decides to beat up on Peru instead.
The Tlingit do not fuck around in their war with Phoenicia, going straight for Tyre and capturing it with very few units.
Tyre flips once, and then the Tlingit take Byblos as well.
Peru makes peace with the UK and gives away Arequipa.
Just as the Tlingit call off their war with Phoenicia, Hiram faces a new attacker in the form of the Gauls.
But then the Tlingit declare war on the Gauls! Could this save Phoenicia?
But first, the turn 500 stats. The Tlingit military lead has stayed pretty much unchanged.
The Mississippi and Austria-Hungary are now tied for the lead in technologies, but the Tlingit and Peru are only one tech behind them.
And Sheiyksh's production lead has absolutely skyrocketed. There wasn't much doubt that he was going to win before this, but now any doubt that still remained is definitely gone.
Sheiyksh continues his rampage by taking Bibracte from the Gauls.
And they take Vienne as well.
Meanwhile, Austria-Hungary declares war on Iceni and invades Boudicca's southern coast with a naval attack.
The Gauls make peace with the Tlingit and give away Adranon. That war was absolutely devastating.
Austria-Hungary storms the beaches at Thetford!
The Mississippi decide that they shall be the ones to finish off the Gauls.
Franz Joseph takes Luoyang and is well on his way to capturing Chang'an.
Chang'an falls—the whole southern coast of Iceni is in Austro-Hungarian hands!
Then Franz Joseph takes Brattahlid and the two sides make peace, ensuring Boudicca lives on just a little longer.
Franz Joseph then declares war on the UK again, but this time George looks much more prepared.
And to make matters much worse for Franz Joseph, the Tlingit declare war on Austria-Hungary! Brattahlid falls on the very first turn of the war.
Thetford quickly follows, though the Austro-Hungarian navy should ensure it flips for a while.
Meanwhile, Austria-Hungary takes Birmingham, but it's not enough to make up for their losses in the north.
The Tlingit take Luoyang, and their navy has arrived as well. Soon Thetford might stop flipping.
Thetford and Luoyang are finally secured, and Qart Hadasht is captured!
The Tlingit navy arrives on the west coast of Austria-Hungary's core, taking Bursa!
Up north, Chang'an falls, expelling Austria-Hungary from the northwestern peninsula.
Now, the turn 600 stats! Unsurprisingly, Sheiyksh's military lead has increased.
Austria-Hungary leads in science by one technology, but it can't be long before the Tlingit rise up and take the lead.
Where Sheiyksh really shines is production, where he has more hammers than every other civ combined.
Austria-Hungary momentarily turns the tide, securing Qart Hadasht. Both sides now have artillery though, making the battlefield much more volatile.
Meanwhile, The Mississippi finally take Syracuse, eliminating Vercingetorix of the Gauls in 9th place.
Austria-Hungary makes peace with the Tlingit after losing Qart Hadasht again, and Franz Joseph gives away Sirwah, Ma'rib, and Birmingham. He does keep Bursa though.
The Tlingit declare war on Iceni and take Jinyang instantaneously. Boudicca of Iceni is eliminated in 8th place.
Some time later, the Mississippi attack the UK, but George is actually doing some major damage to Trujillo.
And he takes the city! Nice!
Turn 700 arrives and brings with it more stats. The Tlingit have a full carpet by this point, propelling their military manpower to ridiculous heights.
Austria-Hungary has actually expanded its tech lead. This is the one area where the Tlingit don't rule, but it won't matter much in the end.
And it won't matter because of their ridiculous production. Seriously, beat that.
The UK makes peace with the Mississippi and gives back Trujillo. Lol.
Predictably, the Tlingit overperform at the International Games.
I meant to declare world war on turn 750, but I forgot. So instead we have world war on turn 755.
The first city to fall is Veroia as the Tlingit carpet begins ripping the Uk to shreds.
But that doesn't stop George from taking Lima, eliminating Ramon Castilla of Peru in 7th place.
But he quickly loses the city to the Mississippi.
The Tlingit hammer is finally descending now, and George has lost Arequipa and Pannaqambskek.
Up north, Sheiyksh has captured Gwitn Tewje'g from the Beothuk.
And Syracuse from the Mississippi...
London, Manchester, and Pella are all captured, eliminating George V of the United Kingdom in 6th place.
The Tlingit then begin to eat through Phoenicia, capturing Sidon.
Austria-Hungary is crumbling too, and the area has descended into nuclear war. Despite this, the Tlingit have captured Lemberg, Istanbul, and Bursa.
Down south, the Tlingit have also taken Lima.
And in the north, they've captured Melgita't from the Beothuk.
Moundville falls; the Mississippi are collapsing...
Liverpool and Trujillo are captured...
Meanwhile, Sheiyksh takes Vatnafjorður and Þingvellir from Phoenicia.
Cahokia falls, eliminating Tuskaloosa of the Mississippi in 4th place. (I say 4th, not 5th, because Phoenicia was eliminated offscreen in 5th place on the previous turn.) The Beothuk should have died before them but they made peace with the Tlingit without me noticing until later.
The Tlingit push further into the Austro-Hungarian core, taking Budapest. The Beothuk are now also re-entered into the world war.
They don't last long, and with the fall of Megwe'saqsit Lnu, Nonosbawsut of the Beothuk is eliminated in third place.
And Vienna falls! The Tlingit have won round three, completely eliminating all competitors! The score now stands as follows:
The Gauls: 1
Peru: 1
The Tlingit: 1
As usual, here's the aftermath. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you again as soon as I've filmed round 4!During a presentation at E3 just moments ago, Guild Wars 2 Game Director Colin Johanson dished a lot of details on the Guild Hall feature coming in the game’s impending Heart of Thorns expansion.
Guild halls are a lot more than just a social feature – they’re a map that begins owned by the jungle dragon Mordremoth, and guilds will battle their way through to claim the map as their own. Once claimed, guilds will be able to personalize their keep by constructing buildings with special effects and placing aesthetic decorations around the map.
Within the guild halls, players will be able to form guild teams to compete in the game’s leaderboards. PvE focused guild members will also be able to open portals in the guild hall to enable quick travel to guild mission objectives.
Several of the buildings guilds will be able to construct within their halls were revealed in the interview, all presenting significant impacts on how players can and will be able to play the game:
Arena – a “combat sandbox” where decorations and traps can be placed to spice up the combat. This won’t just be limited to guildmates, either, as it’s confirmed that other guilds will be able to be invited for PvP brawls.
Workshop – a crafting building bringing with it an all new crafting profession, the Scribe, that builds items for guild members to use throughout the game’s different modes.
War Room – a must have for World vs World guilds, this building will enable special tools and abilities to aid in the large-scale siege PvP game mode. The example shown during the stream was the ability to summon an airship to bombard a keep as the guild laid siege.
The map shown in the E3 trailer looked absolutely massive, with a heavy emphasis on verticality reminscient of the design in the new maps coming in Heart of Thorns. The trailer shown during the presentation appeared to show a player using a glider within the guild hall, so it doesn’t look like that verticality is going to waste.
Pre-purchases of expansion are now live, and will guarantee access to all future betas. Excitingly, purchasing the expansion will also include the base game, making the game extremely accessible to players just now becoming interested in the title. Check out the various editions available at the official site.
Source: Live E3 Presentation1. Anthony Milford (Raiders): A special talent in superb form. An inch-perfect kicked try assist and a great solo try against the Rabbitohs again made him a standout.
2. Glen Fisiiahi (Warriors): Had an absolute field day against Wests Tigers, scoring a stunning four tries and making 142 metres down the flank.
3. Steve Matai (Sea Eagles): The Manly veteran was fearsome in both defence and attack during a gritty win over the Roosters, producing an assist for the lone try.
4. Joseph Leilua (Knights): Scored a first-half hat-trick while racking up 158 metres against the Sharks, with each finish a study in power and skill.
5. Reece Robinson (Raiders): Scored two tries in the first 17 minutes against South Sydney to pave the way for a big Raiders upset.
6. Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles): What a display! Returning earlier than most expected from a calf strain, Foran made a mockery of the ailment by running 143 metres and hitting like a back-rower against the Roosters.
7. Shaun Johnson (Warriors): Terrorised the Tigers, scoring an incredible try, assisting three more and running 82 metres in an electric display.
8. Josh McGuire (Broncos): Punched out a great shift of 58 minutes against the Dragons, making 168 metres and 25 tackles to set the platform for Brisbane.
9. Nathan Peats (Eels): Relishing playing 80 minutes at his new club, the tough rake scored a try, ran 82 metres and made 52 tackles in a derby win over Penrith.
10. Aiden Tolman (Bulldogs): Had a monster game as his side smashed former club Melbourne, making 183 metres and 33 tackles in a powerful 60-minute stint.
11. Anthony Watmough (Sea Eagles): Has started the season brilliantly, with his latest effort 169 metres and 35 tackles over a supercharged 74 minutes.
12. Greg Bird (Titans): A typically tireless and classy effort in a slugfest against the Cowboys, grinding out 124 metres and 25 tackles.
13. Matt Gillett (Broncos): Had a sensational night against the Dragons, scoring two tries within nine minutes as he produced 145 metres and 23 tackles.
14. Josh Reynolds (Bulldogs): The NSW Origin utility was sensational in a rout of the Storm, scheming relentlessly and producing a perfect kicked try assist.
15. Jarryd Hayne (Eels): At his enigmatic best in a derby win over Penrith, turning it on in the second half to end with a try, a try assist and 146 metres.
16. Willie Mason (Knights): On an emotion-charged day for his club, Big Willie stood tall and produced an intimidating effort reminiscent of when he was the world’s most damaging forward. Would have been named in the starting side but deserved to be named in jersey No.16 in honour of injured teammate Alex McKinnon.
17. Josh Jackson (Bulldogs): Bounced back to form with a power-packed effort against Melbourne. He was busy in both attack and defence, making a line bust, running for 163 metres and felling 23 Storm players.
We will be naming our Team of the Week throughout the season - join us at 1pm every Tuesday for our Team Lists Live Chat to let us know what you think of the side.Reporter Charlo Greene quit on-air during KTVA-TV's 10 p.m. newscast Sunday, revealing herself as the owner of the medical marijuana business Alaska Cannabis Club and telling viewers that she would be using all of her energy to fight for legalizing marijuana in Alaska.
Greene had reported on the Alaska Cannabis Club during Sunday night's broadcast, without revealing her connection to it. At the end of the report, during a live shot, she announced that she was the club's owner and would be quitting.
"Now everything you've heard is why I, the actual owner of the Alaska Cannabis Club, will be dedicating all of my energy toward fighting for freedom and fairness, which begins with legalizing marijuana here in Alaska," she said. "And as for this job, well, not that I have a choice but, fuck it, I quit."
And with that, she walked off camera.
Alaska Cannabis Club had urged its Facebook followers to tune in to the broadcast Sunday evening.
Reached later, Greene said KTVA had no idea she was going to quit, or that she was connected to the Alaska Cannabis Club.
Asked why she quit in such a dramatic way, she said, "Because I wanted to draw attention to this issue. And the issue is medical marijuana. Ballot Measure 2 is a way to make medical marijuana real... most patients didn't know the state didn't set up the framework to get patients their medicine."
"If I offended anyone, I apologize, but I'm not sorry for the choice that I made," she said.
In a statement posted on KTVA's Facebook page Sunday night, news director Bert Rudman said, "We sincerely apologize for the inappropriate language used by a KTVA reporter during her live presentation on the air tonight. The employee has been terminated."
Started in April, the Alaska Cannabis Club connects medical marijuana cardholders with other cardholders who are growing cannabis. Growers are offered "donations" as reimbursement for the costs of growing marijuana, the club said in an interview with Alaska Dispatch News in August. The club said it hopes to increase access to medical marijuana patients, despite operating in a legal gray area within Alaska's murky medical marijuana laws.
Video clips of the broadcast were quickly uploaded to YouTube and shared on Reddit Sunday night.
Marijuana legalization opposition group "Big Marijuana. Big Mistake. Vote No on 2" posted on its Twitter page "#KTVA reporter covering ballot measure 2 loses her mind, confesses to being an owner of the cannabis club and quits while on the air."Get the biggest daily stories by email Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
A dog has been given a special Christmas present to help him get down the stairs.
Timmie, a 16-year-old Jack Russell, has arthritis and now has difficulty getting around his owner’s home in Whitland, Carmarthenshire.
Owner Duncan Evans, 27, created a red custom-built stairlift and designed it to look like Father Christmas’ sleigh just in time for the festive season.
He decided to create the “Santa Paws” stairlift after Timmie hurt himself when he took a tumble down the stairs.
(Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE)
Duncan, a graphic designer, said: “The stairs were too steep for his little legs.
“If he went up and down them too much he would come to a stop and I‘d have to carry him the rest of the way.
“I asked myself, do I play it safe and make it really simple, or do I go all out and make it the best thing I can?
“It took him a bit of training but he can manage it all by himself now, what a hero.
“Timmie has to take lots of medication for his enlarged heart and problems with his lungs, so he’s not meant to do strenuous exercise.
“He’s quite old, and although he can get up and down ok now, but I wanted to preserve his life and that little ticker of his.”
(Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE)
Timmie is seen dressed up as Father Christmas in a video as he safely makes his way down the stairs thanks to the lift which is controlled by Duncan.
Duncan said he began uploading videos to YouTube last year and has recently been making videos detailing his inventions for Timmie.
They include an electric skateboard trailer to help take his dog for walks and a doghouse in the style of the one from the Home Alone film.
Duncan said: “My passion has become making videos, and I’d like to do more how-to ones to help people make the things I make.
“If I can do that full time and make money, then that’s the ideal situation.”In the many hours we spend in front of a computer, most of us of course deal with email. Inside that inbox overflowing with new messages, we all get something in common: spam. Undeniably, getting these useless messages can be quite a nuisance. However, there might actually be some hope towards getting less of these in the future.
According to a recent report by computer security company Symantec, email spam has reached an all-time low, with the spam rate dropping significantly to just 49.7%, which is reportedly the first time the rate has fallen below 50% for over a decade. Furthermore, the report stated that it was back in September 2003 when an email spam rate this low was last posted.
However, it's not all good news. Symantec's report further states that while spam rates have indeed decreased, malicious software has taken its place. 57.6 million new variants of malware have reportedly been devised in the past month. This is a notable rise, from 44.5 million recorded back in May, and 29.2 in April, as cybercriminals start to move towards other areas where they can better target innocent people.
Regarding ransomware - software which encrypts computer files, and deems a computer useless while asking for a ransom in order to unlock files - such as Cryptolocker, Symantec also reports a rise with these programs. 477,000 have been recorded in June, and while this is actually a decrease from what was documented from the past year, June reportedly marked the second month in a row that ransomware has seen an increase, after reaching an all-time low back in April of this year.
Symantec has also said that cyber-attacks on the manufacturing industry have dropped to 22%, from 41% in May. Moreover, it was stated that the manufacturing sector is still tops when it comes to targeted attacks, despite being more in alignment to finance, insurance, real estate, and the professional sector.
While this news might mean a decrease in email messages that promise fast weight loss, or instant wealth from Nigerian royalty, it still pays to have a watchful eye while reading our daily serving of electronic mail.
Source: Symantec via Digital Trends | Girl composing email image via ShutterstockThe legal battle began in 2012 after two workers stood up against a scheme which paid some employees as little as $1 an hour.
A long-running legal battle over a disability employment scheme which paid some people as little as $1 an hour has come to an end after the federal government agreed to back pay 70% of the wages owed.
The Business Services Wage Assessment Tool (Bswat) assessed the pay of about half the employees working in the government-supported Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) – formerly known as sheltered workshops. It assessed the competency and productivity of workers, but several aspects were criticised as deeply flawed.
After a 2012 federal court case found two people, Michael Nojin and Gordon Prior had been discriminated against by the system which reduced wages to as little as $1 an hour, the Bswat was suspended.
The federal government appealed to the high court, lost, and then was granted one year by the Australian Human Rights Commission to come up with a replacement scheme.
A bill which was passed in the Senate in 2014 legislated to repay workers 50% of what they were owed. A class action lawsuit brought by the Maurice Blackburn law firm rejected the move and continued to seek 100%.
On Thursday, after extensive mediation between the government and representatives of the class action, the social services minister, Christian Porter, announced new legislation would be introduced under which the Commonwealth would repay 70%.
The legislation will ensure there are no tax implications and disability pensions are unaffected.
The repayments will be available to all workers with an intellectual disability who have worked in an ADE, not just those involved in the class action. It will also be widened, including people who, for example, have since retired.
Kairsty Wilson, senior legal practitioner for the AED Legal Centre and who has worked on the case since 2002, welcomed the agreement.
“I think it’s a good deal and we’d be encouraging all employees with intellectual disabilities to register, and if they need assistance we’re happy to help them do it,” Wilson told Guardian Australia.
“They’re entitled to [the repayments], and Michael Nojin and Gordon Prior had the courage to stand up for themselves in the first place.
“It takes guts to do that. They’ve got it and they should be so proud of themselves, Gordon and Michael and their mothers who fought on behalf of their sons.”
Craig Wallace, the president of the People With Disability advocacy group, tweeted his congratulations to the minister and said the decision was “right and just”.The Conservative government has unveiled another step in its program to reconnect the Canadian Armed Forces with their British roots.
National Defence Minister Peter MacKay has announced the army will ditch the maple leaf rank designators used on officers' shoulder boards in favour of the "pips" and crowns the Brits use to tell lieutenants (that's leff-tennant, not lou-tennant) from colonels, The Canadian Press reports.
The army's non-commissioned officers and below will also be referred to by their original British Army and Commonwealth |
logo ordered by current Chief Kenneth Ellerbe, so the shirts stayed in the boxes, according to the Examiner.
Councilman Phil Mendelson's office has been asking the department for months about rumors that the protective shirts were available. But he says he was always told the shirts didn't exist.
"It was disturbing after a year to find out they do exist," Mendelson says.
"We work in the best city in the nation," Ryan says. "Why wouldn't we have the best equipment available?"
"The temperature got so hot the uniform melted into my skin," Ryan says.
If he wasn't wearing the best gear--because of a patch--that's disheartening, he says.
Ryan says the shirts now in storage might have helped lessen the burns on his upper arms and back. But he says we will never know how much.This article, by Limmud presenter Daniel Barnett, is the first in our 2013 Limmud-Oz preview series.
The South African Jewish community is renowned for being one of the world’s most close-knit. From a communal infrastructure point of view, it is well-organised, with substantial welfare, educational, political and Zionist institutions in every major Jewish centre. Few communities in the world can profess to having been so strong over such a long period of time. Yet, despite these successes, three major challenges continue to plague the community, threatening its fabric and long-term survival.
Growing up immersed in this community gives one certain foundational experiences almost without exception – a traditional upbringing built on a modern orthodox foundation; strong Zionist ideals and a close affinity to a community which most of one’s friends and associates form part of. Herein lies the first challenge – while this insularity has no doubt contributed towards the community’s tremendous success, it also offers few alternatives to those exploring other facets of their Jewish identity.
The Chief Rabbinate’s response to Limmud, for example, was to offer a modern orthodox learning programme as a clear alternative to Limmud (as opposed to a complimentary option), while his office has gone out of their way to discourage involvement in Limmud. This one-dimensional approach to Judaism (and Zionism, where a conservative agenda has dominated local discourse) has isolated many, some of whom have chosen assimilation over engagement.
The second challenge remains emigration, which has been a Shabbat-table topic of discussion since the late 1960s. Over the last three decades, the community’s numbers have fallen from approximately 118,000 in 1970 to an estimated 70,000 today – a devastating blow. It remains to be seen whether the slowing of emigration will come to a complete halt.
The third challenge lies in the foreign policy of the current African National Congress (ANC) government. This is a government who have propped up an oppressive dictatorship in Zimbabwe, bankrolled a despotic monarchy in Swaziland and banned the Dalai Lama from visiting the country for Desmond Tutu’s birthday, in fear of offending China. Nothing has yet been said against the atrocities committed against Syrian civilians on a daily basis.
Israel, however, receives different treatment. While Israel is, in many respects, not a paradigm of virtue (a topic that needs substantial discussion on its own), the ANC policy towards the Jewish State tends to take criticism and antagonism towards Israel to an extreme. A few examples follow.
Post Operation Cast lead in 2009, the ANC failed to condemn Hamas rocket attacks, the kidnapping of Shalit or Hamas’ use of civilian shields. Only Israel was seen as the aggressor.
After Israel’s skirmish with the Turkish flotilla, only South Africa, Turkey, Nicaragua and Ecuador withdrew their ambassadors from Tel Aviv – an extreme action by any government.
In 2011, the University of Johannesburg, pressured by the Boycott, Disinvestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign, cancelled a bi-lateral agreement with Ben Gurion University of the Negev, becoming the first academic institution internationally to formally cut ties with an Israeli university.
Israeli speakers – from the political to the completely non-aligned (including a musician living in Berlin) have faced attack, while Jewish communal events have been hijacked by BDS activists.
The South African government has curtailed the training of its officials by Israelis. This has the potential to halt 50 years of Israeli expertise being used to improve South African agriculture development.
After the ANC discouraged South Africans from visiting Israel, the SAJBD criticised its stance as “grossly discriminatory, counter-productive and wholly inconsistent with how South Africa normally conducts its international relations and contradicts its official policy of having full diplomatic ties with Israel.”
But, despite these three challenges, the community continues to thrive. Individuals continue in excel in finance, the arts, law and business, almost all Jewish children attend Jewish day schools and youth movement membership is amongst the highest per-capita in the world.
It seems the right time to analyse the state of the South African Jewish community today, its relationship with the ANC, business and Israel – not to mention itself – and consider its future in light of the above.
Daniel Barnett will be discussing this topic further in “The Triple Threat? Anti-Israel Sentiment, Australia and Assimilation – South African Jewry in 2013” at Limmud Oz 2013. Sunday June 9, 2013 3:45pm – 4:45pm in Engineering Building Room G1.The appointment of Mullah Fazlullah as TTP chief will see an escalation in violence in Pakistan
On November 7, 2013, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) gathered, probably in the Kunar province of Afghanistan, and declared Mullah Fazlullah the next TTP chief, after the death by drone of the earlier chief, Hakimullah Mehsud. He was confirmed in office by the Afghan Taliban chief, Mullah Umar, who is considered "amirul momineen" (caliph) by the TTP rank and file. This took no time, because Fazlullah is the chosen one of al-Qaeda, which was not too pleased by initiatives among some of the TTP factions to engage in peace talks with Islamabad.
Fazlullah was small-time till Lal Masjid an al-Qaeda watering hole where the Pakistani "deep state" communicated with terrorism happened in Islamabad in 2007. His father-in-law, Sufi Muhammad, had led a movement of pure sharia for many years and participated in the post-Soviet-withdrawal Afghan war with 8,000 warriors, all taken captive by northern warlords and sold, tortured and slaughtered in the tradition of wars in Afghanistan. Fazlullah, a dacoit battening on a colossal timber theft in Swat, had forced a weak provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to allow his father-in-law's sharia in Swat in 2008.
The Lal Masjid revolt in 2007 by pro-al-Qaeda clerics was suppressed by the Musharraf government, which led to al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri practically declaring war on Pakistan by his act of founding the TTP. Fazlullah unleashed a reign of terror in Swat, slaughtering, beheading and group-hanging innocent Swati, who thought he would enforce Islamic punishments. Most Muslims are obsessed with "quick justice" but actually want to dispense with "due process" in modern adjudication. The video of the whipping of a girl in public by a Taliban commander brought things to a head in 2009.
The army chief, General Ashfaq Kayani, who succeeded Musharraf, heeded parliament and attacked Swat, making Fazlullah run away with his cohorts, which included Uzbek marauders sent in by al-Qaeda. Fazlullah broke his legs during his flight to the Kunar province in Afghanistan, but was soon well enough to attack and make the Pakistan military's control in Swat look fragile. He nearly killed schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai last year, booby-trapped and killed a general this year, and has sworn to kill Kayani after becoming the TTP chief. Kayani, retiring this month, has no stomach left for a fight with the TTP and
... contd.
ALSO READ The taper tigers
Please read our terms of use before posting commentsHi,
I am TheKoziTwo on bitcointalk. Early adopter of bitcoin, owner of the first Monero exchange.
Proof
I am a big fan of the bitsquare project and want to support it by providing market liquidity. I would like to do so by keeping my raspberry online 24/7 and run bitsquare on it. I tried to install it myself, but it did not launch properly (black screen) when I tried and don’t have time to mess around with it right now, also I want a script doing it all automatically, so therefore I offer a bounty.
The rasbian jessie image can be downloaded from: https://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/raspbian/
The first person who can post a fully working bash script that compiles and installs bitsquare (and all its dependencies) on Raspbian Jessie will be rewarded 0.75 BTC. Additional 0.25 BTC will be rewarded if the script can be run to update to a new release automatically.
E.g all needed to install bitsquare on raspbian should be a command such as:
./bitsquare.sh
and to upgrade to latest version
./bitsquare.sh --update
Build docs for bitsquare
github.com bisq-network/exchange/blob/master/doc/build.md Building From Source ==================== This guide will walk you through the process of building bisq from source. > _**NOTE:** For most users, building from source is not necessary. See the [releases page](https://github.com/bisq-network/exchange/releases), where you'll find installers for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X._ There is an install script (2 parts) for setup (JDK, git, maven, Bitcoinj, bisq) on Linux in that directory (install_on_unix.sh, install_on_unix_fin.sh). System requirements ------------- The prerequisite for building bisq is installing the Java Development Kit (JDK), version 8u131 or better (as well as maven and git). $ sudo apt-get install openjdk-8-jdk maven git In Debian/Ubuntu with OpenJDK you'll need OpenJFX as well, i.e. you'll need the `openjfx` package besides the `openjdk-8-jdk` package. $ sudo apt-get install openjfx This file has been truncated. show original
If the person who post the script does not want the bounty I will donate the funds to bitsquare development.
I can pay the bounty in Monero for those who prefer that.
ThanksAfter Killing Of Cecil, White House Enacts Protections For Lions
Months after an American dentist shot and killed a beloved African lion named Cecil, the Obama administration moves to protect lions in Africa through the Endangered Species Act.
ROBERT SIEGEL, HOST:
It was a good day for lions. The Obama administration is placing lions under the protection of the Endangered Species Act, restricting the ability of hunters to bring lion skins and other trophies into the U.S. The action comes about six months after the killing of an African lion named Cecil by a Minnesota dentist sparked worldwide outrage, but officials say it's been in the works for some time. NPR's Brian Naylor reports.
BRIAN NAYLOR, BYLINE: The rule announced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service applies to two subspecies. One is located in India and western and Central Africa, and only about 1,400 of these lions survive. They've been designated as endangered. A second subspecies found in eastern and southern Africa numbering some 19,000 will be listed as threatened. I spoke with Fish and Wildlife Service director Dan Ashe.
DAN ASHE: The best available science tells us that lions, as a whole, are in steep decline, that as we look into the foreseeable future, we see that those declines are likely to continue and worsen.
NAYLOR: Ashe says an estimated half a million lions roamed Africa and India in the early 1900s. By the mid-'50s, the number was down to 200,000. Today, there are just 20,000. Ashe says the decline is only partly due to trophy hunting. Mostly it's because of expanding human populations.
ASHE: The lions are like wolves here in the United States. They're persecuted because they conflict with economic use of the land by humans for agriculture and other purposes.
NAYLOR: The action today does leave the door open to imports of some sport-hunted trophies but only from countries that can show they have a management program in place that is aiding lion conservation. Jeff Flocken is North American director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, one of several groups that petition the government to act.
JEFF FLOCKEN: Since Americans are responsible for over half of all lions killed in Africa for sport every year - literally hundreds of lions being killed just for fun of an imperiled species - this decision is, in fact, a good thing.
NAYLOR: Fish and Wildlife Service director Ashe says it's a legacy issue.
ASHE: For me, it's an issue of how we want to hand the planet to our children and grandchildren because we right now are at a point where there's a very real possibility that we could hand them a planet that will not have anything called a lion in the wild, and that would be a tragedy.
NAYLOR: The rule will go into effect next month. Brian Naylor, NPR News, Washington.
Copyright © 2015 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by Verb8tm, Inc., an NPR contractor, and produced using a proprietary transcription process developed with NPR. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.The turning point in genetics ensued from the establishment of a model for the molecular structure of DNA by Jim Watson and Francis Crick, based on the crystallography data of Rosalind Franklin, who was working in Morris Wilkins lab in 1953 (Watson and Crick 1953). This was the culmination of work initiated by Sir William Henry Bragg and his son William Lawrence on X-ray diffraction by crystals, to study molecular structure, initially of minerals but later of more complex organic structures, including the first 3-D structure of a protein, myoglobin (Max Perutz and John Kendrew, see Kendrew et al. 1958), further of penicillin, vitamin B 12, and insulin (Hodgkin 1979). The significance of DNA structure, as the material of which genes are made, was immediately recognized due to the ground-breaking work, during the preceding 50 years, of a great number of scientists in chemistry and biology, mostly microbiology including Gregor Mendel, Friedrich Miescher, Phoebus Levene, William Astbury, Erwin Chargaff, Oswald Avery, Francois Jacob, Jacques Monod, Ole Maaloe, Max Delbrück, Sydney Brenner and others (Judson 1979; Winnacker 1987; Buchholz and Collins 2010, Chapter 7). But the ‘DNA Revolution’ as Hotchkiss termed it, progressed or penetrated slowly into technology, initially having little effect on traditional processes and products (Hotchkiss 1979). The Asilomar conference 1975 initiated a public discussion on the possible hazards of recombinant DNA research (for details, see Buchholz and Collins 2010, section 8.1.2). The following two decades saw many years of discussion of possible risks and containment requirements associated with recombinant technologies which eventually formed the basis of the guidelines for recombinant DNA work and finally culminated in international legislation (see for example Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, http://bch.cbd.int/protocol/text/. )
5 1972 1979 2010 Scientific events Technical application 1944 Avery et al.: chemical nature of chromosomes: DNA 1950 Chargaff: rule of nucleotide ratios 1953 Sanger: sequence of insulin 1953 Watson and Crick: structure of DNA (For technical application up to the 1960s, see Table 4) 1955f Kornberg et al.: enzymatic DNA replication 1957f Zamecnik and Hoagland: amino acid activation, translation in protein synthesis 1959 Kendrew: first X-ray enzyme structure 1960–1961 Jacob and Monod: operon model of gene regulation; concept of mRNA 1961–1966 Nirenberg, Khorana et al.: genetic code 1963 Merrifield: solid-phase protein synthesis 1968 Arber and Linn: restriction endonucleases 1971f Nathans; Southern: DNA separation 1971 Farley, Cape, Glaser: establishment of Cetus, the first Biotech Company 1972 Mertz, Davies: recombinant DNA 1972 Industrial production of 6-amino-penicillanic acid Berg: first recombinant virus Khorana et al.: first chemically synthesized gene 1973 Cohen, Boyer: recombinant plasmid/microorganism 1974 Large-scale production of glucose/fructose syrup 1975f Maxam and Gilbert; Sanger: methods for DNA sequencing 1975 Köhler and Millstein: monoclonal antibodies 1976 Swanson, Boyer: foundation of second biotech company: Genentec 1975 Asilomar conference (moratorium on recombinant DNA research) 1977f Further New Biotech companies founded 1978 Heffron et al.: directed mutagenesis 1978 Recombinant human insulin (Genentec) 1979 Mayer, Collins and Wagner: recombinant penicillin acylase 1980 Chakrabarty: first patent for recombinant bacterium 1980f Work on recombinant α-amylase (Novo) 1982 FDA approval of human insulin (Eli Lilly) 1983f Frank and Blöcker; Carruthers: mechanized DNA synthesis 1982 Large-scale production of recombinant α-galactosidase (Boehringer Mannheim, D) 1983 Schell and Montagu: first transgenic plant (tobacco) 1984 Political level: OTA study; mechanized DNA sequencing 1988 Mullis: polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 1988 Leder, Stewart: patent for transgenic mouse 1990 Start of human genome project a 1994 Stemmer: DNA shuffling 1995 First complete bacterial genome sequence 1995f Metabolic engineering b 1996 Mass cultivation of recombinant seeds (commercial corn seeds) 1997 First cloned animal: Dolly 1998 Argonne Structural Genomics Meeting: human chromosome 22 1999 Start of CELERA—industrial genome sequencing 2000 First approximate version of the human Genome a 1999 Vitamin C via microbial pathway Subsequent to Watson and Crick’s publication in 1953 of the DNA structure, a large number of significant scientific breakthrough events as well as technological progress provided a new basis for BT. Selected events are summarized in Table. Berg, Cohen, and Boyer in 1972 introduced recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology when they constructed the first recombinant plasmids and viruses, which were introduced into bacteria, or animal cells respectively, where they were autonomously propagated. A patent granted to Cohen and Boyer, and the University of California was critically commented by Berg (Cohen et al.; Cohen and Boyer/1980; Berg and Mertz). ‘Entrepreneur’ was still a dirty word in molecular biology, leading one to reflect on the situation in engineering a century earlier with the slandering of George Stephenson (later inventor of the steam engine) by Sir Humphrey Davy at the time of his ‘invention’ of the miner’s lamp (not patented), already produced as Stephenson’s prototype (patented).
Based on the new genetic techniques, a significant change occurred during the 1980s and 1990s with common approaches in different disciplines underlying BT, and the merging of molecular biology and biochemical engineering. Industrial interest and the range of products expanded significantly, and many new companies, mainly in the USA, were founded. New methods and tools played a key role in the rapid expansion of recombinant technologies. These include: gel electrophoresis, centrifugation, restriction endonucleases, plasmid cloning, a range of further cloning methods extending to most known species of microorganisms and eukaryotes, in particular in plants, cloning of larger (gene-sized) DNA fragments via virus cosmid, fosmid, BAC and YAC (this latter in yeast) cloning, oligonucleotide synthesis, DNA sequencing, gene mining, metagenomics, and recently synthetic biology; protein design has become a rational tool for biopharmaceuticals and enzyme development (Winnacker 1987; Demain 2001; Bornscheuer and Buchholz 2005; Buchholz and Collins 2010, chapters 7, 9). Once the tools for gene cloning in the Gram-negative E. coli had been established it became easy to develop gene cloning vectors which could be transferred to other species. This involved the identification of plasmids that replicated in other hosts and genes (promoters) that could be expressed and used for selection in the new host, including bacteria, yeast, insect cell lines and plant cells (Collins 1977). Thus all the elements for the new recombinant DNA technology, at least for bacterial and animal cells are available: Methods to prepare DNA, which, following restriction cleavage (i.e. treatment with restriction endonucleases) could be covalently joined to a ‘vector’ with a DNA ligase; a ‘vector’ (plasmid or virus) to ensure maintenance in the cell; a method to prepare ‘clean’ vector DNA; an efficient method to incorporate DNA into the cell; culture techniques to isolate single clones carrying a single recombinant hybrid molecule, including selective techniques to enrich for the cells ‘transformed’ with the vectors, for example selection for antibiotic-resistance genes (Buchholz and Collins 2010, chapter 7). More recently, since the 1990s, the so called ‘omics’ approaches: genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and their integration into systems biology and biotechnology aimed at understanding, quantitative description and rational modification of whole organisms. Biosystems engineering or systems biotechnology aims at the integration of biology, mathematics, bioinformatics, and systems engineering to gain a holistic view of complex biological and biotechnological systems, including quantitative description and improvement of whole organisms and the rational development of novel production processes (Reuss 2001; Deckwer et al. 2006; Klein-Marcuschamer et al. 2010; Papini et al. 2010; Buchholz and Collins 2010, sections 13.6 and 15.6).
As a consequence of this development, in the USA, also on the political level, the perception of BT diverged greatly by the 1980s as compared to that in Europe particularly in Germany in the 1970s. This is perceived from a report of the OTA of 1984 (OTA 1984). It refers to methods that arose with knowledge on DNA and that revolutionized what was ‘thinkable’. In contrast to the reports mentioned before, emphasis in the OTA study was on genetic engineering and rDNA technology, resulting in commercial opportunity and support of fast commercial exploitation of scientific results, closely associated with the business world.
The industrial breakthrough came with recombinant human insulin, developed by Genentech in cooperation with Ely Lilly in 1978, and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1982 (Bud 1993/1995, pp. 232, 237; Walsh 2007, pp. 297, 298); this was at a time when some heads of European pharmaceutical companies did not believe that a recombinant DNA product would ever be approved for clinical use. This precedent, notably the approval human insulin as the first recombinant DNA product on the market, was followed by a series of further recombinant products, mostly drugs, which in general could not be produced by other technical means, and which are of great medical interest. Some of these products previously isolated in small amounts from human blood or tissue were in danger of being contaminated with human pathogenic viruses (not all known at that time, e.g. AIDS virus, HCV). In this respect, this alternative production route provided products not only in sufficient quantity for general use but also with an improved and reproducible quality. The products included human growth hormone in 1983, β-interferon, and a hepatitis B vaccine in 1986, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in 1987, and erythropoietin in 1989 (product approval). Actually, recombinant proteins, including hormones and growth factors, blood clotting factors, cytokines, monoclonal antibodies and vaccines are most important biopharmaceuticals, with a market size estimated of some $50 billion per year around 2010 (Walsh 2007, Aggarwal 2007). Antibiotics remained an important sector of biopharmaceuticals, with many different specialties and sales estimated at more than $50 billion per year (Hubschwerlen 2007).
Large investment by multinational companies, the foundation of many small new companies, a few of which have grown remarkably, and state funded big research merged in a ‘gold rush’ into the ‘New Biotechnology,’ as recombinant technology was termed in the USA. Key steps toward the transfer of science into the economic sphere resulted in the foundation of new BT companies, the first being Cetus, started in 1971, later the originator of the ‘polymerase chain reaction’ (PCR; Kary Mullis) which gave birth to the era of gene diagnostics and personalized medicine. Herbert Boyer and Robert Swanson founded Genentech in 1976; amongst the most important companies founded were Biogen (1978), Amgen (1980) and Chiron (1981), later bought by Cetus (Demain 2001, 2003, personal communication; Buchholz and Collins 2010, chapters 5, 6, 17; for a recent survey, see Table 17.5).
Industrial products, other than pharmaceuticals, expanded as well, based both on traditional and recombinant methods, with sales worldwide estimated over 50 billion €. The most important bulk products are ethanol, amino and organic acids, produced in large amounts, vitamins, and biopolymers. Metabolic engineering has been used successfully for the optimization of yields, e.g. for the production of amino acids (for a survey, see Buchholz and Collins 2010, chapter 16). A very large sector for application of biotechnology is in fact environmental technology which has become an important industry. This includes waste water treatment, both aerobic and anaerobic, being applied in numerous small up to very large-scale installations, as well as a great number of exhaust air treatment units (Jördening and Winter 2005). Ethanol, traditionally based on starch and sugar to produce it as gasoline additive on a very large scale, provoked heavy criticism, with respect to using traditional agriculture crops for biofuels rather than food. A major crisis occurred in 2007 and most notably in mid-2008, causing a dramatic increase in food prices. The growing use of cereals for ethanol was thought to be in part responsible for this price increase. Recently a trend emerged for using cellulosic biomass as a source of biofuels (Buchholz et al. 2012, section 12.2). Production of biogas and electricity generated by microbial fuel cells gained much attention and impetus (Buchholz and Collins 2010, chapter 16).
Recombinant DNA methods also greatly affected enzyme technology since the late 1970s. Over expression in fast-growing host organisms with high protein productivity allowed many enzymes, which were not readily accessible, to be produced cheaply on an industrial scale. This technology allowed design of enzymes with modified specificity through iterative rapid cycles of gene mutation, screening or selection and testing in addition to crystallography and molecular modelling. Such products are used on a large scale for starch products (used in food preparations with a production volume of >10 million t/a, and ethanol with >37 million t/a), enzymes in detergents, for pharmaceuticals manufacture, and many other fields (Buchholz et al. 2012, chapters 7, 8, sections 12.1, 12.2). Plant biotechnology has successfully been established, aiming at improved yields, disease and herbicide resistance, etc. of crops. However, controversies are ongoing with respect to political, ethical and biosafety aspects. Transgenic crops are cultivated on a very large scale notably in the USA, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and other countries (Slater et al. 2008; Buchholz and Collins 2010, Chapter 18).
Two achievements since 2000 gained major public resonance: First, the major goal of the Human Genome Project was achieved in 2000 with international cooperation and a total expenditure of some $ 3 billion. The task which was carried out by a major international consortium and largely independently by Craig Venters group was recognized as essentially complete in 2000 and commemorated by a communication in the presence of Francis Collins, Craig Venter and the President of the USA. The result of the Human Genome Project may possibly allow the discovery and production of hundreds of novel pharmaceuticals, many of which are natural human gene products previously not available in significant amounts or as virus-free preparations, significantly improving diagnosis and eventually revolutionizing medicine. However, a number of arguments have been raised in terms of their classification as technical application, not fundamental research. After 10 years of expectation, e.g. with respect to drug targeting, the following comment was put forward ‘… a transformational technology will always have its immediate consequences overestimated and its long-term consequences underestimated, and....you may just start to imagine all the projects that will spin-off…’ (C&EN 2010). Much progress took place largely through the involvement of flexible biotech companies such as Genentech, Cetus, Amgen and Biogen which concentrated on innovative development in parallel with a lethargy and bad management in large (particularly European) pharmaceutical companies which lost their dominance in this new field.
The second major event may be considered the understanding of the factors which control pluripotent and toti-potent stem-cells and the controlled reprogramming of many differentiated cells to such stem cells. This opens a new area of medical research, production of models for genetic diseases (for personalized medicine), and a radical new approach to understanding cancer, developments which will give potential to a new area of biotechnological development. This found its origin in the work of those studying the molecular biology of cell differentiation and embryogenesis, originally in insect, worm or animal models, as did for example the Nobel laureate Christiane Nusslein-Volhardt and as those most recently recognized with a Nobel Prize (2012 Physiology or Medicine) for Sir John B. Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka.
A further event that received inordinate publicity was the chemical synthesis of the entire genome of Mycoplasma genitalium by the group of Craig Venter; transferring this DNA into a foreign Mycoplasma caused replacement of the resident genome by the completely synthetic genome, forming a novel strain capable of continuous self-replication (Gibson et al. 2010). The scientific relevance of this experiment, however, has been extensively debated, but subsequent steps in synthetic biology may become a key technology (Bornscheuer 2010). Although it is definitely not ‘creation of life’, as many journalists sensationalized this milestone, it may still be considered as a further step in the tradition of Pasteur making use of living organisms, e.g. creating novel cells with new synthetic potential.Former county council leader Nick Clarke says he’s quit UKIP -’I sense their role is over’- and hopes to rejoin the Conservatives
Nigel Farage (left) and Nick Clarke Archant
Former county council leader Nick Clarke revealed today he’s quit UKIP – the party he fought for as police and crime commissioner for Cambridgeshire- and hopes to rejoin the Conservatives.
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Close You currently have JavaScript disabled, functionality will be limited The Nick Clarke Years CCC Cabinet mambers and invited guests at the Archant's business breakfast in Wisbech. FDC chief exec Paul Medd and CCC leader Nick Clarke CCC Cabinet mambers and invited guests at the Archant's business breakfast in Wisbech. CCC chief exec Mark Lloyd and CCC leader Nick Clarke Cllr Nick Clarke. Wisbech Mayor Jonathan Farmer gives CCC leader Nick Clarke a guided tour of Wisbech Town Centre Wisbech Mayor Jonathan Farmer gives CCC leader Nick Clarke a guided tour of Wisbech Town Centre Leader of Cambs County Council, Nick Clarke New leader of the Cambridgeshire County Council, Nick Clarke, visits the Waterlees Adventure Playground. New leader of the Cambridgeshire County Council, Nick Clarke, visits the Waterlees Adventure Playground. New leader of the Cambridgeshire County Council, Nick Clarke, visits the Waterlees Adventure Playground. United they stand: from left, Cambridgeshire County Council Leader Cllr Nick Clarke, Stephen Barclay MP and Fenland District Council’s Deputy Leader and Leader, Cllrs Chris Seaton and Alan Melton. Launch of the Wisbech 2020 Vision. Left: Cllr Alan Melton and Cllr Nick Clarke Picture shows Busway rider Stephen Atkins celebrating the first birthday with (back, left to right) Peter Lee, Director at Whippet Coaches, Andy Campbell managing director for Stagecoach East, Cambridgeshire County Council Leader Nick Clarke, Whippet driver Scott Nicoletti, Stagecoach driver Mick Capper, Cambridgeshire County Councillor Ian Bates, Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning. Walk about with BBC radio broadbasting live on people's view on the election, Councillor Nick Clarke. MP Eric Pickles, Local Government Secretary visits HRC New Site, (l-r) Cllr Nick Clarke, HDC Executive Leader Jason Ablewhite, Chairman of Urban & Civic Nigel Hugill, MP Eric Pickles and HRC Principal Susanne Stent Nick Clarke Nick Clarke, leader of Cambridgeshire County Council
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Mr Clarke, who blamed living 12 miles from his Fulbourn ward for his defeat in the 2013 elections, said today: “It is time to give our full support to the Conservative PM.”
He said: “The Conservative Party is the only party that is able and now willing to execute on Brexit.
“It is the only party that has the drive, the organisation and the experience to take this country to much greater things outside of the EU.
“I have not renewed my membership of UKIP and will be seeking to rejoin the Conservative Party.”
He said that three years ago the chance of a historic referendum on the EU was seemingly out of reach. The chances of winning a vote to leave the EU, whilst hugely desirable, seemed a long shot.
“We had a Conservative PM who wanted to stay in the EU, supported by a pro EU Chancellor,” he said. “The Conservative Party had been split over the EU for decades. Getting clear, thoughtful messages out about the benefits of leaving the EU was difficult.
“UKIP had been on the rise since 2013 and was driving the agenda to leave the EU. More specifically Nigel Farage was applying pressure to the government at every turn. It was clear to me that he needed all the assistance he could get, both nationally and at the local level.”
Two years ago he said he left the Conservative Party and joined UKIP as “it was important to me to be able to speak out clearly to explain to people why I believed leaving the EU was the right thing.
“Last year, we had the historic EU referendum. Against all odds we won. I joined UKIP to help get a job done and sensationally it has been.”
But now, he said, “I sense the role for UKIP is now over.
“Our attention must now be on getting the very best Brexit deal that is possible. This means giving Theresa May the maximum support possible so that she does not get distracted by domestic politics. UKIP splitting the Conservative vote no longer makes any sense.”Andy Halliday (centre) was one of a number of summer signings to make an impact on their Rangers debut
Waghorn and Miller net doubles
Halliday and Tavernier also on target
Stanton and Cummings net for Hibs
Rangers into second round of Challenge Cup
Rangers scored six as Mark Warburton's first competitive match in charge ended with an emphatic Challenge Cup first-round victory over Hibernian.
Sam Stanton's left-foot shot from distance gave Hibs the lead, but James Tavernier's free-kick and a Martyn Waghorn double put Rangers in charge.
Jason Cummings pulled one back with a penalty only for Andy Halliday to find the top corner from outside the box.
Substitute Kenny Miller added two more from close range to complete the rout.
Promotion from the Scottish Championship is the priority for both teams, but the nature of the victory will encourage Warburton, with seven new signings in his starting line-up and three debutants scoring.
The two sides are expected to be engaged in a season-long tussle as they strive to return to Scotland's top flight, but both managers would have wanted to start the campaign positively.
New signing Martyn Waghorn put Rangers ahead before half-time
The rivalry already had an edge because of Rangers' pursuit of the Hibs playmaker Scott Allan.
The midfielder had been the focus of attention leading up to the game, with Rangers having had two bids rejected and the player keen to move to Ibrox. The storyline was sidetracked for the game itself, though, with Hibs manager Alan Stubbs only naming Allan on the bench.
Hibs did not initially seem diminished without him and they carried the greater threat in the opening half hour, particularly with Cummings spinning into space behind the visiting defence.
Dominique Malonga ought to have opened the scoring, but side-footed over from the centre of the Rangers penalty area.
Stanton was more accurate from further out, though, and his strike from 20 yards flew past goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.
Rangers were neat and tidy in possession but lacked penetration, with their wide players peripheral and central |
hadn’t brought up the issue directly in discussions with the White House.
“It’s embarrassing when you ask somebody about a very silly idea they put forward,” Norquist said. “It’s up there with, ‘Was that you that farted?’”Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić has won Serbia’s presidential election in the first round, nearly complete official results showed yesterday (3 April). The EU said his election was “a vote of confidence” showing that the people of Serbia fully endorse the EU path.
Vučić won about 55% of Sunday’s vote, clearing the 50% threshold required to win in the first round, according to results released by the electoral commission based on more than 90% of polling stations.
Serbian PM confirms domination with presidential win Conservative Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić won Serbia’s presidential election yesterday (2 April) by a huge margin, confirming his domination of the Balkan country as he pursues a delicate balancing act between Europe and Russia.
Two obstacles for EU membership talks, started in 2014, seem to have been removed.
Vučić’s predecessor Tomislav Nikolić, a pro-Russian member of Vučić’s own Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), is likely to retire from political life.
And ultranationalist Vojislav Šešelj, who was burning European flags to show his opposition to Serbia’s EU bid, won less than 5% of the vote.
Seselj acquitted: Balkans outraged, Belgrade conflicted The acquittal of Serbian Radical Party leader Vojislav Šešelj by the Hague Tribunal sparked outcry in the wider region of former Yugoslavia region, while the reaction in Serbia was quite mild. EURACTIV Serbia reports.
But Vučić, a 47-year-old hardline nationalist turned pro-European, still has to overcome the reluctance of a large chunk of his electorate who remain attached to historic ties with Moscow and have little enthusiasm for joining the EU.
Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker tweeted that Vučić’s election “is a vote of confidence showing that the people of Serbia fully endorse the EU path”.
Congratulations, Aleksandar #Vučić. Your election is a vote of confidence showing that the people of #Serbia fully endorse the European path pic.twitter.com/WmAVr2AUhB — Jean-Claude Juncker (@JunckerEU) April 3, 2017
Political analyst Jadranka Jelincić noted that EU membership talks “require notably changes to the constitution and maybe new prerogatives for the president”.
He has, however, a little time to win around support, with the next major electoral challenge – parliamentary elections – not due until 2020.
In the meantime, “we will see a sort of ‘presidentialisation’ in Serbia”, independent analyst Boban Stojanović predicted.
“I expect Vučić will have the final say in all decisions.”
2022 horizon
Analysts suggest Vučić’s replacement as prime minister – a post he has held since 2014 – will have to be someone who he trusts would lead the government in the same political direction.
“The vast majority of Serbia’s citizens are for the continuation of reform, for Serbia to keep to its European path and maintain the links that we have with Russia and China,” a thrilled Vučić said late Sunday.
Balkans specialist Loic Tregoures said in an analysis published by The Conversation website that “Vučić also expects to be the president who will lead Serbia into the European Union, which is a plausible hypothesis around 2022” when his mandate will expire.
Aleksandar Vučić was Milošević' minister for information when journos got killed and wore a Šešelj badge as late as 2008. Ppl never change — Loïc Tregoures (@LTregoures) April 2, 2017
Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn congratulated Vučić on Monday.
Putin said Vučić’s victory “testifies to the wide support for your efforts aimed at resolving current economic and social problems… and pursuing a constructive, balanced foreign policy”, according to a Kremlin statement.
Hahn meanwhile said in a tweet: “Looking forward to working with new president as partners and friends on EU accession.”
Looking forward to working with new #President as partners and friends on #EU #accession.Serbia and EU: #bettertogether! 2/2 — Johannes Hahn (@JHahnEU) April 2, 2017
Vučić “has been presenting himself as a pro-European ever since he took power, and gave significant signs of his involvement, such as the 2013 Belgrade-Pristina agreement” on normalisation of ties with Kosovo, Tregoures said.
Unlike most EU members, Serbia refuses to recognise the independence of Kosovo, its former province populated mostly by ethnic Albanians, declared in 2008.
Normalisation of ties between Belgrade and Pristina is key for the path to EU accession.
With Belgrade currently negotiating judicial and fundamental rights with Brussels, no EU official voiced reserve over Vučić’s campaign despite opposition claims that he is authoritarian and controls the media with an iron fist.
After his win, Serbia’s divided opposition seems weak.
Sasa Janković, an independent candidate supported by the centre-left Democratic Party, placed second with just 16% of the vote, garnering support from the urban middle class and liberals opposed to Vučić, in large part by criticising the authorities and insisting on their accountability.
Despite Vučić’s convincing victory, hundreds of protesters – many of them students – took to the streets of Belgrade on Monday night to denounce him, shouting “Vučić, thief!” and “You’re not my president”.
Students and liberals in #Balkans feels like anyone who fought for justice when ICTY released Haradinaj, Šešelj and so many others: betrayed — Loïc Tregoures (@LTregoures) April 3, 2017
A fresh protest has been called for Tuesday night, while similar demonstrations took place on Monday in the city of Novi Sad to the north and Nis to the south.SOUTH WEST ENGLAND (KRON) -- Add "pleasuring yourself while driving" to the It Can Wait campaign.
A West England woman was reportedly a little more than distracted when she slammed into the back of a food delivery van.
According to the Bristol Post, a UK-based news site, a 30-something female driver was stuck in traffic in Cirencester, Gloucestershire when her Mini hit the back of a M&J Seafood van.
M&J management reviewed video footage of the incident that was shot from the vehicle's rear camera and spotted the woman holding a "Rampant Rabbit-like sex toy and buttoning up her trousers after hitting the back of a stationary fish van," the report said.
A report by the Daily Mail says the driver of the food van was called into the office to review the accident with his bosses. He thought he was in trouble -- apparently it was his first shift with the company after being unemployed "for ages."
The driver was asked to check out the footage and was relieved to hear it wasn't his fault.
"They all had a good laugh. Apparently the lady was pretty fit," a source told the Daily Mail.
The company is not releasing the video and has turned the matter over to insurers, a spokesperson told the Daily Mail.Excellent news for Fringe fans: The drama has been picked up for a fourth season. The cat was let out of the bag this afternoon when J.H. Wyman, an executive producer on the Fox drama, tweeted this to fans: “Fringe was picked up!!!! Thanks Fringedom!”
A network spokeswoman confirmed the show received a full season pickup.
Word of the pickup comes after the drama fell to its lowest rating ever last Friday. It dropped 13% to 3.8 million viewers and a 1.3 rating in the adult demo. In defense, ratings had been falling all week because of the time change (more daylight in the early evening tends to result in fewer people watching TV). And CBS was airing college basketball.
Critical praise for the drama has never been stronger and its performance on Fridays is still better than how the network was doing on the night in the fall. In fact, Fox reports that Fringe is the No. 1 show on the night this season — across both broadcast and cable — and that the drama has improved the network’s average on the night by 38%.
‘Fringe’: First look at Friday’s episode ‘Bloodline’ — EXCLUSIVE VIDEOThe National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police has decided to move the emergency phase back to alert phase from danger phase. This decision is taken in collaboration with the District Commissioners in Húsavík and Seyðisfjörður.
The earthquakes that have occurred since midnight are the most powerful ones to hit the area since 1996, when a nearby volcano erupted.
The following are highlights from the daily status report from the National Crisis Coordination Centre:
The National Crisis Coordination Centre in Skógarhlíð has been in operation since it was decided to close the highland area due to seismic activity in Bárðarbunga on 19 August, 2014. The centre coordinates operations and information due to the seismic unrest in the Bárðarbunga area, in Northern Vatnajökull glacier.
New to Icelandic? Here is how to pronounce Dyngjujökull and Bárðarbunga.
Seismic activity
There has been highseismic activity in Dyngjujökull in Northern Vatnajökull glacier since midnight. Over 700 (Update 17:19, over 1.000) earthquakes were detected from midnight to noon. Two earthquakes around and over 5 were detected in Bárðarbunga caldera.
The first one, size 5,3 occurred at 00:09 HRS at the Northern edge of Bárðarbunga caldera. The latter occurred at 05:33 HRS, size ca. 5 at the Southern edge of the caldera.
Both earthquakes happened at around 5 km depth.Those are the largest events in the swarm that started over a week ago and also the largest earthquakes since before the eruption in Gjálp volcano in Vatnajökull glacier in 1996.
The activity under Dyngjujökull has propagated northwards and is now mostly under the edge of the glacier, where an earthquake of magnitude 4,2 was recorded this morning. The dyke under Dyngjujökull is now estimated to be approximately 30 km long.
Yesterday morning, it was 25 kilometers long (Icelandic)
There are no signs of an eruption. Observations show that a sub-glacial eruption did not occur yesterday. The intense low-frequency seismic signal observed yesterday has therefore other explanations.
Closings in the area North of Bárðarbunga
Restrictions on roads and areas in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon up to Dettifoss waterfall is still in effect, as well as closures in the highlands North of Vatnajökull glacier.
A map of the closed roads can be found on the website of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration under this link.
The Icelandic Met Office has lowered the aviation color code to orange. All restrictions on aviation have been cancelled. All scheduled services airports in Iceland are open.Sabermetrics a guest Dec 2nd, 2013 169 Never a guest169Never
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rawdownloadcloneembedreportprint text 16.21 KB The Essence of Baseball There are endless ways to take in the game of baseball. Like a kaleidoscope, turning one’s perspective slightly will display a new spectrum of vision. Some perspectives are more beautiful than others, some are easier on the eye, and some appear confusing because the manufacturer inserted too many confetti pieces. In the past year, my baseball kaleidoscope has been twisted and turned, broken and fixed. Sabermetrics, the hip term for the development of baseball statistics, has created a filter for my vision of baseball. Sabermetrics has been a magnifying lens but a cloudy one. Numbers have always been a part of the game, and they are continuously taking over every aspect of baseball. Mainstream TV viewing has been changed forever by the integration of player, team, and league statistics. We have reached a time when every broadcast team includes a baseball statistician, whose only job is to research, compile, and arrange numbers to plaster over the screen. These numbers are very educational, especially to the casual viewer and fan. In addition to their playing experience, announcer’s commentary is supplemented by statistics which creates a broadcast appealing to a wider audience. However in order to keep the “jocks” of their viewership roped in, very rudimentary and commonly known statistics are used, such as batting average, home runs, and runs batted in (RBI). They provide viewers with a quick, easy summary of how talented, powerful, and reliable a player is. As kids watching MLB games, my friends and I dreamed of playing in the majors. I’ve grown older, and I now dream not of being a professional baseball player, but of becoming a broadcast sports statistician. When I see that Jimmy Rollins has an OPS (on base percentage plus slugging percentage) of.753, instead of thinking how that statistic relates to Rollins, I think of the formula and data needed to calculate OPS and the small hunchbacked sports nerd sitting under the desk of the “jock” announcers, tapping on the knees of the broadcast team while holding up scraps of paper with scribbled notes. Another part of my obsession with baseball and statistics is cards. Cards upon cards litter my bedroom floor, some worth less than the cardboard on which they are printed, some worth more than most people carry in their wallets. As I sit in my room reading through Bret Boone’s stat line, I think of his career, that one game I saw him play, and the windy summer bike ride with him in my pocket, fresh out of a newly-crumpled wrapper. I don’t collect for financial profit; I collect for personal memories and a greater connection to my heroes on the ball field. From boys carefully sliding cards into their bike tires to create their new motorcycle, to intense profiteering collectors, to attic discoveries, to jersey-embedded cards, baseball cards are a timeless part of baseball. Originally symbolic of America’s passion for baseball, cards are now a treasure monopolized by a capitalistic and impersonal culture. The initial purpose of baseball cards was to popularize the major leagues, and close the gap between common man and paid athlete. The front has always featured a picture of the player, in order to put a face with the name on the card, and allow the holder to recognize that player on the field, or to hang on to memories of watching that player. The back, though, has evolved considerably more than the front. Originally left blank due to a simple unawareness of the benefits of printing on both sides, the backs grew to be covered with statistics, info, and copyright information which only young eyes can read without a magnifying glass. But the beauty of the back is that despite the small print, the common fan can understand every piece of information because the statistics are the generic ones also shown on TV. Companies like Topps, Bowman, and Panini struggle desperately to grasp a wide audience, and they cannot risk appealing to the niche of sabermetric-minded people like myself at the cost of losing the common Joes who ditched math homework to play yard ball. In order to obscure the fact that the compilation of statistics on the back highly resembles an Excel spreadsheet, companies splatter on color schemes and logos. Although at the same time, ‘fun facts’ are disappearing from the backs of cards. In past decades, the standard card included a written sentence about the player, anything from an obscure record he had to what his minor league manager thought of him. The owner of the card could remember that Ted Williams had a craving for seafood the next time a Red Sox game was on TV. Sometimes prophetic, other times comical, these tidbits connected the card owner to the ballplayer as a person. These tidbits made the players human. For a long time, the main baseball numbers (or numbers at all) that a young kid cared about were the jersey numbers of his hometown team. When big number 9 walked towards the plate with his bat over his shoulder and a cap atop his head, fans knew that their savior Roger Maris was about to hit. Whether or not Maris had selected that number out of remembrance of a deceased relative or simply because it was the only jersey number available didn’t matter. In fan’s minds, 9 = Maris. Maris = 9. And when little league seasons began, you can bet that young kids everywhere pushed and shoved to grab that #9 jersey. I’ve been fortunate enough to have worn #9 multiple times, due to my quick reflexes and iron grip. Although I may have hated the number 9 the week prior when I had to solve 9x = 43 + 83 in math class, the number now has no mathematical importance to me. On the field, the only identification of Maris from the bleachers was the crisp 9 on the back of his jersey. And the Yankees did not retire Maris’ name, but they retired his number and raise a pennant etched with #9. The number is the number of their hero and now no future player will wear it. That jersey number is inseparable from Roger Maris, and the glory of his career. For the managers in the dugout though, they could care less what number their players wear. They care more about different numbers: batting average, home runs, and runs batted in. There is no emotional attachment to these statistics, and managers and analysts define players by the numbers they carry. Somewhat like criminals being admitted into a prison, baseball players are stripped of personality and labeled “batting average.287.” Managers are not hired to become friends with their players. They are hired to lead them to wins, manage the optimal lineup, and direct the hunks of muscle where to stand. Now that more and more statistics are available, managers will dive after whatever they believe will guide them towards managing the most wins that season. “By analyzing baseball statistics you [can] see through a lot of baseball nonsense” such as personal relationships and fanfare (Lewis 57). Managers can’t afford to get cute and let best friends bat next to each other in the order. Those two players aren’t ‘friends.’ They are on base percentages 0.345 and 0.412 who play right field and 3rd base. Nevertheless managers are human. And humans have emotional sides, and gut feelings which obscure objectivity. This often leads to irrational in-game decisions, which either make the manager look like a genius, or cause the fans to dig out their pitchforks and torches. Broadcasters and reporters have restricted access to the dugout, clubhouse, and manager’s brain. Thus the public can never know as much about the players’ conditions as the manager, who has unrestricted access to players’ habits and feelings. As I am watching a game, I may slam my fist down in rage at the sight of my favorite player and the team’s best power hitter sitting on the bench to start the game. However I may simply be missing something which the manager and that player know. The player could be feeling sick, have family issues on his mind which are distracting his play, or could have gotten into a row with the manager. After all, baseball players are humans too. One man who dedicated his life to pushing aside the distractions of the emotions and subjectivity in baseball is Bill James. While working as a night security guard at a meat factory, James began to speculate on the current state of baseball player evaluation, and ponder whether it could be done more effectively. Sans computer, James pored over newspaper box scores of major league games to obtain his data and compile analyses. James was not a professional mathematician of any sorts at this time, but he knew enough such that he was able to revolutionize baseball metrics. Because of his work, the culture of baseball analysis, fantasy baseball, and sabermetrics came to life. The information and data had always been there, but James looked deeper and analyzed further. His work has been so eye-opening and truth telling because “Bill James is a very, very smart guy who doesn`t just understand information, but [he shows] people a different way of interpreting that information” (Baseball’s Stat Man). The ‘father of sabermetrics’ led the battle of the outside ‘nerds’ with statistical insight against the inside ‘jocks’ of management with the guts and experience to inspire biographies. The ‘nerds’ strived to see their mathematical evaluations of players put to use; the ‘jocks’ wanted nothing to do with any mathematical mumbo jumbo and knew their familiarity and decision making were the keys to managerial success. As the seasons have gone on, the fight to integrate advanced statistics into the game has been won, and sabermetricians are still pushing on the accelerator. It has even trickled down to the youth leagues across America. I have played in local baseball leagues for the past 14 years. Ever since I was 8, when our coaches started to keep scorebooks during games, I received a summary of my statistics at the end of each season as a gift from my coaches. Every coach has done it differently, some with much less enthusiasm than others. But there is always a very simple Excel spreadsheet filled with very simple statistics and the season totals at the bottom. Most 10-year-old kids would give a quick glance to their batting average, check how they compared to the rest of us, and then crumple the paper up into their pocket to go play some wiffle-ball. However I wanted to check out every number on the sheet and compare my stats to my major league heroes. The spreadsheet as a whole was a blown-up version of what the back of my personal baseball card would say. The next time I flipped through my collection or watched a game on TV, I would surely be comparing myself to the pros, and haughtily laughing at Jim Thome’s lowly 0.207 batting average compared to my contract-worthy 0.389 average. I would eventually join back into the wiffle-ball game, with a crisply folded paper in my right pants pocket. When I was older and had discovered my talent and interest in math, I began to construct a sabermetric formula of my own. Not only would I surely have my own baseball card, I would be the creator of a statistic which appeared on the back! I thought of a statistic which would start me on my sabermetric career: clutch performance. I had never before seen a metric to measure who hit better in crucial game situations on any baseball card or newspaper article. So I compiled all the factors I knew differentiated clutch situations from non-clutch situations: run differential, outs, inning, runners on base, and pitcher WHIP. I valued how much each of these contributed to making an at-bat clutch, and added them together into an equation only a mother (or I) could love. I bravely and boastfully posted my formula on internet discussion boards ready for the sabermetric glory to rain down on me. But my dreams ran full force into the harsh face-slap of reality. Comments pointed out that somebody already had created a formula to measure how clutch a player is. And it was more refined and proven than mine. I realized how little of baseball has been left uncovered by sabermetrics. All elements of baseball have been picked apart and prodded at by calculator-bearing, degree-holding adults. The sport has been objectified in every way possible. So many people have an interest in baseball, and for a smorgasbord of reasons. Many fans follow the game because of the connection with a team passed down from a father. There are also those who played T-ball many years ago and never lost their love for America’s game. Some decide to bet on the games, and many watch because of fantasy baseball. More so than other sports, baseball combines extreme mental and physical challenges as a poet combines the literal and symbolical. We love baseball because of the connection to American life, and to ourselves. In between innings, we see the players joking around with each other and talking about the personal aspects of life. After all, they are human too. Moneyball, the book turned movie written by Michael Lewis, captured this human element in both book and movie form. It was definitely not the first story centered on sabermetrics which reached the public, but it was the first to become discussed among fans of baseball and people who never had much of an interest. The focus of Lewis’ book is around Billy Beane, and the 2002 Oakland Athletics ballclub whom he managed. At the time, the A’s had very stingy owners (relative to other MLB teams) and were consequently faced with the challenge to field professional-level talent with one of the smallest budgets in professional baseball. Beane was a very competitive person, and he was antsy to take on the challenge his owners presented to him. In order to do so, he turned to work done by Bill James, and continued by Beane’s young-blood assistant Paul, to determine who the most impactful players in the game really were. Then the search for these players (many unorthodox and viewed as strange by everyone in the league and the media) began, the goal being to pay them the least amount feasible. Using on-base-percentage as a leading qualifier, the team was able to find many unknown diamonds in the rough and field a competitive team. However the Athletics ran into trouble when they experienced a clash of personalities in the dugout. Billy and Paul had signed players solely for their statistics, and in many cases had never seen the player in person before he walked into their clubhouse for the first time. Mathematically, the team was bound for success (and they would later find it). But early on in the season Beane realized the team did not share his passion for and dedication to winning. He discovered players joyously dancing in the clubhouse after a loss, and could not tolerate the choices some players were making off the field. So the A’s cleaned house. The men they had sought after to build the ultimate roster were baited to other teams. Three of their eight starting position players were traded. Beane turned the team around, and the author, Lewis, observes how the Athletics blended subjective and objective methods the rest of the season. Hundreds of books about baseball statistics have been published before, so why did Moneyball do so well as a book and on the screen? This was not the first (or the last) time a team had used sabermetrics to make roster and lineup decisions. But the movie and book were largely popular because they were an inside view of MLB player evaluation and were an underdog story. Many other books about sabermetrics have been published, but people were not as interested to read a baseball-themed statistics textbook. So Michael Lewis created a statistics-themed baseball story. Moneyball taught sabermetrics at a simple level and in only a moderate amount. The backdrop was a very personal story with many side themes and personal and emotional anecdotes. The book was successful because of the human element of baseball. Statistics have been permanently engraved into professional baseball. But it is the subjectivity of baseball which makes the sport our national pastime. Americans fall in love with the sport because the game creates heroes and features personalities and a human aspect which no other sport can. Sabermetrics is damaging that personable connection to baseball by over-quantifying every aspect of the game. Statistics can describe players, but statistics can’t define people. And people are what make baseball the sport it is.
RAW Paste Data
The Essence of Baseball There are endless ways to take in the game of baseball. Like a kaleidoscope, turning one’s perspective slightly will display a new spectrum of vision. Some perspectives are more beautiful than others, some are easier on the eye, and some appear confusing because the manufacturer inserted too many confetti pieces. In the past year, my baseball kaleidoscope has been twisted and turned, broken and fixed. Sabermetrics, the hip term for the development of baseball statistics, has created a filter for my vision of baseball. Sabermetrics has been a magnifying lens but a cloudy one. Numbers have always been a part of the game, and they are continuously taking over every aspect of baseball. Mainstream TV viewing has been changed forever by the integration of player, team, and league statistics. We have reached a time when every broadcast team includes a baseball statistician, whose only job is to research, compile, and arrange numbers to plaster over the screen. These numbers are very educational, especially to the casual viewer and fan. In addition to their playing experience, announcer’s commentary is supplemented by statistics which creates a broadcast appealing to a wider audience. However in order to keep the “jocks” of their viewership roped in, very rudimentary and commonly known statistics are used, such as batting average, home runs, and runs batted in (RBI). They provide viewers with a quick, easy summary of how talented, powerful, and reliable a player is. As kids watching MLB games, my friends and I dreamed of playing in the majors. I’ve grown older, and I now dream not of being a professional baseball player, but of becoming a broadcast sports statistician. When I see that Jimmy Rollins has an OPS (on base percentage plus slugging percentage) of.753, instead of thinking how that statistic relates to Rollins, I think of the formula and data needed to calculate OPS and the small hunchbacked sports nerd sitting under the desk of the “jock” announcers, tapping on the knees of the broadcast team while holding up scraps of paper with scribbled notes. Another part of my obsession with baseball and statistics is cards. Cards upon cards litter my bedroom floor, some worth less than the cardboard on which they are printed, some worth more than most people carry in their wallets. As I sit in my room reading through Bret Boone’s stat line, I think of his career, that one game I saw him play, and the windy summer bike ride with him in my pocket, fresh out of a newly-crumpled wrapper. I don’t collect for financial profit; I collect for personal memories and a greater connection to my heroes on the ball field. From boys carefully sliding cards into their bike tires to create their new motorcycle, to intense profiteering collectors, to attic discoveries, to jersey-embedded cards, baseball cards are a timeless part of baseball. Originally symbolic of America’s passion for baseball, cards are now a treasure monopolized by a capitalistic and impersonal culture. The initial purpose of baseball cards was to popularize the major leagues, and close the gap between common man and paid athlete. The front has always featured a picture of the player, in order to put a face with the name on the card, and allow the holder to recognize that player on the field, or to hang on to memories of watching that player. The back, though, has evolved considerably more than the front. Originally left blank due to a simple unawareness of the benefits of printing on both sides, the backs grew to be covered with statistics, info, and copyright information which only young eyes can read without a magnifying glass. But the beauty of the back is that despite the small print, the common fan can understand every piece of information because the statistics are the generic ones also shown on TV. Companies like Topps, Bowman, and Panini struggle desperately to grasp a wide audience, and they cannot risk appealing to the niche of sabermetric-minded people like myself at the cost of losing the common Joes who ditched math homework to play yard ball. In order to obscure the fact that the compilation of statistics on the back highly resembles an Excel spreadsheet, companies splatter on color schemes and logos. Although at the same time, ‘fun facts’ are disappearing from the backs of cards. In past decades, the standard card included a written sentence about the player, anything from an obscure record he had to what his minor league manager thought of him. The owner of the card could remember that Ted Williams had a craving for seafood the next time a Red Sox game was on TV. Sometimes prophetic, other times comical, these tidbits connected the card owner to the ballplayer as a person. These tidbits made the players human. For a long time, the main baseball numbers (or numbers at all) that a young kid cared about were the jersey numbers of his hometown team. When big number 9 walked towards the plate with his bat over his shoulder and a cap atop his head, fans knew that their savior Roger Maris was about to hit. Whether or not Maris had selected that number out of remembrance of a deceased relative or simply because it was the only jersey number available didn’t matter. In fan’s minds, 9 = Maris. Maris = 9. And when little league seasons began, you can bet that young kids everywhere pushed and shoved to grab that #9 jersey. I’ve been fortunate enough to have worn #9 multiple times, due to my quick reflexes and iron grip. Although I may have hated the number 9 the week prior when I had to solve 9x = 43 + 83 in math class, the number now has no mathematical importance to me. On the field, the only identification of Maris from the bleachers was the crisp 9 on the back of his jersey. And the Yankees did not retire Maris’ name, but they retired his number and raise a pennant etched with #9. The number is the number of their hero and now no future player will wear it. That jersey number is inseparable from Roger Maris, and the glory of his career. For the managers in the dugout though, they could care less what number their players wear. They care more about different numbers: batting average, home runs, and runs batted in. There is no emotional attachment to these statistics, and managers and analysts define players by the numbers they carry. Somewhat like criminals being admitted into a prison, baseball players are stripped of personality and labeled “batting average.287.” Managers are not hired to become friends with their players. They are hired to lead them to wins, manage the optimal lineup, and direct the hunks of muscle where to stand. Now that more and more statistics are available, managers will dive after whatever they believe will guide them towards managing the most wins that season. “By analyzing baseball statistics you [can] see through a lot of baseball nonsense” such as personal relationships and fanfare (Lewis 57). Managers can’t afford to get cute and let best friends bat next to each other in the order. Those two players aren’t ‘friends.’ They are on base percentages 0.345 and 0.412 who play right field and 3rd base. Nevertheless managers are human. And humans have emotional sides, and gut feelings which obscure objectivity. This often leads to irrational in-game decisions, which either make the manager look like a genius, or cause the fans to dig out their pitchforks and torches. Broadcasters and reporters have restricted access to the dugout, clubhouse, and manager’s brain. Thus the public can never know as much about the players’ conditions as the manager, who has unrestricted access to players’ habits and feelings. As I am watching a game, I may slam my fist down in rage at the sight of my favorite player and the team’s best power hitter sitting on the bench to start the game. However I may simply be missing something which the manager and that player know. The player could be feeling sick, have family issues on his mind which are distracting his play, or could have gotten into a row with the manager. After all, baseball players are humans too. One man who dedicated his life to pushing aside the distractions of the emotions and subjectivity in baseball is Bill James. While working as a night security guard at a meat factory, James began to speculate on the current state of baseball player evaluation, and ponder whether it could be done more effectively. Sans computer, James pored over newspaper box scores of major league games to obtain his data and compile analyses. James was not a professional mathematician of any sorts at this time, but he knew enough such that he was able to revolutionize baseball metrics. Because of his work, the culture of baseball analysis, fantasy baseball, and sabermetrics came to life. The information and data had always been there, but James looked deeper and analyzed further. His work has been so eye-opening and truth telling because “Bill James is a very, very smart guy who doesn`t just understand information, but [he shows] people a different way of interpreting that information” (Baseball’s Stat Man). The ‘father of sabermetrics’ led the battle of the outside ‘nerds’ with statistical insight against the inside ‘jocks’ of management with the guts and experience to inspire biographies. The ‘nerds’ strived to see their mathematical evaluations of players put to use; the ‘jocks’ wanted nothing to do with any mathematical mumbo jumbo and knew their familiarity and decision making were the keys to managerial success. As the seasons have gone on, the fight to integrate advanced statistics into the game has been won, and sabermetricians are still pushing on the accelerator. It has even trickled down to the youth leagues across America. I have played in local baseball leagues for the past 14 years. Ever since I was 8, when our coaches started to keep scorebooks during games, I received a summary of my statistics at the end of each season as a gift from my coaches. Every coach has done it differently, some with much less enthusiasm than others. But there is always a very simple Excel spreadsheet filled with very simple statistics and the season totals at the bottom. Most 10-year-old kids would give a quick glance to their batting average, check how they compared to the rest of us, and then crumple the paper up into their pocket to go play some wiffle-ball. However I wanted to check out every number on the sheet and compare my stats to my major league heroes. The spreadsheet as a whole was a blown-up version of what the back of my personal baseball card would say. The next time I flipped through my collection or watched a game on TV, I would surely be comparing myself to the pros, and haughtily laughing at Jim Thome’s lowly 0.207 batting average compared to my contract-worthy 0.389 average. I would eventually join back into the wiffle-ball game, with a crisply folded paper in my right pants pocket. When I was older and had discovered my talent and interest in math, I began to construct a sabermetric formula of my own. Not only would I surely have my own baseball card, I would be the creator of a statistic which appeared on the back! I thought of a statistic which would start me on my sabermetric career: clutch performance. I had never before seen a metric to measure who hit better in crucial game situations on any baseball card or newspaper article. So I compiled all the factors I knew differentiated clutch situations from non-clutch situations: run differential, outs, inning, runners on |
move to the modest SG-1000 hardware. It loses all its background detail along with its fluid animation. Tragic! But you know what it manages to hold onto despite the massive downgrade in hardware power? The core gameplay, including the central conceit: You round up a gaggle of tiny birds that follow you in a line. For an old system like this, that's an awful lot of little objects moving around at once. And if there's a bit of flicker when you manage to collect the entire lot, well... it is called Flicky, you know.
Monaco GP, Wonder Boy
Monaco GP
1983, Sega
If the bulk of these notable games take the form of arcade ports, well, Sega was playing to its strengths with its first console. Unlike Nintendo, Atari, Coleco, and its other contemporaries, Sega had an expansive arcade library under its belt by the time its console launched. Nintendo had Donkey Kong and its sequels, sure, but Sega could claim dozens of its own games. That's why you saw the likes of Monaco GP, a conversion of a 1979 top-down racer that turned heads when it was new but felt a little dated in 1983, where it had to stand next to the likes of Pole Position and Spy Hunter. Still, despite being a little long in the tooth at its debut, Monaco GP did a respectable job of bringing the high-speed arcade racer to the humble living room.
Wonder Boy
1985, Westone/Sega
Sega transformed Westone's arcade platformer Wonder Boy into a miniature dynasty, giving it an impressive number of 8- and 16-bit sequels that branched into two separate franchises. This, the very first home conversion, made some disappointing compromises to fit onto the SG-1000's modest hardware, including the lack of scrolling. Mario-style action platformers were never meant to play in flip-screen style, and the hindrance makes a tough game downright hard. While this Wonder Boy has been entirely obviated by the superior ports that followed in its wake, at the time it was a small coup for the SG-1000.
Images in this feature courtesy of HG101 and SMS Power.
Next: Essential Famicom Games from the Pre-NES DaysSenators Portman and Schumer would largely end the taxation of those repatriated profits, instead imposing a light annual tax on overseas income, whether it comes home or not. That, they said, would end the incentive to leave profits abroad or reinvest them in overseas operations. Mr. Obama’s international tax plan would set that minimum overseas profit tax at 14 percent. The new proposal does not set a rate, but Mr. Portman said the administration’s was far too high.
Image Rob Portman, an Ohio Republican, has joined with Mr. Schumer on the effort. Credit Gabriella Demczuk for The New York Times
As a bridge to that system, the senators — like the president — propose a one-time tax on overseas profits that would be “deemed” repatriated, whether or not they come home. “Deemed repatriation” in exchange for a “territorial” system that primarily taxes corporate income generated in the United States is a deal that big business is willing to accept, Mr. Portman said.
It is also one that could produce hundreds of billions of dollars in taxes for public works to improve the nation’s aging infrastructure. That is an idea that has gained currency in Washington as both the White House and Republicans drop talk of an increase in the federal gasoline tax. With Democrats raising pressure on Republican leaders to produce a long-term infrastructure and highway bill, advocates of the tax proposal say it will gain more steam.
“As we get closer to the deadline, people are going to realize this is the only alternative,” Mr. Schumer said on Wednesday.
The proposal also embraces what European nations have called a “patent box” — a lower business tax rate for income derived from intellectual property patents.
Much of the move to cut corporate taxes reflects scrambling to replicate actions by foreign trading partners that have eased business tax rates and sought to lure investment. For Democrats, the attraction of the plan will be infrastructure funding and the closing of loopholes that have encouraged business investment abroad, while even encouraging some companies based in the United States to reincorporate in lower-tax countries. For Republicans, the plan promises lower tax rates and a simplified system.
Republican leaders, however, are divided on how to proceed. Mr. McConnell would like to cobble together funding for a two-year highway bill that would push the tax reform debate into the next presidency, when he hopes that a Republican will occupy the White House. Mr. Obama has said any broad overhaul of the tax code should raise revenue for the government and must maintain higher tax rates on the rich.
Mr. Ryan, however, says an overhaul of the business tax code cannot wait that long. Companies are already moving operations overseas where tax rates are lower. “Patent boxes” are the latest threat, especially now that countries establishing lower tax rates on intellectual property income are insisting that companies taking advantage of such rates move some of their research and development operations abroad.The Euro 2016 groups and fixtures were decided on Saturday.
Each qualified nation were assigned to one of four pots for the draw according to their Uefa coefficient ranking, which is based on all competitive results since September 2010.
Which of the finalists is "practically the finished article", and which is "as interesting as an early morning trip to Ikea"?
Group A
France
Euro 2016 prospects: France were the last host nation to win the title, in 1984, and are among the favourites this time. With a dynamic and athletic midfield, allied to verve and pace in a three-man front line, they can be electric on the counter-attack.
Coach Didier Deschamps has brought unity to a squad riven by unrest for years; however, the blackmail case which has pitted striker Karim Benzema and attacking midfielder Mathieu Valbuena on opposite sides could yet undermine the team's chances.
France 'win' qualifying group France played home and away friendly matches against the five teams in qualifying Group I as part of a Uefa initiative to better prepare host nations for tournaments. Based on those results, France would have won the group by two points from Portugal (W7 D2 L1).
Euro pedigree: Winners in 1984, as hosts, and 2000. This is their seventh successive Euros finals.
Key player: Blaise Matuidi. There are more celebrated French players, but 28-year-old Matuidi is the driving force in midfield, breaking up the opposition's play and springing forward with inexhaustible energy.
Deschamps has said the Paris St-Germain player is the "first name on the team sheet".
Premier League players: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny, Mathieu Debuchy (all Arsenal), Morgan Schneiderlin, Anthony Martial (both Manchester United), Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace), Bacary Sagna, Eliaquim Mangala (both Manchester City), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Kurt Zouma (Chelsea).
Who's the boss? Deschamps, 47, led the team to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2014, where they lost 1-0 to Germany. As a player, he captained France to victory at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
Romania
Euro 2016 prospects: Romania possess the disciplined team ethic and strong defence that was characteristic of Greece's shock Euro 2004 triumph.
Nonetheless, national coach Anghel Iordanescu is not fooled by his side's fairly lofty world ranking of 16th - or the fact they had the best defensive record in qualifying, instead bemoaning the lack of players based in Europe's top leagues.
How they qualified: Dourly, as unbeaten Group F runners-up to Northern Ireland. Romania endured a national-record goal drought of 428 minutes which included a run of four straight draws in the second half of the campaign, but they only conceded twice in their 10 matches.
Euro pedigree: They reached the quarter-finals in 2000 by beating England with a last-minute penalty, conceded by Phil Neville. It is their only victory in 13 European Championship matches.
Vlad Chiriches joined Napoli in July 2015 on a four-year deal
Key player: Vlad Chiriches. After two unconvincing seasons with Tottenham, the 26-year-old centre back is finding it equally difficult to cement a first-team place at Napoli, but he is an integral part of Romania's redoubtable defence.
Premier League players: Costel Pantilimon (Sunderland), Florin Gardos (Southampton).
Who's the boss? The world-weary Anghel Iordanescu was appointed for the third time in October 2014; he initially turned down the role but was persuaded of the need for his experience.
Iordanescu, 65, guided Romania to three successive major tournaments in the 1990s and was also in charge from 2002-04.
He quit football a few years later and served as a senator between 2008 and 2012.
Albania
Euro 2016 prospects: The most unfashionable side to qualify, and rank outsiders with Northern Ireland. The influence of their Italian coach is clear - they are organised, sit deep and frustrate the opposition, hoping to snatch a goal from set-pieces or long shots.
They stifled Portugal in qualifying, winning 1-0 away and only losing the return game in stoppage time.
How they qualified: They only scored seven goals - five of them against bottom side Armenia. That does not include their 3-0 win in Serbia, awarded by the Court of Arbitration for Sport after a riot.
That decision, and the shock win in Portugal, saw them finish second in Group I, two points ahead of Denmark.
France boss Didier Deschamps shares a joke with Albania manager Gianni de Biasi during the Euro 2016 draw
Euro pedigree: Debutants.
Key player: In a workmanlike side, Basel midfielder Taulant Xhaka, 24, stands out for his technical ability and confidence on the ball. A former Swiss under-21 international, he's the elder brother of Switzerland's Granit Xhaka.
Premier League players: None.
Who's the boss? This is not the first time Italian Gianni de Biasi, 59, has found unexpected success with minnows - he led Italian club side Modena to Serie A in 2002 after back-to-back promotions.
His last club job was with Udinese, who sacked him in 2010.
Switzerland
Euro 2016 prospects: The Swiss credit rating is fairly high despite the national team having never reached the knockout stage at a European Championship.
They progressed to the last 16 at the 2014 World Cup and their regular starting line-up all play for top-flight clubs in Germany, England or Italy.
What they desperately lack is a dead-eyed striker.
How they qualified: Beaten in their first two games, the Swiss recovered to comfortably finish as Group E runners-up behind England. Four straight home wins yielded 17 goals.
Euro pedigree: Underwhelming. They've finished bottom of their group in all three previous appearances, but did at least earn their first victory at the ninth attempt when co-hosts in 2008.
Key player:
Stoke's Xherdan Shaqiri, 24, is Switzerland's key creative force and also top scored in qualifying with four goals
Premier League players: Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke), Gokhan Inler (Leicester), Valon Behrami (Watford).
Who's the boss? Bosnian-Croat Vladimir Petkovic, 52, is a naturalised Swiss citizen who took over from Ottmar Hitzfeld after the 2014 World Cup.
Multi-lingual Petkovic worked for a homeless charity between 2003 and 2008 while coaching lower league Swiss clubs in the evenings.
Group B
England
Euro 2016 prospects: After the 2014 World Cup debacle comes hope that England's youthful squad have learned some valuable tournament lessons.
Unlike Euro 2012, when Roy Hodgson took charge a month prior to the finals, he has had since September to plan ahead, with England having breezed through qualifying.
He used 33 players en route to France; there is emerging talent in the squad but Euro 2016 may come too soon.
How they qualified: Group E winners. England were the only nation to qualify with a 100% winning record, the first time they have done so in a European Championship qualifying campaign.
A tally of 31 goals - seven from Wayne Rooney - was second only to Poland's 33.
Euro pedigree: Third of the four finalists in 1968, England were also semi-finalists as hosts of Euro 96.
Statistically, Euro 2012 was England's best showing on foreign soil at the continental tournament: they were unbeaten aside from a quarter-final exit on penalties against Italy.
Key player:
Euro 2016 will be the sixth major tournament for England's record goalscorer Wayne Rooney, but the 30-year-old's first as captain
Who's the boss?
This will be 68-year-old Roy Hodgson's third major tournament as England boss as he looks to secure an extension to a contract that expires after Euro 2016. Hodgson has managed 14 club sides and four national teams.
Russia
Euro 2016 prospects: Winless at the 2014 World Cup, Russia's fortunes have improved since Fabio Capello's sacking in July this year. Replacement Leonid Slutsky reinforced the defence with players from Champions League regulars CSKA Moscow, who he also manages.
How they qualified: They claimed only eight points from six games under Capello but won their remaining four with Slutsky at the helm, including a vital win over Sweden to pip them to automatic qualification.
Euro pedigree: Winners as the Soviet Union in 1960, and finalists in 1964, 1972 and 1988. A run to the semi-finals in 2008 is their best performance since the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1991.
Key player: Sergei Ignashevich. Russia's rock is now 36 but he remains vital. The CSKA Moscow defender helped Russia keep five clean sheets in the nine qualifiers he played in.
Premier League players: None.
Who's the boss? Leonid Slutsky was rewarded for rescuing Russia's Euro 2016 campaign with a contract until after the finals.
He is no stranger to playing the hero - aged 19 he rescued a cat stuck up a tree; unfortunately he fell, suffering a knee injury which ended his playing career.
Wales
Euro 2016 prospects: After a 58-year wait to play in a major tournament, Wales will not be going just to make up the numbers. Gareth Bale's goals propelled them to France, but captain and defensive rock Ashley Williams is equally as important.
The Welsh FA's Together Stronger slogan epitomises their brilliant team spirit.
How they qualified: They lost just once, away to Bosnia-Herzegovina, and conceded four goals - only Romania, England and Spain let in fewer. Bale and Aaron Ramsey scored nine of Wales' 11 goals.
Euro pedigree: Debutants at a 'finals'. Reached the quarter-finals in 1976, when only the semi-finals onwards were regarded as the finals.
Key player:
Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, 26, scored seven of Wales' 11 qualification goals
Things aren't going quite so well at club level, but the world's most expensive player can do no wrong for Wales. He recently stopped driving luxury sports cars as they were causing him hamstring problems.
Premier League players: Joe Allen (Liverpool), James Chester (West Brom), James Collins (West Ham), Ben Davies (Tottenham), Wayne Hennessey and Joe Ledley (both Crystal Palace), Andy King (Leicester), Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal), Neil Taylor and Ashley Williams (both Swansea).
Who's the boss? Chris Coleman took over in difficult circumstances following the death of Gary Speed in 2011.
Booed regularly at the start of his tenure, with a 6-1 World Cup qualifying defeat in Serbia the nadir of poor results early on, Coleman is now in talks to extend his contract beyond 2016.
Slovakia
Euro 2016 prospects: Slovakia will be appearing at just their second major tournament in 11 attempts since gaining independence in 1993.
They reached the last 16 at the 2010 World Cup, helping to knock out Italy in the group stages. They also beat Spain in qualifying for Euro 2016 so are not afraid to mix it with the big boys.
How they qualified: Slovakia won their first six qualifiers, including a 2-1 home victory against holders Spain. However, one point from their next three matches left them level on points with Ukraine before a 4-2 win over Luxembourg sealed second spot.
Euro pedigree: This is their first appearance.
Key player:
Napoli and Slovakia captain Marek Hamsik is the national side's driving force. The attacking midfielder, 28, top scored in qualifying with five goals
Premier League player: Martin Skrtel (Liverpool).
Who's the boss? Former Czechoslovakia international Jan Kozak was appointed in July 2013. The 61-year-old had previously managed several Slovakian league clubs.
Group C
Germany
Euro 2016 prospects: They may be joint favourites with hosts France, but the world champions are not currently looking like world beaters.
Germany scored 36 goals in qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil, but just 24 to reach Euro 2016.
Joachim Low on Germany's form "We are like a boxer at the moment. We're landing punches but they're not knocking the opponent out."
How they qualified: A 2-0 defeat by Poland was their first in a qualifying campaign for nearly seven years. Another loss in Ireland meant they only narrowly topped Group D. Average possession of 67% was the joint-highest in qualifying, with Spain.
Euro pedigree: Winners in 1972, 1980 (both as West Germany) and 1996. They reached the semi-finals in 2012, when they lost 2-1 to a Mario Balotelli-inspired Italy.
Key player: Thomas Muller. Without the retired Miroslav Klose, the goalscoring onus falls on Bayern Munich's brilliant forward.
Known as the Raumdeuter, or'space investigator', he top scored for Germany with nine goals in nine qualifiers.
Premier League players: Emre Can (Liverpool), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United).
Who's the boss? Joachim Low masterminded Germany's first trophy since Euro 96 by winning the 2014 World Cup after years of careful planning from academy level upwards.
Euro 2016 marks a decade in charge and he has a new contract to 2018.
Ukraine
Euro 2016 prospects: They had a good defensive record in qualifying (conceding five times in 12 games), and will try to frustrate opponents and capitalise on the flair provided by Yevhen Konoplyanka and Andriy Yarmolenko.
How they qualified: After five defeats in qualifying play-offs, they finally held their nerve to beat Slovenia 3-1 on aggregate - with Yarmolenko netting twice. They finished third in Group C, failing to score against automatic qualifiers Spain and Slovakia.
Euro pedigree: This is the first time Ukraine have qualified. Co-hosts in 2012, they went out in the group stage. The majority of the USSR team that started the Euro 1988 final defeat by the Dutch were from Ukraine.
Key player:
Andriy Yarmolenko is Ukraine's main goal threat with 22 goals from 55 appearances. Despite playing on the right the 26-year-old often pushes on as an auxiliary target man
Premier League players: None
Who's the boss? Mykhaylo Fomenko took over in 2012 and saw Ukraine narrowly miss out on qualification for the World Cup, losing a play-off 3-2 on aggregate to France.
Poland
Euro 2016 prospects: Robert Lewandowski's firepower makes them a dangerous side, while almost as important is Sevilla's defensive midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak, who was named in La Liga's team of the year last season.
Robert Lewandowski made his Poland debut in 2008
There are capable performers elsewhere in the side, but Poland lack tournament nous, exiting at the group stage in their four major tournament appearances this century.
How they qualified: They beat the Republic of Ireland 2-1 to secure second spot in Group D. They were top scorers in qualification with 33 goals, with the highlight a stunning 2-0 win against world champions Germany in 2014.
Euro pedigree: This is only the second time they have qualified. They failed to win a game in 2008 or as co-hosts in 2012.
Key player: Bayern Munich's Lewandowski, 27, is arguably the world's best number nine right now - scoring 30 goals in his first 28 games this season for club and country.
His tally of 13 goals in qualifying equalled the European Championship record set by former Northern Ireland player David Healy.
Premier League player: Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea).
Who's the boss? Appointed in October 2013, Adam Nawałka, 58, played for Poland at the 1978 World Cup. He has not managed outside of his homeland.
Northern Ireland
Euro 2016 prospects: Boss Michael O'Neill has targeted a place in the knockout stage in France. Team spirit and dead-ball deliveries will be crucial - they scored nine goals from set-pieces in qualifying, more than any other nation.
How they qualified: Early away wins in Hungary and Greece set the tone and their sole defeat, in Romania, was the only time they conceded more than once in a game.
Euro pedigree: Debutants.
Key player:
Kyle Lafferty, 28, scored seven times in nine qualifying games but a lack of playing time for Norwich this season is a concern
Premier League players: Chris Brunt, Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley (all West Brom), Craig Cathcart (Watford), Steven Davis (Southampton), Kyle Lafferty (Norwich), Paddy McNair (Manchester United).
Who's the boss? Michael O'Neill's success has not come overnight - the former Shamrock Rovers boss was appointed in 2011, and won just one of his first 18 games in charge.
Group D
Spain
Euro 2016 prospects: Do not be fooled by a dismal World Cup group exit last summer; the majority of the current side were part of Spain's Euro 2012 triumph and the intense competition for places created by emerging talents has helped them regain their edge.
They are no longer as likely to overwhelm the best opposition, as they did when winning three major tournaments in a row - Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 - but coach Vicente del Bosque believes his side "is practically the finished article".
How they qualified: Despite a first qualifying defeat for eight years, in Slovakia, they finished top of Group C with nine wins and a national record of eight consecutive clean sheets in competitive games.
Euro pedigree: Spain became the first side to retain the trophy when they outclassed Italy 4-0 in the 2012 final. Having also won in 1964, it was a record-equalling third title.
Key player: David Silva. Spain are far more potent with the 29-year-old Manchester City playmaker in their side. He usually starts on the right of a three-man attack but roams around the pitch to operate in pockets of space and creates openings with his intelligent probing.
David Silva qualifying stats Eight appearances, three goals, three assists 20 chances created, 458 successful passes
Premier League players: Cesar Azpilicueta, Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas & Pedro (all Chelsea), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), David de Gea & Juan Mata (both Manchester United), David Silva (Manchester City).
Who's the boss? Vicente del Bosque, 64, marked a national record 100th match in charge of Spain in June 2015 and he has hinted at staying on beyond Euro 2016.
He took charge after Euro 2008 and has built on that success with further titles at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
Czech Republic
Euro 2016 prospects: Not much will be anticipated of a largely domestic-based squad with no standout stars, but the Czechs performed above expectation in qualifying. They play a patient, attractive style.
How they qualified: They began the campaign with a stoppage-time victory against the Dutch and, despite a mid-campaign wobble, they eventually finished top of Group A.
Euro pedigree: They have now qualified for the finals six times in a row since the 1993 break-up of Czechoslovakia, who won the tournament in 1976.
The Czechs were runners-up in 1996, semi-finalists in 2004 and quarter-finalists in 2012.
Key player: Petr Cech. The team's captain is set to play at his fourth European Championship, when he will be 34.
Premier League players: Petr Cech and Tomas Rosicky (both Arsenal).
Who's the boss? Pavel Vrba, 52, has been named Czech Coach of the Year for five seasons running.
Prior to his 2013 appointment, he led modest provincial club Viktoria Plzen to the first four major trophies in their history.
Turkey
Euro 2016 prospects: Few people gave Turkey hope after a disastrous start to qualifying, but they conceded just three times in their last seven matches and beat the Dutch 3-0 and Czechs 2-0. Their Fifa world ranking of 21 is their highest since 2009.
How they qualified: One point from three Group A games was their worst start to a qualifying campaign since preliminaries for Italia '90, but a late winner against Iceland in their final qualifier saw them through as the third-placed team with the best record.
Euro pedigree: This is their fourth appearance. They reached the semi-finals in 2008.
Key player: Technically gifted midfielder Arda Turan, 28, now at Barcelona, was central to Atletico Madrid's La Liga triumph in 2014 and is of equal importance to his national side.
He is barred from kicking a ball for his new club until January 2016 because of a transfer embargo.
Premier League players: None.
Who's the boss? Fatih Terim - 'The Emperor' - started his third spell in charge in 2013. In his first (1993-96) they qualified for their first European Championship. In his second (2005-2009) they reached the semi-finals of Euro 2008.
Croatia
Euro 2016 prospects: Dangerous dark horses with formidable technical ability. A midfield axis of Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric is the envy of coaches the world over, while Mario Mandzukic has been one of Europe's most prolific strikers over the last few years.
How they qualified: A turbulent campaign saw them docked a point and forced to play two qualifiers behind closed doors, while coach Niko Kovac was sacked with two games left. But they ended as Group H runners-up, leapfrogging Norway in the final round of fixtures.
Euro pedigree: This is their fourth successive appearance in the finals, and their fifth in total. They reached the quarter-finals on debut in 1996 and again in 2008.
Key player: Midfielder Rakitic has been tasked with filling Xavi's boots at Barcelona. He won the treble in his first season and scored the opener in the 2015 Champions League final.
Premier League players: Andrej Kramaric (Leicester City), Dejan Lovren (Liverpool).
Who's the boss? Ante Cacic took over for the final two qualifiers. He had previously managed Dinamo Zagreb, Lokomotiva Zagreb and Slovenian side Maribor.
Group E
Belgium
Euro 2016 prospects: Ranked by Fifa as the best country in the world, Belgium will arrive in neighbouring France with pressure to justify that tag.
They have reached one tournament in 13 years and were underwhelming at last year's World Cup, going out in the quarter-finals 1-0 to Argentina.
They arguably need to be less dependent on the individual talents of Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, their top scorers in qualifying, and for their other household names to come to the fore.
Kevin De Bruyne made his Belgium debut in 2010
How they qualified: Group B winners ahead of Wales. Belgium won only three of their opening six qualifying matches but finished with four straight victories.
Euro pedigree: Belgium are in the finals for the first time since 2002 when, as co-hosts, they exited at the group stage. They were runners-up in 1980 and third in 1972.
Key player: Move over Hazard. De Bruyne, 24, was Belgium's talisman in the qualifying campaign.
He played in all 10 games, was joint top scorer with five goals, supplied three assists and had more goal attempts than any team-mate.
Premier League players: Toby Alderweireld, Nacer Chadli & Jan Vertonghen (all Tottenham), Thibaut Courtois & Eden Hazard (both Chelsea), Kevin De Bruyne & Vincent Kompany (both Manchester City), Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United), Romelu Lukaku (Everton), Christian Benteke, Simon Mignolet & Divock Origi (all Liverpool).
Who's the boss? Marc Wilmots, 46, will celebrate four years in charge next June. He went to four World Cups as a player with Belgium and, as coach, took them to the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup.
Italy
Euro 2016 prospects: They are a work in progress under Antonio Conte, who has experimented with both 3-5-2 and 4-4-2 formations. Reaching the last four would be a success.
How they qualified: They finished unbeaten, four points clear at the top of Group H despite two draws against Croatia. Five of their seven victories were by a single-goal margin, including two uninspiring 1-0 wins against Malta.
Euro pedigree: Winners on home soil in 1968 and finalists in 2000 and 2012. They have only failed to advance from the group stage twice (in 1996 and 2004).
Key player:
Drafted in to speed up the Azzurri's laboured build-up play, Graziano Pelle, 30, enables Italy to play penetrative, high-tempo football
Premier League players: Matteo Darmian (Manchester United), Graziano Pelle (Southampton).
Who's the boss? Antonio Conte, 46, turned Juventus into Serie A's dominant force, winning three consecutive league titles, so was the obvious replacement for Cesare Prandelli after Italy failed to get out of their group at the 2014 World Cup. It's unclear if he'll stay on beyond Euro 2016.
Republic of Ireland
Euro 2016 prospects: Impressive displays against Germany and Bosnia-Herzegovina show they have an effective game-plan against technically superior opposition, meaning they will have realistic hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the European Championship for the first time.
Jon Walters scored five times in qualifying
How they qualified: They were slow starters but claimed four points against Germany (including a 1-0 win in Dublin) to pip Scotland to third in Group D.
They then deservedly overcame Bosnia-Herzegovina in a play-off. Defensive solidity was the key - they conceded eight goals in 12 games.
Euro pedigree: They failed to advance from their group in both previous campaigns (1988 and 2012), losing all three Euro 2012 games.
Key player: Jon Walters, 32, "epitomises" Ireland's spirit, says Martin O'Neill. The Stoke City striker was his country's outstanding performer in qualifying, and netted both goals in the decisive win against Bosnia.
With Robbie Keane no longer a likely starter, Walters is Ireland's biggest goal threat, even when played wide.
Premier League players: Harry Arter (Bournemouth), Robbie Brady and Wes Hoolahan (Norwich), Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa), Rob Elliot (Newcastle), Seamus Coleman, Darron Gibson, Aiden McGeady and James McCarthy (all Everton), Shane Long (Southampton), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Darren Randolph (West Ham), Jon Walters and Marc Wilson (both Stoke).
Who's the boss? Martin O'Neill has dovetailed effectively with assistant Roy Keane, gradually reviving Irish fortunes after things turned sour in Giovanni Trapattoni's final two years.
Sweden
Euro 2016 prospects: Few teams will go into the Euros as reliant on one player as Sweden are. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, "the only world-class player we have" according to coach Erik Hamren, is captain, talisman and national icon.
They have an experienced squad, but one that lacks a bit of spark. As a Danish tabloid cattily put it, Ibrahimovic aside, Sweden's team is "about as interesting as an early morning trip to Ikea".
How they qualified: Pipped by Russia to the second qualifying spot in Group G, they met neighbours Denmark in the play-offs and won 4-3 on aggregate thanks to Ibrahimovic's brilliance.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic uncorked "I'm like the wine - the older I get, the better I get"
Euro pedigree: This is their fifth successive appearance at a Euros, and sixth in total. Their best performance came on debut in 1992, when they made the semi-finals as hosts.
Key player: No surprise here, it's Ibrahimovic. Eleven goals in qualifying, including three in the play-offs, increased the 34-year-old's legend.
He is out of contract with French side Paris St. Germain at the end of the season.
Premier League players: Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland), Jonas Olsson (West Brom), Martin Olsson (Norwich), Ola Toivonen (Sunderland).
Who's the boss? Erik Hamren has been Sweden boss full-time since 2010. The 58-year-old had previously built up an impressive coaching CV across Scandinavia.
Crucially, he has a good relationship with Ibrahimovic and said after Sweden's play-off win: "Even if he is not part of my family, I love him."
Group F
Portugal
Euro 2016 prospects: The weakest side in pot one but still likely quarter-finalists. After a poor 2014 World Cup, results have improved under their new manager, although performances have not been easy on the eye.
Portugal's under-21 side oozes talent but next summer will come too soon for most of them.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 30, is a three-time world player of the year
How they qualified: Topped Group I despite scoring just 11 goals. Defeat by Albania in their opener cost Paulo Bento his job as manager but under Fernando Santos they won their seven other games, all by single-goal margins.
Euro pedigree: They have reached at least the quarter-finals in the last five tournaments. Beaten finalists on home soil in 2004, they were semi-finalists in 2000 and 2012.
Key player: Cristiano Ronaldo, who else? The three-time world player of the year scored five goals in six qualifying appearances, but he has not been at his brilliant best for Real Madrid this season.
Premier League players: Eder (Swansea), Jose Fonte and Cedric Soares (both Southampton).
Who's the boss? After ending his playing career at the age of 21, Fernando Santos worked as an electrician before taking up coaching. Now 61, he has won his first seven competitive games in charge of Portugal - the first manager to do so.
He overachieved by taking Greece to the knockout stage at Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup.
Iceland
Euro 2016 prospects: Despite a population of roughly 330,000 (comparable to Coventry) and only 21,508 registered players, Iceland's chances should not be dismissed.
Investment in better facilities has produced a generation of "indoor kids" - many of the current squad learned the game on 3G pitches inside heated domes.
In 2011 they qualified for the European Under-21 Championship for the first time, and several of those players have stepped up to senior level.
How they qualified: They beat the Netherlands, home and away, and claimed wins against the Czech Republic and Turkey to become the smallest country to qualify for a European Championship.
Euro pedigree: Debutants.
Key player:
Gylfi Sigurdsson top scored with six goals in qualifying, including all three of the goals they scored in the two wins over the Dutch
Premier League player: Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea).
Who's the boss? Swede Lars Lagerback, 67, is joint coach with Heimir Hallgrimsson. Lagerback guided Sweden to five straight major finals between 2000-08.
He will retire after Euro 2016, with 48-year-old Hallgrimsson taking sole charge.
Austria
Euro 2016 prospects: Hopes are high after a remarkable qualification campaign which helped Austria climb into the top 10 of the Fifa rankings for the first time.
How they qualified: Austria were unbeaten in Group G, winning nine of their 10 matches to finish eight points clear of Russia.
The boss is impressed "We have created a sensation in Europe. This team has written history" - Leo Windtner, Austrian FA president
Euro pedigree: This is only their second appearance and the first time they have qualified for the finals. They failed to win a game as co-hosts at Euro 2008.
Key player: A central midfielder for his country, David Alaba's versatility makes him a favourite of Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola, who has said: "Alaba is our god - he has played in nearly all 10 positions."
Premier League players: Marko Arnautovic (Stoke City), Christian Fuchs (Leicester), Sebastian Prodl (Watford), Kevin Wimmer (Tottenham).
Who's the boss? Former Switzerland international Marcel Koller. After Austria booked their place in France with victory against Sweden, he turned up to the post-match media conference wearing a beret and eating a baguette.
Hungary
Euro 2016 prospects: Hungary ended a 30-year championship drought with qualification. Not |
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Remember me on this computer/device Forgotten password? 25 Reader CommentsState news agency says company at centre of last week’s explosions worked with hazardous materials despite lacking a licence until weeks before blasts
The warehouse at the centre of last week’s explosions in the Chinese city of Tianjin received a licence to handle hazardous chemicals just two months before the disaster, China’s state-run news agency has reported.
Xinhua said on Tuesday that Tianjin Dongjiang Port Rui Hai International Logistics, the company that owns the warehouse, did not have legal permission to handle such dangerous materials between October 2014 and June 2015. But the company had continued to work with hazardous chemicals, Xinhua reported, citing an unidentified company official.
Tianjin blasts: Communist party insists there will be no cover-up as anger grows Read more
Local media reported that the president and vice-chairman of the company were among the 10 Rui Hai workers who were detained by authorities as early as last Thursday, the day after the blasts.
According to state media reports, Rui Hai company president Yu Xuewei and vice-chairman Dong Shexuan were put “under control” on the afternoon after the blasts. Local news outlet Caijing reports that four of the Rui Hai workers are in hospital and six others are at Tianjin No 1 Detention Centre.
On Tuesday afternoon a former deputy mayor of Tianjin and current director of the State Administration of Work Safety – the country’s work safety watchdog – was also put under investigation.
Yang Dongliang, who was vice-mayor of Tianjin between 2009 and 2012, is suspected of “serious violations of discipline and law”, according to a statement published on the government’s anti-graft website.
The news came as rain hit the site of last week’s devastating blasts for the first time on Tuesday morning, raising fears that it might set off more chemical reactions, potentially creating toxic gas, endangering local residents and hampering rescue efforts.
Residents have been on high alert since news of the toxic chemicals circulated, with local media reports showing many wearing gas masks and accompanied by armed police when returning to their homes to pick up belongings.
Authorities are concerned that the rain will react with up to 700 tonnes of sodium cyanide discovered at two locations at the hazardous goods storage facility. Officials announced the discovery of more dangerous chemicals on Tuesday.
Niu Yuegang, deputy director at Tianjin’s fire department, confirmed that over 40 different types of chemicals have now been discovered at the blast site, including 700 tonnes of sodium cyanide, 800 tonnes of ammonium nitrate and 500 tonnes of potassium nitrate, according to local reports.
Drone footage taken by rescue workers and broadcast on state TV channel CCTV indicated that the enormous crater at the centre of the blast had filled with water as early as Friday afternoon, two days after the blast.
Earlier on Monday, in his first public appearance since the explosions, Tianjin’s vice-mayor He Shushan admitted that sodium cyanide had been found as far as 1km from the blast site.
As the country observes a traditional day of mourning, on the seventh day since the twin explosions occurred at the port city, details of the death of a 25-year-old firefighter added to the grief and frustration felt by local families.
Zhang Sumei was among the support staff at the No 4 fire brigade of Tianjin Public Security Bureau. Zhang remained at home while her husband of three years left to fight the blaze on the Wednesday night, but died when the force of the explosion razed their apartment to the ground, according to local reports.
Her team, along with the No 5 team, were among the first fire crews to arrive at the scene of the disaster on Wednesday night.
Families of missing contract firefighters have taken to the streets in recent days to stage protests, interrupting an official news conference on Saturday and even clashing with police in one instance.
Officials announced at a press conference on Tuesday morning that 83 of the 114 dead have now been identified, with more than 700 injured and 57 people still missing, most of them firefighters.
In a rare impromptu interview on Monday, Chinese premier Li Keqiang told Hong Kong’s i-Cable news that all firefighters who died – contract and professional – should be equally recognised.
“For our heroes, no one is outside the system,” Li said. “Regardless of whether they’re firefighting officers or non-military firefighting workers, we will treat them the same.”
Questions about how the blasts occurred are still being asked, with the state council – the country’s highest state administrative body – setting up an investigation team to look into the cause of the explosions.
Additional reporting by Amber Ziye WangBucks center Larry Sanders must be ruled physically able to play before his suspension can begin. Credit: Associated Press
By of the
Chicago — Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders was apologetic about a five-game drug suspension but also vigorously defended his marijuana use in an interview Friday night before the Bucks played the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.
Sanders' season-long saga took another wrong turn earlier Friday when he was penalized by the league for using marijuana in violation of the NBA/NBPA (National Basketball Players Association) drug program.
Sanders already was sidelined due to right orbital fractures suffered when he was elbowed inadvertently by Houston's James Harden in a Feb. 8 game, an injury that required surgery.
So it remains unclear whether the 6-foot-11 Sanders will be able to start the five-game suspension at some point as the current season winds down or will be forced to begin the suspension at the beginning of the 2014-'15 season. He must be ruled physically able to play before a suspension can begin.
The Bucks have six games remaining.
"It's something I feel strongly about, just to let you know something personal about me," Sanders said in an interview with the Journal Sentinel and nba.com. "I will deal with the consequences from it. It's a banned substance in my league. But I believe in marijuana and the medical side of it. I know what it is if I'm going to use it.
"I study it and I know the benefits it has. In a lot of ways we've been deprived. You can't really label it with so many other drugs that people can be addicted to and have so many negative effects on your body and your family and your relationships and impairment. This is not the same thing.
"The stigma is that it's illegal. I hate that. Once this becomes legal, this all will go away. But I understand for my work it's a banned substance. I will deal with the consequences and I apologize again to my fans for that."
Marijuana is now legal in Colorado and Washington but is still an illegal drug in other states.
The positive marijuana test was Sanders' third of his career, triggering the five-game suspension.
Bucks coach Larry Drew said, "We're all disappointed at the news. It's unfortunate, but the organization has issued a statement and I would rather not comment on it."
The Bucks said in their statement: "Larry Sanders has a responsibility to every person in our organization and our fans. We are all disappointed by the news of his suspension."
Asked if it would be difficult for Sanders to start next season with the taint of a five-game suspension, Drew said, "Sure it would be tough. He's a guy we count on.
"If it does happen to start next year, we'll just have to deal with it."
Bucks general manager John Hammond said he did not want to comment beyond the team's statement.
A league spokesman declined comment on Sanders' defense of marijuana use.
Sanders will begin his four-year, $44 million contract extension next season, a deal he signed last summer after placing third in the league's most improved player voting for the 2012-'13 season.
Asked if he could overcome a suspension to start next season, Sanders said, "Yeah I could. It's just more motivation to work harder. It's something negative to deal with. But the recipe doesn't change for me. I'm just as excited for the summer.
"It's been two opposite sides of the spectrum in a lot of ways. Two extremes. A consistent season would be great. I'll be better from this. I've learned a lot already from this year. I'm going to continue to learn. I hate that this is a negative impact on my fans and my family or the organization."
Sanders' season started ominously when he got involved in a brawl at a downtown Milwaukee night club in the early morning hours of Nov. 3, following the Bucks' home-opening loss to Toronto. He suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb and the injury required surgery that sidelined him for eight weeks.
Then he returned in late December and was finally starting to get into form when he suffered the eye injury.
He played in 23 games this season (20 starts) and averaged 7.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.74 blocks.
Drew said the Bucks have missed Sanders' contributions.
"Larry and I, we talk a lot," Drew said. "I think the most important thing is he learns from his mistakes and hopefully he can put them behind him.
"It's just another unfortunate situation and we'll just have to keep moving."
Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau saw Sanders in the USA Basketball camp in Las Vegas last summer and was impressed.
"I thought he had a great season last year and he was also part of USA Basketball," Thibodeau said. "I thought the injuries took the season away from him.
"He can impact the game with his defense in a lot of different ways, his shot-blocking, individual defense, team defense. He's very quick to the ball.
"Sometimes you don't have control over the injuries and you have to manage it the best you can. Hopefully he'll get past it, but he's a very talented guy."An Oklahoma case ruled last month that oral sex is not considered rape in the event that the victim is unconscious due to alcohol consumption.According to The Guardian, this ruling was based on allegations that a 17-year-old boy had sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl while she was intoxicated.The two teens had reportedly been drinking in a Tulsa park. The boy later offered the girl a ride home after it was clear she was too intoxicated to drive herself. Witnesses would later say the girl had to be carried to the car with one boy stating she was "coming in and out of consciousness."The girl was later taken to the hospital, unconscious with a blood alcohol level of.34, and given a sexual assault examination in which the boy's DNA was found on the back of her leg and around her mouth.The boy reportedly said later that the girl consented to the sex act, while she has stated she has "no memories after leaving the park." Tulsa County prosecutors charged the boy with forcible oral sodomy, but an appeals court ruled last month that the law didn't apply to the victim because she was drunk.“Forcible sodomy cannot occur where a victim is so intoxicated as to be completely unconscious at the time of the sexual act of oral copulation,” the decision read.In explaining its reasoning, the court said that incapacitation due to alcohol was not specifically listed as something that constituted force within the statute and they couldn't "enlarge a statute beyond the fair meaning of its language.”Legal experts, including Tulsa County's district attorney, Benjamin Fu, who led the case, say the law as its currently being interpreted places blame on the victim.“The plain meaning of forcible oral sodomy, of using force, includes taking advantage of a victim who was too intoxicated to consent,” Fu said. “I don’t believe that anybody, until that day, believed that the state of the law was that this kind of conduct was ambiguous, much less legal. And I don’t think the law was a loophole until the court decided it was.”But, Michelle Anderson, who is the dean of the CUNY School of Law, told The Guardian that she does not blame the court, explaining that the ruling was “appropriate” but the law is “archaic.”“This is a call for the legislature to change the statute, which is entirely out of step with what other states have done in this area and what Oklahoma should do,” she said. “It creates a huge loophole for sexual abuse that makes no sense.”SACRAMENTO — High-speed rail officials acknowledged Thursday that they almost certainly won’t break ground on the $69 billion project as planned in July after hitting some last-minute bumps in the road. And even more delays are possible as a court battle begins that could wipe out voters’ approval of the bullet train.
On Friday morning, opponents from the Bay Area and Central Valley, led by the former chairman of the project, will begin arguing in Sacramento Superior Court that the train has run so far off-track that a judge should take the extraordinary step of hitting the brakes on construction plans. They want to invalidate the $10 billion bond measure voters approved in November 2008 because the project has since doubled in cost while ridership estimates have dwindled and ticket price projections have shot up.
What’s more, Gov. Jerry Brown and other Democratic heavyweights are hurriedly lobbying an obscure federal agency to approve high-speed rail construction — an unexpected obstacle that also threatens to slow the bullet train. And the state must soon finish navigating a delicate process to award the first lucrative construction bid and buy out several unhappy property owners along the route.
“We certainly know that there are challenges that we’re facing, but we’ve been able to make significant progress,” said Annie Parker, a spokeswoman for the California High-Speed Rail Authority, noting that the agency has in recent months swatted away other lawsuits and identified a preferred contractor to build the first segment near Madera.
The project is already a year behind schedule. But Parker said they hope bulldozers will reach the Central Valley by late summer.
Further delays, however, could jeopardize $3 billion in funding from the federal government, which has required that the first leg of construction be finished by September 2017. More delays could also push back the start of initial Merced-to-San Fernando Valley service targeted for the end of this decade.
Opponents say they don’t see construction starting anytime soon.
“It’s a fiction to say, ‘Oh, maybe late summer.’ They don’t know,” said former state Sen. Quentin Kopp of San Francisco, the rail authority’s former longtime chairman who has turned against the project and is the star witness in the upcoming trial. “They’re going to have a heck of a time with all these legal obstacles.”
The most pressing matter right now is the trial beginning Friday that questions the legality of the voter-approved bond measure, Proposition 1A.
The rail authority argues that it is carrying out the will of the voters, starting with $1 billion to lay the groundwork upon which the first tracks will be laid.
But there are several provisions within the voter-approved bond act that opponents argue have not been met, such as securing enough money and environmental clearances before starting to build a project that currently has a $55 billion shortfall. Also in dispute are provisions of the bond act guaranteeing the train will run without a taxpayer subsidy and that it can speed between San Francisco and Los Angeles in 2 hours and 40 minutes.
“We want to make sure that we as Californians don’t end up with something we didn’t ask for,” said Kings County rail opponent Aaron Fukuda, one of two people joining the county in the suit.
Opponents fear the state won’t be able to find the rest of the money needed to build the full rail line, leaving the first $6 billion, 130-mile stretch of track approved last year by Brown and the Legislature as an abandoned eyesore.
The rail authority declined to comment on the case, but it has managed for five years to repeatedly sidestep other lawsuits that have focused on the negative environmental impacts of the bullet train.
Still, the Bay Area attorneys representing the plaintiffs in the latest case note that this is the first time anyone has gone to court to challenge the 2008 bond measure.
“This is not the terminator, (but) if we win on Friday, it will certainly stall this project for a while,” said Oakland-based attorney Stuart Flashman, lead attorney for the plaintiffs.
“I think our case is … potentially a real blockbuster in terms of testing the validity of this project,” said Redwood City-based co-counsel Mike Brady.
A ruling on the latest legal showdown is not expected until next week at the earliest. But even if the state wins, it faces more obstacles.
First among them is a bureaucratic review recently filed with the federal Surface Transportation Board, made up of three presidential appointees used to dealing with small freight projects.
The board must approve all new railroad projects in the country before construction can begin and can take months or even years to make rulings. But despite the bullet train’s long-planned groundbreaking, California only filed for approval in March after being prompted by opponents led by House railroad committee Chairman Jeff Denham, R-Modesto.
While 13 Republican House members have lobbied against federal approval, Brown and U.S. Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein have quietly asked for an exemption from the federal agency’s lengthy review process. And a ruling is expected within the next two weeks.
Parker, the rail authority’s spokeswoman, said officials aren’t sweating out the federal review. “I wouldn’t say there is a high anxiety level,” she said.
The rail authority next week is expected to begin negotiations with Sylmar-based Tutor Perini on the first $985 million construction contract, which is expected to take several weeks. And the authority must buy up 345 parcels along the bullet train path before building — and property owners that refuse will force the state into an eminent domain legal process that typically takes months.
“The status of this project,” Fukuda said, “is that it’s fighting to keep itself moving forward.”
Contact Mike Rosenberg at 408-920-5705. Follow him at Twitter.com/RosenbergMerc.A London UKIP councilor faces a probe after “joking” on social media that people who voted to remain in the EU in last month’s referendum should be killed.
Terence Nathan, who sits on Bromley Council in southeast London, wrote on his Facebook page: “Time to start killing these people till Article 50 is invoked, perhaps remainers will get the message then.”
Here we have UKIP Councillor for Bromley Terry Nathan making threats to kill people over article 50 pic.twitter.com/CeBVfBdLjx — Troy Tiencken (@TroyT84) July 19, 2016
After another Facebook user expressed concern over the post, Nathan added: “Not threatening anyone, no need for threats just a bullet.”
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that an investigation into the comments is underway.
Nathan, who has since deleted his post and said his comments were “meant to be taken with a pinch of salt.”
“I thought it was so extreme as to be obviously daft,” he told the Bromley Times.
"I did not think anyone would take it seriously but some obviously have and I greatly regret this.
"Anyone would tell you that I hold dear both respect and democracy, I would never seriously have advocated such violence."
Police in Bromley are aware of comments apparently posted online by a Bromley Councillor. Enquiries into this matter are ongoing. — Bromley MPS (@MPSBromley) July 19, 2016
A spokesperson for the council declined to comment but confirmed that it has launched an internal investigation
Meanwhile, a UKIP spokesman backed Nathan, saying: “Cllr Nathan was obviously joking. He has apologized.”
Nathan’s comments come just one month after MP and Remain campaigner Jo Cox was murdered on the steps of her constituency surgery. Her attacker, a former psychiatric patient, is believed to have shouted “Britain First” before carrying out the attack. Cox’s murder—the first killing of an MP in over 25 years—prompted widespread horror and a temporary suspension of campaigning for the EU referendum.
READ MORE: ‘You’ll get it like Jo Cox did’: Politicians receive death threats as funeral held for murdered MPA Massachusetts resident is protesting his town's decision not to fly American flags from utility poles on Sept. 11 this year, part of a policy to recognize the anniversary of the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people with the flags only every five years.
MassLive.com reports that the flags in Amherst were flown last year to mark the 10th anniversary of the attack and will be flown again in 2016.
The board had voted to fly small flags on the light posts downtown on only six holidays every year. Resident Larry Kelley thinks 9/11 should become the seventh.
Tony Maroulis, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, supports Kelley's suggestion.
"I understand how polarizing the flag can be in this community. Some might look at the flags as a brazen symbol of might and oppression," Maroulis said. "Others look at it as a source of pride in who we are, and what we can be. Whatever the complicated or simplistic responses to the flags, flying them on 9/11 would allow us to reflect and meditate upon them."
Cinda Jones, president of Cowls Companies, wrote that the current configuration seems like “wishy-washy Amherst compromise at best.”
“That timing says to me that Amherst believes 9/11 is occasionally worthy of remembrance and respect, but 4/5 of the time it's not,” Jones wrote. "Well, it either is, or it isn't. You don't celebrate or commemorate something worthwhile every five years."
Town Manager John Musante said the board represents the “entire community, and there's a difference of opinions within the community."
Musante said flags at municipal sites are flown at half-staff and the fire department holds its annual commemoration at 9:55 a.m. on Sept. 11 at the station to mark the date.
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Didi Delgado Wants To Give Heroin Dealers Veterans Benefits And Honors Because They Are POWs In The Racist War On Drugs
Want to advertise with Turtleboy? Email us at [email protected] for more information.
We told you guys not to do this but you NEVER listen to us!!
Come on guys and gals, this is NOT nice!! Didi Delgado is a perfectly reasonable and totally NOT racist person
There’s nothing racist at all about publishing an article entitled, “Why I don’t like white women”:
“I don’t like white women because I’m not particularly fond of the construct of whiteness or what it represents. I also don’t appreciate those who are complicit in my oppression and benefit from it. When I say I don’t like white women, it’s not in reference to any specific white woman (aside from maybe Taylor Swift). It’s a declaration that white women pose a very real threat to my existence, and I don’t have to embrace that threat with open arms.”
Yea, she doesn’t like white women because of what their “whiteness” represents. This is a perfectly reasonable and totally NOT racist thing to say. So you should definitely NOT be mass report her for hate speech, bullying, and sexual violence.
Here’s her totally normal comment of the day:
People dealing heroin to vulnerable populations during an opiate epidemic and profiting off of their demise are “literally” POW’s and should receive medals and full benefits. Heroin dealers. And they only people who don’t approve of this are, “yts”:
Joanna and Mary are two of the good ones. Joanna is a director at a Yoga studio found right here. Sure, she supports an openly racist who thinks heroin dealers should be honored with veterans of real wars. You definitely should NOT let tat affect the ratings on her business page.
Oh, and this made me laugh:
This account was made on November 28. At first I figured it was real. After all, the cult members who follow this hefalump around say shit like this all the time. But then you see the rest of these:
Yea, no way that’s real.
But Didi thinks it is. And she still found a way to find fault in his tweets:
Amazing. A white guilt parody account literally kissing her ass and paying her reparations wasn’t enough to please her. Why would it? At her core Didi Delgado genuinely has a hatred for white people. I don’t know how you get this angry and hateful. It’s rather sad.
Anyway, please turtle riders, for the love of God STOP mass reporting her page!! She’s very vulnerable right now!!With almost two months of baseball over with, it's a good time to dream about possible Detroit Tigers trade prospects.
Jim Bowden's got us covered.
The ESPN baseball analyst entertained a few names that could be used as trade bait this July, given the current landscape of contenders, pretenders and expiring contracts.
The Tigers, once again, clearly could use some pitching help. They rank 24th in the majors with a 4.43 team ERA, with both starters and relievers struggling. Opposing batters are hitting.268 off the Tigers. That ranks fourth-worst in baseball.
Bowden floated out two veteran players who seem like good possibilities for the Tigers: San Diego Padres right-handed starter James Shields and Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Joe Smith.
"His $21 million annual salary through 2018 will scare most teams off," Bowden wrote of Shields. "However, for the right prospect package, the Padres would eat enough to make a trade possible.... Best fit: Detroit Tigers, because no owner is more willing to spend more money to win than Mike Ilitch."
Shields, 34, is 2-6 with a 3.06 ERA in 10 starts for the Padres, who are 19-29 entering Thursday night's games and dead last in the National League West division.
As for Smith, his season hasn't been very smooth, either -- a 4.30 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 22 relief appearances -- but the 32-year-old has a 2.94 career ERA with the New York Mets, Cleveland Indians and Angels.
The Tigers (23-23) opted to sell off at last year's trade deadline, trading the likes of David Price, Yoenis Cespedes and Joakim Soria away to contenders, but they enter this trading season without expiring contracts as valuable as those three.
Contact Brian Manzullo: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrianManzullo.
Download our Tigers Xtra app for free on Apple and Android devices!I was born too late. As a boy I would read old comics - this was before the comic speculation boom and you could still get old copies of Marvel comics for pennies - and be fascinated by the ads for the Marvel fan clubs - the Merry Marvel Marching Society (MMMS) or Friends Of Ol' Marvel (FOOM). Members got pins and certificates and other cool pieces of ephemeral junk - and they also got a record.
Called The Voice of Marvel this 45 featured the legendary staff of the Marvel Bullpen during the earliest years of the creation of the legacy we all take for granted today. This was a time when fans and creators didn't have direct contact, and Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and the rest of the Bullpen putting their voices on record - and making in-jokes and taking tartly funny swipes at the readership - was revelatory. Even today, in a world where comic creators (and Stan Lee himself) talk back to us on Twitter this recording has a certain power.
There's a lot of fun stuff in here, not the least of which is the dialect; most of these staffers speak in a New Yawk accent that's all but gone today. Listen to Flo Steinberg and understand the sound of my youth. The banter - clearly written, and not always well performed - is wonderful, and it highlights the genius of early Marvel, giving everybody their own personality. Prickly Jack Kirby threatens to draw Sue Storm bald if the fans don't like her latest hairdo (and by the way, this should be the voice of The Thing), Steve Ditko doesn't show up for the recording, Stan Lee has a terrible memory (which is why continuity is so bad), Wally Wood rambles on. Don Heck, Dick Ayers, Sam Rosen show up as well... although Stan's brother Larry Leiber gets pointedly left off the recording.
This really sums up what I always loved about Marvel Comics as a kid; it wasn't just the adventures of the heroes (although I loved those too), it was also the personalities that came through in the Bullpen Bulletins, the pictures of softball teams and tales of wacky Marvel hijinks. Sure, Marvel Comics: The Untold Story recontextualized that, but listening to this record reminds me how great it was before we knew everything about all our favorite creators. That was as much of a lovely fantasy as the comics themselves.
Side note: Man, I love fan clubs.Gay emojis showing same sex couples blowing kisses could be banned in Russia.
State authorities have launched an investigation after Russian senator Mikhail Marchenko complained they promote 'non-traditional sexual relationships'.
A law passed in 2013 banned the 'propaganda' of material that supported same-sex marriage and homosexuality, which covers websites.
Gay icons: Russia could ban these emojis after a complaints from a senator that they contradict anti-homosexuality laws, passed in 2013, and promote 'non-traditional sexual relationships'
'Propaganda': The emojis - pictured left on iPhone and right on Android - 'deny family values', say the senator
The country's Izvestia newspaper said Mr Marchenko said gay emojis - including ones that showed children with same sex parents - 'denied family values' and 'disrespect for parents and other family members.'
The BBC reports that following his complaint, the media watchdog Roskomnadzor has asked the Young Guard - the youth group of President Vladimir Putin's political party - to investigate.
The group's spokesman Kirill Grinchenko told Izvestia that they had not yet received a request to look into the matter but was'ready to deal with the protection of rights on the Internet under Russian law.'
Amnesty International said the laws brought in 2013 target basic human rights, which see LGBT activists 'gagged' and restricts the community from seeking equal rights. The country also banned Gay Pride in Moscow for 100 years in 2012.
The introduction of the laws sparked protests around the world, including London.
Protest: Amnesty International says laws against homosexuality in Russia target people's basic human rights
Emojis of gay couples were first added to IPhones by Apple three years ago, and earlier this year more were included,Thanks to the lobbying efforts of massive brands like Coca-Cola, our oceans and rivers are becoming nothing more than plastic landfills. For years the plastic lobby has been derailing legislative efforts to reduce plastic production and increase recycling -- while fish and birds across the world choke on plastic. But finally, we have a chance for a change. By the end of the year, the EU Commission will release a new plastic strategy. It could be a game changer for the planet or another concession to corporate lobbyists. Together, we can make sure our voices are heard louder than the corporate lobbyists’. Will you join us?
When an emaciated whale washed up on Norway’s shores this winter, many were shocked to see the 30 plastic bags found in its stomach -- which starved it to death from the inside.
This is the fate of countless fish, birds, and turtles that take in plastic and micro-plastics that linger in the environment for centuries.
Plastic waste is so pervasive that it’s even finding its way onto our dinner tables -- climbing the food chain from plankton on to fish that are caught for human consumption.
Clearly, millions of Europeans understand the risk of plastics that never decompose, accumulate toxins, and are often produced with poisonous additives. That’s why brands like Coca-Cola spent €900,000 lobbying the Commission in 2015 to stop plastic reduction and recycling efforts.
But we won’t let the Commission bow to corporate interests over people and the planet again.
We need to make sure the Commission’s plastic strategy takes real steps forward by reducing wasteful single-use plastics, banning toxic plastic additives, and setting new targets for plastic recycling.
We only stand a chance if our voices are heard over and above corporate lobbyists. And we have just the plan to catch the Commission’s eye -- but we need your help to pull it off.
As the Commission meets to discuss its plastic strategy with stakeholders on September 26th in Brussels, we’ll be bombarding them with massive billboards throughout the city, telling them just how many citizens are calling for a sustainable plastic strategy. But this will only work if hundreds of thousands of people sign. Are you in?
The first ever UN Oceans Conference just gave us our gravest warning yet: Our oceans are under threat as never before. That’s why hundreds of thousands of us are calling on McDonald’s to ditch plastic straws -- and for major drugstore chain dm to get rid of microplastics in cosmetics.
It has never been more urgent to double down on fighting plastic pollution.
Europe is the world's second largest plastic producer. Now, we have the chance to chart a new course for Europe and the countless countries that can follow our lead.A family-of-ten who receive an estimated £44,000-a-year on benefits who previously claimed to have been ‘neglected’ have been moved to a £425,000 ‘dream’ house.
Father-of-eight Arnold Sube and wife Jeanne have moved their brood into the home in Milton Keynes after previously complaining about their ‘cramped’ three-bed home in Luton.
They even turned down three moves to bigger homes and were presented with an ultimatum to accept another house or be made homeless by Luton Borough Council.
Arnold Sube and his wife Jeanne have provoked anger from locals over their new home
Father-of-eight Arnold Sube, far right, and wife Jeanne, centre, have moved their family into a four-bed house in Milton Keynes after previously complaining of a 'cramped' home in Luton despite earning £44,000-a-year in benefits
They have moved into this £425,000 four-bedroom home, pictured, in Milton Keynes
It has spacious rooms, pictured, as well as a utility room and garage and would usually cost a rent of £1,200-per-month
The property also comes complete with a large garden, pictured, and driveway
According to the Sun, they are now living in a detached property with four double bedrooms, a utility room, garage, garden and a driveway that would normally cost £1,200 per month.
HANDOUTS FOR FAMILY It is not clear exactly what benefits the family claim, but as EU citizens they would be entitled to up to £25,000 a year in handouts while receiving housing benefit. In their home they have flatscreen televisions, games consoles and a Sky HD box. They have received hand-outs worth more than £103,000 in the last 12 months, including: £44,000 in housing and child benefits, child tax credits and NHS course payments worth £27,000 £38,400 four-month hotel stay
£21,000 in room service
The move has angered neighbours who told the paper it was ‘unfair’ the family did not have to pay rent in a ‘lovely estate’.
One neighbour told the Sun: ‘If you have eight kids you should not expect to be bailed out. The father has played the system and won.
‘They are extremely fortunate. This is a lovely estate. Parents are desperate to move here.’
Politicians have also hit out at the move considering the current housing crisis in the UK.
Luton Conservative councillor Michael Garrett described the move as a ‘result’ for the family while Conservative MP David Morris told the Sun: ‘Families up and down Britain could never dream of affording a big house like this.
'Yet they are having their noses rubbed in that fact by being made to fork out for someone else to live like a king.’
The four-bedroom property has a master room with en suite plus three other doubles
Neighbours have complained that the family are moving into an area that 'parents are desperate to move into'
Other neighbours accused the family of 'playing the system and winning' by netting the large property, pictured
As previously reported by MailOnline, Mr Sube had initially been renting privately after moving from Paris to study mental health nursing but started having his £1,278-per-month rent covered by the local council as soon as he had lived here for the required three-month period.
The couple, both aged 33, were born in Cameron but later moved to France as teenagers moved to Britain from France and have refused to rule out adding to the family - which already consists of wife Jeanne and children Mejane, 16, 13-year-olds Fabian and Analia, Prosper, 10, Dylan, nine, six-year-old twins Sharon and Stacy, and four-month-old Mary.
They moved from Paris to Luton in 2012 after Mr Sube got a place on a mental health nursing course at the University of Bedfordshire.
The NHS funds the annual £9,000 cost of the three-year degree.
The family initially lived in a large five-bedroom semi-detached house on a quiet residential road in Luton worth £220,000.
But they had to move out after the landlord sold up. They were then put up for four months at the Hampton by Hilton hotel in Luton at a cost of £38,400.
The estate the home, pictured, is on has been described as 'lovely' by locals
The family has been described as 'fortunate' while politicians have |
to determine what goes wrong with neurons after injury and during disease, and to determine how to correct these deficits in order to restore normal nervous system functions.
Unlike humans, the lamprey has an extraordinary capacity to regenerate its nervous system. If a lamprey's spinal cord is severed, it can regenerate the damaged nerve cells and be swimming again in 10-12 weeks.
Morgan and her collaborators at MBL, Ona Bloom and Joseph Buxbaum, have been studying the lamprey's recovery from spinal cord injury since 2009. The lamprey has large, identified neurons in its brain and spinal cord, making it an excellent model to study regeneration at the single cell-level. Now, the lamprey's genomic information gives them a whole new "toolkit" for understanding its regenerative mechanisms, and for comparing aspects of its physiology, such as inflammation response, to that of humans.
The lamprey genome project was accomplished by a consortium of 59 researchers led by Weiming Li of Michigan State University and Jeramiah Smith of the University of Kentucky. The MBL scientists' contribution focused on neural aspects of the genome, including one of the project's most intriguing findings.
Lampreys, in contrast to humans, don't have myelin, an insulating sheath around neurons that allows faster conduction of nerve impulses. Yet the consortium found genes expressed in the lamprey that are normally expressed in myelin. In humans, myelin-associated molecules inhibit nerves from regenerating if damaged. "A lot of the focus of the spinal cord injury field is on neutralizing those inhibitory molecules," Morgan says.
"So there is an interesting conundrum," Morgan says. "What are these myelin-associated genes doing in an animal that doesn't have myelin, and yet is good at regeneration? It opens up a new and interesting set of questions, " she says. Addressing them could bring insight to why humans lost the capacity for neural regeneration long ago, and how this might be restored.
At present, Morgan and her collaborators are focused on analyzing which genes are expressed and when, after spinal cord injury and regeneration. The whole-genome sequence gives them an invaluable reference for their work.
Morgan, Bloom, and Buxbaum collaborate at the MBL through funding by the Charles Evans Foundation. Bloom is based at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research/Hofstra North Shore-Long Island Jewish in New York. Buxbaum is from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.
###
Citation:
Smith JJ et al (2013) Sequencing of the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) genome provides insight into vertebrate evolution. Nature Genetics: DOI: 10.1038/ng.2568
The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is dedicated to scientific discovery and improving the human condition through research and education in biology, biomedicine, and environmental science. Founded in 1888 in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, the MBL is an independent, nonprofit corporation. A corps of more than 270 scientists and support personnel pursue research year-round at the MBL, joined each year by more than 400 visiting scientists, summer staff, and research associates from hundreds of institutions around the world. Among the scientists with a significant affiliation with the MBL are 55 Nobel Laureates (since 1929).The Grateful Dead did something this week they’ve never done since the band was formed over 52 years ago. Both May 1977: Get Shown The Light and Cornell 5/8/77 scored spots within the top 15 slots on Billboard’s Top Albums charts, showing Deadhead love has yet to fade away.
The May 1977: Get Shown The Light box set features four full shows the Grateful Dead played during their landmark Spring Tour 1977 including a famed stop at Barton Hall on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Get Shown The Light debuted at #15 on this week’s chart, while a separate release of just the Cornell concert debuted at #10.
“These four concerts have been the holy grail of wish-list releases both externally and internally for a long, long time,” said David Lemieux, Grateful Dead archivist and the producer of Get Shown The Light. “During the 18+ years I’ve worked with the Grateful Dead, no concert has garnered as much attention and as many requests for release as Cornell, with the New Haven, Boston, and Buffalo shows following very closely behind. For those who didn’t know the history of these master tapes and about their absence from the band’s vault, and for those who have, like us, lamented this hole in the collection, we join with you in celebrating what might be, minute-for-minute, song-for-song, the most high quality Grateful Dead release ever produced.”
Both Get Shown The Light and Cornell are on sale now via Dead.net. Watch a mini-documentary about the Dead’s Cornell ’77 show:Photo by Matthew Welch
If Carly Rae Jepsen proved one thing in 2015, it was that she could offer so much more than the one hit single that made her an international viral sensation. Her third album, E•MO•TION, was one of the year’s best pop albums and convinced everyone who heard it that “Call Me Maybe” was merely just a stepping stone to a brilliant future. No other mainstream pop album in 2015 received as much approval from critics—a fact that became all the more clear when the year-end lists arrived. You can argue that it was a year where critical darlings like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé failed to release anything to compete. But compared to heavyweights like Adele, Justin Bieber and Lana Del Rey, who did offer a challenge, it was E•MO•TION that wowed the critics, not 25, Purpose or Honeymoon.
Still, E•MO•TION was a monumental commercial flop. It doesn’t feel good to say that, but the numbers do not lie: the album debuted at #16 in the U.S., selling only 16,513 copies—30,000 fewer than 2012’s Kiss. Even in her home country, the album failed to have any impact, debuting at #8. Canada often prides itself on supporting homegrown talent, yet that wasn’t the case at all with E•MO•TION. So what went wrong?
Everything seemed to be in place when Jepsen resurfaced in February with her “comeback” single, the irresistible “I Really Like You.” To help her secure an all-important second hit, she once again had the support of Justin Bieber (who helped catapult “Call Me Maybe”) and the most improbable celebrity cameo in the song’s video by Tom Hanks. “I Really Like You” became a viral hit for Jepsen, pleasing both critics and fans, but it didn’t quite set the charts afire, peaking at #39 on Billboard’s Hot 100. That song and its catchy refrain had a momentary hold on the public’s consciousness, be it through memes, hashtags, or expressing approval for the song (“Yeah, you could say I really, really, really like it.”) This was all on the back of some major televised appearances: Good Morning America, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and a red hot guest spot on Saturday Night Live. After performing the Dev Hynes and Ariel Rechtshaid-assisted “All That” on SNL, it was immediately released as a second track from the forthcoming album. Then came softly-pushed single releases for “Emotion,” “Run Away With Me,” “Your Type,” “Warm Blood” and “Making the Most of the Night,” all before E•MO•TION hit stores in North America. If your math is rusty, that is seven of the album’s 12 tracks dropped before release date. When the album finally arrived on August 21, it had already been available for two months after leaking online thanks to an early release in Japan on June 24—the original North American release date.
Many questions come to mind. Why such a long roll out between “I Really Like You” and the North American release date? Why drop the album early in Japan when it will inevitably leak online in those two months? Why so many singles? And why share them all before the album? Most puzzling of all is why wasn’t there a proper world tour, or even just a 40-date North American tour booked to support E•MO•TION? Instead, she’s performed sporadically all over the world—Japan, South Africa, Philippines, the UK—without even playing one show in her home country. When Jepsen does finally take a stage in Canada this April, it won’t be headlining her own shows but opening up for wannabe pop-punks Hedley on their cross-country arena tour.
Photo by Matthew Welch
Of course, this doesn’t answer the most obvious question: Why isn’t Carly Rae Jepsen the biggest pop star of 2015? E•MO•TION is every bit as good as Taylor Swift’s 1989. It too went deep into ’80s synth-pop worship with a more inclusive, deeper respect for the genre’s history: the Jam & Lewis-branded R&B slow jam of “All That,” the galvanizing Cyndi Lauper-style affirmation on “When I Needed You,” the sax-blaring cry for love in “Run Away With Me”—these are big 80s songs replicated with the utmost precision. Like 1989, E•MO•TION was conceived with a crack team of pop’s finest songwriters and producers like Dev Hynes (Solange, Sky Ferreira), Ariel Rechtshaid (Haim, Adele), Vampire Weekend’s Rostam Batmanglij (Charli XCX), Mattman & Robin (Taylor Swift, Tove Lo), the Cardigans’ Peter Svensson (The Weeknd, Ariana Grande) and Shellback (One Direction, three-quarters of Taylor Swift’s 1989). And yet, E•MO•TION fell by the wayside almost as soon as it saw the light of day.
As the press was more than happy to point out in virtually every piece written about E•MO•TION this year, the name Carly Rae Jepsen is mostly tied to one song. And that song was released four years ago, meaning to some people “Call Me Maybe” is already worthy of gracing “retro” playlists. As artists like Icona Pop and Foster the People have also learned, we really like to chew up and spit out new artists like they’re a wad of bubblegum. There’s no denying Jepsen has a strong fan base, and one that eagerly awaited E•MO•TION. But it’s plain to see the millions of people that bought “Call Me Maybe” have been reduced to just thousands. She failed to follow that song up with another hit, and iTunes shoppers moved on to the next chart-topper. Jepsen’s biggest audience proved to be the same indie-minded community that took in and nurtured previous mainstream rejects like Robyn and Solange. E•MO•TION received ample love and respect from the majority of indie-favouring music sites, and even Jepsen herself admitted to Noisey that she not only balanced pop and alternative on the album, but she “made an entirely different ‘indie’ album that I don’t know what we’ll do with.” Maybe being marketed as a leftfield-leaning pop artist in the vein of Robyn is what Carly Rae Jepsen should be striving for. She’s already won over those fans with E•MO•TION, and without the pressure to release music that can sell millions, she can focus more on evolving as an artist and, most importantly, trying to decide what kind of artist she wants to be. Because right now it’s a little unclear.
As it’s consistently pointed out in the press, Jepsen is now 30 years old. That’s not such a big deal—Katy Perry is a year older—but where age becomes a problem for Jepsen is in how she doesn’t always act hers. When “Call Me Maybe” came out, many assumed she was yet another fresh-faced singer stuck in teenager love (as the video so vividly depicted), when in fact, she was in her mid-to-late 20s. E•MO•TION obviously shows signs of maturation, but also an inability to shake this Peter Pan complex. Both “Boy Problems” (“who’s got ’em?”) and “I Really Like You” feel more like they were written for someone half her age. And although I enjoy those reminders of being young and in love, it certainly comes off as a little unnatural. Though if Madonna can do it for 20-plus years, why can’t Carly?
Jepsen doesn’t try to make bold statements with her music; her songs simply celebrate the joys and hardships of falling in love. Unlike a lot of pop singers, she hasn’t publicly declared herself a feminist. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t one. As she pointed out to Broadly earlier this year, “Feminism doesn't mean you're not allowed to be in love.” I’d say it’s more an act of being a subtle individual, like she is with most things, as opposed to being detached from the conversation. Instead of empowering anthems, E•MO•TION provides some necessary escapism, where love is the answer to everything. And who doesn’t need a little escape from all of the serious shit going on in the world? In doing such, she is simply following a blueprint laid out by predecessors like Kylie Minogue and Britney Spears, two wildly successful artists who almost strictly stuck to a pop format that concentrated more on love than anything. And Jepsen is doing it without the sexual overtones, an important factor that makes her rather unique.
What some people tend to forget about Carly Rae Jepsen is that she’s as genuine as it gets in an industry known for its disingenuousness. She hails from Mission, a relatively small city in British Columbia, and grew up performing musical theatre, studying music in college, and busked on the street. She competed in and nearly won Canadian Idol, then hone her songwriting skills as a folk-pop artist and released her debut album, Tug of War, through an indie label. She’s a modest Canadian who probably says “sorry” more often than she should, and generously explains what a “loonie” and “toonie” is to anyone visiting the country. She is an artist who doesn’t use a persona. And after her career took a bit of a nosedive once the allure of “Call Me Maybe” wore off, she chose resilience over desperation. She played Cinderella on Broadway because it was a dream of hers, and then made the album she wanted to make with the people she wanted to make it with. She also stuck to her image, for better or worse, and refused to embrace a more sexual persona to try and sell her music (which is something Demi Lovato can no longer say).
So what’s the fix? Maybe E•MO•TION will get a second chance in 2016 with a proper tour, or a feature on some soundtrack, or from all of the praise it’s received from year-end lists. Or maybe nothing will happen and it will be forgotten by the masses and eventually earn a cult following over time. Chances are though, E•MO•TION will never truly get the respect it deserves, and earn a spot on underrated lists alongside everything Ciara has ever done. Smaller communities like “indie” music lovers and the LGBTQ tend to appreciate and seek out left-of-centre pop without any concern of its commercial performance. And so maybe it’s just a matter of refocusing her sights on those markets and ditching mainstream aspirations entirely. Because Carly Rae Jepsen shouldn’t change a thing (except maybe turning down offers like this). E•MO•TION demonstrated that she knows the right songwriters and producers to work with in order to make the best possible music she can. And as long as that’s all she cares about, the future of her Jepseners should be an exciting one.
Cam Lindsay is a writer based in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter.Editor’s Note: Explicit content and spoilers
Ludicrous and offensive content remains ludicrous and offensive, even when it’s set to music.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend on the CW network is meant to be a comedic, musical tale of female obsession with a former flame. Left-wing Slate.com said the show that made a joke about teen abortions and included a gross-out nether regions waxing was “charming,” and “very funny.” The Los Angeles Times called it “intoxicating” and “daffy.”
In reality, the show is sexually explicit, profane and crude (Watch the trailer). It tells the story of a woman who moves across the country after running into her high-school ex. The story was punctuated by musical interludes which presumably represented the internal monologue of the main character: Rebecca Bunch.
Bunch is played by Rachel Bloom, a comedienne with a host of videos on her website including “You Can Touch My Boobies,” “Die When I’m Young,” “HIstorically Accurate Disney Princess Song,” and a number of Robot Chicken sketches.
Bunch, an Ivy-league educated lawyer, is beautiful and successful, although also an unhappy workaholic. She is the “crazy” ex who packs up and moves to a small town in California after running into Josh Chan. Ten years earlier, Bunch lost her virginity to Chan at summer camp when she was 16.
In the flashback breakup scene from the end of that summer, teenage Rebecca was shown screaming at her mother and calling her a “C---” which was conveniently bleeped by the honking of her mother’s car horn. After she got into the car, her mother pushed the standard liberal pro-abortion line, saying if anything happened “we go straight to the abortionist” because “nothing is gonna ruin your future.”
To many liberals, babies always ruin your future.
Back in the present, after learning she’s about to be offered a junior partnership at her fancy New York City law firm, Bunch nearly had a panic attack and prayed a prayer likely to offend any true theists: “Dear God, I don’t normally pray to you because I believe in science. Give me guidance.”
She immediately saw Chan on the street and considered it a sign. He said he was leaving the Big Apple for home in West Covina, Calif. So she refused the partnership, quit her firm and moved to West Covina.
At least the LA Times reviewer noted, “Here we must pause and sigh and ask when, Lord, will we ever get a story about woman with a high-powered career who isn't torn in two or a heartless witch? Not, alas, today.”
Bunch sang the first musical number about how great West Covina was in all sorts of places like the courtyard of a mall and, of course, a strip club.
In the second musical number, “The Sexy, Getting Ready Song,” she narrated all the plucking, tweezing, scrubbing and squeezing necessary to get her body into date-readiness. However, the visualization of waxing her butt was a gratuitous gross-out moment. At one point a rapper joined her in song (which she is singing in her bathroom) until he sees the process. He called it “horrifying,” and “nasty-ass patriarchal bullshit” that she was going through for a date and leaves to “go apologize to some ‘bitches.’” But that nod to feminist empowerment did nothing to counter the rest of the storyline.
Desperation is not empowerment, nor is it funny. Slate claims the show is trying to “reclaim rude terms about women,” but it’s difficult to see from the premiere how it will do anything but reinforce negative stereotypes of women as “crazy,” obsessive, insecure or desperate.
In the real world, obsessive behavior leads to restraining orders or worse, not laughs.The US Patent and Trademark Office officially published a series of 18 newly granted patents for Apple Inc. today. The notables within this first group includes one that relates to Apple's portable device retail packaging that Steve Jobs lent a hand in somehow and another for invisible light transitive displays that have, in-part, already been put into action on MacBooks. Lastly, Apple has won their fourth and fifth Light Sensitive displays in the last four months. The proof of a future display working with an advanced light-pen is certainly gathering steam.
Granted Patent: Light Sensitive Display
Apple has been granted their fourth and fifth Light Sensitive Display patents in the last four months. Behind the scenes, there's even more proof of Apple working on touch display specific pens and we'll discuss this again in the near future. All of Apple's granted patents on this invention appear to have been acquired from three Oregon based engineers slightly after the release of the iPhone and ten months after Steve Jobs scoffed at using a "stylus." The distinction here, however, is that these new Light Sensitive Displays and associated pens are not your typical "stylus" type pointers. It's all part of Apple's "Magic Show" marketing verbiage to keep the competition off their track.
Apple credits Adiel Abileah, Willem den Boer and Pat as the inventors of Granted Patents 7,880,733 and 7,880,819, originally filed in Q4 2007.
Granted Patent: Invisible, Light-Transmissive Display System
Apple has been granted a patent for an invisible, light transitive display system that becomes visible when illuminated from behind. Apple's patent covers a laser beam system that could be used to create microscopic holes in specific designs so as to create shapes in devices like the iPod or MacBook Pro. The designs could include creating the Apple logo so that it's flush with the surface of the MacBook. Additionally, some designs, like the power button of the MacBook, would actually become invisible when the MacBook is off. This extends to other functions as noted below.
Apple's MacBook webpage on design states the following: "Then there's the sleep indicator light. An indicator is functional only when it's indicating something. Look to the right of the thumbscoop. You see nothing. Until you close the display and your MacBook Pro goes to sleep. Then an LED glow appears from inside the enclosure. How? During the CNC process, a machine first thins out the aluminum. Then a laser drill creates small perforations for the LED light to shine through. These holes are so tiny that the aluminum appears seamless when the light is off.
One of Apple's original patents on this goes back to 2008 where they describe how they could use this on a metallic iPod. Apple's patent describes the power button being made invisible when the MacBook is off. Patent FIG. 21 shows the intent of creating an invisible button. The question becomes what Apple meant by invisible. The Power button on the MacBook and iMac is flush with the body of these devices and is almost invisible to the eye when off. So it's hard to know if this segment of the patent has been totally fulfilled.
The bottom line is that parts of this patent have come to life and to market. Apple credits VP of Industrial Design Jonathan Ive and team members Bartley Andre, Daniel Coster, Richard Howarth, Daniele de Iuliis, Duncan Kerr, Shin Nishibori, Matthew Rohrbach, Douglas Satzger, Calvin Seid, Christopher Stringer, Eugene Whang, Rico Zorkendorfer, David Morgenstern and Paul as the inventors of Granted Patent 7,880,131, originally filed in Q4 2006.
Granted Patent: iPhone, iPod Retail Packaging
Apple states that branding could be particularly important in the highly competitive marketplace of consumer electronics. Consumers of such devices tend to be discriminating and savvy. As a result, competition for their loyalty is fierce. For example, consumers have become familiar with the clean, minimalist appearance of the iPod which is known for its elegant, yet simple design. It may diminish from the aura of such a well designed product to present it to consumers in a standard cardboard box. A package that is more fitting of the high-tech design of the product is what consumers have come to expect.
The present invention relates, in one embodiment, to packaging comprising a base having an interior space for receiving an item; a ledge formed along an interior surface of the base; a transparent holder disposed on said ledge of said base for holding an item; and a lid disposed above the base for closing said interior space formed in said base.
Apple's invention relates, in another embodiment, to packaging for an item comprising a transparent enclosure and a retaining mechanism for retaining an item, wherein the item is to appear to be floating inside of the transparent enclosure.
Apple's invention relates, in another embodiment, to a holder for retaining an item comprising a flexible tray and a pair of clips disposed on said flexible tray; wherein the tray has a flexed position and an un-flexed position; wherein the item is trapped by the clips when the tray is in the un-flexed position; and wherein the item is released by the clips when the tray is in the flexed position.
Apple credits Apple credits CEO Steve Jobs, VP of Industrial Design Jonathan Ive and team members Bartley Andre, Daniel Coster, Richard Howarth, Daniele de Iuliis, Duncan Kerr, Shin Nishibori, Matthew Rohrbach, Douglas Satzger, Calvin Seid, Christopher Stringer, Eugene Whang and Rico Zorkendorfer, as the inventors of Granted Patent 7,878,326 originally filed in Q3 2007.
Other Granted Patents Published Today
Granted Patents Relating to the iPhone: Apple has been granted a patent for a Dichroic camera filter that relates to the iPhone. It's unknown if Apple has already incorporated this technology or plans to in the future. For more information, see Apple's Dichroic Aperture Patent. While we're on the topic of the iPhone, Apple has been granted another patent concernng a consumer abuse detection system that's built into every iPhone. We first covered this in September 2009 and today Apple has been granted yet another patent on the matter.
Notice: Patently Apple presents only a brief summary of patents with associated graphic(s) for journalistic news purposes as each such patent application and/or Granted Patent is revealed by the U.S. Patent & Trade Office. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any patent application and/or Issued Patent should be read in its entirety for further details. About Comments: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit comments.
Community Sites Covering our Original Report:
MacSurfer, Apple Investor News, Apple Enthusiast, Google Reader, Reddit, Cult of Mac, MacStories, MacMagazine Brazil, macmais Brazil, DeepApple Russia, and more. Top Twitterers: Renato Luna (Brazil) and iGetYouNewsRepublican presidential nominee Donald Trump Donald John TrumpHouse committee believes it has evidence Trump requested putting ally in charge of Cohen probe: report Vietnamese airline takes steps to open flights to US on sidelines of Trump-Kim summit Manafort's attorneys say he should get less than 10 years in prison MORE said Thursday “there could be some impact” from a changing climate, “but I don’t believe it’s a devastating impact.”
In an interview with The Miami Herald, Trump reiterated he’s “not a big believer in manmade climate change,” and while he acknowledged problems such as rising sea levels, he attributed them to “a change in weather patterns, and you’ve had it for many years.”
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“I would say it goes up, it goes down, and I think it’s very much like this over the years,” he said. “We’ll see what happens. I mean, we’ll see what happens.... Certainly, climate has changed.”
Trump has long said he doesn’t believe in the science behind climate change, even though there is broad agreement among researchers that human activity has contributed to the phenomenon.
Florida is expected to struggle with rising sea levels induced by climate change, and Miami recently undertook a $500 million push to prepare for it.
Asked about that effort, Trump said, “That’s probably not the worst thing I’ve ever heard.” But he said local governments should take the lead in preparing for climate change, not federal officials who have looked to regulate the underlying causes of it.
“[We] have so many environmental regulations that, you go to other countries, where they don’t have that, it puts us at a tremendous disadvantage,” he said.
Trump’s position on climate change is in direct contrast to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonSanders: 'I fully expect' fair treatment by DNC in 2020 after 'not quite even handed' 2016 primary Sanders: 'Damn right' I'll make the large corporations pay 'fair share of taxes' Former Sanders campaign spokesman: Clinton staff are 'biggest a--holes in American politics' MORE. She told a Florida audience this week that “we’ve got to stand against the deniers” and work to prevent climate change in the future.Hard to imagine, but back in the days of the Ancient Greece, the richest of the rich competed to pay the most taxes, while the poor were treated to festivals and shows from the money taken from the taxes.
Things sure have changed since 323 BC when Athens was considered a wealthy city and the rich were tripping over themselves trying to see who could pay the most taxes. Basically, the top 300 richest people would pay property taxes, but the trick is, that they did not pay taxes to the state.
Instead, those who paid taxes made sure that the services required by society were fulfilled — by seeing to it themselves. The Ancient Greeks would brag if they were rich enough to pay taxes, and then they would add to their boasting by showing off the public events and which of Athens’ triremes they had paid for. In other words, the bigger the festival they paid for with their taxes, the more they could show-off their riches and claim to be the richest of the land.THE government was repeatedly warned of a high risk of suicides and self-harm in immigration detention and failed to implement changes that might have prevented deaths, according to documents obtained by the Herald.
A letter sent by the Detention Health Advisory Group, the government's panel of experts, 11 months ago warned of a high probability of more suicides after three people took their lives at the Villawood detention centre and lamented that its advice had been ''largely disregarded''.
"We have recognised the inadequacies in the care of individuals thought to be at risk of suicide and self-harm, which may constitute a serious breach of duty of care"... chairwoman Louise Newman. Credit:Brendan Esposito
''The three recent suicides in Villawood have unfortunately affirmed our fears and they may have been preventable with appropriate implementation [of recommendations],'' the chairwoman of the panel, Louise Newman, said in the letter. ''For some time we have recognised the inadequacies in the care of individuals thought to be at risk of suicide and self-harm, which may constitute a serious breach of duty of care.''
The letter warned of ''serious implications of the department's failure to implement our recommendations regarding identification and response to mental health and psychological issues''.Gérard DuBois for The Washington Post
Gabe Ortíz is an LGBT and immigrant rights advocate based in San Francisco.
Forty-nine people were slaughtered over the weekend after a gunman opened fire inside an Orlando club filled with Pride Month revelers. We’re learning more about the killer, who apparently has a history of violence and bigotry, often aimed at the LGBT community. According to reports, the killer’s father said that his son had become “very angry” after seeing two men kissing in public several months ago.
This is how we live our lives as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the United States. Even in 2016, our mere existence can still be considered a threat.
Our movement has made incredible strides in the battle for equality in recent years. A sitting president endorsed marriage equality. The Supreme Court made it legal for us to marry. At least 225 cities and counties across the United States prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. We are becoming more visible on television and in movies. It would be easy to think that the fight for equality is over.
[We’re out and proud. Especially after Orlando.]
But in a majority of states, a person can still be denied service for being gay and can still be fired because of their gender identity. Recently, Republican legislators have attempted to make life as miserable as possible for transgender Americans by restricting their access to some public restrooms. The mass shooting in Orlando may be the worst in U.S. history, but it is in no way an isolated act of violence against LGBT people. Americans have been shot, stabbed, drowned and beaten to death for the crime of being LGBT — by their classmates, by their parents, by their neighbors and often by strangers. To be gay in 2016 is still in many ways a dangerous and radical act.
Bars and nightclubs like Orlando’s Pulse have been our havens, where we can gather with our chosen families when our blood families have rejected us. These are spaces free from the uncomfortable glares we’ve come to recognize all too easily. Many LGBT people prefer to not kiss or even hold hands in public as a matter of protection from slurs and fists. But as we saw in Orlando, deadly homophobia and transphobia follow us wherever we go.
In an analysis of FBI data, the Southern Poverty Law Center found that “LGBT people are more than twice as likely to be the target of a violent hate-crime than Jews or black people. They are more than four times as likely as Muslims, and almost 14 times as likely as Latinos” to be attacked. The trans community has experienced devastating, disproportionate rates of violence. In the first five months of this year, 10 trans people were killed, the majority of them trans women of color. In 2015, at least 21 trans women were killed.
In 2002, Gwen Araujo, 17, was strangled by four male friends after they discovered she was transgender. In 2008, Lawrence King, 15, was shot twice in the head by fellow student Brandon McInerney, 14, in front of their classmates. King’s crime: asking McInerney to be his Valentine. In 2007, Andrew Anthos, 72, who was gay, was beaten with a lead pipe in Detroit as his assailant yelled anti-gay slurs at him; Anthos died 10 days later. And gay clubs, bars and events have long been targets for arson fires and shootings. Over the weekend, Los Angeles police may have averted another attack by a suspect with guns and explosives who said he “wanted to harm” that city’s pride parade.
[Legal gay marriage won’t stop people from pushing anti-gay laws]
We’ve made bigotry a matter of public policy. It shouldn’t be a shock then that bigotry has trickled down into our lives in so many deadly ways as a result. Until earlier this year, Mississippi was the final state in the nation not to allow gay couples to adopt children. Writer Michelangelo Signorile noted in February that legislators in more than 20 states had advanced “religious liberties bills that would allow government workers, taxpayer-funded groups and businesses whose owners or operators oppose gay marriage to discriminate against gays.”
As a gay Latino man, I’ll never forget that this butcher targeted a Latino-themed nightclub on a busy Saturday night during Pride Month. The first seven victims to be publicly identified were Latino men, five of whom were 23 or younger. I think back to my life at 23. I was still deeply closeted, still living in fear that I would be found out, with absolutely no idea how many wonderful things life had in store for me in the years to come. They were robbed. We were robbed.
This act of hate was meant to cause fear. It is all the more painful in a time when we’re seeing so much anti-Latino rhetoric. But we cannot be afraid. That’s what homophobia and transphobia feed off, and we have come too far to be forced back into a closet. For many of us, that life of fear ended years ago — and we must keep it that way. We must keep fighting for the silenced voices in Orlando, and for those still living in fear in the closet.London (CNN) -- A Swiss whistle-blower Monday handed over what he said were secret Swiss banking records to WikiLeaks, the website dedicated to revealing secrets.
Swiss banker Rudolf Elmer handed two discs to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange at a news conference in London.
WikiLeaks could release the secret Swiss banking records in "a matter of weeks" if it can process them quickly enough, Assange said.
Elmer said he would not reveal the names in the records and said he was unable to say how many people were involved.
Who is Rudolf Elmer?
He said about 2,000 clients' records were included, but that because of the way trusts and corporations are set up, he could not determine how many individuals were involved.
Elmer describes himself as an activist/reformer/banker.
"I think, as a banker, I do have the right to stand up if something is wrong," he said Monday, explaining why he was giving the documents to the website.
Elmer is due to go on trial Wednesday in Switzerland for violating the country's banking secrecy regulations.
He said he wanted "to let society know what I do know and how this system works because it is damaging our society in the way that money is moved" and hidden in offshore jurisdictions.
He began looking into the issue when he was a banker in the Cayman Islands, he said.
When he first looked into the problems of offshore banking he said it looked like "a mouse tail," but as he investigated in the Cayman Islands and Switzerland, it became a "dragon's tail," and finally a many-headed dragon.
Speaking at the same news conference, lawyer Jack Blum said it was not always possible to determine who, if anyone, had engaged in "criminal tax evasion."
Elmer aims to "challenge Swiss Bank Secrecy at the European Court of Human Rights and the Swiss courts," he says on his website. He has worked at six offshore banking centers, he says.
He has been engaged in a long-running battle with Swiss banks over secrecy, he said.
He said he had approached tax authorities and universities with his data, but that no one was interested. He was about to give up, he said, when he learned about WikiLeaks from a friend.
He said he was "grateful" to WikiLeaks for helping him "send the message which I wanted to send," but that he was not trying to use it for "protection" as he faced prosecution.Over the last week, I have had the opportunity to read two articles – "The Forgotten War" by Ann Jones and "Afghanistan War Must End Immediately" by Iraq veteran Jayel Aheram – that accurately describe the tragic waste of American lives and money in Afghanistan.
Also this week, I had the opportunity to meet with Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction John Sopko and several additional members of Congress. In his position as inspector general, Mr. Sopko has uncovered egregious incidents of waste of American taxpayer dollars and has reported a troubling lack of accountability |
1-0 (1-0) F T.Fink (GER) 92. Bucuresti 11.10.1942 Romania - Croatia 2-2 (1-2) F K.Atanasov (BUL) 93. Bucuresti 13.06.1943 Romania - Slovakia 2-2 (1-0) F K.Atanasov (BUL) 94. Budapest 30.09.1945 Hungary - Romania 7-2 (5-2) F P.von Hertzka (HUN) 95. Tirana 08.10.1946 Romania - Bulgaria 2-2 (1-2) BC L.Matosic (YUG) 96. Tirana 11.10.1946 Romania - Yugoslavia 2-1 (1-1) BC I.Zlatarev (BUL) 97. Tirana 13.10.1946 Albania - Romania 1-0 (0-0) BC L.Matosic (YUG) 98. Tirana 25.05.1947 Albania - Romania 0-4 (0-1) F A.Kamarassy (HUN) 99. Bucuresti 22.06.1947 Romania - Yugoslavia 1-3 (1-2) BC&CEC J.Molnar (HUN) 100. Sofia 06.07.1947 Bulgaria - Romania 2-3 (0-1) BC&CEC Z.Matancic (YUG) 101. Warszawa 19.07.1947 Poland - Romania 1-2 (0-1) F J.Vlcek (CZE) 102. Bucuresti 21.09.1947 Romania - Czechoslovakia 2-6 (1-3) F M.Scheider (POL) 103. Bucuresti 12.10.1947 Romania - Hungary 0-3 (0-2) BC&CEC M.Podubski (YUG) 104. Bucuresti 26.10.1947 Romania - Poland 0-0 F A.Kamarassy (HUN) 105. Bucuresti 02.05.1948 Romania - Albania 0-1 (0-0) BCEG S.Stoianov (BUL) 106. Budapest 06.06.1948 Hungary - Romania 9-0 (2-0) BCEG P.Mlinaric (YUG) 107. Bucuresti 20.06.1948 Romania - Bulgaria 3-2 (1-2) BCEG S.Szigeti (HUN) 108. Bucuresti 04.07.1948 Romania - Czechoslovakia 2-1 (1-0) BCEG M.Schneider (POL) 109. Chorzów 10.10.1948 Poland - Romania 0-0 BCEG J.Vlcek (CZE) 110. Bucuresti 24.10.1948 Romania - Hungary 1-5 (0-1) F J.Vlcek (CZE) 111. Bucuresti 08.05.1949 Romania - Poland 2-1 (2-0) F G.Danko (HUN) 112. Praha 22.05.1949 Czechoslovakia - Romania 3-2 (2-2) F A.Dorogyi (HUN) 113. Bucuresti 23.10.1949 Romania - Albania 1-1 (1-0) F G.Danko (HUN) 114. Tirana 29.11.1949 Albania - Romania 1-4 (0-2) F F.Palasti (HUN) 115. Wroclaw 14.05.1950 Poland - Romania 3-3 (2-1) F I.Harangozo (HUN) 116. Bucuresti 21.05.1950 Romania - Czechoslovakia 1-1 (0-0) F F.Palasti (HUN) 117. Bucuresti 08.10.1950 Romania - Albania 6-0 (5-0) F J.Vlcek (CZE) 118. Praha 20.05.1951 Czechoslovakia - Romania 2-2 (1-1) F G.Danko (HUN) 119. Bucuresti 11.05.1952 Romania - Czechoslovakia 3-1 (1-0) F J.Polaretzki (HUN) 120. Bucuresti 25.05.1952 Romania - Poland 1-0 (0-0) F J.Vlcek (CZE) 121. Turku 15.07.1952 Hungary - Romania 2-1 (1-0) OG N.Latyshev (URS) 122. Bucuresti 26.10.1952 Romania - East Germany 3-1 (2-1) F T.Franczik (POL) 123. Praha 14.06.1953 Czechoslovakia - Romania 2-0 (0-0) WCQ P.Posa (HUN) 124. Bucuresti 28.06.1953 Romania - Bulgaria 3-1 (2-0) WCQ G.Schultz (GDR) 125. Sofia 11.10.1953 Bulgaria - Romania 1-2 (1-1) WCQ A.Dorogyi (HUN) 126. Bucuresti 25.10.1953 Romania - Czechoslovakia 0-1 (0-1) WCQ G.Schultz (GDR) 127. Berlin 08.05.1954 East Germany - Romania 0-1 (0-1) F J.Vlcek (CZE) 128. Budapest 19.09.1954 Hungary - Romania 5-1 (3-1) F J.Harousek (CZE) 129. Bucuresti 29.05.1955 Romania - Poland 2-2 (1-0) F N.Balakin (URS) 130. Oslo 12.06.1955 Norway - Romania 0-1 (0-1) F H.Karni (FIN) 131. Göteborg 15.06.1955 Sweden - Romania 4-1 (2-0) F H.Andersen (DAN) 132. Bucuresti 18.09.1955 Romania - East Germany 2-3 (2-1) F J.Harangozo (HUN) 133. Bucuresti 28.09.1955 Romania - Belgium 1-0 (0-0) F H.Macho (CZE) 134. Bucuresti 09.10.1955 Romania - Bulgaria 1-1 (1-0) F E.Steiner (AUT) 135. Beograd 22.04.1956 Yugoslavia - Romania 0-1 (0-0) F G.Bernardi (ITA) 136. Bucuresti 17.06.1956 Romania - Sweden 0-2 (0-1) F F.Balla (HUN) 137. Bucuresti 28.06.1956 Romania - Norway 2-0 (2-0) F B.Nedelkovski (YUG) 138. Sofia 10.09.1956 Bulgaria - Romania 2-0 (0-0) F G.Diamantopoulos (GRE) 139. Bruxelles 26.05.1957 Belgium - Romania 1-0 (1-0) F M.Bond (ENG) 140. Moskva 01.06.1957 Soviet Union - Romania 1-1 (0-0) F S.Ahlner (SWE) 141. Athinai 16.06.1957 Greece - Romania 1-2 (1-1) WCQ E.Harzic (FRA) 142. Bucuresti 29.09.1957 Romania - Yugoslavia 1-1 (0-0) WCQ F.Grill (AUT) 143. Bucuresti 03.11.1957 Romania - Greece 3-0 (0-0) WCQ P.Schwinte (FRA) 144. Beograd 17.11.1957 Yugoslavia - Romania 2-0 (0-0) WCQ F.Seipelt (AUT) 145. Leipzig 14.09.1958 East Germany - Romania 3-2 (1-1) F N.Balakin (URS) 146. Bucuresti 26.10.1958 Romania - Hungary 1-2 (1-0) F N.Saar (URS) 147. Bucuresti 02.11.1958 Romania - Turkey 3-0 (0-0) ECQ G.Dienst (SUI) 148. Istanbul 26.04.1959 Turkey - Romania 2-0 (1-0) ECQ B.Nedelkovski (YUG) 149.* Moskva 19.07.1959 Soviet Union - Romania 2-0 (1-0) OGQ H.Piatiniemi (FIN) 150.* Bucuresti 02.08.1959 Romania - Soviet Union 0-0 OGQ G.Aleksandrowicz (POL) 151. Warszawa 30.08.1959 Poland - Romania 2-3 (1-2) F N.Hlopotin (URS) 152.* Bucuresti 08.11.1959 Romania - Bulgaria 1-0 (0-0) OGQ P.Posa (HUN) 153.* Sofia 01.05.1960 Bulgaria - Romania 2-1 (2-0) OGQ N.Tsouvaras (GRE) 154. Bucuresti 22.05.1960 Romania - Czechoslovakia 0-2 (0-2) ECQ A.Dorogyi (HUN) 155. Bratislava 29.05.1960 Czechoslovakia - Romania 3-0 (3-0) ECQ F.Gulliksen (NOR) 156. Ankara 14.05.1961 Turkey - Romania 0-1 (0-0) F N.Rumiantsev (BUL) 157. Bucuresti 08.10.1961 Romania - Turkey 4-0 (1-0) F R.Righi (ITA) 158. Bucuresti 30.09.1962 Romania - Morocco 4-0 (2-0) F Z.Bajic (YUG) 159. Dresden 14.10.1962 East Germany - Romania 3-2 (1-0) F M.Macko (CZE) 160. Madrid 01.11.1962 Spain - Romania 6-0 (4-0) ECQ A.Howley (ENG) 161. Bucuresti 25.11.1962 Romania - Spain 3-1 (2-0) ECQ G.Pelomis (GRE) 162. Casablanca 23.12.1962 Morocco - Romania 3-1 (3-1) F F.Zaraquitegui (SPA) 163. Bucuresti 12.05.1963 Romania - East Germany 3-2 (0-2) F B.Tesanic (YUG) 164. Chorzów 02.06.1963 Poland - Romania 1-1 (0-0) F W.Bergmann (GDR) 165.* København 23.06.1963 Denmark - Romania 2-3 (1-1) OGQ H.Guinnard (SUI) 166. Ankara 09.10.1963 Turkey - Romania 0-0 F I.Zogas (GRE) 167.* Bucuresti 27.10.1963 Romania - Yugoslavia 2-1 (2-1) F W.Storoniak (POL) 168.* Bucuresti 03.11.1963 Romania - Denmark 2-3 (1-3) OGQ C.Zecevic (YUG) 169.* Torino 28.11.1963 Romania - Denmark 2-1 (1-0,1-1) OGQ I.Campanatti (ITA) 170.* Bucuresti 27.04.1964 Romania - Czechoslovakia 4-1 (3-0) F H.Nikolaos (GRE) 171.* Bucuresti 03.05.1964 Romania - Bulgaria 2-1 (0-0) OGQ M.Kitabidjan (FRA) 172.* Kecskemét 20.05.1964 Hungary - Romania 0-0 F G.Muncz (HUN) 173.* Sofia 31.05.1964 Bulgaria - Romania 0-1 (0-1) OGQ D.Van den Leuwen (HOL) 174.* Beograd 17.06.1964 Yugoslavia - Romania 1-2 (0-0) F G.Soos (HUN) 175.* Omiya 11.10.1964 Romania - Mexico 3-1 (2-0) OG Y.Yokoyama (JAP) 176.* Komazawa 13.10.1964 Romania - East Germany 1-1 (1-1) OG V.Korelus (CZE) 177.* Omiya 15.10.1964 Romania - Iran 1-0 (1-0) OG M.Comesana (ARG) 178.* Yokohama 18.10.1964 Hungary - Romania 2-0 (1-0) OG M.Ashkenazi (ISR) 179.* Osaka 20.10.1964 Romania - Ghana 4-2 (3-2) OG G.de Silva (MLS) 180.* Osaka 22.10.1964 Romania - Yugoslavia 3-0 (0-0) OG I.Zsolt (HUN) 181. Bucuresti 02.05.1965 Romania - Turkey 3-0 (1-0) WCQ P.Schiller (AUT) 182. Bucuresti 30.05.1965 Romania - Czechoslovakia 1-0 (1-0) WCQ F.Koepke (GDR) 183. Lisabona 13.06.1965 Portugal - Romania 2-1 (2-0) WCQ M.Kitabidjan (FRA) 184. Praha 19.09.1965 Czechoslovakia - Romania 3-1 (1-1) WCQ W.Storoniak (POL) 185. Ankara 23.10.1965 Turkey - Romania 2-1 (1-0) WCQ R.Preja (ALB) 186. Bucuresti 21.11.1965 Romania - Portugal 2-0 (2-0) WCQ G.Dienst (SUI) 187. Ludwigshafen 01.06.1966 FR Germany - Romania 1-0 (0-0) F F.Mayer (AUT) 188. Bucuresti 19.06.1966 Romania - Uruguay 1-0 (1-0) F 189. Porto 03.07.1966 Portugal - Romania 1-0 (1-0) F A.Buchelli (SUI) 190. Gera 21.09.1966 East Germany - Romania 2-0 (0-0) F E.T.Janings (ENG) 191. Bucuresti 02.11.1966 Romania - Switzerland 4-2 (4-0) ECQ J.Finney (ENG) 192. Ploiesti 17.11.1966 Romania - Poland 4-3 (2-0) F R.Barde (FRA) 193. Napoli 26.11.1966 Italy - Romania 3-1 (2-1) ECQ G.Schullenburg (FRG) 194. Nicosia 03.12.1966 Cyprus - Romania 1-5 (1-0) ECQ A.Lentini (MAL) 195. Tel-Aviv 07.12.1966 Israel - Romania 1-2 (1-1) F A.Monastiriotis (GRE) 196. Montevideo 04.01.1967 Uruguay - Romania 1-1 (0-1) F F.Pardinas (URU) 197. Athinai 08.03.1967 Greece - Romania 1-2 (1-1) F G.Ianopoulos (GRE) 198. Paris 22.03.1967 France - Romania 1-2 (0-1) F W.Baumgarten (FRG) 199. Bucuresti 23.04.1967 Romania - Cyprus 7-0 (3-0) ECQ M.Gugulovic (YUG) 200. Zurich 24.05.1967 Switzerland - Romania 7-1 (3-0) ECQ M.Lacoste (FRA) 201. Bucuresti 25.06.1967 Romania - Italy 0-1 (0-0) ECQ M.Arribas (SPA) 202. Krakow 29.10.1967 Poland - Romania 0-0 F T.Votava (HUN) 203.* Berlin 18.11.1967 East Germany - Romania 1-0 (1-0) OGQ V.Davidek (CZE) 204. Bucuresti 22.11.1967 Romania - FR Germany 1-0 (0-0) F F.Mayer (AUT) 205.* Bucuresti 06.12.1967 Romania - East Germany 0-1 (0-1) OGQ L.Elinski (POL) 206. Kinshasa 24.12.1967 Zaire - Romania 1-1 (0-1) F 207. Linz 01.05.1968 Austria - Romania 1-1 (0-1) F K.Galba (CZE) 208. Bucuresti 05.06.1968 Romania - Netherlands 0-0 F N.Soner (TUR) 209. Lisabona 27.10.1968 Portugal - Romania 3-0 (2-0) WCQ J.W.Callaghan (WAL) 210. Bucuresti 06.11.1968 Romania - England 0-0 F R.Fiala (CZE) 211. Bucuresti 23.11.1968 Romania - Switzerland 2-0 (0-0) WCQ N.Soner (TUR) 212. London 15.01.1969 England - Romania 1-1 (1-0) F J.W.Callaghan (WAL) 213. Athinai 16.04.1969 Greece - Romania 2-2 (0-0) WCQ A.Sbardella (ITA) 214. Paris 30.04.1969 France - Romania 1-0 (0-0) F B.de Marchi (ITA) 215. Lausanne 14.05.1969 Switzerland - Romania 0-1 (0-1) WCQ T.Warton (SCO) 216. Beograd 03.09.1969 Yugoslavia - Romania 1-1 (0-1) F L.Viszany (HUN) 217. Bucuresti 12.10.1969 Romania - Portugal 1-0 (1-0) WCQ R.Canak (YUG) 218. Bucuresti 16.11.1969 Romania - Greece 1-1 (1-0) WCQ J.Adair (NIR) 219. Lima 09.02.1970 Peru - Romania 1-1 (0-1) F C.A.Orosco Guerrero (PER) 220. Stuttgart 08.04.1970 FR Germany - Romania 1-1 (1-1) F G.Emsberger (HUN) 221. Reims 28.04.1970 France - Romania 2-0 (2-0) F O.Hubert (SUI) 222. Bucuresti 06.05.1970 Romania - Yugoslavia 0-0 F P.Nikolov (BUL) 223. Guadalajara 02.06.1970 England - Romania 1-0 (0-0) WC V.Loraux (BEL) 224. Guadalajara 06.06.1970 Romania - Czechoslovakia 2-1 (0-1) WC D.de Leo (MEX) 225. Guadalajara 10.06.1970 Brazil - Romania 3-2 (2-1) WC F.Marschall (AUT) 226. Bucuresti 11.10.1970 Romania - Finland 3-0 (2-0) ECQ L.Vamvakopoulos (GRE) 227. Cardiff 11.11.1970 Wales - Romania 0-0 ECQ A.van Gemert (HOL) 228. Amsterdam 02.12.1970 Netherlands - Romania 2-0 (1-0) F T.Warton (SCO) 229.* Bucuresti 18.04.1971 Romania - Albania 2-1 (1-0) OGQ F.Woehrer (AUT) 230. Novi Sad 21.04.1971 Yugoslavia - Romania 0-1 (0-0) F E.Papavasiliou (GRE) 231. Bratislava 16.05.1971 Czechoslovakia - Romania 1-0 (1-0) ECQ F.Leite (POR) 232.* Tirana 26.05.1971 Albania - Romania 1-2 (1-0) OGQ M.El Azhari (MAR) 233. Helsinki 22.09.1971 Finland - Romania 0-4 (0-2) ECQ P.Kamber (SUI) 234.* København 10.10.1971 Denmark - Romania 2-1 (2-0) OGQ K.Ohmsen (FRG) 235. Bucuresti 14.11.1971 Romania - Czechoslovakia 2-1 (1-0) ECQ M.Gugulovic (YUG) 236. Bucuresti 24.11.1971 Romania - Wales 2-0 (1-0) ECQ A.Delcourt (BEL) 237. Casablanca 30.01.1972 Morocco - Romania 2-4 (0-2) F M.Marjani (MAR) 238. Bucuresti 08.04.1972 Romania - France 2-0 (1-0) F J.Strmecki (YUG) 239. Bucuresti 23.04.1972 Romania - Peru 2-2 (0-2) F N.Zlatanos (GRE) 240. Budapest 29.04.1972 Hungary - Romania 1-1 (1-0) ECQ D.Smith (ENG) 241. Bucuresti 14.05.1972 Romania - Hungary 2-2 (1-2) ECQ K.Tschenscher (FRG) 242. Beograd 17.05.1972 Hungary - Romania 2-1 (1-1) ECQ C.Michas (GRE) 243.* Bucuresti 21.05.1972 Romania - Denmark 2-3 (0-1) OGQ G.Katsoras (GRE) 244. Bucuresti 17.06.1972 Romania - Italy 3-3 (1-2) F M.Gugulovic (YUG) 245. Craiova 03.09.1972 Romania - Austria 1-1 (1-1) F N.Mladenovic (YUG) 246. Helsinki 20.09.1972 Finland - Romania 1-1 (0-0) WCQ S.Eksztajn (POL) 247. Bucuresti 29.10.1972 Romania - Albania 2-0 (2-0) WCQ L.Vamvakopoulos (GRE) 248. Kiev 18.04.1973 Soviet Union - Romania 2-0 (1-0) F I.Szilvasi (HUN) 249. Tirana 06.05.1973 Albania - Romania 1-4 (0-2) WCQ M.Raus (YUG) 250. Bucuresti 27.05.1973 Romania - East Germany 1-0 (0-0) WCQ E.Linemayr (AUT) 251. Leipzig 26.09.1973 East Germany - Romania 2-0 (1-0) WCQ R.Scheurrer (SUI) 252. Bucuresti 14.10.1973 Romania - Finland 9-0 (5-0) WCQ G.Emsberger (HUN) 253. Paris 23.03.1974 France - Romania 1-0 (0-0) F J.Homewood (ENG) 254. Sao Paolo 17.04.1974 Brazil - Romania 2-0 (2-0) F B.Wurtz (FRA) 255. Buenos Aires 22.04.1974 Argentina - Romania 2-1 (0-1) F A.Ithurralde (ARG) 256. Bucuresti 29.05.1974 Romania - Greece 3-1 (2-1) BC Z.Turkdogan (TUR) 257. Rotterdam 05.06.1974 Netherlands - Romania 0-0 F R.Lattanzi (ITA) 258. Constanta 23.07.1974 Romania - Japan 4-1 (1-0) F L.Raduncev (BUL) 259. Sofia 25.09.1974 Bulgaria - Romania 0-0 F M.Gugulovic (YUG) 260. København 13.10.1974 Denmark - Romania 0-0 ECQ F.Biwersi (FRG) 261. Tel-Aviv 04.12.1974 Israel - Romania 0-1 (0-0) F P.Derks (HOL) 262. Istanbul 19.03.1975 Turkey - Romania 1-1 (1-1) F W.Spiegl (AUT) 263. Praha 31.03.1975 Czechoslovakia - Romania 1-1 (1-0) F W.Karolek (POL) 264. Madrid 17.04.1975 Spain - Romania 1-1 (1-0) ECQ C.Corver (HOL) 265. Bucuresti 11.05.1975 Romania - Denmark 6-1 (2-0) ECQ N.Zlatanos (GRE) 266. Bucuresti 01.06.1975 Romania - Scotland 1-1 (1-0) ECQ E.Dilek (TUR) 267.* Bucuresti 04.06.1975 Romania - Denmark 4-0 (1-0) OGQ H.Ok (TUR) 268.* København 18.06.1975 Denmark - Romania 1-2 (1-0) OGQ R.Hangen (NOR) 269. Salonic 24.09.1975 Greece - Romania 1-1 (0-1) BC M.Kajic (YUG) 270. Bucuresti 12.10.1975 Romania - Turkey 2-2 (1-1) F M.Kuston (POL) 271. Bucuresti 16.11.1975 Romania - Spain 2-2 (0-1) ECQ H.J.Weylland (FRG) 272. Bucuresti 29.11.1975 Romania - Soviet Union 2-2 (1-1) F R.Glockner (GDR) 273.* Blois 03.12.1975 France - Romania 4-0 (1-0) OGQ J.Homewood (ENG) 274. Glasgow 17.12.1975 Scotland - Romania 1-1 (1-0) ECQ A.Prokop (GDR) 275.* Bucuresti 24.03.1976 Romania - France 1-0 (1-0) OGQ G.Katsoras (GRE) 276.* Roosendaal 06.04.1976 Netherlands - Romania 0-3 (0-0) OGQ N.Roller (LUX) 277.* Bucuresti 14.04.1976 Romania - Netherlands 5-1 (3-1) OGQ R.Casha (MAL) 278. Veliko Tarnovo 12.05.1976 Bulgaria - Romania 1-0 (0-0) BC O.Cebge (TUR) 279. Milano 05.06.1976 Italy - Romania 4-2 (0-0) F P.Schiller (AUT) 280. Teheran 02.07.1976 Iran - Romania 2-2 (1-1) F 281. Bucuresti 22.09.1976 Romania - Czechoslovakia 1-1 (1-1) F P.Koliropoulos (GRE) 282. Praha 06.10.1976 Czechoslovakia - Romania 3-2 (1-1) F B.Nagy (HUN) 283. Bucuresti 28.11.1976 Romania - Bulgaria 3-2 (0-1) BC T.Tsanaklidis (GRE) 284. Bucuresti 23.03.1977 Romania - Turkey 4-0 (1-0) BC P.Koliropoulos (GRE) 285. Bucuresti 16.04.1977 Romania - Spain 1-0 (1-0) WCQ J.P.Gordon (SCO) 286. Bucuresti 27.04.1977 Romania - East Germany 1-1 (1-1) F S.Ibanez (SPA) 287. Zagreb 08.05.1977 Yugoslavia - Romania 0-2 (0-2) WCQ M.Ashkenazi (ISR) 288. Teheran 05.08.1977 Iran - Romania 0-0 F 289. Rabat 14.08.1977 Romania - Czechoslovakia 3-1 (2-1) F M.Larache (MAR) 290. Bucuresti 21.09.1977 Romania - Greece 6-1 (4-1) F R.Vigliani (FRA) 291. Madrid 26.10.1977 Spain - Romania 2-0 (0-0) WCQ R.Wurtz (FRA) 292. Bucuresti 13.11.1977 Romania - Yugoslavia 4-6 (3-2) WCQ A.Delcourt (BEL) 293. Istanbul 22.03.1978 Turkey - Romania 1-1 (1-0) BC T.Manojlovski (YUG) 294. Buenos Aires 05.04.1978 Argentina - Romania 2-0 (2-0) F J.Cardellino (URU) 295. Bucuresti 05.05.1978 Romania - Bulgaria 2-0 (1-0) BC V.Tauzes (YUG) 296. Bucuresti 14.05.1978 Romania - Soviet Union 0-1 (0-1) F M.Srodecki (POL) 297. Sofia 31.05.1978 Bulgaria - Romania 1-1 (1-1) BC D.Sarakinos (GRE) 298. Bucuresti 11.10.1978 Romania - Poland 1-0 (1-0) F I.Jezov (BUL) 299. Bucuresti 25.10.1978 Romania - Yugoslavia 3-2 (0-1) ECQ R.Lattanzi (ITA) 300. Valencia 15.11.1978 Spain - Romania 1-0 (1-0) ECQ J.Kaiser (HOL) 301. Athinai 13.12.1978 Greece - Romania 2-1 (1-0) F J.Peters (BEL) 302. Tel-Aviv 19.12.1978 Israel - Romania 1-1 (0-0) F F.Linz (AUT) 303. Bucuresti 21.03.1979 Romania - Greece 3-0 (2-0) F S.Lukov (BUL) 304. Craiova 04.04.1979 Romania - Spain 2-2 (0-0) ECQ M.van Langenhov (BEL) 305. Limassol 13.05.1979 Cyprus - Romania 1-1 (1-1) ECQ D.Parmakov (BUL) 306. Berlin 01.06.1979 East Germany - Romania 1-0 (0-0) F K.Palotai (HUN) 307. Warszawa 29.08.1979 Poland - Romania 3-0 (1-0) F A.Mattson (FIN) 308. Moskva 14.10.1979 Soviet Union - Romania 3-1 (2-1) F A.Nikic (YUG) 309. Kossovo 31.10.1979 Yugoslavia - Romania 2-1 (0-0) ECQ J.Redfels (FRG) 310. Bucuresti 18.11.1979 Romania - Cyprus 2-0 (1-0) ECQ D.Krchnak (CZE) 311.* Bogota 11.01.1980 Romania - Hungary B 2-2 (0-0) F G.R.Velasquez (COL) 312. Napoli 16.02.1980 Italy - Romania 2-1 (0-0) F C.Corver (HOL) 313. Beograd 31.03.1980 Yugoslavia - Romania 2-0 (1-0) BC N.Ozbigrul (TUR) 314. Bucuresti 02.04.1980 Romania - East Germany 2-2 (1-0) F S.Lukov (BUL) 315. Brno 18.05.1980 Czechoslovakia - Romania 2-1 (1-0) F W.Hermann (GDR) 316. Bruxelles 06.06.1980 Belgium - Romania 2-1 (0-1) F J.Baumann (SUI) 317. Bucuresti 27.08.1980 Romania - Yugoslavia 4-1 (2-0) BC A.Vassaras (GRE) 318. Varna 10.09.1980 Bulgaria - Romania 1-2 (0-1) F A.Jarguz (POL) 319. Oslo 24.09.1980 Norway - Romania 1-1 (1-1) WCQ S.Kirchen (GDR) 320. Bucuresti 15.10.1980 Romania - England 2-1 (1-0) WCQ U.Eriksson (SWE) 321. Bucuresti 25.03.1981 Romania - Poland 2-0 (2-0) F A.Jakarov (BUL) 322. Tel-Aviv 08.04.1981 Israel - Romania 2-1 (1-1) F Y.Tilinger (ISR) 323. København 15.04.1981 Denmark - Romania 2-1 (0-0) F U.Eriksson (SWE) 324. London 29.04.1981 England - Romania 0-0 WCQ H.Adlinger (FRG) 325. Budapest 13.05.1981 Hungary - Romania 1-0 (1-0) WCQ A.Ponnet (BEL) 326. Bucuresti 03.06.1981 Romania - Norway 1-0 (0-0) WCQ E.Goksel (TUR) 327. Bucuresti 09.09.1981 Romania - Bulgaria 1-2 (1-0) F V.Vourakis (GRE) 328. Bucuresti 23.09.1981 Romania - Hungary 0-0 WCQ E.Linemayr (AUT) 329. Bucuresti 10.10.1981 Romania - Switzerland 1-2 (0-0) WCQ E.Barbaresco (ITA) 330. Bern 11.11.1981 Switzerland - Romania 0-0 WCQ C.da Lus Dias Correia (POR) 331. Bruxelles 24.03.1982 Belgium - Romania 4-1 (2-0) F D.Lambert (FRA |
less to as much as 800 MW in late February. Daily payments to regulation service providers surged from $100,000 to more than $400,000, the ISO’s Monitor found last month.
The ISO rolled back regulation requirements to previous levels for summer because of more predictable weather patterns.
Further compounding the spring forecasting issue is the increasing adoption of residential rooftop solar, which is subject to the same variability as utility-scale projects. The ISO estimates it has nearly 5,000 MW in rooftop solar in its balancing area, with new installations added daily. Variability in behind-the-meter rooftop output complicates matters by causing loads to skew from forecasts depending on whether the sun is shining.
The problem “happens more in the off-season — with more of the clouds coming in,” said Amber Motley, CAISO short-term forecasting manager. “Timing and forecasting of [generation] ramps are very difficult. Forecasting cloud coverage is difficult.”
Variable wind production can also be a factor, with cold fronts making it difficult to predict the timing of wind ramps and changes in wind direction causing intermittency.
Clyde Loutan, ISO senior advisor for renewable energy integration, said weather changes can occur too quickly to incorporate revised forecasts into the real-time market run. He also pointed out that forecasting errors are not covered under the ISO’s real-time contingency dispatch process, which sets aside generation to allow the system to recover from major disturbances.
“So you have to rely on regulation,” Loutan said.
“Seems like it’s more a failure of the forecast,” said Dan Williams, CAISO markets analyst at Portland General Electric. “And that should be changed by changing the market rather than rolling it into regulation.”
Loutan countered that he didn’t know of any forecaster that could reflect the intermittency in the five-minute market.
“When you think about how these markets were designed, they were really designed for conventional units,” he said.
Loutan also pointed to a clear financial incentive driving the ISO’s increased requirement.
“Back in January we had some pretty bad days when we didn’t control the frequency well enough,” he said. “For 11 hours, we had a hard time controlling the system. We found out that we were running out of regulation.”
If the condition had persisted longer than 30 consecutive minutes, the ISO would have been subject to as much as $1 million in NERC penalties, he said.
Carolyn Kehrein, principal consultant for the Energy Users Forum, suggested that increased regulation costs should be allocated to intermittent resources if the forecasting problem continued and the ISO didn’t develop new tools to deal with it. She said increased costs for intermittency should encourage the “right kind” of renewable development, such as geothermal.
Wei Zhou, senior project manager with Southern California Edison, agreed with applying the cost-causation principle to the problem.
“This is something that we’re looking at long-term,” said Loutan, referring to the forecasting issue at large. “But for now we just wanted to explain why we increased our regulation procurement.”Google is known for paying big bucks to hackers that can crack its security, but this time its doubling its $50,000 bug bounty.
Anyone who can create a recurring hack for a Chromebook or Chromebox that’s working on guest mode – meaning it comes back even after the machine’s been rebooted – will earn a solid $100,000.
Given that guest mode is designed to separate the machine’s user data from those of another person who’s using it as a once off, the company is clearly concerned this could offer an as yet unexploited way into your whole Google life.
The company gave out $2 million last year to hackers it has asked to try to jump over its walls – but so far no one has submitted a successful submission for the Chrome Reward Program concerned with persistent, remote hacking.
There’s no maximum number of submissions you can make, so, if you find one, how about going for two? You’ll not have to work for a year or so after.
All of the rules for the Chrome Reward Program, which covers both Chrome and Chrome OS, can be found here.
The easiest instabilities found only qualify for a $500 reward, with a focus on medium to critical bugs, but Google says: “any clever vulnerability at any severity might get a reward.”
➤ Get rich or hack tryin’ [Google via ZDNet]
Read next: 'Smart Reply' hits Inbox by Gmail for desktopTo the mom at the water park:
It was hot today — 90 degrees, the sun high and strong in the sky. To escape the heat of the afternoon, my husband and I took our kids to a small water park. This one has a green frog with big pink eyes and water squirting from its mouth, a red and white mushroom with a watery canopy, and a huge bucket, poised and ready to dump gallons of water on the small faces, filled with pure delight, hovering underneath in expectation.
My baby girl, my second-born, arrived almost a year ago, and so, embarrassed about the squishy stomach I now have (and a body a server at a restaurant referred to as "big-boned" yesterday), I put on a skirt and tank top. That server's words — the words of another mother, no less — rang in my mind as I stood choosing what to wear this afternoon. I'm a person trying not to be at war with her body, and I've been doing well, but her words were like a match, lighting a new fire of self-doubt — and I felt consumed by it.
But I saw you there today at the water park. I saw you there, in your navy blue and turquoise bathing suit, with your small boys, running and playing with them. I saw you stand under that giant bucket of water with them. I saw you play in the fountains of water, tossing your head in laughter. I saw you, not caring at all about what anyone thought. And I admired you and felt ashamed and stupid for being in my skirt and tank top, sitting on the sidelines, while my husband played with our kids. My husband had even come to tell me that I should hear my small daughter squealing as she played in the water.
And so I ran into the water sprinklers. I played with my kids. I soaked my skirt and laughed at how silly I was for not wearing my bathing suit — and I even said this to you. You smiled and said, "It's OK. I understand." And we shared a knowing look. The look women share when we really understand one another. And I felt at peace, for the moment, with my body. I wished, then and there, that I could put on my bikini and run with abandon alongside you in yours.
I have a daughter. I teach English at an all-girls' school. And I want these girls of mine — daughter and students alike — to know that their bodies are the homes of their souls and the homes of their minds. For each, her body is simply a vessel for the woman she is. And my cellulite, my stretch marks — the signs that I'm a mother of two — are just outer marks on a body and a mind that have done some hard work.
I vowed to myself, there in that kitschy water park, that I won't ever sit on the sidelines again. I won't deny a pool date because I don't want to wear my bathing suit. I won't skip the ice cream with my son when he begs me to eat one with him. I won't enter calories on my phone. I will wear my bathing suit. And I will do it and remember you, the mom at the water park today — and the role model I must be for all my girls.
As I vowed this to myself, holding a tired baby while my husband and son stood under that bucket of water one more time, I saw a small, purple butterfly. I pointed her out to my daughter, and we watched her flutter through the concrete jungle of the water park. Butterflies are a symbol of a change of consciousness and a new beginning. How fitting on a day when I vow to wear my bathing suit with pride. And how fitting that my daughter's bathing suit has butterflies on it, too.
(Join Kara on Facebook for more stories like this one!)
Parts of this were excerpted from "A Letter for Every Mother" by Kara Lawler and Regan Long. (Copyright 2018) Used with permission from Center Street, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
Be sure to check out the new book "A Letter for Every Mother" by Kara Lawler and Regan Long.With former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about to formally kick off her presidential campaign with a rally in New York this weekend, rival for the Democratic nomination Bernie Sanders is demanding she make her positions on critical issues—especially pending trade agreements—more clear.
At a breakfast hosted by The Christian Science Monitor in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, Sanders said he is "offended by Mrs. Clinton’s silence on trade and urged her to share her real views with voters," the New York Times reported.
"Trade policies have been disastrous," Sanders reportedly said, calling on Clinton to elucidate her stance on mammoth trade deals like the Trans Pacific Partnership. "If she’s against this, we need her to speak out, right now."
Sanders, of course, has been an outspoken opponent of such corporate-friendly pacts.
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And the senator isn't alone in urging Clinton to come clean on trade.
"This vote is the whole ballgame," Campaign for America's Future fellow Dave Johnson wrote earlier this week, referring to Fast Track, or trade promotion authority, which the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to take up on Friday. "It won’t matter what Clinton might say later about TPP, because Wall Street and the giant multinational corporations will do what it takes to make sure it will pass the Republican House and Senate."
According to the Times, "Sanders then listed a number of issues where he said Mrs. Clinton has failed to share her views, including climate change, the Keystone Pipeline and the renewal of the Patriot Act."
"What is the secretary’s point of view on that?" he asked of the act that he voted against.
In a separate article, the Times reports that in her kick-off speech on Saturday, Clinton "will directly address concerns that have emerged in the early weeks of her candidacy, telling voters they can trust her to fight for the middle class and stressing that she cares about their problems."Last week, the ideological environmentalist group Friends of the Earth (FOE) launched another attack in its misinformation campaign against biotech crops. FOE's latest salvo is its report "Who Benefits from GM Crops?," issued explicitly to counter the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications' (ISAAA) annual global assessment of biotech crops. FOE claims biotech crops yield less than conventional crops, harm the environment, are technologically stagnant, have done nothing to help poor farmers, and are monopolized by a few giant corporations.
The ISAAA 2007 report on the global status paints a far different picture. The ISAAA notes that farmers around the world continue their rapid adoption of biotech crop varieties. In 2007 the global planting of biotech crops rose to an all time high of 282 million acres, a 12 percent increase over 2006. In addition, the number of farmers choosing to grow biotech crops rose from 10.3 million in 2006 to over 12 million in 2007. The ISAAA report notes that 11 million of the biotech growers are resource poor farmers in developing countries, the majority of whom cultivate insect-resistant cotton. Biotech crops are now planted in 23 countries, and 29 others have approved the import of biotech food and feed.
Let's look at FOE's claims about the alleged faults of biotech crops.
Do biotech crops yield less than conventional crops? FOE is artful in its use of data. Some biotech varieties did initially impose slight yield penalties when compared to conventional varieties. This occurred because breeders improved conventional varieties during the years it took biotech crops to be approved by regulatory agencies. Even so, farmers adopted slightly lower yielding biotech crops because they were cheaper to grow. Biotech crops need fewer pesticide applications and require less plowing. A 2006 study by the British agricutural and food economics consultancy, PG Economics, found no impact from biotech on soy yields while cotton and corn enjoyed higher yields. Even though biotech seeds cost more, overall lower production costs more than make up for the initial expense. The PG Economics report estimates that biotech crops have increased farm incomes by $27 billion since 1996.
Do biotech crops harm the environment? FOE claims that biotech crops use more pesticides than conventional varieties and it identifies crops resistant to the herbicide glyphosate (aka Roundup) as the chief offenders. Farmers kill weeds without harming their biotech crops by spraying with glyphosate. The PG Economics study found that the adoption of biotech crops reduced the use of pesticides since 1996 by 224 million kilograms (493 million pounds), or just about 7 percent.
In addition, herbicide resistant crops enable farmers to switch to no-till farming which dramatically reduces soil erosion. In fact, an August 2007 study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds that "no-till farming can build soil fertility even with intensive farming methods." However, some regions experienced an increased use of glyphosate as farmers shifted to no-till agriculture. So if glyphosate applications are going up, is it harmful to the environment or human health? Not even the hyper-cautious Pesticide Action Network puts glyphosate on its list of "bad actors." Nor does glyphosate linger in the environment—it is rapidly degraded by soil microbes with a half-life of a week to several months, which is shorter than many of the herbicides that it replaces.
FOE also claims that spraying biotech crops with herbicides is forcing the faster evolution of herbicide resistant superweeds. Just as bacteria eventually evolve to resist antibiotics, so too do weeds evolve to resist herbicides. This process started with the introduction of modern herbicides after World War II, well before the advent of modern biotech varieties. Fortunately, biotechnology is a fine tool for developing new ways to control weeds.
FOE argues that crop biotechnology has stagnated and correctly points out that the vast majority of biotech crop varieties incorporate just two traits: insect resistance and herbicide tolerance. These traits are valuable to farmers though they don't not offer obvious benefits to consumers. If few new biotech crops have yet to make it to the tables of consumers, FOE can take a good bit of the credit. FOE and other ideological environmentalists have campaigned tirelessly to block the development and spread of new beneficial biotech crop traits. FOE does its best to stop biotech in its tracks and then turns around to assert that researchers have developed nothing new.
However, FOE will soon not be able to make that hypocritical claim. Biotech researchers are now incorporating traits for drought resistance, salt tolerance, and one which enables plants to thrive on half a dose of nitrogen fertilizer. Crops with these traits will be particularly valuable for poor farmers in developing countries. Despite FOE's opposition, "Golden Rice," which has been genetically improved to help prevent vitamin A deficiency, which blinds 300,000 to 500,000 poor children each year, should become available by 2011. In addition, researchers are creating crops that provide enhanced nutrition such as tomatoes with increased folate.
Anti-biotech campaigns by activist groups like FOE have succeeded in frightening the governments of many developing countries into banning biotech crops. Nevertheless, biotech crops have been embraced by poor farmers around the world—whenever their governments will let them. The World Banks's World Development Report 2008 (WDR) notes that second-generation biotech crops are now making their way to the market. The WDR reports, "Transgenic rice, eggplant, mustard, cassava, banana, potato, sweet potato, lentil, and lupin have been approved for field testing in one or more countries. Many of those technologies promise substantial benefits to poor producers and consumers."
And finally, FOE complains that biotech seeds are monopolized by a few large companies. Again, FOE activists should look in the mirror to find the culprits behind this industry consolidation. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the number of startup and well-established seed companies that aimed to develop agricultural biotech exploded. But, as we've seen, crop biotech ran into a buzz saw of environmentalist opposition, especially in Europe. Consequently, since biotech seeds are relatively low in value compared to biomedical treatments, small crop biotech companies withered and the industry consolidated into fairly large companies, chiefly Monsanto, Dupont, Syngenta and Bayer. St. Louis, Missouri-based Monsanto dominates the market for biotech seed. Some 60 percent of all biotech improved seeds contain traits developed by Monsanto. FOE is certainly responsible, in part, for Monsanto's exploding profits.
Finally, let's revisit the title of FOE's new report: "Who Benefits from GM Crops?" As the ISAAA report clearly shows, millions of farmers around the world think that they benefit from biotech crops. Since this is so, FOE can only conclude that these farmers are either stupid or deluded or both. If biotech crops did not deliver their promised benefits, farmers around the world would not be adopting them at exponential rates. Not even FOE's most determined efforts to spread anti-biotech misinformation can obscure this plain fact.
Disclosure: I used to own some Monsanto shares years ago. It looks as though I should have held onto them. I don't own any other crop biotech stocks. I grew up on a farm and I can tell you that plowing and weeding are not all that much fun.
Ronald Bailey is reason's science correspondent. His most recent book, Liberation Biology: The Scientific and Moral Case for the Biotech Revolution, is available from Prometheus Books.It took this hour long conversation with Leonardo DiCaprio at SAG for me to realize that a) I had never really heard the man behind the actor talking at length about his career and craft and b) that I have been following his work since Growing Pains (!) and, without realizing it, have pretty much watched everything he’s done.
DiCaprio has had, very early on, an interesting and unconventional career, focusing first on many indie dramas up until Titanic, that opened him the gates to a whole new sets of projects and filmmakers, and gave him the opportunity to start producing films he was passionate about and needed his name to get green lit.
In this one hour long conversation at the SAG Foundation, DiCaprio looks back at his career and shares about his growth and development as an actor. I think the full session is mandatory -and inspiring- for any active or inspiring actor, but in case life doesn’t give you 1h, here are five highlights:
The 4 Elements to Break Into Hollywood
DiCaprio was born and raised in Los Angeles from New-Yorkers parents but always felt like an outsider as a kid when it came to the Hollwyood System. Even though he lived so close to Hollywood, he admits that he probably wouldn’t have made it if his mother didn’t take his passion and ambition for becoming an actor seriously, and thus didn’t make time to take him to auditions after school. “[Making it] is a combination of being in the right place at the right time, being prepared for it, being aggressive about it, and sticking with it.”
Dealing With Auditions
DiCaprio started as a kid actor and during the auditions, he used to present himself as a jack of all trades, always saying yes to any request from casting directors. After getting only No’s for a full year at around 13, he changed the way he handled the process. “The truth is it was that year of rejection where I suppose I took a different attitude toward the audition process and I started to get jobs after that. And I think it was really because I said to myself: I’m not dependent on this job. This isn’t gonna define me. I started to sell myself less, prepare more for the roles, really investigate the characters as much as I could and not feel like my self-worth was dependent on whether I booked the job or not. And I think that what clicked with me and I started realizing that casting directors weren’t necessarily looking for the broadway showmen that could do whatever they wanted but somebody that had a different attitude about the audition process. Because you know, you focus more on the work, you focus more on the character rather than selling yourself constantly to these people.”
Learning the Rope of the Job
DiCaprio’s break through role came with his This Boy’s Life performance against Robert De Niro, a role he won over 400 other kids during casting sessions. That was his first experience on a film set and one that set the foundations of his life as an actor. “I’m the most nostalgic about that movie and I remember every single day on set because everything was so new to me. Having come straight from a Sitcom where everything was very relaxed on set, everyone was constantly joking around to having De Niro walk on set and the difference, the sort of dynamic and presence that he had wit the crew, I was just like “What is going on here? I don’t quite fathom why is everyone so serious about?” And then I started to see his process, the improv, just the technical work was something that I witnessed every single day and really blew me away. Because I didn’t know how to conduct myself on a set, I was just sort of a wild animal and it was really Michael Caton-Jones that gave me some of these incredible fundamentals about making a movie. You know every time I would sort of get tired of a scene or not want to persist, he’d go “Pain is temporary, Film is forever. You go back in there and you give it everything you possibly can.“
About His Collaboration with Martin Scorsese
“The truth is, we work well together. I think we are different generations but we share similar taste in materials and the type of movies that we want to do, and I think accidentally after The Aviator things have come together simultaneously or we’ve developed things together and I suppose I’ve been convincing a few times with him and persuading him to do certain materials because I just felt there was nobody else for the job.”
DiCaprio doesn’t say this lightly as the Wolf of Wall Street took 7 years to get made, after Scorsese decided to opt-out of it few years ago, seeing the Studios wouldn’t give them the financing and freedom he wanted to have on his films. The movie kept being pushed by the Studios, but DiCaprio couldn’t convince himself doing it with anyone else but Scorsese, and waited until they finally gained full creative freedom to make it happen.
Scorsese’s Best Advice
While shooting the Wolf of Wall Street, a film pretty much filled with characters with zero moral compasses, Martin Scorsese gave an advice to Leonardo DiCaprio that rang true, he said: “Look Leo, I’ve done many films in my life and I have to say, as long as you’re honest and authentic in your portrayal of who these people are, no matter how despicable at times, no matter what part of the darker nature of humanity you’re exploring, audiences will always connect with that, and go along with that journey with you. And that’s what I found in my career.”
On that inspiring note, I let you enjoy the full conversation:
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Eater has already compiled plenty of guides on tacos, from 20 tacos to try before you die (and 21 more) to classic and even veggie tacos. But this guide is focused on places that specialize in making primarily tacos (hence, no Mariscos Jalisco, which is amazing in its own right), and are truly excelling at the art right this very moment. Eater will continue to update this list alphabetically as time goes on and big new players hit the market, but don't worry: there's also room for the longtime favorites from your neighborhood. Here now, 18 essential taco spots in Los Angeles. And, as always, hit the forums with your own suggestion.
Added Winter 2017: Cacao Mexicatessen, Burritos La Palma, Sky's Gourmet Tacos, Taco Lita
Dropped Winter 2017: Mexicali, Loteria Grill, Tacos La Carreta, Colonia Tacos Guisados
Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.Story highlights Syrian girl Zainab Alhusni dreamed of owning her own tailor shop, a neighbor says
Instead, she has become in death a symbol of the cruelty gripping Syria
"They were chosen to be at the front lines of the Syrian revolution," neighbor says
Zainab Alhusni was a simple seamstress in Syria, well-loved by all her neighbors and friends. Now, in a tragic turn of events, she has become a symbol of the cruelty gripping that conflict-wracked nation.
Alhusni was only 18 when she stepped away from her Homs residence last month to buy groceries. Her family never again saw her alive. She was whisked away by Syrian security forces to coax the surrender of her activist brother, and ended up beheaded and dismembered, a neighbor, activists and human rights groups say.
Waleed Fares, a neighbor and family friend, told CNN on Monday that Zainab's father died when she was just a toddler, leaving her mother and three siblings to fend for themselves in a country with often-unfavorable conditions for a single mother. All four children dropped out of school at a young age so they could work as laborers to provide for their family, Fares said.
Zainab dreamed of owning her own tailor shop, so she could support her impoverished family, he said. But she never had a chance to fulfill that dream.
Her older brother, Mohammed, became a well-known activist in the family's hometown of Homs in western Syria, often leading the demonstrations against embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and treating the wounded.
"Protesters would carry Mohammed on their shoulders so he could lead the chants," Fares said. "He was very loved by everyone. The protesters even had a chant they would say for him, using his nickname: 'Abu Ahmed, may Allah protect you!'"
Security forces pursued Mohammed Alhusni for months, raiding his family's home several times, causing the family to flee to a nearby neighborhood on July 25, Fares said.
On July 27, Zainab Alhusni disappeared, leaving her family devastated and her siblings panicked and anxious, the neighbor said.
"If it had been her brother it would have been different. Taking Zainab, it became a matter of family honor and family pride. Her mother was beyond depressed. She seemed to be between life and death," Fares said.
Neighbors and family friends called on each other to collect donations to ease the family's financial troubles, but this became the least of the Alhusni family's concerns.
Several days after Zainab disappeared, security forces called the family and offered to meet them in a pro-Assad neighborhood where they would trade Zainab for her activist brother.
JUST WATCHED Syrian family describe daily violence Replay More Videos... MUST WATCH Syrian family describe daily violence 03:26
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"The family did not trust the security forces. They would not even confirm to them that Zainab was alive, and they all believed it was a trap to take Mohammed, too," Fares said.
On September 10, the family says, Mohammed was wounded in a demonstration. He came back to his loved ones a corpse. The family believes he was tortured to death.
In a statement posted to YouTube, another brother, Yousif Alhusni, describes multiple gunshot wounds to Mohammed's chest and a single shot through his mouth.
"His arms were broken and there were cigarette burns to his face," he adds.
The family went to collect Mohammed's body from a hospital when doctors told them another unclaimed body with the label "Zainab Alhusni" had been kept in the morgue's freezer for some time.
When the family received the body, her head and arms had been chopped off. Chunks of her flesh were charred, appearing in places to have been melted or burned down to the bone.
Authorities forced Zainab's mother to sign a document saying both her daughter and her son had been kidnapped and killed by an armed gang, Amnesty International said in an online statement
"If it is confirmed that Zainab was in custody when she died, this would be one of the most disturbing cases of a death in detention we have seen so far," said Philip Luther, Amnesty International's deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa.
The case also drew the antipathy of the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which characterized the incident as "appalling" and an example of the "targeting and attacking of families and sympathizers of the protesters by security forces."
The ferocious Syrian government crackdown against dissenters began in mid-March when anti-government protests unfolded. The number of people killed over the past six months has reached at least 2,700, according to the U.N. human rights office. Some activist groups put the toll at around 3,000.
Syrian authorities could not be reached for comment on the Alhusni case. The Syrian government has maintained armed gangs with foreign agendas, not the regime, are responsible for the violence that has plagued the Arab country for months.
CNN cannot independently verify the authenticity of the video, the claims, or the death toll because the government has repeatedly denied requests for journalists to report inside Syria.
"Perhaps more than any other family they were chosen to be at the front lines of the Syrian revolution," Fares said of the Alhusni family. "They were very poor, so they felt the brunt of the injustice more than any other family. For Mohammed at least, he felt he had nothing to lose."
The neighborhood where the family lived, Bab Alsibaa, held a rally for Zainab on Sunday, and people vowed the brutality that destroyed the Alhusni family could only strengthen their resolve.
"The case of Zainab Alhusni is not just for our town, or province, or even for the country of Syria. It is a human rights issue that should bring the attention of the world," Fares said.
But despite Fares' insistence that "after Zainab our chants are louder, our numbers greater," he admitted the people of Bab Alsibaa constantly worry about their female family members.
"Even stepping outside the home is a risk for women now," he said.Angry Birds Seasons takes the captivating gameplay of the original to a whole new level! From Halloween to Chinese New Year, the birds are celebrating different festive seasons around the world! With more than 300 levels and regular free updates, these special episodes offer more challenging levels of pig-popping action and golden eggs to discover. "All the fun of Angry Birds, but more challenging, and with pumpkins and presents." -- Slide to Play "More of the great Angry Birds gameplay you’ve come to know. Well designed and incredibly challenging levels." -- Gamezebo What's new in this version: Game on! We’re continuing the NBA season with a new All-Star addition to the NBA Ham Dunk episode! - 15 new NBA All-Star levels + 1 new golden egg level! - Free throw! Use one free Shockwave per level in new All-Star levels. With more than 1 billion downloads, Angry Birds is the most popular mobile game of all time. Join the global phenomenon! Become a fan of Angry Birds on Facebook: http://facebook.angrybirds.com Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.angrybirds.com Terms of Use: http://www.rovio.com/eula Privacy Policy: http://www.rovio.com/privacy This game may include: - Direct links to social networking websites that are intended for an audience over the age of 13. - Direct links to the internet that can take players away from the game with the potential to browse any web page. - Advertising of Rovio products and also products from select partners.Posted 01 November 2011 01:00 CET by etdragon
BitTorrent users are being targeted by yet another huge lawsuit, except this time it’s not because of movies, games, or music. This time, it’s all about books. John Wiley and Sons have filed suit against 27 BitTorrent users in New York federal court. The publisher claims those users shared their “For Dummies” books illegally, without permission.
This marks the first time a book publisher has jumped into a mass BitTorrent lawsuit, something movie and music studios have been doing for quite some time. Torrent Freak obtained the complaint (pdf) filed by the book company. The complaint alleges that the activity happened on October 18th and 19th of this year.
The publisher claims that the huge amount of piracy that happens on BitTorrent is causing them financial hardship and that it may force them to lay off some writers. The complaint states,
“Defendants are contributing to a problem that threatens the profitability of Wiley. Although Wiley cannot determine at this time the precise amount of revenue that it has lost as a result of peer-to-peer file sharing of its copyrighted works though BitTorrent software, the amount of revenue that is lost is enormous.”
The complaint calls out a few specific books including “AutoCAD 2011 for Dummies,” “Day Trading for Dummies”, “Calculus Essential for Dummies”, “Word Press For Dummies”, and “Photoshop CS 5 All-In-One For Dummies.”
The complaint also lists a concern that the pirated books may cause an impact on the image of John Wiley and Sons. Specifically it states,
“Wiley is also concerned that these unauthorized electronic editions of its works may be of inferior quality to the original versions.”
The document specifically lists the IP addresses of the 27 defendants, all of whom live in the state of New York. That tidbit is quite relevant considering recent mass lawsuits have been thrown out of other courts due to the fact that all the defendants did not reside in the state in which the claim was filed.
What is also important is that John Wiley and Sons is setting a precedent. There is currently no information about whether or not they have, or will, offer settlements to the defendants but whether they do or not, other book publishers are watching. If this lawsuit is successful other large book publishers will likely follow with similar complaints.Less than five months after |
Part of the solution will, necessarily, not only be a change in rules, but a change infrastructure. Some places in Halifax, I do not know how to proceed legally (entering Bell Road from the Commons), and in others, it is impossible. Bike lanes can make safe and law-abiding choices the obvious thing to do. Engineers aim for creating roads in which only 85 percent of drivers will choose to follow the speed limit. In the same way, we can build streets in which more than 85 percent of cyclists will follow the rules because it is the easy, safe, self-evident thing to do.
Someday, I would like to bike to work in the morning knowing every rule I should follow and knowing I followed those rules. Even better, I’d like to know others on the road understand those rules too. Then I could feel I belong there.
Feature Image by Dean Bouchard from the Spacing Atlantic Flickr Group
Author update: December 4th, 2015
Editor’s Note – a PSA from our friends at Halifax Cycling Coalition: It’s time to make the rules of the road better for all road users. Could we re-name it the Traffic Safety Act? Should we make it illegal to turn right in front of a person on a bicycle? Should we make the penalties tougher for not letting a bus in to traffic? The Halifax Cycling Coalition and our partners have made a list of ideas and we want your feedback. Join us on January 21st, 2016, from 6-9pm at the Halifax Central Library’s BMO Room to help us rank the ideas, and add your own to the list. Note that this is a drop-in event, you can come and go at any time through the evening. The draft amendments include feedback from Bicycle Nova Scotia, It’s More Than Buses, and Walk n Roll Halifax. We hope to present the final list to the Minister of Transportation in early February. RSVP here to be kept up-to-date and receive a draft of the ideas in advance: https://cyclehalifax.ca/civi/?page=CiviCRM&q=civicrm/event/info&reset=1&id=35Jet’s Pizza is coming to Delaware Avenue, taking up residence in a former Super Cuts building. What’s a “Jet’s Pizza”? Yep, I asked the same question. According to Wikipedia, the pizza operation was founded in 1978 by Eugene Jetts (in Michigan). “Jet’s is known for being the originator of the 8-corner Pizza and its square Detroit-style pizza.” Deep dish looks to be the name of the game in this case.
The Buffalo News reports that the franchise currently operates over 300 locations in 18 states, and is planning on embarking on a significant overhaul of the building, which was originally a bank. Jet’s is a rapidly-growing chain that serves up more than just pizza, but it’s the style of pizza that allows the business to infiltrate markets across the US – deep dish all the way.
The opening of Jet’s comes on the heels of Little Caesar’s landing in the same neighborhood not long ago.
When it comes to deep dish square pizzas, Jet’s Pizza could be where it’s at, considering that Buffalonians are inundated with all other styles (but not deep dish). I would think that there is a deep dish-loving crowd out there that has been waiting for this type of pizza chain to open.
Taking a look around online at what pizza fans have been discussing (regarding Jet’s), it looks as if the deep dish is where it’s at, and don’t bother with “the round”. I think I’ll take that advice when they eventually open, mainly because I can’t remember the last time that even had a deep dish pizza, and it’ll be interesting to see what all of the hype is about.SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore charged on Tuesday a 35-year-old man suspected of hacking a website linked to the prime minister and police said five other men were assisting in separate investigations into a recent series of high-profile hacker attacks.
Hacker attacks by people claiming links to international hacker collective Anonymous, including one on the official sites of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President Tony Tan, have raised questions about the strength of cyber defenses in the wealthy Southeast Asian city-state.
A suspect called James Raj appeared in court and was charged with modifying the contents of a website belonging to the town council that manages the prime minister’s constituency on October 28.
If found guilty, he could be jailed for up to three years and fined S$10,000 ($8,000). Raj allegedly hacked the web server from an apartment in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, according to a charge sheet seen by Reuters.
A state prosecutor told the court that investigations were still going on and asked that Raj be remanded at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for psychiatric evaluation. The prosecutor said Raj had told police he suffered from attention deficit disorder and suicidal tendencies.
Police declined to give details but suggested that Raj was not responsible for defacing the prime minister’s office and presidential palace websites on November 7 and 8.
Police said in a statement that those attacks were not related to earlier ones which they said were carried out by a 35-year-old Singaporean arrested on Nov 4. Police did not identify that person but they were apparently referring to Raj.
Police said they had worked closely with Malaysian counterparts to track down and arrest the suspect on November 4.
They said the man was believed to have operated alone and had been responsible for hacking the websites of the town council that manages the prime minister’s constituency, a blog of the pro-government Straits Times newspaper and a foundation run by the ruling People’s Action Party.
Raj’s lawyer, M. Ravi, a human rights activist, told reporters he had not been allowed access to his client, and he could not confirm if Raj was linked to Anonymous.
On the high-profile attacks on the websites of the prime minister’s office and presidential palace, police said five males aged 17 to 45 were helping them with their investigation.
Authorities on Tuesday also charged five other men with vandalism after they allegedly spray-painted words in support of Anonymous on a wall and a nearby pavement.
Under the Vandalism Act, a person found guilty can be fined up to S$2,000 or jailed up to three years and also be caned with between three to eight strokes. ($1 = 1.2487 Singapore dollars)“Frozen” was named the Best Animated Feature of 2013 at the Annie Awards, the top awards show devoted strictly to animation.
The film won in a field of seven nominees that included all five Oscar nominees in the Best Animated Feature category, and also took awards for directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, voice actor Josh Gad and its production design and music.
As usual in the aftermath of an overhaul of the voting process three years ago, Annies voters from the International Animated Film Society, ASIFA-Hollywood spread the wealth. In addition to Disney’s “Frozen,” other films winning multiple awards included DreamWorks Animation’s “The Croods” (animated effects, character design and character animation) and Pixar’s “Monsters University” (storyboarding and editorial). Studio Ghibli’s “The Wind Rises” won for Hayao Miyazaki’s screenplay.
The films “Pacific Rim” and “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” won for animated effects in live-action films.
“Futurama” won the award for top general-audience TV show, while “Disney Sofia the First” and “Adventure Time” won for pre-school and children’s audiences.
Other TV productions taking home multiple awards included “Toy Story OF TERROR!,” with three awards including director, and “Disney Mickey Mouse,” which also won three.
The Oscar-nominated Mickey Mouse short “Get a Horse!” won the award for short film, while “The Last of Us” was named the year’s best video game a couple of hours after it won a similar award from the Writers Guild.
Overall, the night was a very good one for Disney: The studio won 11 awards between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Television Animation, while the Disney-owned Pixar won another five. DreamWorks Animation won three, while 20th Century Fox Television and the Cartoon Network each won two.
Honorary awards were presented to Steven Spielberg, Katsuhiro Otomo and Phil Tippett.
The ceremony took place at Royce Hall on the UCLA campus.
The winners:
PRODUCTION CATEGORIES
Best Animated Feature: “Frozen” – Walt Disney Animation Studios
Best Animated Special Production: “Chipotle Scarecrow” – Moonbot Studios
Best Animated Short Subject: “Get A Horse!” – Walt Disney Animation Studios
Best Animated TV/Broadcast Commercial: “Despicable Me 2” – Cinemark – Universal Pictures
Best General Audience Animated TV/Broadcast Production For Preschool Children: “Disney Sofia the First ” – Disney Television Animation
Best Animated TV/Broadcast Production For Children’s Audience: “Adventure Time” – Cartoon Network Studios
Best General Audience Animated TV/Broadcast Production: “Futurama” – 20th Century Fox Television
Best Animated Video Game: “The Last of Us” – Naughty Dog
Best Student Film: “Wedding Cake” – Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT CATEGORIES
Animated Effects in an Animated Production: Jeff Budsberg, Andre Le Blanc, Louis Flores, Jason Mayer – “The Croods” – DreamWorks Animation
Animated Effects in a Live Action Production: Michael Balog, Ryan Hopkins, Patrick Conran, Florian Witzel – “Pacific Rim” – Industrial Light & Magic
Character Animation in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production: Kureha Yokoo – “Toy Story OF TERROR!” – Pixar Animation Studios Character
Character Animation in an Animated Feature Production: Jakob Jensen – “The Croods” – DreamWorks Animation
Character Animation in a Live Action Production: Jeff Capogreco, Jedrzej Wojtowicz, Kevin Estey, Alessandro Bonora, Gino Acevedo – “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” – Gollum – Weta Digital
Character Design in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production: Paul Rudish – “Disney Mickey Mouse” – Disney Television Animation
Character Design in an Animated Feature Production: Carter Goodrich, Takao Noguchi, Shane Prigmore – “The Croods” – DreamWorks Animation
Directing in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production: Angus MacLane – “Toy Story OF TERROR!” – Pixar Animation Studios
Directing in an Animated Feature Production: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee – “Frozen” – Walt Disney Animation Studios
Music in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production: Christopher Willis – “Disney Mickey Mouse” – Disney Television Animation
Music in an Animated Feature Production: Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Christophe Beck – “Frozen” – Walt Disney Animation Studios
Production Design in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production: Angela Sung, William Niu, Christine Bian, Emily Tetri, Frederic Stewart – “The Legend of Korra” – Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Production Design in an Animated Feature Production: Michael Giaimo, Lisa Keene, David Womersley – “Frozen” – Walt Disney Animation Studios
Storyboarding in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production: Daniel Chong – “Toy Story of TERROR!” – Pixar Animation Studios
Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production: Dean Kelly – “Monsters University” – Pixar Animation Studios
Voice Acting in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production: Tom Kenny as the voice of Ice King – “Adventure Time” – Cartoon Network Studios
Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production: Josh Gad as the voice of Olaf – “Frozen” – Walt Disney Animation Studios
Writing in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production: Lewis Morton – “Futurama” – 20th Century Fox Television
Writing in an Animated Feature Production: Miyazaki Hayao – “The Wind Rises” - The Walt Disney Studios
Editorial in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production: Illya Owens – “Disney Mickey Mouse” – Disney Television Animation
Editorial in an Animated Feature Production: Greg Snyder, Gregory Amundson, Steve Bloom – “Monsters University” – Pixar Animation Studios
JURIED AWARDS
Winsor McCay Award – Katsuhiro Otomo, Steven Spielberg & Phil Tippett
June Foray Award – Alice Davis
Certificate of Merit – “I Know That Voice” (Documentary)There were many surprises in last night’s Iowa Caucus results.
Front-runner Donald Trump lost, which for a natural-born winner like him - on record as saying ‘nobody remembers the name of who came in second’ – is a big, though not terminal, blow to his presidential hopes.
Tea Party darling Ted Cruz won, proving he’s got a much better game-plan on the ground than many gave him credit, and has clearly sewn up the crucial evangelical base.
Marco Rubio came third but may as well have won given the massive significance of him blowing away all his ‘moderate’ Republican rivals like Jeb Bush and Chris Christie. (Expect a ton of GOP cash flooding to the young Hispanic senator now as the old establishment guard rush to back the only apparently viable alternative to the two untamed right-wing renegades, Trump or Cruz.)
Humbled: Donald Trump may have come second to Ted Cruz in Monday night's Iowa caucuses but Ted Cruz's upset wasn't the biggest of the night
But the real shock came in the Democrat contest.
Let’s remember where we were just a few months ago.
This was supposed to be a simple, virtually unopposed coronation of ‘Queen’ Hillary.
Once Vice-President Joe Biden ruled himself out, her ascension to the Democrat throne appeared to be a formality.
Oh, there was this barmy old guy called Bernie barking in the background, but nobody took him seriously. Least of all the Clintons, who must have viewed him as the perfect internal opponent.
If you’d told Hillary, or her husband Bill, this time last year that she’d struggle to beat a 74-year-old ‘independent socialist’ in the Iowa Caucus, they’d have laughed their heads off.
Well, any laughter’s long since stopped, and they’re taking that old guy called Bernie bloody seriously now.
As should everyone else.
Premature victory speech: Hillary Clinton declared herself the victor of the caucuses, but no official winner has been announced yet, with her and Bernie Sanders in a virtual tie
A worthy opponent: Bernie Sanders smiles and throws his fist up in celebration as he speaks to supporters in Iowa Monday night
Because make no mistake, Bernie Sanders has shaken up U.S. politics in a way that may prove far more enduring than anything even Trump has done with his bombastic, albeit supremely effective, rhetoric.
This is a candidate whose average campaign contribution is $27.
Yet he ends up in a dead heat with one of the most famous, richest and experienced politicians in the history of America?
It should have been impossible.
But Bernie’s pulled it off.
How? Well, first by making the downtrodden and disenfranchised members of American society his sole priority.
He’s demanded a public, free-at-the-point-of-use healthcare system, similar to the National Health Service in the UK.
He wants the minimum wage to be massively hiked.
He wants to transform the prison system, currently so skewed against African-Americans and Latinos.
And he says tuition fees should be scrapped at public colleges and universities.
How would he pay for all this?
By, as he said last night, ‘imposing a tax on Wall Street speculation.’
These bold, radical plans – once deemed political poison in America - are now catching fire, especially with the young.
Of all the remarkable statistics that came out of Iowa, the fact that Sanders drew 84% of the 17-29 age group vote is surely the most astounding.
The guy’s older than my dad for goodness sake!
Clinton’s support, by contrast, came largely from the over-fifties.
Sanders’ second masterstroke is that he’s not Hillary Clinton, one of the most divisive figures in America.
America’s younger generation love Sanders’ style as much as they are repelled by Hillary’s.
Huge crowds of them have turned out across the country to hear him rage against the super-rich and bankers.
‘We do not represent the interests of the billionaire class, or Wall Street, or corporate America,’ he cries ‘We don’t want their money. The American people are saying no to a rigged economy.’
He’s the anti-establishment guy.
‘Nine months ago, we came to this beautiful state,’ Sanders said last night. ‘We had no political organisation, we had no money, we had no name recognition, and we were taking on the most powerful political organisation in the United States of America. And tonight, it looks like we’re in a virtual tie. This is a political revolution!’
The crowd roared as loudly as the Clintons’ hearts must have pounded watching it.
‘I’m breathing a sigh of relief,’ said Hillary as she stood on the podium making her own non-victory, victory speech.
I suspect that’s the understatement of the Millennium.
She must be panicking like hell at this unexpected threat from the complete opposite end of the spectrum to the one she faced from Barack Obama in 2009.
Bernie Sanders is the Rocky Balboa of this presidential race.
Nobody gave this political bum a prayer when he took on a legend of the game.
Yet in their first big fight, he matched punch with punch and very nearly won. And by going so close he captivated the nation.
If Sanders can continue his momentum through the next few weeks, and it remains a big ‘if’, then we might well have to consider the unthinkable scenario that we witnessed in the Rocky II sequel: the no-hoper ‘bum’ wins.
Hillary’s big problem is that she’s seen by many Americans as damaged goods, with more baggage than the entire Kardashian clan embarking on a year-long holiday.
The email scandal that’s dogged her campaign is still drip-drip-dripping away like a ticking time-bomb of sulphuric acid waiting to evaporate her White House bid.
The stench of Benghazi, too, haunts her every waking moment.
Even Bill, once considered the greatest electoral asset for any candidate, let alone his own wife, to have on their side, now looks older, more frail and less relevant or dynamic than he did.
Perhaps her biggest problem, though, in comparison to Sanders is money.
He neither has much, nor craves much.
Hillary has a lot, craves a lot more and doesn’t seem to mind where it comes from.
Hence all the furore around the lucrative fees she and Bill charge for speeches, and the persistent allegations of lack of financial transparency and conflict of interest involving the Clinton Foundation.
It all adds up, fairly or otherwise, to one word in many voters’ eyes: ‘dodgy’.
Young people in particular seem just utterly bored and turned off by the Clintons.
Sanders, conversely, even perversely given both his age and the length of his 30-year tenure in Congress, is seen as a breath of fresh air.
His campaign has rewritten every rule of Washington politics.
He’s shown that a perennial outsider can steal the show, galvanise the people, and win votes.
And he’s done it with panache, passion, guts and determination.
He’s also shown frequent flashes of genuine humility and dignity which have marked him out as a bastion of decency in a pit of very personally abusive and toxic partisan Washington acrimony.
In the end, it boils down to trust.
Americans like Bernie Sanders because they see him as honest, real and untainted by the greed and corruption of corporate America.
They dislike Hillary Clinton because they think she’s fake, corrupt and up to her neck in lies and cover-ups with her billionaire Wall Street mates.
She may still win the Democrat nomination.
But one thing’s for sure now: Bernie Sanders is going to give her one helluva fight, with millions of Americans cheering on this rank outsider just as they cheered Rocky Balboa.LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA, Fla. -- A homeless man was reunited with nearly $10,000 in cash that he'd accidentally left stuffed in two bank envelopes on a Florida bus bench.
The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports a deceased relative had left the man almost $12,000.
Deputies say the man - who they've only identified as Joe for his protection - withdrew almost $10,000 and went shopping. He mistakenly left the envelopes on a Lauderdale-by-the-Sea bench.
John Harbett was looking for turtle hatchlings when he saw one cash-filled envelope. A short time later Deputy Ben Koos found the other. Both men took the money to the sheriff's office.
Investigators found a receipt from a clothing store, got a surveillance picture of "Joe" from the store and tracked him down.
The money is back in his account.
Joe planned to use the money to move to Pennsylvania to be with his family, Detective Danny Mursell told the newspaper.Women were rounded up by religious vice authorities in raid on a wedding
A group of trans women have had their heads shaved and jailed in a male prison in Malaysia.
The 16 women, who were sentenced on Monday (9 June), have already served two days in prison.
It followed their arrest at a wedding in Bahau, Jempol, because the religious police said the women and one other were violating Sharia law.
The other escaped jail, as she was under the age of 18, but will be counselled for a year to ‘cure’ her condition.
While they have been given the option of bail, they would have had to pay 1,500 ringgits ($470, €350) each.
Transgender rights group Justice For Sisters claimed the women were pressured into giving up their appeal for reduced sentence.
Nisha Ayub, a JFS activist, told The Malay Mail Online that if they wanted bail, they would have had to have both parents’ consent.
‘It was a very harsh situation,’ she said. ‘They are not yet out to their family members. This town is quite small, news can spread quickly and they didn’t want that for their parents.’
She said all the women had their heads shaved and unanimously decided to complete the sentence.
Sharia law in the Malaysian state ‘bans any male person who, in any public place, wears a woman’s attire or poses as a woman.’Traditionally, better audio quality has been a niche, from physical formats like DVD-Audio and SACD to lossless-quality music downloads. Will hi-res audio be more than a niche for audiophile music fans?
The three major labels hope so. A panel at this month’s IFA show in Berlin featuring representatives from Universal Music, Sony Music and Warner Music – as well as tech firm MQA – outlined their hopes that hi-res audio can have mass-market appeal.
That includes the challenge of convincing younger fans that hi-res doesn’t just sound better than their existing method of music-listening, but that it is worth paying for.
“We are at a time where we are seeing major opportunities for hi-res: to get the younger generations to move on to hi-res. Formats like MQA make it more portable, so it’s easier to have it yourself, in your car and outside the home. So I think that’s a great opportunity,” said Morvan Boury, VP of global digital development for Sony Music.
“The other one is that the devices that support hi-res audio are becoming much more affordable… it’s no longer [just] high-end premium audio for audiophiles… Portability and affordability, I think, are two amazing factors to capture that opportunity and to make hi-res audio more accessible to younger generations.”
Universal Music’s SVP of global digital business development Bill Gagnon was also optimistic about convincing younger listeners of the benefits of hi-res.
“Part of it is that the younger generation grew up with MP3s and they haven’t had the exposure to the high quality audio. But once they get it, they get it and that’s part of our job: to reach out to them so they hear it,” he said. “The sound sells itself.”
Michael Drexler, VP, digital strategy and corporate development for Warner Music, cited another recent music-industry trend in support of the labels’ belief that hi-res will have mainstream appeal.
“We’re talking about Gen X and Gen Z that are now discovering this hi-res audio. You saw it in the resurgence of vinyl sales that was mostly driven by the young generation,” he said.
“We don’t really have to educate the 40, 50 and 60-year-olds because they already know. They have CD collections at home, they already know the benefit. But we’re getting excitement in this younger demographic segment. From things at colleges, tests and consumer surveys that back up that theory that there is true demand and interest for hi-res in the younger generation.”
The challenge for labels is to turn that ‘interest’ – saying positive things when someone plays you hi-res music alongside standard-res music during a college focus group – into a willingness to stump up the cash to pay for hi-res audio, given that hi-res currently tends to double the price of a streaming subscription.
Another talking point during the IFA panel – which was moderated by hi-res streaming service Qobuz’s head of communications Xavier Tumminello – was the potential for ‘hi-res audio’ to be about more than just the audio. Gagnon referred again to the vinyl comeback as a guide to the features that may appeal to fans.
“Maybe the next generation of premium immersive experiences will include photos, liner notes, interactive products, things like that. But for right now, hi-res audio is the start of that process,” he said.
Boury agreed. “The same way you want the highest possible audio fidelity, you’re more curious about music in itself, which means that you have to document the recording better than just having artwork or very limited credits, which at the moment is unfortunately the case on a lot of digital services,” he said.
“There is room to add layers of information around hi-res music, to make a better music experience, not just from a pure audio perspective, but also from an informative point of view, from a video point of view and also from a metadata point of view.”
Drexler completed the harmonious expression of views from the three majors on this point.
“Why can’t I see who produced the record I’m listening to? Why don’t I know who wrote the songs I was listening to today? A lot of services don’t provide that information so I think that’s a pretty natural next step, enhanced credits,” he said.
“I think that we are getting into digital booklets and providing the lyrics. Obviously there are licensing issues that come with that, but we are all aligned as an industry to work on tangible products that we can release to consumers not too far in the distant future.”
The panel provided an update on the three majors’ conversion of their catalogues into hi-res formats. UMG currently has around 60k tracks available, while Sony has more than 50k and WMG has nearly 12k albums.
“Every day it’s growing more and more. Universal is really committed to making all of our content available in hi-res,” said Gagnon. “Any new releases coming in, we’re requesting them to be delivered in hi-res audio,” added WMG’s Drexler.
All three labels are throwing their weight behind hi-res audio technology MQA, which has already been adopted by streaming services Tidal and Deezer, as well as (at IFA) announcing its first global smartphone deal, with LG’s new V30 handset.
Portability and accessibility are the two big selling points of MQA for the labels, said Boury, as they aim to widen the appeal of hi-res music beyond audiophiles.
“As much as we’ve had history over the years with different audiophile or hi-res physical formats, this is something that I think we’re all committed to introducing to the masses and that means very popular music, as well as all the great classics and jazz,” said MQA’s CEO Mike Jbara, who was also on the IFA panel.
He suggested that musicians will play an important role in the marketing process for the hi-res streaming tiers and compatible devices that MQA is working with.
“We have to have the creative community messaging this about definitive ways that they want their music enjoyed,” said Jbara.
The panel also saw the emerging device category of ‘smart speakers’ – Amazon Echo, Google Home, Apple HomePod and so on – crop up as a relevant trend for hi-res audio.
“It’s very important that if you ask your Sony speaker or your Google Home speaker or your Alexa speaker ‘I want the hi-res version of Beethoven’s Symphony’, that you actually get it,” said Boury. “It’s very important. So there is a lot of things that we are doing at the moment. I’m sure there is a lot more room for ideas to build around that.”
It is still early days for the current wave of technology – and the industry marketing push – around hi-res audio. Mainstream consumer demand has yet to match the enthusiasm of the major labels, but the latter see recent market research as reason for optimism that this can change.
“Just in the US market alone I think there are tens of millions of potential customers that are interested in high-resolution streaming. So it’s not a niche market, we view it as a mass market,” said Drexler. “At Warner, we feel like the entire market should move towards offering high-resolution audio.”
Gagnon agreed. “The sound sells itself and we just need to continue to provide opportunities to hear,” he said.
“We need to make it easy for the consumer. There needs to be a clear message and it needs to be easy. They need to be able to use their phone, to be able to use it at home, when they get in their car it activates right away. It needs to be simple.”
Stuart DredgeAutomated wheel changer. Image: Rio Tinto.
Rio Tinto posted underlying earnings for the half year of $US3.94 billion ($A4.94 billion) and decided to give back $US3 billion ($A3.7 billion) to shareholders.
Earnings were up 152% as surging commodity prices flushed cash through the big miner. Rio almost doubled the net cash it generated in the six months to $US6.3 billion ($A7.9 billion).
The $US3 billion return to shareholders is made up of the 2017 interim dividend of 110 US cents per share, a jump of 144% and equivalent to a total $US2 billion payout, plus a $US1 billion share buyback.
The payout represents 75% of first half underlying earnings.
“Today we have announced total cash returns to shareholders of $US3 billion,” says CEO J-S Jacques.
“By driving performance, focusing on cash and allocating it with discipline we are delivering superior cash returns to our shareholders.
“These are strong results: operating cash flow was $US6.3 billion and we met our $US2 billion cash cost reduction target six months early.
“We are now shifting gear to focus on the untapped value from our productivity program and continue to strengthen our portfolio to build higher returns for the future.”
Sales revenues of $US19.3 billion were $3.8 billion higher than 2016 first half due to higher average commodity prices.
Net debt fell by $US2 billion to $US7.6 billion.
Revenue from iron ore, Rio’s biggest earner was $US8.76 billion for the half year, up from $6.33 billion in the same six month in 2016.
Overall, the effect of all price movements on the miner’s commodities was to increase underlying earnings by $2.74 billion ($A3.4 billion) compared with the 2016 first half.
The numbers in detail:
Source: Rio Tinto
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“You are the messengers that Mitch McConnell can’t buy. He can buy the airwaves,” Grimes said, choking up, her eyes welling with tears, “but not the hearts and minds of each and every one of you… You know that after 30 years of Mitch McConnell we can do better. And I tell you, this strong independent Kentucky woman, I’ve got kick still in me.”
Grimes, 35, who is Kentucky’s secretary of state, was talking about McConnell loaning his campaign $1.8 million on Oct. 24, on top of the whopping $53 million he’s already raised to beat Grimes. In the emotional speech before a largely union crowd, Grimes blasted McConnell, 72, for being in the pocket of “millionaires and billionaires,” and said she would “work for the people of Kentucky” if elected.
Grimes had campaigned Saturday with Hillary Clinton, who she said is one of her lifelong political idols. Clinton famously won the New Hampshire presidential primary in 2008 after welling up emotionally at a campaign event. For Clinton at the time it was a pivotal, if inadvertant, event. Prior to New Hampshire, she’d run on an almost wooden campaign of toughness, trying to show she could be commander-in-chief, almost burying the historic nature of her campaign. But rather than painting her as weak, Clinton’s tears had a humanizing effect. After her New Hampshire victory, largely on the back of female voters, she sought to appeal to women more, but the push came too little too late to save her candidacy (a mistake many say she’ll rectify in 2016).
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Grimes, by contrast, has spent her entire campaign focused on turning out women, emphasizing equal pay, childcare and McConnell’s votes against the Violence Against Women’s Act. And running for Senate isn’t the same as running for an executive office, where voters question a candidate’s ability to be a commander-in-chief. But Grimes’ frustration on Sunday was genuine and similar to Clinton’s in its sense of almost hopeless exasperation: the raw honesty looking a potential hard-taught close loss in its face.
Grimes was down in an NBC/Marist poll out Sunday, 41% to McConnell’s 50%, though her campaign says its internal polls show a race still evenly split. “We remain confident in the accuracy of our own polling, which for months has shown this race a dead heat,” says Charly Norton, Grimes’ spokeswoman. Mitch McConnell’s panicked $2-million check to himself and his sleazy, illegal voter suppression tactics suggest he sees the same.”
On Sunday, Grimes also grew visibly angry waving a mailer sent out by the Kentucky Republican Party that she said amounted to voter suppression. Grimes’ campaign is suing the party over the mailer, which warns Democrats that if they vote on Tuesday they could be committing an “election violation.”
“He thinks that another six years on top of the 30 he’s already had constitutes change, well we don’t buy that,” Grimes said. “He thinks that we can’t live without his seniority, well has he seen that we’re at the bottom of every national indicator that’s out there? Henderson, are ya’ll better off after having Mitch McConnell for the last 30 years?”
“No!” roared the crowd of more than 150.
McConnell is poised to be Senate Majority Leader if Republicans recapture the upper chamber.
Contact us at [email protected] average NBA player spends $42,500 per month, or $510,000 over the course of the year, and 11% of that money is dropped on clothing and shoes—the biggest overall category for spending. Whole Foods, Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton, Apple, and Mercedes are among the top retailers in terms of NBA player spending, but so are some more middle-of-the-road stores like Target and Walmart.
And the retailer that attracts the most NBA player cash of all is Express, the mall fashion staple that’s known for affordable business clothing for men and women alike. Express also features plenty of bold colors favored by basketball players, and apparently must have quite a great selection of Tall & Extended sizes. It probably doesn’t hurt that Steph Curry, the reigning league MVP Golden State Warriors guard and greatest shooter on the planet, has been a brand ambassador with Express since 2014 and refers to it as “one of my staple stores.”
The data all comes from a new study conducted by Personal Capital, a personal finance tool that tracked the spending of more than 50 NBA players from December through March. As a San Francisco Chronicle column noted of the study, “The results should be taken with a grain of salt, considering the small sample size.”
According to the study, “clothing/shoes” wasn’t truly the largest spending category. Instead, it was the vague “other,” accounting for 39% of the players’ money output. This is because it was difficult to classify many expenses, such as rent paid to an individual or mortgage paid via a bank.
Regardless, even though the average NBA rookie salary is $4.7 million (before taxes), the staggering amount of money spent each year by players—roughly 10 times the median annual household income in the U.S.—is cause for concern. Researchers have chronicled how professional athletes, and NBA and NFL players in particular, report extraordinarily high levels of bankruptcy or financial stress in the immediate years after retirement. What generally does them in is the combination of saving too little while their earnings are high, and becoming accustomed to a lavish lifestyle that’s hard to drop when the money is no longer coming in.
Read Next: Meet the Professor Who’s Teaching Future Pro Athletes How to Hang Onto Their Millions
On the flip side, there are financially savvy pro athletes like the NFL’s Ryan Broyles, a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions who has committed to living on a $60,000 annual budget even though his contract pays him $900,000 a year. Rob Gronkowski, the New England patriots’ dominant tight end, is another pro athlete who prides himself on saving. He says he hasn’t spent a dime of the $10+ million he’s made in salary and signing bonuses throughout his career, and has lived quite comfortably off of endorsement earnings instead.
“I live off my marketing money and haven’t blown it on any big-money expensive cars, expensive jewelry or tattoos and still wear my favorite pair of jeans from high school,” Gronkowski wrote in his book, It’s Good to Be Gronk.Boston Public Library president Amy Ryan (right) spoke to the media after the discovery of the Dürer and Rembrandt prints
Two valuable prints that went missing from the Boston Public Library, triggering a criminal investigation and the resignation of the institution’s president, were discovered Thursday on a shelf — a mere 80 feet from where they should have been filed, according to authorities.
“It’s a cloud lifted, a burden off our shoulders,” a jubilant Amy Ryan, the library president, said in a telephone interview. “Everyone is happy.”
She said the discovery, a day after she announced her resignation, doesn’t change her |
're one of the first cities in the world to get our own domain:.NYC. Find out more: http://t.co/SRqLgMb9DF — NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) July 2, 2013
Things get a bit murky when it comes to exactly who can own a top-level.nyc domain. According to the city's website, "New York City businesses and organizations with a NYC address, individuals with a primary residence in NYC, as well as those offering products or services to New Yorkers can register." That last subset — companies offering products or services to New Yorkers — could easily open the floodgates to any number of registrants. But the city plans to carry out this process carefully, granting priority to home-grown businesses so they may "secure their intellectual property." The registration process itself will be handled by traditional domain registrars, and as for pricing, the city is only saying rates will be "competitive with the market prices for other top-level domains." In other words, you'll likely be paying a good deal more than your typical GoDaddy URL.The hunt for objects that could be from the missing Malaysia Airlines plane has entered a third day in the southern Indian Ocean.
The search involved six aircraft and covered 13,900 square miles (36,000 square kilometres) of ocean south west of Perth in western Australia.
But bad weather could affect the operation after a cyclone warning was declared for Tropical Cyclone Gillian, which is forecast to move into the southern search corridor in the Indian Ocean.
During a news conference on Saturday, Malaysian Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said: "A cyclone warning has been declared for Tropical Cyclone Gillian, which is located in the southern corridor. Very strong winds and rough seas are expected there today.
"In the area where possible objects were identified by Australian authorities, there are strong currents and rough seas. Generally, conditions in the southern corridor are very challenging."
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said: "It's about the most inaccessible spot that you could imagine on the face of the Earth, but if there is anything down there, we will find it.
"We owe it to the families and the friends and the loved ones of the almost 240 people on Flight MH370 to do everything we can to try to resolve what is as yet an extraordinary riddle."
It comes after angry scenes at a meeting in Beijing when Malaysian officials attempted to leave without answering questions on the search operation from relatives of the missing passengers.
One shouted: "You can't go. You can't leave here. We are here waiting for you 14 days. We want to know what happened, what the reality is."
Another said: "We don't even know if our family members are alive or dead. We should never let them treat us like this!"
On Saturday, India said it had found no evidence the missing jet flew through its airspace after checking its radar records.
The plane disappeared on its way from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing two weeks ago with 239 people on board, the majority of them from China.
Authorities face a race against time to locate the plane's black box voice and data recorder, which only transmits an electronic signal for 30 days before running out of battery.
After that it will be much harder to locate the piece of equipment that is likely to hold the key to solving the mystery of what happened to the plane.
Three Royal Australian Air Force P3 Orion aircraft, a New Zealand P3 RAAF Orion aircraft and two ultra long-range commercial jets with 10 volunteer observers on board make up the latest search team scouring an area 1,200 miles (2,000km) from the Australian mainland.
The jets and the P3 Orion left Perth at 9am local time (10pm UK time) and took four hours to reach the search area.
The vast distance only allows the Orions two hours of search time before they must head back to Perth. The jets will be able to stay for five hours.
Two merchant ships are currently in the area, and are due to be joined by the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Success later on Saturday afternoon.
Two Chinese aircraft are expected to arrive in Perth today, followed by two Japanese planes on Sunday. A flotilla of Chinese ships is making its way to the southern Indian Ocean, although it is still several days away.
Potential pieces of debris from the Boeing 777 were spotted by satellite last Sunday, but were only revealed on Thursday after analysis.
One object is thought to be 24 metres (72 feet) in length and the other about five metres.
The sightings have been deemed the most credible lead in the search to date, but some experts have warned the larger of the two objects could be a shipping container.
Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss has also admitted the objects could have sunk by now.
Poor weather hampered the first day of the search on Thursday, but conditions are expected to be good today.
The planes are expected to fly low under cloud cover rather than rely on radar, a repeat of the procedure followed on Friday.
The US is considering a request from Malaysia for underwater surveillance equipment to help in the search.
The Pentagon says it has spent $2.5m (£1.5m) providing ships and aircraft for the hunt, and has budgeted for a further $1.5m (£900,000).
Despite the focus of the search shifting south, authorities are renewing their search of the Andaman Sea between India and Thailand.
Malaysia's Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the country welcomed "all assistance to continue to follow all credible leads" in what was a "long haul" operation.Get Your Free Guide to Quaker Worship eBook!
Are you Ready to go Deeper?
Life is busier than ever before. It seems like there is constantly some task to be done, some distraction to capture our attention. In a world as noisy and crowded as this one, it’s easy to lose track of who we really are.
In the midst of all the busyness and chatter, we sense a call to go deeper.
There is a voice within us, inviting us into a deeper way of life. How can we accept this invitation?
A Guide to Quaker Worship can help.
Are you ready act out of grounded awareness, instead of reacting from reflex?
Do you desire a clearer understanding of who you are and what your purpose is?
Want to experience a real relationship with God that doesn’t depend on rituals or institutions?Adam White, CNN Written by
Nicolas Bruno falls asleep like the rest of us. But when his eyes snap open, things are very different.
A demonic, faceless silhouette floats above him. It's screaming into his ear. Ghostly hands are choking him. His body is frozen, rigid, to the bed.
He feels everything. And he can't move a single muscle.
There's nothing he can do but try to wake up.
It sounds like a great setup for a horror movie, but this is all too real.
The 22-year-old photographer suffers from sleep paralysis. It's a condition which happens just as he's about to enter REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is the dreaming phase.
In REM sleep, our bodies paralyze themselves to ensure that we don't act out our dreams -- but in Bruno's case, his mind is awake and conjuring up vivid, macabre hallucinations.
"For people who haven't experienced it, and say they want to -- they really don't," Bruno tells CNN. "You've never woken up being choked out by shadow hands. You've never had a looming figure floating above your bed, screaming into your ear."
Sleep paralysis dreamers report hearing screaming, feeling malevolent presences in the room, or an immense, evil pressure on their chests. All the while, they're unable to lift a finger.
Dreams of possession
Nicolas Bruno first experienced sleep paralysis when he was 15. The visions came to him almost every night. "I would go to bed and I would wake up immediately right into one of those dreams. I wouldn't sleep for two days at a time because I was so afraid to go to bed," he says.
"I thought I was possessed by demons." It pushed him into a cycle of insomnia and depression, too exhausted to stay awake and too terrified to go to sleep. He was borderline suicidal.
Relief only came near the end of Bruno's high school career, when a teacher suggested that he try to document these night terrors. After seeing Bruno's journals, his teacher suggested he should take these visions and implement them into his art. Bruno combined a talent he'd recently discovered -- photography -- with these visions he'd never been able to comprehend.
Taking back control
By turning his visions into a concrete, physical reality, Bruno was able to take back control from a condition defined by a total lack of it.
"It's a great experiment, to take things from your own head that you've experienced, to take something terrible and turn it into something tangible," he says.
His work has allowed him to learn to live with his condition.
Bruno brings his own, whimsical style to his moments of terror, creating darkly comic images laden with dream symbolism. His photos are ornate and motif-heavy, an "Inception" for the thinking man.
The characters that appear in his images are blindfolded, or entirely obscured by wraps of linen. They're bound and yearning for escape from swampy water that drags them down. Flame bursts through like a moment of awakening, while hooded figures attack and give chase.
Nicholas Bruno
But his shots are also darkly comic, with incongruous touches and lashings of the surreal: from Magritte-style bowler hats and apples, to implausible William Tell scenarios and cumbersome diving helmets.
Through his work, Bruno has found that it's enabled him to talk about his condition as he'd never been able to before. "I found it very hard to talk about the dreams to people before I started this process. People thought I was crazy."
And in doing so, he's found a community of fellow sufferers.
"I've gotten so many responses from people who have had these dreams and didn't know what they meant. I think it's my little mission to spread the word of this condition."
Virtual paralysis
Bruno has been commissioned to bring his unique aesthetic to several book covers and he'd like to move into making artwork for bands -- but this recent graduate is currently working on showing his work in galleries, where so far it's been met with a positive response.
He sees his art as having saved him from a terrible fate. "This project has gifted me a sense of who I am. It gave me the strength to persevere in life, to create art and speak to people. It gifted me art, and I don't know where I would be without it," he tells CNN.
And while Bruno sees photography, not film, as his medium, he's also in the early stages of a virtual reality project which will combine his art with the moving image. The idea: to set up a single bed in a gallery. "One person goes in at a time and we'll put them in this bed and put a VR headset on, with a virtual reality experience of what it might be like to have a sleep paralysis dream."
It's as close to the real thing as you'd ever want to get.If money talks, it is positively screaming in the health care debate. $80,831,142.00 in political contributions from individuals, industries, and political action committees from the insurance, big pharma, hospitals and health professionals on one side to retirees on the other, have contributed heavily in this election cycle to make sure that politicians are hearing them loud and clear.
Using data acquired on the individual and PAC activities of the senators and representatives in Congress from OpenSecrets.org, pooling together the data from all of the directly interested parties in the health care debate, it is clear that many elected officials home for the recess are putting their mouths where their money is.
There are very few in Congress who take no money from any of the people and groups with interests in health care policy. There are many who don't take much. All have been listed so you can see what money may be motivating your elected officials as the push towards health care reform continues.
Data was accumulated on the 2010 cycle. Senators' war chests stretch back to 2005 in the cycle. Reps are filed from 1-3 years. Insurance industry figures include both health care related and non-related insurance givers, but all tend to favor as little regulation as possible, so the cumulative giving is still focused on defeating or hamstringing health care legislation.
Regardless of whether you can break the money down into smaller chunks over time or not, or cherry pick the influencing groups, the total cash, including the staggering millions that Sen. John McCain has taken from the retirees, tell you that, without a very loud and active voice in the health care debate from the citizens who will vote in 2010, the moneyed interests will see their investments in political influence reap big dividends.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours...
John McCain's staggering take from the retirees is a legacy of his presidential bid, but of the others in the millionaires club here, Max Baucus, who is spearheading the health care legislation for the Dems, has $1.5 million in money from the insurance lobby and health professionals padding his seat at the table, almost $130,000 more than Chris Dodd, who was lambasted by the media for his ties to big insurance.
Elected Official Pty ST Interest Group Giver
Rank
Amount
Total
Sen John McCain R AZ Retired 1 $32,841,726.00 $32,841,726.00
Sen. John Cornyn R TX Retired 1 $1,001,383.00 $1,797,846.00
Health Professionals 4 $796,463.00
Sen. Mitch McConnell R KY Retired 3 $908,480.00 $1,694,880.00
Health Professionals 5 $786,400.00
Sen Max Baucus D MT Health Professionals 2 $790,141.00 $1,514,216.00
Insurance 5 $724,075.00
Sen. Chris Dodd D CT Insurance 3 $1,381,556.00 $1,381,556.00
Sen. Chuck Grassley R IA Health Professionals 1 $470,956.00 $1,334,941.00
Insurance 2 $364,998.00
Pharma/Health Products 4 $250,150.00
Hospitals/Nursing Homes 5 $248,837.00
Sen. Mark Warner D VA Retired 3 $1,331,885.00 $1,331,885.00
Takin' Care of Business...
It is little surprise that some of the loudest voices on Capitol Hill come out of this group whose campaign coffers received between half a million and $999,999.99.
Elected Official Pty ST Interest Group Giver
Rank
Amount
Total
Joe Lieberman I CT Retired 5 $995,788.00 $995,788.00
Sen. Arlen Specter D PA Pharmaceuticals/Health Products 2 $510,549.00 $915,332.00
Health Professionals 5 $404,783.00
Sen. Ben Nelson D NE Insurance 1 $611,086.00 $896,879.00
Pharmaceuticals/Health Products 3 $285,793.00
Sen. Orrin G Hatch R UT Pharma/Health Products 1 $606,081.00 $885,881.00
Health Professionals 5 $279,800.00
Sen. John Thune R SD Retired 1 $858,490.00 $858,490.00
Sen Tom Harkin D IA Health Professionals 2 $498,651.00 $823,865.00
Pharma/Health Products 5 $325,214.00
Sen. Claire McCaskill D MO Retired 3 $784,134.00 $784,134.00
Sen. Deborah Ann Stabenow D MI Retired 3 $394,429.00 $762,184.00
Health Professionals 4 $367,755.00
Sen. Richard Burr R NC Pharma/Health Products 1 $403,848.00 $747,224.00
Health Professionals 4 $184,776.00
Insurance 5 $158,600.00
Sen. Mark Udall D CO Retired 2 $734,258.00 $734,258.00
Mike Enzi R WY Pharma/Health Products 1 $353,912.00 $725,711.00
Insurance 3 $194,250.00
Health Professionals 4 $177,549.00
Sen. Jon L Kyl R AZ Health Professionals 4 $709,083.00 $709,083.00
Sen. Edward M Kennedy D MA Pharmaceuticals/Health Products 3 $389,490.00 $689,697.00
Health Professionals 4 $300,207.00
Sen. Sherrod Brown D OH Health Professionals 2 $676,139.00 $676,139.00
Sen Blanche Lincoln D AR Health Professionals 1 $401,700.00 $629,700.00
Hospitals/Nursing Homes 5 $228,000.00
Sen Tom Carper D DE Insurance 1 $355,680.00 $623,200.00
D DE Pharma/Health Products 5 $267,520.00
Sen. John Ensign R NV Health Professionals 3 $346,475.00 $648,937.00
Insurance 4 $302,462.00
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson R TX Retired 1 $601,290.00 $601,290.00
Sen. Kent Conrad D ND Insurance 2 $327,125.00 $598,158.00
Health Professionals 4 $271,033.00
Sen James Webb D VA Retired 3 $573,651.00 $573,651.00
Sen. Saxby Chambliss R GA Insurance $558,836.00 $558,836.00
Sen. Tom Udall D MN Retired 2 $539,949.00 $539,949.00
Sen. Olympia J. Snowe R ME Retired 1 $179,708.00 $517,867.00
Health Professionals 2 $174,574.00
Insurance 3 $163,585.00
Sen. David Vitter R LA Health Professionals 1 $321,000.00 $516,848.00
Retired 5 $195,848.00
Sen. Bob Corker R TN Health Professionals 5 $512,539.00 $512,539.00
Sen. Mike Crapo R ID Insurance 2 $304,950.00 $502,750.00
3 $197,800.00
Sen. Jeff Sessions R AL Retired 2 $295,421.00 $502,231.00
Health Professionals 4 $206,810.00Falling Behind is a 10-part series on the flip side of state leaders’ aggressive pursuit of the "Texas Miracle.” You can also read our related Hurting For Work series here, or subscribe to our water and education newsletters here. More in this series
*Correction appended
When the Dallas County Medical Society asked Texas environmental regulators in October to increase pollution controls on coal-fired power plants, they knew it would be a tough sell.
But the association of more than 6,500 physicians said it was fed up with seeing patients suffering from the region’s air quality problems, which are among the worst in the nation. And members said real improvement was possible by targeting two of the nation’s oldest coal-fired plants, which are among the state’s biggest sources of nitrogen oxide emissions — air pollutants that reacts with other toxic chemicals in the presence of sunlight to create ozone.
Still, the association’s members were not prepared for what happened when the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) took up their request.
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“There is data that shows that we should be raising the ozone levels,” Bryan Shaw, the commission’s chairman, said to doctors who testified. "And I am not at all suggesting that’s true. I'm suggesting that there is data that shows that we’re at a point where there's noise there, and I think that there’s concern that we may be chasing the wrong rabbit, as I sometimes utilize, to try to capture that.”
Later in the meeting, he added, “It does no one any good to go and require reducing ozone if we’re not having a beneficial impact.”
“It was completely unexpected,” said Robert Haley, an epidemiologist and professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center who attended the meeting. “In the scientific world, nobody questions this. All of this was argued decades ago.”
The commission denied the medical society’s petition, following the recommendation of its staff.
Doctors and scientists across the state believe that the Dallas-Fort Worth region’s ozone levels are a major public health concern. High levels of ozone are particularly risky for people with asthma, lung disease, heart disease and even diabetes — health problems that afflict more than 1.5 million North Texans out of a population of roughly 7 million.
People who suffer from asthma, lung disease and heart disease are at additional risk when they are exposed to high ozone levels.
Dallas-Fort Worth ozone levels have long been well above federal standards set to protect health, and scientists are pushing for those standards to be even lower.
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But some of them fear Texas officials and politicians are too focused on bolstering the state’s explosive economic growth and energy boom to comprehensively deal with the problem.
“It’s very political, a lot of economic issues involved,” Haley said.
In public statements, Shaw has argued that requiring expensive pollution controls in coal-fired plants could have an “economic ripple” effect, driving up the price of power and disproportionately affecting poor Texans.
And state officials point out that Texas’ air quality has improved significantly since 2000 despite a huge population increase, as nitrogen oxide emissions decreased by more than 50 percent. While that trend has been mirrored nationwide — due in large part to new vehicle pollution standards imposed by the federal government — Texas’ investments in cleaner energy sources and vehicle replacement programs have also played a role, officials say.
But the steady downward march that ozone levels began in North Texas in 2000 stopped in 2007.
The TCEQ says it is committed to reducing ozone levels. Still, in recent years its work has not translated into comprehensive policies or solutions, scientists and advocates say.
“The TCEQ staff has done some of the best modeling and sponsored some of the best science in the country, trying to inform their efforts to reduce ozone,” said Daniel Cohan, a professor at Rice University. But he added that “sometimes you can have a paralysis by analysis. … The modeling has been excellent, but a plan has yet to emerge.”
Inaccurate Predictions
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When TCEQ commissioners voted against more restrictions on coal plant emissions last October, they said such a change would be premature because the agency is already working on a federally required plan to reduce ozone levels in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. But in each of the five related plans it has developed since 1991, the agency has predicted that the region would meet federal ozone limits within one to five years — and it has always been wrong.
In the 2011 plan, staff said that new federal gasoline standards alone would help ozone levels drop from more than 85 parts per billion to 78 in just two years (the current standard is 75 parts per billion), and rejected dozens of other strategies suggested to improve air quality, such as reducing emissions from cement kilns or coal plants. Today, levels still hover around 87 parts per billion.
The ozone levels shown are known as "eight-hour design values." Monitors measure ozone concentrations over eight-hour periods, and regulators calculate the design value by averaging the highest numbers over a three-year period.
David Brymer, director of the TCEQ’s office of air, said the agency’s models have improved significantly. And he pointed out that the region’s ozone level is calculated over a three-year period, so the current one includes the unusually hot year of 2011.
“That year has kind of skewed us a little bit,” Brymer said. Looking at more recent data, he argues, “it becomes a lot more clear that we’re not really that far off as what it might seem.”
The agency now says it believes that new federal gasoline standards and the increase of newer, more efficient vehicles will allow ozone levels to drop to just over 75 parts per billion by 2018.
Local officials aren’t so sure. The Legislature had established a program in 2001 creating incentives for better pollution controls on vehicles — by far the biggest contributor to pollution and high ozone levels — but hundreds of millions of those dollars have instead been used to balance the state’s budget.
Similar budget maneuvers also caused the North Central Texas Council of Governments to lose funds to help low-income residents replace older cars. Chris Klaus, a transportation planner for that organization, said those funds are important in a region where newcomers arrive every day and are on a budget.
“They’re bringing their vehicles, and the last thing they want to do is buy a new one,” Klaus said. “The state’s just really shooting themselves in the foot.”
Klaus pointed out one positive development for air quality in the region. He said President Obama’s recent pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants would probably result in stronger pollution controls on coal plants, or cause such plants to be replaced by cleaner-burning natural gas and renewable energy sources.
But Gov. Rick Perry has called the proposal “the most direct assault yet on the energy providers that employ thousands of Americans, and fuel both our homes and our nation’s economic growth,” and Texas Republicans are already threatening to fight it in court.
The Barnett Shale
Even if newer cars and less coal-fired power help improve air quality in North Texas in the coming years, scientists and environmental advocates worry about another wild card: natural gas extraction in the Barnett Shale, which took off in the mid-2000s. Some have speculated that activity in the Barnett could be tied to the appearance that the region’s air quality gains have stalled.
The shale boom brought a rash of new diesel trucks to the region, along with drilling equipment, compressor stations and tanks. Those can be major emitters of nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds, or VOCs — the building blocks of ozone. Many scientists believe that gas drilling and related activities play a big role in the region’s ozone levels, though they say more research is needed to be sure.
“When people dig into the matter a lot deeper than they have, they will find that oil and gas activities do have a significant impact on ozone attainment,” said Jay Olaguer, a senior scientist at the independent Houston Advanced Research Center. Olaguer has studied VOC emissions in the Houston area and modeled what such emissions could do in the Barnett Shale.
Olaguer said the TCEQ doesn’t have enough monitoring equipment that can move around in real time — a disadvantage in a business where drilling locations constantly change. In addition, the agency normally relies on companies to report emissions data, but there is no way to independently verify those numbers or keep track of unauthorized emissions. Nor does the agency require companies to respond to emissions surveys.
Kuruvilla John, an expert on air quality modeling at the University of North Texas, found that — when controlling for weather and other factors — the region’s ozone levels have been increasing in recent years, and more so in its western portion, where Barnett Shale drilling is prevalent. “These new sources and unconventional sources … were never in the cards a decade ago,” he said.
University of North Texas research found that ozone levels increased across North Texas in the past several years, but more so in the "fracking regions" — the western portions of Dallas-Fort Worth where Barnett drilling is prevalent — than in the "nonfracking regions."
The Barnett Shale Energy and Education Council, a nonprofit set up by a coalition of drilling companies that operate in North Texas, says drillers act responsibly in the Barnett and there is no solid evidence that emissions from their activities are harmful. Ed Ireland, spokesman for the council, added that emissions are limited because the industry can now extract more gas with less activity.
“While the number of rigs have remained fairly low … all of the rigs now are much more efficient in the drilling process,” Ireland said. “That’s because of the technology.”
The TCEQ says that Barnett drilling does not make a meaningful contribution to high ozone levels — although even its own staff at one point suggested otherwise. In 2008, an agency report recommended that Wise County, a hotbed of natural gas drilling, be added to a list of North Texas counties considered to be in violation of the ozone standard. Even though its population is small, staff wrote, “stationary sources” in Wise County — in other words, facilities like drilling rigs and natural gas compressor stations — were major contributors of nitrogen oxide emissions.
Five years later, the TCEQ sued the federal government for following that very recommendation, alleging that the Environmental Protection Agency had a “single-minded commitment against Barnett Shale production” and was using a “hodgepodge of distortions, mischaracterizations and semantic voodoo.”
Asked why the agency apparently changed its position on Wise County, TCEQ spokesman Terry Clawson said, “Our subsequent analyses have shown that Wise County does not significantly impact the DFW ozone monitors.” He did not elaborate but said that Wise County itself does not have an ozone monitor. The EPA disagrees, pointing out that a monitor located just outside the county has consistently displayed ozone levels far above the federal standard.
The case, which has yet to be heard in federal court, has so far cost the state more than $22,000, according to the attorney general’s office. Legal experts say it’s a long shot for Texas. “You almost never win if you challenge EPA’s models,” said Thomas McGarity, a professor of environmental law at the University of Texas at Austin.
In the meantime, the debate continues over the amount of emissions coming from oil and gas operations in the Barnett Shale area. The TCEQ has done its own study of Barnett Shale emissions, asking companies for data from thousands of drilling sites in 2009. But when UT-Austin researchers evaluated the TCEQ’s study in research published this year, they found that increased Barnett Shale production and underestimation of the polluting power of certain pieces of equipment meant VOC emissions should be one-third higher than the agency had found.
VOCs in particular are considered somewhat of a “double whammy” by scientists and public health professionals — not only are they an ozone precursor, but by themselves, they’re also toxic chemicals that can have a variety of short- and long-term health impacts.
“Even if they don’t undergo the chemical reaction to become ozone, they are very, very reactive,” said Amie Lund, a researcher at the University of North Texas who has studied the effects of temporary high emissions of VOCs from vehicle tailpipes on animals. She found that several hours of exposure at such levels could cause the clinical indicators of the onset of a heart attack or stroke, even in animals without chronic health disease.
Lund said research like hers about the effects of volatile organic compounds is still in its early stages in the scientific community, so regulators are not likely to pay attention. But recognizing that the lag time between science and policy is long, she is working on communicating her findings directly to the public. “Maybe they can be proactive in protecting themselves,” she said.
Disclosure: Rice University and the University of Texas at Austin are corporate sponsors of The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Texas Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.
Editor's note: An earlier version of this story included an incorrect and abridged transcription of a quote from TCEQ Chairman Bryan Shaw.Even if you haven’t seen “Annie Hall,” you need to watch this video showing a wonderful scene from the movie. Woody Allen and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton) are in line for a movie, and a pompous academic behind them pontificates about the film in an extremely annoying way, mentioning Marshall McLuhan (a Sixties cultural icon). After Woody has had enough of the pomposity, he drags McLuhan out from behind a movie sign (yes, that’s the real McLuhan), and confronts the academic with him. McLuhan proceeds to tell the chastened academic that he doesn’t know what he’s talking about, and that he knows nothing of McLuhan’s work. Allen turns to the camera and says, “Boy, if life were only like this!”
But it can be! Last week I received an email from young-earth creationist Paul Nelson, who works for the Discovery Institute, taking me to task for what he saw as my unfair denigration of Jim Shapiro. Nelson’s beef was my contention that Shapiro is an outlier among biologists in minimizing the importance of natural selection in evolution. Nelson maintains that there are many other reputable biologists who “have frank doubts about selection” and wouldn’t agree with me. Here’s Nelson’s email, published with permission:
Dear Jerry, …I’m sending this email. I’d post this in the comments of the new Shapiro thread, but I’m now persona non grata at WEIT. [JAC note: he’s never been banned; he just feels unwelcome.] Skepticism about the efficacy of natural selection is widespread within evolutionary biology (see below). Jim Shapiro is hardly alone in this regard. So when you tell your WEIT audience that natural selection is the only game in town for building complex adaptations, you can expect two consequences: 1. Readers who already know about the thinking of workers such as Eric Davidson, Michael Lynch, Andreas Wagner, John Gerhart & Marc Kirschner, or Scott Gilbert (all of whom, among many others, have recently expressed frank doubts about selection) must discount what you say about the centrality of natural selection to evolutionary theory — because they know that just isn’t so. 2. Readers who do not already know about Davidson, Lynch, etc. — upon coming across their ideas — must wonder why you told them that natural selection is the sine qua non of evolutionary explanation. Either outcome is bad. Last Sunday, I gave a talk to several thousand people at Rick Warren’s church in southern California, where I made a case (a) that natural selection is quite real, but (b) that the process faces genuine limits, set by the logic of selection itself, to explain macroevolution. I’d be curious to have your reaction to the presentation: My title was “Darwin or Design: The Evidence of Nature and the Nature of Evidence.” The talk also touches on atheism, at the opening and ending, in close connection to the role of natural selection in scientific understanding. My remarks about the reality of selection occur at about 11:40 and following. All the best,
Paul
I haven’t yet watched Nelson’s talk (some reader please do it and report back). But I do have Davidson, Lynch, Wagner, Gerhart, and Kirschner right here behind this sign! I either know them or have read their work, and realized that Paul was talking out of his nether parts in his email. True, I’ve had scientific disagreements with Davidson, Gerhart, and Kirschner about theories of “evolvability” and “modularity,” but I never saw them claiming that natural selection is unimportant in forging the adaptations of organisms.
So I pulled all these guys out from behind the sign by sending them this email, which was designed not to support selection, but to solicit, without imposing bias, their opinions about the importance of selection (I enclosed Nelson’s email with mine):
Gentlemen: I’m writing just to let you know that you were mentioned in an email sent to me by Paul Nelson, a Discovery Institute Fellow and young-earth creationist. His email was written in response to a post on my website criticizing Jim Shapiro’s contention that natural selection is relatively unimportant not just in evolution, but in accounting for adaptations. My post is here and links to Shapiro’s. At any rate, if you wanted to comment on what Nelson says about your views of selection, I’d be glad to listen (if I can post them on my website, I’ll do so, regardless of what they are, but I would need your permission). I have read the papers of many of you, and while I know that several of you question aspects of modern evolutionary theory, I wasn’t aware that any of you denied the efficacy of selection in accounting for adaptations. I’m not speaking here of the prevalence among episodes of evolutionary change of selection versus other mechanisms such as drift, but of the prevalence of selection in explaining obvious adaptations like mimicry, the speed of cheetahs, and so on. So, for example, from what I know of Lynch’s views, he advocates processes like drift in genomic change but doesn’t question selection as the impetus for the evolution of things that everyone regards as adaptations on the morphological level. But I may be wrong. At any rate, if Nelson has accurately characterized your views, do let me know. And again, I won’t make anything public without your permission. Thanks,
Jerry
All of them graciously responded and agreed to let me publish their responses (as did Paul with his original letter). And here they are. None of them agree with Nelson’s characterization. But it’s typical of creationists to distort the views of evolutionists. Read for yourself.
Eric Davidson (developmental biologist at CalTech; member of the National Academy of Sciences):
Dear Jerry Of course I would not disagree for one second about the importance of adaptive selection for species specific characters of all kinds, whether on protein or regulatory sequences. I admire your willingness to take on creationists in public; I find their views so antediluvian that I can only ignore them. Eric
*****
Michael Lynch (evolutionary biologist at Indiana University; member of the National Academy of Sciences):
Thanks for calling my attention to this. I don’t consider myself to be in the camp of those who question the legitimacy of “modern” evolutionary theory. On the other hand, I do question the motivations of those who argue that the modern edifice has been patently unsuccessful and needs to be dismantled so that a new evolutionary synthesis can be erected to save the day. Not much drives me crazier than folks who make such statements without providing any evidence of ever having attempted to read a single paper in evolutionary theory. I find this attitude about as defensible as ID. The ID crowd tends to misinterpret my embracing of what I call “nonadaptive” mechanisms of evolution (drift, mutation, and recombination) as implying a rejection of Darwinian processes. You are correct that it is wrong to characterize me as someone who doesn’t believe in the efficacy of natural selection. Although I have pushed for a role for genetic drift a good deal more than other folks in evolution, my general stance is that the relative power of drift (and mutation) dictates the paths down which natural selection can (and cannot) proceed in different lineages. There is still a lot to learn here. In my mind, there is little |
care in prison after leveling corruption charges against a group of Russian authorities.
As for straight businessmen, on July 2 a battery conviction was handed down against government critic Alexander Lebedev, a media magnate with investments in the opposition paper Novaya Gazeta as well as Great Britain’s Independent and Evening Standard. Lebedev avoided prison but was sentenced to 150 hours of community service.
In a big July 16 piece, the Wall Street Journal profiled the five-year-long Russian travails of the US company International Paper. Big oil companies, too, have suffered. In 2006, Russian environmental regulators besieged Shell until it relinquished its majority stake in the gigantic Sakhalin-2 oil and gas field. ExxonMobil was forced to sell its gas from Sakhalin-I at cut-rate internal Russian prices despite an understanding that it could sell anywhere it wished. And for a decade, a group of Russian oligarchs capitalized on the country’s legal ambiguities to squeeze BP.
Most famously, there is Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a billionaire oilman with political ambitions who seriously crossed Putin in the early 2000s. He has been imprisoned on various charges for almost a decade now. During his incarceration, his oil company, Yukos, has been dismantled and most of its choice morsels absorbed by state-controlled Rosneft, which as a result morphed into an international goliath. Ignoring the blood on the floor, ExxonMobil, BP, CNPC have all gone on to sign enormous development deals with Rosneft.
Early next year, Khodorkovsky comes up for release. Are there any bets as to whether he actually gets out?LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Police in the San Francisco Bay area were seeking clues on Tuesday as to how a plastic bag of methamphetamine turned up in the Halloween candy of an 8-year-old girl.
The girl's father found a pinkish-colored Ziploc pouch containing a powdery substance while checking his daughter's trick-or-treat collection on Monday morning and called authorities, police said.
The father told police the bag apparently ended up in the child's Halloween candy while they were out trick-or-treating on Friday night near their home in the East Bay town of Hercules, California, about 25 miles northeast of San Francisco.
Testing of the substance, measuring one-tenth of a gram, revealed it to be crystal methamphetamine, "a small amount but enough to do damage to an 8-year-old girl had she gotten into it on her own," said detective Connie Van Putten, a spokeswoman for the Hercules Police Department.
She said detectives were re-interviewing the father and daughter on Tuesday to determine precisely which homes they visited on Halloween and were trying to see if fingerprints could be lifted from the plastic bag that carried the meth.
The father told police he and his daughter were trick-or-treating in a well-lit, 10-block area of town called the Promenade, consisting of quaint Victorian homes with picket fences, which is a popular gathering spot on Halloween.
Van Putten said the case appears to be an isolated incident, and detectives have no immediate evidence that the girl was singled out as a target.
"We are leaning toward it being an accident, but we are not ruling out an intentional act," she said. "Whoever it was may have intended to put it in somebody's candy but not hers."
A tenth of a gram of meth, while a relative small amount, is enough to bring felony charges for possession of a controlled substance, she said.
Van Putten said the case is a reminder for parents to look after their children's Halloween activities.
"You don't want to keep your children in bubble wrap, but you do need to be aware... and go through children's candy to make sure none of the packaging has been tampered with, and that there's no needles, razor blades or anything foreign," she said.
(Reporting by Steve Gorman; Editing by Mohammad Zargham)Russia's government pressured France on Saturday to either hand over the first of two Mistral-class warships it has suspended due to the crisis in Ukraine or pay back the money before the new year.
"We would be content with either development: the Mistrals or the return of all the invested money," Russian Deputy Defence Minister Yury Borisov told Interfax news agency.
"It doesn't matter if the calendar shows 31 December 2014 or 1 January 2015, but we are waiting for France's decision."
He added that, given a currency crisis that has seen the Russian ruble devalued by 50 percent, taking back the euros "might actually be preferable".
French shipbuilder DCNS signed a 1.2-billion-euro deal with Moscow to build two Mistral warships in 2011, long before Russia's annexation of Crimea and support of separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Paris now faces the decision of delivering the two ships to Russia and facing the backlash of its Nato allies, or paying potentially heavy fines for failing to honour the contract.
The French government delayed delivery of the first warship "until further notice" after missing the September and then the November 2014 deadlines.
On Thursday, 400 Russian sailors training aboard the first ship in the French port city of Saint-Nazaire left the country.Last December, the New York-based Satanic Temple made nationwide headlines when they said they wanted to donate a monument to be placed outside the Oklahoma State Capitol building, where a Ten Commandments monument already stood:
That was later followed by a request from a Hindu group that wanted to erect a monument of Lord Hanuman.
I’m sure more monument requests would have been made, but the Oklahoma Capitol Preservation Commission voted unanimously in December to declare a moratorium on other monuments. (Part of the reason for the halt was that they were still dealing with a lawsuit from the first one.)
This wasn’t just all talk on the part of the Satanic Temple. They even released the design of their proposed monument, featuring Baphomet:
They started building the display, too.
…
Here’s where things get even more interesting.
On July 30, the Satanic Temple (via the website MuckRock) filed an Open Records request with the Capitol Preservation Commission. They wanted:
Any and all documents related to The Satanic Temple, their “Request for Approval of Architectural Modifications,” all documents referring to the historical and/or literary Satan and any other documents mentioning The Satanic Temple, including internal and external communications… dating back to November 1, 2013.
The Commission was obligated to respond — and they eventually did.
Most of the documents are things like petitions to stop the Satanic monument (who cares — this isn’t a popularity contest), constituent emails (full of references to Jesus and words in ALL CAPS), internal emails concerning reporters asking questions about the monument, etc. Nothing too newsworthy.
But one piece of correspondence stands out. It’s between staffer Beverly Hicks and Capitol Preservation Commission Chair Trait Thompson (the guy in charge). It comes in response to one citizen’s threat to vandalize the Satanic monument if it ever goes up. You’ll want to read it from the bottom up:
In case you missed it, that’s Thompson joking (?) about how he wants to approve the Satanic Monument just so Patrick can destroy it… followed by Hicks responding with a couple more smiley face emoticons.
Hilarious…
There’s also another, more serious, problem. I asked Satanic Temple spokesperson Lucien Greaves what he made of the emails and files and he said he didn’t get everything he asked for:
While the documents we received are interesting, the paucity of inter-agency communication regarding our monument request raises suspicions that the agency failed to send us their full cache. What we find are mainly documents and communications related to media requests and citizen letters related to our proposed monument. It strikes us as extremely implausible that the Commission has absolutely no meeting notes or minutes related to our monument request, even as we see — from the documents we did receive — that the issue of our monument has been a primary issue for the agency for some time. Reasonable suspicion aside, we do have one provable omission from the Oklahoma Capitol Preservation Commission documents: a letter we sent back in June requesting that they advise us on next steps, and apprise us of the status of our monument donation request, as the statue itself nears completion. The letter was sent via registered mail, for which we received proof of receipt… The Preservation Commission failed to reply to this letter which, again, they did not include in their assembled records to us. I personally feel it quite possible that the commission’s correspondence related to that letter (which rightfully should have been included in reply to our Freedom of Information request) would indicate a conscious and willful decision to ignore us (amounting to a de facto rejection of our monument request on viewpoint discrimination grounds).
He’s not kidding about their letter not being included in the document trove. Here’s the letter and the proof of receipt is below:
Greaves continued in his email:
Some may feel it would be unlikely — implausible as the apparent lack of internal communication regarding The Satanic Temple may appear — that Oklahoma officials would so flagrantly ignore the legal standards to which they are bound. I would remind them that this whole issue arose in response to Oklahoma representatives violating not only the Establishment Clause of the Federal Constitution, but directly violating their own state constitution as well, when they allowed a religious monument to be placed on State Capitol grounds. Whether the 10 Commandments reflect one’s personal religious beliefs or not, every American should be offended when public officials overstep the boundaries of their authority. We should never allow the law to become malleable to the convenience of our elected representatives, regardless of whether the simple tribalisms they favor align with our own. The precedent in allowing such transgressions to go unpunished has disturbing ramifications for us all. We will appeal the Oklahoma Capitol Commission’s reply to our request and, I suspect, if we end up embroiled in a lawsuit regarding our monument, the power of the subpoena may give us better access to that which has been withheld.
As it stands, the monument moratorium is still in effect and there’s no indication that the Satanic monument has been accepted or rejected. While the public may be overwhelmingly against it, their opinions are irrelevant. Legally speaking, the Commission can’t say yes to the Christian display and no to everyone else. If they’re covering up their discussions about the Satanic Temple, then they’re just adding another major problem to their growing list.
(Portions of this article were posted earlier)Rod Kurcoba, Engineering Communications
If you were monitoring a security camera and saw someone set down a backpack and walk away, you might pay special attention – especially if you had been alerted to watch that particular person. According to Cornell researchers, this might be a job robots could do better than humans, by communicating at the speed of light and sharing images.
The researchers are developing a system to enable teams of robots to share information as they move around and, if necessary, get help in interpreting what they see, enabling them to conduct surveillance as a single entity with many eyes. Beyond surveillance, the new technology might help when teams of robots relieve humans of dangerous jobs like disposing of landmines, cleaning up after a nuclear meltdown or surveying the damage after a flood or hurricane.
“Once you have robots that cooperate you can do all sorts of things,” said Kilian Weinberger, associate professor of computer science, who is collaborating with Silvia Ferrari, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and the project’s principal investigator, and Mark Campbell, the John A. Mellowes ’60 Professor in Mechanical Engineering.
Their work, “Convolutional-Features Analysis and Control for Mobile Visual Scene Perception,” is supported by a four-year, $1.7 million grant from the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR). The researchers will call on their extensive experience with computer vision to match and combine images of the same area from several cameras, identify objects and track objects and people from place to place. The work will require groundbreaking research, Weinberger said, because most prior work in the field has focused on analyzing images from just a single camera as it moves around. And often, Ferrari added, a camera that doesn’t move at all. The new system will fuse information from fixed cameras, mobile observers and outside sources.
The mobile observers might include autonomous aircraft and ground vehicles and perhaps humanoid robots wandering through a crowd. They will send their images to a central control unit, which might also have access to other cameras looking at the region of interest, as well as access to the internet for help in labeling what it sees. What make of car is that? How do you open this container? Identify this person.
The system might notice a significant face, then track that face through the crowd, Weinberger suggested. In earlier work, Ferrari developed what might be described as a robot game of Marco Polo, where a team of hunters track targets through a complex environment.
Knowing the context of a scene, robot observers may detect suspicious actors and activities that might otherwise go unnoticed. A person running may be a common occurrence on a college campus but may require further scrutiny in a secured area.
The core technology is a combination of “deep learning” that lets a computer interpret images, and “Bayesian modeling,” which allows it to continuously update its model of the world as new data comes in. The programming will also include a “planning function” to figure out how to obtain additional data that might be needed to resolve an uncertainty. It will help its mobile agents avoid obstacles and, if necessary, direct them to locations where a closer look is needed.
While the Navy might deploy such systems with drone aircraft or other autonomous vehicles, the Cornell researchers won’t be involved with any direct application of technology. However, the team does plan to test the system on the Cornell campus, using research robots to “surveil” crowded areas while drawing on an overview from existing webcams, Ferrari suggested.
In addition to the ONR grant, previous work by the researchers has been supported by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify Cornell’s role in the project, of which Silvia Ferrari is the principal investigator.Barcelona (CNA).- Philip VI announced a new round of meetings with the main Spanish parties to take place on the 25th and 26th of April. The aim is to explore if any of the candidates could obtain the necessary support to be invested as new Spanish President, a position which has been held by acting President Mariano Rajoy since the General Elections on the 20th of December 2015. Otherwise, the Royal Household will dissolute both chambers, the Spanish Parliament and the Senate, and call for new elections. The Spanish King’s decision comes after the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE), Spanish Unionist ‘Ciutadans’ and ‘Podemos’ failed to agree to form an alternative government to that current ruling in Spain, composed by the conservative People’s Party (PP). Pro-independence left wing ERC have already refused the Spanish King’s invitation while the other pro-independence party in the Spanish Parliament, ‘Democràcia i Llibertat’, urged PSOE and ‘Podemos’ to set their differences aside and reach an agreement.
Spain’s government is still temporary, since none of the main parties have agreed to form government after the 20th of December elections. After PSOE’s leader, Pedro Sánchez, was rejected in both of the investiture debates and failed to reach a triple agreement with ‘Ciutadans’ and ‘Podemos’, Spanish King Philip VI announced a new chance to keep on negotiating. Thus, a new round of meetings will start on the 25th and 26th of April in order to check if any of the candidates could obtain the necessary support to be invested as President. Philip VI would have to choose a candidate to form new government by the 27th of April. Otherwise, the Royal Household will “procced to the dissolution of both chambers”, the Spanish Parliament and the Senate, “and call for new elections within the terms established by the Spanish Constitution and with the consent of the President of the Spanish Parliament”.
ERC’s Gabriel Rufián has already announced that, similar to what they did on the two previous occasions, the left wing pro-independence party won’t respond to the King’s call. “Our office’s door is open to everybody, including Philip VI, but we only ask him to respect the Catalan institutions, the Parliament’s President, the Catalan President and, in conclusion, the democratic mandate we have”, stated Rufián.
For his part, ‘Democràcia i Llibertat’s Francesc Homs urged PSOE and ‘Podemos’ to “stop looking askance at each other”, “leave the personal issues aside” and agree to form a new government of change which would mean the end of Rajoy’s era. Homs insisted that his party sees the referendum in Catalonia as a condition sine qua non for supporting this alliance.
Alternative left coalition ‘En Comú Podem’, the Catalan branch of Podemos, warned PSOE that “time is running out” and urged PSOE to reach an agreement with ‘Podemos’, as the citizens “can’t stand the current scenario any more”.
Catalan parties disagree on how to run for potential new elections
If none of the candidates achieves the necessary support to be invested as President, the Spanish King will proceed to dissolve the Chambers and call for new elections, which may take place on the 26th of July.
Regarding the possibility of holding new elections, the Catalan pro-independence parties in the Spanish Parliament have different opinions. “If there are elections, which is not my wish, I think that Catalans should make the most of putting out the ballot boxes”, stated Homs. In this vein, he considers “the best formula” to be a “candidature similar to that which ran for the 27-S Catalan Elections”. On that occasion, former Catalan governing party, CDC, and ERC gathered together and constituted the cross-party list ‘Junts Pel Sí’, together with other independent members. “This is the formula which gives us a greater guarantee of obtaining good results”.
However, ERC are not that sure of this formula. “Ideological diversity gets better results”, stated Rufián. “It is more powerful” to have “two groups in the Spanish Parliament which defend the Catalan process from different ideological positions”.History was made on March 13 as the Calgary Inferno hoisted the Clarkson Cup for the first time. But Calgary’s victory was not the only milestone achieved at the close of this year’s Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) season. The game — played for the first time in an NHL arena — drew a record 4,082 fans.
And, oh yes, Hayley Wickenheiser had done it again.
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As the first non-goalie woman to ever play full-time professional hockey, Wickenheiser has won the most gold medals of any Canadian Olympian.
With the CWHL championship, Wickenheiser has now won at every professional level of women’s hockey and she is but one of a crop of amazing women who make this an exciting time for their sport.
Their dedication is even more admirable considering the battle they have had to endure.
Organized women’s hockey has been played in Canada since 1890 but it took a century after the first lines of players hit the ice for the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to sanction a women’s hockey tournament. Shockingly, it took the Olympics until 1998 to include the sport in the Winter Games. Although women had to wait almost 75 years after men’s hockey was included in the Games, today, women’s hockey is one of the most anticipated events in the Winter Olympics.
Canada’s history with women’s hockey has had other low points. In 1956, the Ontario Supreme Court banned girls from playing in boys’ leagues.
Nine-year-old Abigail Hoffman was an aspiring athlete who loved playing hockey. In the absence of a girls’ league, Abigail resorted to pretending to be a boy, cutting her hair short and registering to play as “Ab.”
Hoffman wasn’t intentionally pushing the existing social barriers placed on girls; she just wanted to play hockey — defence, to be exact.
She excelled in the game and was named an all-star but when her gender was discovered, the league immediately banned her. Her family filed a lawsuit but the courts ruled in favour of the league, barring Abigail from playing competitive hockey.
The world of women’s hockey has definitely come a long way since Abigail’s time but professional female hockey players are still not afforded the same (or even similar) opportunities as their male counterparts.
Like Wickenheiser and many other unsung female hockey stars, CWHL athletes play for the love of the game. While NHL players are getting annual paycheques in the millions, top-notch women hockey players are not being paid a cent — not even those who have earned five Olympic medals, a feat unmatched by any male hockey player.
Talks of implementing salaries are underway in the CWHL. This is a smart and long-overdue move; although these women are playing for the true love of the game, without some compensation, the pool of athletes will decline and the sport may suffer.
Of course, recognition through compensation is only one avenue. The sport of women’s hockey also deserves to see more sponsorship, more TV airtime and more media coverage.
As fans, we can participate in this exciting momentum for the game of women’s hockey by simply showing up or tuning in. At my home, my daughters and I look forward annually to the Beanpot Classic and Frozen Four championship — U.S. college events — as much as the NHL playoffs.
They might recognize big names like Crosby and Toews but my daughters are really more interested in amazing women like Wickenheiser, Marie-Philip Poulin, Hilary Knight and Michelle Picard.
In fact, my three year-old has watched so much female hockey that the first time she saw a televised NHL game, she exclaimed, “Daddy, look! Men are playing hockey!” To her, men were playing a girls’ game.
Next week, the IIHF Women’s World Championship will be held in Kamloops and my daughters and I will be there cheering on some of the best athletes as they exhibit excellence on ice.
Women’s hockey is a fast, exciting and skillful game that is gaining momentum and making history. It’s time to pay attention.
--Adel Gamar is a Coquitlam resident and hockey dad of five daughters who play for the Tri-Cities Predators. He’s also a former UNESCO education specialist and current policy fellow at the Harvard Law School.
@AdelGamarAMMAN, JORDAN—Arriving in the Middle East today for top-level negotiations with Palestinian and Israeli officials, a man who could not even devise a way to beat George W. Bush in a head-to-head vote will spend the next several days attempting to bring a peaceful resolution to the most intractable global conflict of the modern era, State Department sources confirmed. “We are confident that [this person who managed to win just 19 states against George W. Bush, even in the midst of two highly unpopular and costly foreign wars] will be able to establish a framework to bring about lasting peace in the Middle East,” said State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki, stating that the diplomat, who was actually deemed by the American populace to be a worse option than four more years of an administration led by a former baseball team owner and Dick Cheney, could provide the leadership necessary to resolve the bitter, bloody conflict that has raged for more than six decades. “[The individual whose sole goal for more than a year was to make the simple case that he would do a better job than one of the most disliked and poorly rated politicians of all time, and who decisively failed at this singular task] will lay out his bold vision for a road map to peace, and it’s one that we believe both Israelis and Palestinians will be very receptive to. Our best hope for a safe, prosperous Middle East lies with [a guy who came in second to a former substance abuser who nearly choked to death on a pretzel].” Sources throughout Israel and the Palestinian territories said they were optimistic about a peace deal, saying they were eager to hear the ideas of the husband of a powerful food-processing heiress.The UUP’s attempt to repeal the law which allows discrimination in teacher recruitment on the grounds of religion has been blocked by the nationalist parties at Stormont.
Speaking ahead of a debate on amendments to the Employment Bill, Ulster Unionist education spokesperson Sandra Overend voiced her frustration at the stance taken by Sinn Fein and the SDLP.
She said: “The Ulster Unionist Party has long been committed to repealing Article 71 of the Fair Employment and Treatment Order, which allows teacher recruitment to be exempted from normal fair employment rules.
“Our amendments due for debate at the further consideration stage of the Employment Bill would, if voted through, repeal Article 71...known as the ‘teacher exception’.
“It is quite unbelievable that nationalist parties, who never tire of shouting about equality and civil rights, are vetoing an attempt to end this license to discriminate through the device of a petition of concern.”
An SDLP spokesman said that the party supports equality of opportunity for teachers.
He added: “However, the Ulster Unionist Party gave one day’s notice of amendments which would fundamentally change teacher recruitment. Education reform should not be dealt with through amendments tacked on to the end of other substantive pieces of legislation.”
Sinn Fein MLA and education spokesperson Chris Hazzard said that the party “will not support rushed amendments in relation to equality and employment legislation being brought to the floor without a proper process of consultation and debate”.Father-to-be Andy Carroll is working hard on his fitness and is preparing to welcome a new son and a new manager
West Ham United striker Andy Carroll is relishing the chance to play under new manager Slaven Bilic and says he is excited by the style of play that the Croatian will bring to the Boleyn Ground.
Carroll has been working hard throughout the summer to regain full fitness following a knee injury he suffered back in February, and is on course to return to action in the pre-season.
The former Newcastle United and Liverpool forward was thrilled to hear the news that Bilic was appointed as the new manager this week and hopes he can play a major part in the final season at the Boleyn Ground.
Carroll said: “I think it has been a great appointment. I have spoken to the lads and everyone seems to be happy with it. He plays a lot of attacking football and I have seen the teams he has been coaching and they love to go out and attack.
“That is a great feeling for me and I cannot wait to get started.”
He plays a lot of attacking football and I have seen the teams he has been coaching and they love to go out and attack
The 26-year-old has worked under a variety of managers during his career, including Kevin Keegan, Chris Hughton, Brendan Rodgers and Sam Allardyce, and is now looking forward to learning the methods employed by the former Croatia and Besiktas boss.
“It is interesting to see how he is on the touchline,” Carroll continued. “Different managers have got different styles and this will be very different to what we have had in the past, but it will be very interesting and I cannot wait to get started.”
Away from football, there is the impending patter of tiny feet to look forward to for the No9, as Carroll is eagerly awaiting the birth of his first child, a son, with fiancee Billi Mucklow.
The front man says he cannot wait to become a father again and hopes this is the start of a memorable few months, on and off the pitch.
Carroll added: “The baby is due on Monday and these are exciting times. We cannot wait and it is very exciting. Everything has been sorted out and we cannot wait.
“I am a dad already but this is my first (with Billi) and it will be great for us down here to start a family. These are really exciting times at the moment and everything is going well.”'The Heat' Is Absolutely Revolutionary, For Being Mostly Ordinary
Enlarge this image toggle caption Gemma La Mana/Twentieth Century Fox Gemma La Mana/Twentieth Century Fox
The date: June 14, 2013. The writer: me, in despair, without a single non-art-house movie with a female lead playing anywhere near me. The piece: "At The Movies, The Women Are Gone."
And now, two weeks later, it's opening day for The Heat, the buddy-cop comedy starring Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock, and The Bling Ring is playing, so instead of my local multiplex having zero percent of its non-animation showtimes starring women, now it has 22 percent! For this weekend only, men dominate only 78 percent of the showings! Girl power! Year Of The Woman!
But here's what does matter: Not only is The Heat very, very funny, but it's made with a delightful combination of self-awareness about the fact that it's a rare buddy-cop movie about women and total commitment to being a buddy-cop movie, not a female-buddy-cop movie.
Let me tell you how it hooked me, without spoiling anything: there is a cliché about scenes in which women sit in their apartments. (There are actually lots of clichés, but there is this one in particular.) The Heat shows Sandra Bullock, who plays the uptight cop to McCarthy's rule-breaking cop, enjoying some time at home. It appears for a moment to be embracing this cliché. I felt my heart sink. I felt my eyes roll. And then suddenly, in what's both a very funny bit and a moment of tremendous meta-commentary, the cliché is upended and bent over the knee of screenwriter Katie Dippold and director Paul Feig, where it receives a playful but firm spanking.
This joke works for anybody, but it is specifically designed to delight people who hate clichés about single women in movies. Now think about that. It is a major motion picture debuting this weekend in your multiplex, and it is making wry, winking jokes about gender portrayals in major motion pictures playing in your multiplex. It was such a delightful moment, and such a relief, that I almost ran to the front of the theater to curl up physically in the glow of it. (As much as I love the writing of A.O. Scott — and I do — his review of the movie in The New York Times both unforgivably gives away this bit and, to my eye, misunderstands it.)
But here's the real feat: About 95 percent of The Heat could be made and would still be considered comedy if both of the protagonists were (1) men, and (2) thin. The horrible thing that's so often done to actresses in comedies and especially to actresses with bodies like McCarthy's is that the things they're given to do are only funny — or significant --because they're women or because of their size. Funny to hear girls swear, funny to see girls fight, funny to see big ladies fall down, very important that everyone get a boyfriend, crucial that someone get a makeover and show up in a hot dress.
Nope. Nope, nope, nope and nope. I don't believe either of them dresses up once in the entire movie, and the only thing that sneaks up on a makeover scene is a twisted, tortured parody of one (which contains the Spanx joke from the trailer that's very different in context).
But critically, it also doesn't deny McCarthy the delightful contrast between her dimples and her dirty mouth, because her combination of sweetie-pie and vulgarian has always been a major element in her comedic style (which wasn't entirely obvious before Saturday Night Live and Bridesmaids). It's a movie that respects her, but doesn't patronize or try to protect her from the acting-a-fool elements of making broad comedy in order to be adequately feminist about her body. If she's to be respected for her talent, she's got to be allowed to do as she likes and not forced to only make movies where she bats her eyes and banters on the theory that to do otherwise is to be someone else's grotesque. When she chooses to be, Melissa McCarthy is her own grotesque, thank you very much, just as much as Kristen Wiig is. And that's her prerogative.
There's a moment late in the film when Bullock (who I've always found very funny in an entirely different way) is executing a lengthy physical comedy bit, and I thought, "If Melissa McCarthy were doing this, people would claim it was just a funny-fat-person bit and that a thin person would never do it." What I like about The Heat is that both women throw themselves equally into the gaping maw of its goofy comedy, which has lots of f-bombs and is sometimes a little bloody (in the tradition of cop movies) but, if it matters to you, is nowhere near as scatological as Bridesmaids was.
The underlying crime plot in The Heat is pretty forgettable, as it is in just about every movie of this kind that exists to create funny sequences between comic actors. But to evaluate the plausibility and the heft of the crime plot here is to evaluate the accuracy of the astronomy in Spaceballs. Who cares? We came for the jokes.
In the care of a director like Feig who self-evidently reveres her, McCarthy is an actress who can just be on camera, being funny, and hold the scene for long moments that get funnier and funnier just because she doesn't stop. If you've seen the end credits from This Is 40, you've seen her do this — this is just a movie where that's the primary weapon, deployed very effectively.
There are two answers to the fact that summer brings nothing but action movies and buddy comedies crawling with dudes. One is to make something else entirely; The Heat is not that. The other is to make a really strong version of a formula summer picture that shatters the gender element of the formula and demonstrates that you can make perfectly good, really funny broad buddy-cop movies with women, provided you give the performers a break and don't saddle them with also trying to simultaneously make sensitive romantic comedies or uplifting makeover tales.
And The Heat most definitely does that.Leon Panetta and Barack Obama
Photograph by Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
It looks like something seriously different is about to happen with the defense budget—and not just the budget, but the way the Pentagon does business and the military fights wars.
President Obama sought to dramatize this fact—or at least to deepen its impression—by going to the Pentagon press room himself (something no previous president had ever done) to lay out the main points of the new “Defense Strategic Guidance,” a document that was hammered out in a half-dozen meetings involving the president, the service chiefs, and the national-security bureaucracy. The precise scope and even nature of these changes are not yet clear. The top Pentagon officials—who followed the president’s appearance with a slightly more expansive press conference—are leaving the details to their budget rollout in a few weeks.
But certain inferences can be drawn from some of their statements. The biggest one is that the Army and Marine Corps will soon be facing an enormous—one might even say, existential—crisis.
Take a close look at these remarks:
Obama: As we look beyond the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan—and the end of long-term nation-building with large military footprints—we’ll be able to ensure our security with smaller conventional ground forces.
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta: The Army and Marine Corps will no longer need to be sized to support large-scale stability operations.
The president and the secretary aren’t stating merely that they don’t intend to get involved in something like Iraq or Afghanistan in the foreseeable future. They’re saying that when the Army and Marine chiefs calculate how many troops they need for various contingencies, they are not allowed to assume that one of those contingencies might be a long war that involves lots of troops engaged in “stability operations.” (That’s shorthand for operations designed to stabilize a country after a war by helping its leaders impose order, re-establish legitimate government, and provide basic services).
Two big questions come to mind. First, is this the end of counterinsurgency, at least as it relates to much of the doctrine, training, education, and strategy that the Army has pursued during the last five years?
At a follow-on news conference, Ashton Carter, the deputy secretary of defense, waved away such concerns, saying the military would retain the “know-how” and “critical skills” to “regenerate” this capability if it is needed once again. But this is easier said than done. If the president and defense secretary say that “stability operations” are no longer a core mission of the Army and Marine Corps, then the senior officers—many of whom were never thrilled about doing those things to begin with—are likely to whack away at the resources (training bases, educational curricula, and so forth) that created and sustained this “know-how.” (One exception will be Special Operations Forces, which have always performed these sorts of missions and which Obama says he wants to increase.)
The second question: What are the core missions for ground forces now? Panetta said the size of the Army and Marines will be cut substantially, in part because of budget restrictions and in part because of the strategic rethink. News reports say that Panetta will cut the active-duty Army from 570,000 troops to 490,000 troops. But the chiefs had already assumed a post-Iraq reduction to 520,000. Slicing another 30,000 isn’t a big deal. What’s worrying a lot of Army officers is how they’re going to justify even as many as 490,000.
A new Korean war is one scenario, but is today’s Army—the best-trained, best-equipped fighting force in the world—really going to want to devote the bulk of its efforts to manning a static garrison on the DMZ?
Panetta and Carter suggested one possibility when they mentioned the continued necessity of “security assistance”—that is, supplying and training allied armies. A few years ago, John Nagl suggested that the Army form an “advisory corps” that would specialize in just that. He faced resistance from senior officers who didn’t want any of their scarce brigades to give up their “combat capability.” But where’s the combat? If the future face of American warfare is going to look less like Iraq and Afghanistan, it may look more like Libya, Uganda, and Somalia. An advisory corps would have a role there.
Senior Army officers must also be a little concerned by another aspect of the defense review: its clear tilt toward building up the Air Force and the Navy.
For instance:
Panetta: The U.S. military will increase its institutional weight and focus on enhanced presence, power projection, and deterrence in Asia-Pacific. This region is growing in importance to the future of the United States economy and our national security. This means, for instance, improving capabilities that maintain our military’s technological edge and freedom of action.
There’s a lot of code words in this statement, but, in the “Asia-Pacific” theater, “enhanced presence,” “power projection,” “deterrence,” “technological edge |
are highest among the North East Asians (105), followed by Europeans (100), North Africans and South Asians (80-85), and finally by sub-Saharan Africans (67).
Professor Vanhanen therefore proposes a causal sequence in which geographical differences in temperature have been the original stimulus driving up the IQs, first of South Asians and North Africans in temperate latitudes, and later driving up further the IQs of Europeans and North East Asians in colder environments. He argues that the higher IQs of the Europeans and North East Asians contribute to democracy in two separate ways: through first, the advantages of high IQ itself, and second, the better distribution of power resources in high-IQ countries.
Prof. Vanhanen proposes that high IQ per se is necessary for democracy because “people in countries with low national IQs are not as able to organize themselves, to take part in national politics, and to defend their rights against those in power as people in countries with higher national IQs” (p.270). The peoples of low-IQ countries may want democracy, but they cannot establish and maintain it.
Somalia gets a zero in democracy. These people
were killed in a shoot out in Mogadishu in
July 2009.
High IQ also contributes to the other factor essential to democracy: broad distribution of power resources. One might assume that the level of concentration of wealth and power reflects the standard deviation of IQ in a society rather than the average; that societies of the very rich and very poor might have greater variations in intelligence than societies with large middle classes. Prof. Vanhanen concludes otherwise: A high average, rather than a tight distribution of IQs is what creates the middle class. More intelligent people are better able to defend and further their interests and to acquire education, which prevents the concentration of power resources. This distribution of political power supports the emergence of market economies, which help distribute power resources more widely. Standard deviation in IQ is probably similar for most countries, but those with high averages are more equal and more democratic.
The conclusion to be drawn is that none of the low-IQ countries of sub-Saharan Africa is capable of sustaining full democracy. The South East Asian, South Asian, North African, Caribbean, and Latin American countries with minority European populations — with IQs in the range between 80-89 — are capable only of imperfect and fragile democracies.
Professor Vanhanen’s conclusions are unquestionably important, not least for American presidents who have been persuaded by gung-ho neo-cons that the peoples of Iraq and Afghanistan (and no doubt Iran) are all ready and longing for democracy, and that all America need do is send in the army, topple their corrupt rulers, and the people will welcome democracy and adopt it! The president and his staff could learn a great deal from Prof. Vanhanen.
Tatu Vanhanen, The Limits of Democratization: Climate, Intelligence, and Resource Distribution, Washington Summit Publishers, 2009, 382 pp., $21.95 (soft cover)
ARTICLE
Should All Confederates Have Been Hanged?
Prof. Jonathan Farley thinks so.
The November 2005 issue of AR included an article entitled “Hypocrisy 101: Free Speech for Leftists but not for Race Realists.” Written by a talented race realist who uses the pen name Alexander Hart, it described the contrast between the outrage that greets all white dissent from racial orthodoxy and the indulgence non-whites get when they fail to practice the alleged virtues of tolerance and diversity.
Confederate veterans in 1917. Did they deserve to be hanged?
As Mr. Hart wrote:
“In 2002, Vanderbilt University tried to change the name of Confederate Memorial Hall and remove a plaque that honored the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) for contributing to building costs. The UDC was understandably opposed to this, and sued. Jonathan Farley, a black professor of mathematics at Vanderbilt, responded with a column for a Nashville newspaper claiming that the ‘UDC honors traitors.’ He wrote that ‘every Confederate soldier, by the mores of his age and ours, deserved not a hallowed resting place at the end of his days but a reservation at the end of the gallows,’ and went on to suggest that America’s racial problems are rooted in the fact that ‘the Confederacy was not thoroughly destroyed, its leaders and soldiers executed and their lands given to the landless freed slaves...’ “Approximately 1.2 million Confederate soldiers survived the war, and so what Prof. Farley called for was nothing less than the extermination of virtually the entire white male population of the South, along with a land distribution program that makes Robert Mugabe look timid. Even Joseph Stalin killed only Polish army officers at Katyn. In his column, Prof. Farley went on to compare Confederate apologists to ‘Holocaust revisionists,’ while at the same time advocating a holocaust of his own.”
Naturally, black student organizations endorsed Prof. Farley’s views, and the mild reproval he got from the Vanderbilt administration was smothered in devotion to the First Amendment. Mr. Hart contrasted this with the rough treatment white academics get for doubting the wisdom of mass immigration or pointing out racial differences in IQ. Since Mr. Hart wrote the article there have been many examples of this, the most recent being the flap over third-year Harvard Law School student Stephanie Grace. In April she was humiliated and forced to apologize after a former friend publicized a private e-mail message in which Miss Grace speculated mildly about the possible genetic contribution to the black IQ deficit.
A source of grave offense...
To return to Prof. Farley, he has finally replied to Mr. Hart in a message with the title, “You defend Mass Executions.” The professor does not waste words:
“Defenders of the Confederacy defend the mass executions of all the slaves who attempted to free themselves, as well as the rape, murder, torture of millions of innocents. These rapes and murders actually occurred; they weren’t hypothetical situations. “Tell me what the penalty for treason is (in 1865 or 2010). Is it being tickled? “What you argue is that if enough people commit crimes against humanity, they should all be pardoned. That may be pragmatic and political, but it is not moral or legal. “Why don’t you write under your real name, coward? “Oh, and the ‘free speech for leftists’ you speak of? Doesn’t exist. You will note Ward Churchill was fired. The co-author of The Bell Curve wasn’t, and the people who sent me death threats weren’t even prosecuted.”
Mr. Hart replied to Prof. Farley as follows:
... to Professor Farley.
“To deal with each point one at a time: Except in very few cases in a few states, runaway slaves were not subject to execution, and when it occurred, it by no means constituted ‘mass executions.’ As for slave rebellions, there were only a handful, such as the one led by Nat Turner, who killed white children in their sleep. We are talking about a few hundred slaves at most, rather than millions. And of course, it is a complete non-sequitur to say that anyone who does not believe that Confederate solders should have been executed must support every single practice in the Antebellum South. “As for treason, it is interesting that someone who styles himself a Marxist revolutionary is so concerned about the authority of the federal government. When a rebellion — if you want to call the South’s secession that — becomes an all-out war, it is unheard of in the West to kill surrendering soldiers. One of the most universally condemned acts in the Second World War was Stalin’s murder of Polish officers in Katyn, but even he killed only officers. “Aside from the moral aspects, there are practical repercussions to a policy of executing soldiers. If a soldier knows he will be killed, he has no reason to surrender, and will go to extreme measures to avoid capture. Your policies would have led to the deaths not only of millions of Southerners, but also hundreds of thousands or even millions of Northerners as well. “Comparing Ward Churchill to Charles Murray is spurious. Dr. Murray is a serious scholar who worked for a private think tank. Dr. Churchill worked for a public college, and advocated mass murder of American citizens. He was not fired for his views. Rather, his outrageous statements brought attention to his research, which was found to be full of plagiarism and falsification. “I use a pen name, because unlike you, I will face professional repercussions for making these moderate points, while you can vent your hatred for whites without ever worrying about your job. Contrary to your claims of oppression, your job was never in jeopardy. When you voluntarily chose to leave Vanderbilt, you had other universities lining up to get another affirmative action hire. “Perhaps you did receive anonymous death threats, but I am certain that if the police found out who made them, there would be prosecutions. I am also certain the police made more of an attempt to find the perpetrators than they did for the people who made death threats against the hotels that were to host the 2010 American Renaissance conference.”
IN THE NEWS
O Tempora, O Mores!
Fathers’ Day Gift
David Brown, Jr.
On Father’s Day, police in the Dallas suburb of Lancaster, Texas, responded to reports of a shooting in an apartment complex parking lot. When they arrived, the shooter fired on officers from a parked car, killing Officer Craig Shaw, a five-year veteran. The other policemen returned fire, killing the gunman, who was later identified as 27-year-old David Brown, Jr. — the son of Dallas Chief of Police David Brown, Sr. Police also discovered the body of 23-year-old Jeremy McMillian, whom Brown had just killed.
While police have offered no motive for Brown’s killings, they may have something to do with a domestic dispute between Brown and his white girlfriend Misti Conaway just a few hours earlier. Miss Conaway had called 911, saying Brown had hit her and was acting “nuts,” like someone “on PCP,” and had barricaded himself in the apartment with their two children. When police arrived, they say they found him calm and non-threatening, and decided not to arrest him. After Brown was killed by police, an autopsy revealed that he was high on marijuana, PCP, and alcohol. He also had a criminal record, for, among other things, dealing marijuana. [Sheriff: DPD Chief’s Son Shot Lancaster Officer, KTVT-TV (Dallas), June 21, 2010. Shaun Rabb, Gunman’s Girlfriend: Tragedy Could Have Been Prevented, KDFW-TV (Dallas), June 24, 2010. Steve Pickett, J.D. Miles & Matt Goodman, Autopsy Shows Brown Jr. Used PCP before Shooting, KTVT-TV (Dallas), June 30, 2010.]
Gangs in Uniform
The Pentagon outlawed military service by gang members in November 2009, but veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan say the problem is worse than ever. More gang graffiti keeps showing up on buildings, latrines, and armored vehicles. Soldiers who return to gang life are especially dangerous because they know military tactics; in 2005, a former Marine killed a police officer and wounded three others in a California ambush. Civilian contractors are part of the problem. In Iraq, large quantities of drugs confiscated from US contractors have been destroyed.
According to a Chicago policeman who recently completed a tour with the Army reserve, Bagram Air Base is covered with Chicago gang graffiti, from the Gangster Disciples to the Latin Kings. Back in Chicago, he says he has arrested high-level gang members who keep the Army Field Manual 7-8 — which describes basic infantry tactics — in their homes. “It’s scary,” he says. [Frank Main, ‘Scary’ Growth of Gangs in War Zones, Chicago Sun-Times, July 18, 2010.]
All About Race
Eugene Walker.
Last year, when the DeKalb County, Georgia, school district (75 percent black, 10 percent white) needed a contractor to do its legal work, it got offers from law firms that were willing to handle all the district’s business. Instead, it hired one firm to do most of its legal work, but hired a second firm — at a cost of nearly $1 million extra — to do personnel work. Why did it pay extra for two firms? The second, Alexander & Associates, is owned by a black woman. As black board member Eugene Walker explained, “I am a very, very race-conscious person. I will never ever try to lead you to believe that I am race-neutral. I see color. I appreciate color. I celebrate color and I love color.” Most whites on the board (they are a minority of four out of nine) did not go along with this, and at least one black member didn’t like it either: “I will not be bullied into voting by race,” said Pamela Speaks. Still, the board voted 5-4 (four out of five blacks voted in favor; three out of four whites against) to make sure it was hiring enough “diverse” lawyers — even though there were plenty of non-whites working for the first firm. [Megan Matteucci, DeKalb Schools: Diversity Trumps Costs, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, July 21, 2010.]
Injustice
Robert Wallace is an 82-year-old resident of Wheat Ridge, Colorado. One day in February he glanced out his window just in time to see two men trying to make off with his flatbed trailer, which they had attached to a pickup. He grabbed a gun, rushed outside and ordered them to stop, but the men sped away, nearly running him over. Mr. Roberts fired two shots at the men, then went inside and called police. A few minutes later, 32-year-old Damacio Torres dropped 28-year-old Alvaro Cardona off at local emergency room with a gunshot wound to the face. Mr. Torres didn’t stick around, but the police nabbed him later. Both are illegal aliens with long rap sheets.
Local prosecutors aren’t interested in punishing Mr. Cardona and Mr. Torres. Instead, they’ve charged Mr. Wallace with 12 felonies, including four counts of attempted first degree murder. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in jail for defending his property. He is now out on bond awaiting a September court hearing. [Julie Hayden, Thieves Could Go Free While Victim Faces Jail Time, KDVR-TV (Denver), July 7, 2010.]
‘Not the White Man’s Bitch’
Ieshuh Griffin is a black woman running as an independent candidate for a seat in the Wisconsin legislature representing downtown Milwaukee. State law allows independent candidates five words on the ballot to describe themselves, provided they are not “pejorative, profane, discriminatory or obscene.” Miss Griffin wants to use “Not the White Man’s Bitch,” but an employee with the state election oversight agency said no. Miss Griffith appealed the decision to the Government Accountability Board, which heard her case in July. The board is made up of six retired judges — all of them white — and it takes four votes to overturn a ruling. Miss Griffith told the five judges present at the hearing that the issue was about “freedom of expression,” saying of the description, “It’s not racial. It’s not a slur.” She said that “white man” doesn’t refer to an individual, but rather to the government as a whole. And by “bitch” she means a female dog that will roll over on command. “I’m not making a derogatory statement to a group of people or an ethnic group,” she added. “I’m saying what I am not. Everyone I spoke with, elderly and young, understand my point of view.”
Three of the five agreed with her. Board member Thomas Cane, a retired state appeals court judge, said he didn’t find the wording “particularly offensive.” Thomas Barland, who served 33 years as a circuit court judge, agreed: “It wasn’t pornographic, it wasn’t obscene and I didn’t interpret it as racial.” Board chairman Gordon Myse asked, “Isn’t she saying, ‘I’m not under the white man’s direction? I’m independent of that.’ Isn’t that what she’s saying?” before casting the third vote in favor of Miss Griffin’s appeal. During the public hearing, a white woman in attendance told the judges she found the statement offensive, noting that if a white candidate had used the phrase “not the black man’s bitch,” it would have been rejected without question. Miss Griffith says she now plans to take the matter to federal court. [Scott Bauer, Wisconsin Candidate Can’t Use Controversial Description, AP, July 21, 2010.]
Buyer Beware
Researchers at Stanford have found that people are less likely to buy an iPod nano over the Internet if they think they are buying it from a black. The researchers posted two kinds of adds: one with a photo of a white hand holding the iPod and one with a black hand holding it. The black-hand ads got 13 percent fewer responses and 17 percent fewer offers than the white-hand ads. Buyers also offered black sellers less money for their iPods. The bias against blacks was greatest in the Northeast and Midwest and less in the South. The researchers claimed there was no difference in response rates in the West. Blacks were at a particular disadvantage in high-crime areas. When buyers agreed to buy from a seller they thought was black they were 44 percent less likely to agree to have the iPod shipped rather than pick it up in person, and 56 percent more likely to say they objected to paying by PayPal. The researchers never met any of the buyers, so they never learned what race they were. [Louis Bergeron, Online Shoppers More Likely to Buy From White Sellers Than Black, PhysOrg.com, July 20, 2010.]
Boycott Bust
As we mentioned in the June issue, several cities, especially in California, announced they would boycott Arizona because of its new immigration law. Time is proving them silly, as cities carve out exemptions and scale back boycotts. In Los Angeles, for example, it turns out that the company that operates the city’s lucrative traffic enforcement cameras is based in Scottsdale. Cash-strapped LA pocketed $6 million last year because of the cameras, and doesn’t want to give up the swag. In explaining this exemption from the boycott he so fervently supported, Los Angeles Councilman Richard Alarcon said it was “never intended to impede public safety.”
When San Jose discovered contracts it didn’t care to cancel, it decided to limit its boycott to a ban on official travel. Sacramento made an exemption for the Arizona-based company that supplies its police with Tasers. City officials said the higher cost of buying elsewhere made canceling “impractical.” Other cities have discovered that reviewing every contract for ties to Arizona is costly and tedious. Berkeley was one of the first cities to announce a boycott, and while it hasn’t entered into any new contracts with Arizona companies, it hasn’t canceled any existing ones. A city employee says a review is underway. “They’ll go through all of them,” she says. “It’s going to take a lot of time.” [Cities Discovering an Arizona Boycott May Do More Harm than Good, Fox News, June 28, 2010.]
Diffing the SAT
She had a big advantage: she’s white.
Yet another study claims to find racial bias in the SAT. Maria Santelices of the Catholic University of Chile and Mark Wilson of UC Berkeley report in the Harvard Educational Review that they have detected “differential item functioning” (DIF) in the exam. There is said to be DIF when blacks and whites, supposedly “matched by proficiency” and other factors, are not equally likely to get the right answer. Like another study from 2003, this one found that on some of the easier verbal questions, DIF favored white students, while on some of the most difficult verbal questions, DIF favored blacks. The authors claim that the disparity in the easier questions is probably “reflected in the cultural expressions that are used commonly in the dominant (white) society,” and that white students absorbed them effortlessly because they grew up around white people. They say more difficult words are learned, not just absorbed.
Robert Schaeffer, of the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, a long-time critic of the SAT, calls the report “a bombshell,” and says the study “presents a profound challenge to institutions which still rely heavily on the SAT to determine undergraduate admissions or scholarship awards.”
The College Board, which owns the SAT, disputes the findings. Spokesman Kathleen Steinberg says every question is screened to weed out bias. “We believe that our test is fair,” she says. “It is rigorously researched, probably the most rigorously researched standardized test in the world.” As for the perpetual racial gap of about 100 points on the reading section of the test, Miss Steinberg takes a strictly orthodox view: “It’s a reflection of educational inequity.” [Scott Jaschik, New Evidence of Racial Bias on SAT, Inside Higher Ed, June 21, 2010.]
Birds of a Feather
It is now well established that of the social networking Internet sites, Facebook has attracted whites and Asians while MySpace is mostly black and Hispanic. The most obvious explanation for this would be that the Internet simply reflects life, and that people prefer the company of others like themselves.
Danah Boyd, who writes about this, does not deny the possibility of self-segregation, but proposes other reasons for the separation. One is that MySpace let record companies push their wares on the site, and they touted hip hop and ghetto music that helped drive out whites. Users report that MySpace is much more music-oriented than Facebook.
Something else that drove away whites and Asians was spam. Hackers broke into accounts and used them to spread links to viruses and other unwanted messages. Miss Boyd writes that many departing users left behind derelict accounts that are now “covered in spam, a form of digital graffiti.” “Spammers took over like street gangs,” she adds, contributing to the feeling that MySpace had become a “digital ghetto.” Perhaps blacks and Hispanics were less bothered by this than whites and Asians. [Christopher Mims, Did Whites Flee the ‘Digital Ghetto’ of MySpace? Technology Review, July 14, 2010.]
Probably the reality is that as soon as either site developed even a hint of ethnic identity it was only a matter of time before self-segregation ensued — probably most of it unconscious.
Out of Africa
Kalunga Kanyela, is a refugee from the Congo. He is now under arrest in the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on charges of molesting three female relatives, ages six to 15. His defense? He didn’t know it was wrong. He explained that it is “allowed in Africa.” [Tiffany Gibson, Refugee Accused of Sexually Assaulting 3 Young Relatives, Las Vegas Sun, June 25, 2010.]
Double Standards
Bleum, Inc, is a Chinese information technology company founded by an American, Eric Rongley. Bleum, which employs 1,000 people, uses IQ tests to weed out 99 percent of job applicants. “It is much harder to get into Bleum than it is to Harvard,” says Mr. Rongley, adding that high-IQ workers are more productive. “The point is not that they are typing faster, but they are finding a faster solution to the technical problem,” he says.
Bleum hires both Chinese and American computer science grads for its Shanghai headquarters, but has different standards for each group. A Chinaman must have an IQ of at least 140 to be considered, while Americans can skate in with just 125. A spokesman for the company says this is because the pool of American talent is smaller. Bleum needs Americans to support the company’s growing number of North American clients.
For several years, the super-secret US National Security Agency has sponsored a software coding competition put on by TopCoder Inc., a Glastonbury, Connecticut-based software development company. More than 4,200 coders took part in last year’s competition. Of the 70 finalists, 20 were from China, 10 from Russia and just two from the US. The winner was Chinese. [Patrick Thibodeau, Chinese Outsourcer Seeks US Workers With IQ of 125 and Up, Computer World, July 7, 2010.]
US “civil rights” and employment law effectively forbids the use of IQ tests by American employers. Many try to skirt this ban by using so-called aptitude tests, but these expose them to lawsuits when rejected applicants complain about “disparate impact.”
Riot Redux
French “youths” are touchy. In the fall of 2005, France was nearly paralyzed when young blacks and Muslims burned thousands of cars, injured scores of policemen, and caused millions of dollars worth of property damage. The violence began after two Muslim teenagers fleeing from police electrocuted themselves when they hid in a power substation.
In July this year, during a shootout in the southeastern city of Grenoble, police killed 27-year-old Karim Boudouda, whom they suspected of robbing a casino at gunpoint. A memorial service for Boudouda the next day turned into a riot as young Muslims started torching cars. When police arrived, they found “A group of people... waiting for us with stones and baseball bats in their hands,” said Brigitte Jullien, head of public security. “Shots were fired against us.” Ominously, police say the shots were from automatic weapons, although no officers were hurt. The rioters burned about 60 cars, but police made only two arrests. [Albertina Torsoli, Rioters Shoot at Police, Set Cars on Fire in the French Town of Grenoble, Bloomberg News, July 17, 2010.]
Canuck Common Sense
Sara Landriault is a Canadian woman who wanted to go back to work after rearing her children. She used the Internet to find a job with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for which she was qualified, but was shocked to find a notation saying that only “aboriginals” and “visible minorities” (Canada-speak for non-whites) could apply. “It was insane,” she says. “I’m white, so I can’t do it?”
CIC spokeswoman Melanie Carkner has an explanation: “We are under-represented by aboriginal employees in our work force. At this point in time, the department does meet requirements for visible minorities; however, given the department’s mandate, we make a concerted effort to hire individuals in this group.” [Brian Lilley, Woman Denied Government Job Because of Race, July 24, 2010.]
This sort of thing is legal under Canadian law, and Miss Carkner will be happy to know that there are more women, “aboriginals” and “visible minorities” working for the government than ever before. As of March 2009, women were 54.7 percent of the federal workforce, “aboriginals” 4.5 per cent, and non-whites 9.8 percent.
Canada’s ruling Conservative Party wants to end blatant anti-white bias, and has ordered a review of “affirmative action.” Stockwell Day, president of the Treasury Board (which is in charge of Canada’s civil service) and former leader of the conservative Canadian Alliance party, says, “While we support diversity in the public service, we want to ensure that no Canadian is barred from opportunities in the public service based on race or ethnicity.” Immigration Minister Jason Kenney agrees: “We must ensure that all Canadians have an equal opportunity to work for their government based on merit, regardless of race or ethnicity.”
The Canadian left is outraged. Pat Martin, a member of parliament with the leftwing New Democrat party, calls the move a “full-frontal attack on affirmative action,” adding, “It is paranoia on their part, though, because we are nowhere near achieving equity in the face of the public-service workforce. I don’t think they can make a case that white, middle-class people are being denied access to public service jobs, or that there’s any preference shown.” [Steve Rennie, Ottawa Orders Affirmative-action Overhaul, Canada Press, July 22, 2010.]
Lower Standards
In France, top students hoping to join the French elite sweat out highly-competitive admissions exams to get into the nation’s top universities — the 222 grandes écoles. Many are very small, and they account for only about 5 percent of all French students. Graduating from one of these schools virtually guarantees lifetime employment in the upper echelons. “In France, families celebrate acceptance at a grande école more than graduation itself,” says Richard Descoings, head of the Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris, known as Sciences Po. “Once you pass the exam at 18 or 19, for the rest of your life, you belong.”
Sciences Po.
Critics claim the exclusivity of the grandes écoles is bad for France, because it allows the rich, white elite to perpetuate itself, while marginalizing blacks and Muslims. The French government is therefore setting up a pilot program to help non-whites pass the entrance exams, or concours. Unlike the United States, France does not keep statistics on race or ethnicity, and remains opposed to quotas. Instead it uses income as a proxy for race, believing that most poor people in France are non-white. The goal is to increase the percentage of “scholarship students” to 30 percent, up from about 10 percent today. Sciences Po, for example, admitted 126 scholarship students in last year’s class of 1,300, and two thirds of them had at least one non-French parent.
Some people think taking income into consideration is not enough. Minister of Education Valérie Pécresse, for example, believes the concours rely too much on French history and culture. “We’re thinking about the socially discriminatory character, or not, of these tests,” she says. “I want the same concours for everyone, but I don’t exclude that the tests of the concours evolve, with the objective of a great social opening and a better measure of young people’s intelligence.”
Defenders of the current system say the new approach will lower standards and undermine the French ideal of a pure meritocracy. Xavier Michel is head of the famous École Polytechnique, one of the top engineering schools in the world. Polytechnique, which admits 500 students a year, considers for admission only those who have passed its grueling entrance exam — and then rejects 90 percent of them. “The fundamental principle for us is that students have the capability to do the work here, which is very difficult,” he explains. “We don’t want to bring students into school who risk failing.”
Awa Dramé, daughter of African immigrants, is happy to participate in the pilot program for non-whites. “I don’t mind being a guinea pig, so long as the experiment works,” she says. “Reaching this level was unthinkable before, and I can see myself going higher. I’m full of dreams.” [Steven Erlanger, Top French Schools, Asked to Diversify, Fear for Standards, New York Times, June 30, 2010.]
Russia’s Obama
Jean Gregoire Sagbo, a native of the African country of Benin, moved to the Soviet Union in 1982 to study communist economics. He stayed, married a Russian woman and had children, and moved to the small town of Novozavidovo, 65 miles north of Moscow, to be closer to his in-laws. Novozavidovo is a dying, former industrial city of 10,000, with pollution, unemployment, and drug and drunkenness problems. To Mr. Sagbo, it’s home, and he wants to make it better. Over the years, he has spent his own money to clean up the entrance to his apartment building, plant flowers, and fix the street. A decade ago he began organizing volunteers to pick up garbage. This summer he ran for a seat on the 10-member city council, on a platform of cleaning up a polluted lake and delivering heat and hot water to homes — and won. This makes him the first black elected official in Russia. His fellow residents say they don’t see him as African. “His skin is black but he is Russian inside,” says Mayor Vyacheslav Arakelov. “The way he cares about this place, only a Russian can care.” “We consider him one of us,” says Irina Danilenko, 31. They also say he is the first candidate to win election without buying votes.
Mr. Sagbo isn’t the first black to run for office in Russia; Joaquin Crima, of Guinea-Bissau, was a candidate to be head of a southern Russian district last year but lost badly. At the time, the Russian media dubbed Mr. Crima “Russia’s Obama” and now they’ve hung the label on Mr. Sagbo. He rejects it. “My name is not Obama.” he says. “It’s sensationalism. He is black and I am black, but it’s a totally different situation.”
No one knows how many blacks live in Russia, but estimates put the number at 40,000. [Kristina Narizhnaya, A Russian Milestone: 1st Black Elected to Office, AP, July 26, 2010.]
LETTERS FROM READERS
Sir — I read with great interest Mr. Henderson’s August cover story (“Are You Surprised or Angry”) about the differences in the ways whites and Asians read faces. His article reminded me of a 2003 paper (P. Kochunov, P. Fox et. al., “Localized Morphological Brain Differences Between English-speaking Caucasians and Chinese-speaking Asians,” Developmental Neuroscience, May 2003) that compared English-speaking whites and Chinese-speaking Chinese, and found differences in how the brain processes speech: “The left middle frontal gyrus (MFG), including Brodmann area (BA), is strongly activated in native Chinese speakers during a variety of linguistic tasks, but is not activated or is weakly activated in native English speakers performing the same tasks.” The authors noted the same differences when Chinese and whites did “auditory tasks.”
The paper concluded that the brain is plastic and develops differently depending on the language learned. This may be true. However, I have waited in vain for a similar study of full-blooded Chinese born in the West who speak only English. How do their brains work? Can it be that the research has been done but that the results have not been widely reported because brains of Chinese work differently no matter what language they are speaking? The findings Mr. Henderson reports suggest that this could be so.
Charles A. Anderson, Davis, Calif.
Sir — Jared Taylor’s August review of the “anti-racist” smear of Raymond Cattell by Professor William Tucker (see “Kicking the Dead”) was a badly needed exposé. It is ironic that the author of this dishonest book thinks that academics practicing bad science should be drummed out of public life. Shouldn’t he be the first to go?
Names Withheld
Sir — In her letter in the August issue, Sarah Wentworth singles out Quanah Parker as “an example of contact between whites and natives that turned out reasonably well.” I am confused as to what part of Quanah Parker’s life is any indication of this or why Parker is one of Miss Wentworth’s “favorite characters from American history.” Perhaps we are to be inspired by the kidnapping and systematic rape of a nine-year-old girl by non-whites forcing her into a life of miscegenation. I am curious as to Miss Wentworth’s use of quotes surrounding the word “rescued” as well. Are we to believe that being returned to her white family was, in fact, not her salvation, and that she would have been better off living as a perpetual victim of her tormentors? Anyone with even a passing familiarity with the Stockholm Syndrome would recognize Cynthia Parker’s reluctance to return to white civilization as the inevitable result of brainwashing and torture inflicted on a poor, defenseless, girl and woman over the course of 24 years. Her consequent suicide provides further evidence of this.
As to her son Quanah being both a “successful rancher” and one of the “richest American Indians of his time,” I would suggest that perhaps the fact that he was living on a reservation and receiving handouts from a guilt-ridden government might have contributed to his success. And certainly the friendship of notables such as Teddy Roosevelt did nothing to harm his business venture. Certainly one can envision a few well-placed palms being greased in this scenario. In addition, I do not see Parker’s polygamy as something to be admired. One can at least hope that all five of his wives were of Indian descent. Furthermore, I am reluctant to view a church that used peyote in its services to be of much benefit to Western civilization. Perhaps I am missing all the finer points of being a half-breed opportunist. I invite Miss Wentworth to illuminate Parker’s other admirable qualities of which I might be unaware.
Irene Santrock, Kittanning, Penn.
Sir — The “Flynn Effect” — constantly rising scores on tests of reasoning ability — discussed by “Hippocrates” in the August issue of AR is indeed baffling. I have been reading and thinking about it for two decades and have not been able to find anything that approximates a plausible explanation. However, I do think that it is certain that the population of the Western world is not more intelligent now than it was in the past two centuries. This conclusion is supported by a great deal of evidence. I will mention three examples, from different periods, all of which can be easily corroborated. First, in the 1930s and 1940s, motion pictures were the quintessential popular entertainment. Yet, the plots of motion pictures of that time were more intricate than the plots of later motion pictures, and cinematic characters spoke in more complex sentences and used a wider range of vocabulary. Second, I have listened to many political debates in the past 50 years. In not one did the participants assume the level of intelligence in their audience that Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas assumed in their audience in their debates in Illinois in 1858. (Of course, one of the reasons is that most politicians today are dumber than Lincoln and Douglas were, but that supplements my point.) Third, the Founding Fathers of the United States — Franklin, Hamilton, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, etc. — were all born when the white population of the United States was, at most, 2.5 million. Yet, no country has since produced in one generation an array of political leaders that approaches their intellectual level.
Prof. (Retired) Steven Farron, Johannesburg, South AfricaNetworks love the cable bundle for the same reason that viewers hate it: It's a relentless (i.e. dependable) transfer of money from households to networks, regardless of what television or how much television we watch. "Basic-cable channels have to broadcast shows that are so |
, the weekend was supposed to include a kickoff beachside barbecue complete with "a stunning sunset, a Bahamian menu and Champagne toast," and a "yacht brunch party" with Champagne and "awesome" views.
But attendees are saying on social media that there's not enough food for festivalgoers. The food there seems to be a far cry from the "culinary experience" they were promised.
The pièce de résistance of the festival's culinary failures so far: a sad cheese sandwich posted on Reddit late Thursday night.
"The dinner that fyrefestival promised us was catered by Steven Starr is literally bread, cheese, and salad with dressing," said Reddit user Here_Comes_the_Kingz. Starr is a famed restaurateur.
Photos of the sad sandwich quickly spread on Twitter, as people reveled in the schadenfreude of the failed festival.
Soon, the sandwich was a symbol of the Fyre Festival's failure.
We don't know who made this sad sandwich, but it definitely wasn't Starr Catering Group, which originally was booked for the event. The company told Business Insider it terminated its services with Fyre on April 2.
"After careful consideration, Starr Catering Group realized that there were significant business issues that could not be resolved and would not allow them to deliver a premium food and beverage experience that met Starr's exceedingly high standards," the company said in a statement.Scientists have brought the prospect of lab-grown replacement livers a step closer by successfully generating functional human and mouse tissue-engineered liver (TELi).
Both the human and mouse livers were successfully grown in mice, raising hopes that in the future replacement organs could be grown from human patients’ own cells.
The TELi was created by researchers at The Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles using liver organoid units – tiny, functioning versions of the complete organ – that were developed from both human and mice adult stem cells and progenitor cells. These were then implanted into mouse models with a biodegradable scaffold to help them grow.
Both the human and mice liver organoid units successfully developed into TELi, complete with the key cell types required for successful liver function. This included bile ducts, blood vessels, hepatocytes (liver cells), stellate cells and endothelial cells, although these were organised differently to a natural liver, making the research a significant step towards growing complete human livers.
The liver has been a key target of regenerative medicine over the last few years, with the Methuselah Foundation currently offering the $1m New Organ Liver Prize to the first team to regenerate or bioengineer a liver for that can successfully function in a large animal for 90 days.
The liver is considered one of the easier organs to attempt to generate, however that has not prevented researchers from running into significant problems during their efforts. Research using human-induced pluripotent stem cells, for example, has so far failed to produce hepatocytes-generating tissue, despite hopes in this area.
However, the researchers in this study had already demonstrated the success of their approach using other tissue types, and so decided to re-apply it to the liver.
“Based on the success in my lab generating tissue-engineered intestine and other cell types, we hypothesized that by modifying the protocol used to generate intestine, we would be able to develop liver organoid units that could generate functional tissue-engineered liver when transplanted,” said co-lead author and paediatric surgeon Dr Tracy C Grikscheit, a researcher at The Saban Research Institute of CHLA and associate professor of surgery at the Keck School of Medicine, USC.
And they were successful: hepatocytes proliferated in the tissue-engineered liver; the human liver demonstrated evidence of successful function in the mouse model and in a separate mouse model of liver failure the TELi provided some liver function.
The research, which also involved scientists from UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine and was published today in the journal Stem Cells Translational Medicine, is extremely promising for the development of a cell-based therapy for liver disease.
“A cellular therapy for liver disease would be a game-changer for many patients, particularly children with metabolic disorders,” said study co-author and paediatric surgeon Dr Kasper S Wang, a researcher at The Saban Research Institute of CHLA, associate professor of surgery at the Keck School of Medicine, USC and principal investigator for the Childhood Liver Disease Research and Educational Network.
“By demonstrating the ability to generate hepatocytes comparable to those in native liver, and to show that these cells are functional and proliferative, we’ve moved one step closer to that goal.”Israeli police have fired stun grenades to disperse Palestinian worshippers who threw rocks at them after Friday prayers at the al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site, police say.
Dozens of officers entered the politically sensitive area in Jerusalem's Old City on Friday to break up a demonstration of hundreds of protesters, Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.
He added that two policemen were slightly injured and 15 Palestinians arrested in the operation.
The mosque is part of a site revered by Jews as well as Muslims, and is a frequent source of friction. It was not immediately clear what prompted Friday's clash.
Israeli security forces had beefed up their presence in the area during the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, which began on Wednesday.
Israel captured East Jerusalem including the walled Old City in the 1967 Middle East war and later annexed it as part of its capital in a move that is not recognised internationally.
The compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is the holiest site in Judaism. Known to Muslims as the "Noble Sanctuary", it is Islam's third-holiest site.
The Western Wall, a remnant of the biblical Jewish Temple compound, is the holiest site where Jews can pray.
Palestinians want East Jerusalem as the capital of a state they seek in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Israel has said Jerusalem will remain its "indivisible and eternal" capital.
The two sides resumed US-brokered peace talks in July after a three-year stalemate, though neither has expressed much optimism for a major breakthrough.There have been a number of excessive reactions to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday from the left, but the prize for conspiratorial thinking has to go to MSNBC host Chris Matthews. On Tuesday, Matthews accused the Israeli prime minister of executing a coup, aided by American Republicans, aimed at wresting control of the nation’s foreign policy away from the President of the United States… somehow.
Matthews joined Thomas Roberts on Tuesday, the host of MSNBC’s new two-hour block of programming vacated by Ronan Farrow and Joy-Ann Reid, to relate his thoughts on Netanyahu’s highly anticipated speech to a joint session of American lawmakers.
It began well enough. Matthews noted that the speech was a powerful one, and it touched on a variety of historical themes ranging from the origins of Purim to World War II.
He went on, however, to litigate the legitimacy of Netanyahu’s claim that the ongoing negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program will lead to a dangerous deal that jeopardizes Israeli security. “He implied that he would be a better bargainer than the president, but no one believes that,” Matthews said, positing an assumption of his and responding to it in the same breath.
This statement merely foreshadowed more disturbing comments yet to come.
Matthews went on to say that it was bizarre for Netanyahu to insist that no deal with Iran is better for Israeli security than any deal aimed at forestalling Iran’s march toward nuclearization. And that would have been a bizarre assertion for Netanyahu to make if he had made it. Fortunately for the sake of logical consistency, the Israeli prime minister did not make this claim.
Here is what Netanyahu said:
My friends, for over a year, we’ve been told that no deal is better than a bad deal. Well, this is a bad deal. It’s a very bad deal. We’re better off without it. Now we’re being told that the only alternative to this bad deal is war. That’s just not true. The alternative to this bad deal is a much better deal. A better deal that doesn’t leave Iran with a vast nuclear infrastructure and such a short break-out time. A better deal that keeps the restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in place until Iran’s aggression ends. A better deal that won’t give Iran an easy path to the bomb. A better deal that Israel and its neighbors may not like, but with which we could live, literally.
A stronger deal, even one that Israel does not like, is preferable to an accord that provides Iran the cover it needs to stealthily develop nuclear weapons while pretending to abide by the results of a Western-backed nuclear agreement.
But the MSNBC host was just getting warmed up.
“I’ll get to the heart of this speech now,” Matthews warned. Brace yourself. “This man from a foreign government walked into the United States legislature and tried to take over U.S. foreign policy,” he insisted.
“Mmm hmm,” added MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts.
“It was a startling situation,” Matthews continued. “They went into the U.S. Congress today to take over U.S. foreign policy today from the president. It’s a remarkable day when the leaders of the opposition allowed this to happen.”
“This was a takeover attempt by Netanyahu, with his compliant American partners, to take American foreign policy out of the hands of the American president,” Matthews reiterated.
You don’t have to go back to Winston Churchill to find an example of a foreign leader addressing the U.S. Congress and defending the best interest of their country, which can at times diverge from those of the American president. As recently as September of last year, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko appeared before a joint session of the legislature and pleaded for American defensive weaponry to aid his country in its effort to dislodge Russian soldiers from the portions of eastern Ukraine that they presently occupy. He made this request despite the fact that the White House opposed and continues to oppose sending those weapons to Eastern Europe. Was that a Ukrainian-led and Republican-sanctioned coup, too?
Following Matthews’ paranoid tirade, Roberts added that America remains committed to Israel’s defense and has former George W. Bush to thank for the funds committed to safeguarding Israel from the hostile powers by which it is surrounded. Don’t think too hard about it. They’re on a roll.
The fatal flaw in Matthews’ logic, and he said it twice so it wasn’t a slip, is that the United States always has a failsafe should Iran reach the threshold for nuclearization: Military force. Matthews insisted that American military might can and should be applied should Iran renege on its nuclear obligations, but that would never happen. Moreover, Matthews would oppose strikes on Iran in the event of this scenario.
What Netanyahu argued for, albeit without many specifics, is a deal that prevents both Iranian nuclearization and the need for war. Matthews seems to see military force as the only deterrent capable of enforcing the terms of a nuclear arrangement. By that logic, it seems that Matthews is conceding that the terms associated with the present nuclear deal with Iran are, at the very least, suboptimal.
And if Matthews is a mutineer, too, all hope is lost for the president.A large number of animal sacrifices found on an archaeological dig have shown Carshalton was likely to have been a key spiritual site in the Iron Age.
Ancient Roman remains of buried babies and animals were unearthed last summer at an archaeological dig on the site of the new Stanley Park High School.
Now a consultant archaeologist who worked on the dig has said more than a hundred animal sacrifices on the site, including sheep, a pig, a horse, a goat and dogs show it must have attracted a large number of people.
Duncan Hawkins said: “It was extraordinary. Normally the number of ritual pits found in a settlement is two or three, but on this site we found more than 30."
He said he believed the number of sacrifices was because it was close to a Bronze age circular enclosure – an early example of a stone circle like Stone Henge - that lay under the site of the former Queen Mary’s Hospital.
He said it was one of the most important finds in London in the past 30 years.
Some 15 child bodies were also found. The high humber was because of the high infant mortality rate.
Mr Hawkins will be giving a talk on the dig's findings at the Richard Mayo Centre, United Reformed Church in Eden Steet, Kingston, at 7.30pm as part of a tour of historical societies.Photo: Tracie LeeJust last summer, Broke-Ass was invited to speak on a panel at the New York Horticultural Society with such luminaries of the environmental architectural movement as Amale Andraos and Dan Wood of WORK Architecture Co.; Fritz Haeg, artist, Edible Estates; and the esteemed James Wines of SITE. Broke-Ass was supposed to be there to make intellectual distinctions between Baby Boomers’ self-aggrandizing revolutions and Generation X’s more practical, local movements, since this is thought to be one of her areas of expertise.
But as she sat there listening to all the ideas about how it might be a solution to move everyone out of suburban New Jersey and convert that terroir into sustainable farmland; how it would make sense to build skyscrapers that would house crops on every story; and how irresponsible it is for people to devote their yards to anything other than growing vegetables, she found herself getting extremely grumpy. Shit, she thought, am I the only person here who is actually hungry?
It was like being the scholarship kid at the prep school all over again. Was Broke-Ass the only one who took umbrage at the proposal to build rarified eco-structures that would be prohibitively expensive — and likely be enjoyed only by yuppies interested in taking their kids there for an educational weekend field trip? What about the rest of us who live next to vacant lots full of trash and drug dealers and who stress the fuck out just thinking about how we’re actually going to be able to afford fresh vegetables for dinner this week?
Cut to: The first several months of this new year, during which Broke-Ass found herself vomiting uncontrollably for weeks on end and spending an eye-wateringly expensive amount of time at the hospital, where she was poked by three different flavors of IVs and treated to every invasive and non-invasive test in the ledger of Western medicine-culminating in tubes being ushered down her throat and up her bum. Total out of pocket, courtesy of her shitty health insurance? Three thousand dollars. Cause of illness? Stress. Three grand worth of stress.
One hears things like “stress kills” and “you need to take care of yourself” and “do yoga,” but one often hears such things from people who can afford to do something about stress. Broke-Ass suggested to the very thorough and smart gastroenterologist that if he were willing to support her through medical school so that she, too, could earn a kick-ass living, her illnesses would be cured! The doctor chuckled and wrote a prescription for Clonazepam and Zofran.
Other medical professionals had different notions. “You don’t eat right, that’s your problem,” said an emergency room nurse’s assistant named James McCrae, a fit, lean dude in his 50s with a vibe no one would mess with. Broke-Ass protested self-righteously. She’s got a chicken coop, a vegetable garden, and fruit trees — all in the goddamned ghetto of Red Hook, Brooklyn.
“Oh, yeah?” said McCrae. “I grew up in Red Hook, Brooklyn, I raised my kids in East New York, Brooklyn, I got a farm on Fountain Avenue on a vacant lot that I’ve been working on for 16 years, I teach the young kids in the neighborhood how to help out, and I give all the fruits and vegetables away for free to anyone who brings over a brown bag.”
And thus Mr. McCrae revealed himself to be possibly the most awesome man Broke-Ass has ever met.
Here’s the story: McCrae always loved gardening and farming, but he never had any land of his own to grow anything substantial. In the ’90s, McCrae got sick and tired of the trash heaped up in the vacant lot across from his house in East New York, and got in touch with New York City’s GreenThumb division, the country’s largest urban gardening program, supporting over 600 gardens reclaimed from abandoned lots throughout the city.
Between help from GreenThumb and donated supplies from people he just happened to meet, McCrae got the Green Gems farm up and running over the course of about five years of hard work. The only money spent out of his pocket has been the few bucks he pays the “drunk guys playing cards on the street” to work the soil while he’s working at the hospital. “A lot of them are from the islands, so they grew up farming, and they do a good job — and they like it.” During the spring and summer, he teaches anyone under the age of 11 to farm: “Any older, and they can’t get it in their blood.” He’s also got a small playing field, where kids can blow off steam to play ball. Today, the farm is home to about every kind of bean, squash, green vegetable, fruit tree, whatever you can imagine.
And McCrae gives it all away.
“How are you going to tell someone working 12 hours a day for nothing they should buy some nasty red pepper for $3 at the Fine Fare when they could go to McDonald’s and buy a dollar meal?” he says.
In 2003, a similar premise motivated the founders of Added Value, in Broke-Ass’ and McCrae’s stomping grounds of Red Hook, Brooklyn, to transform a city block from a run-down playground into a working farm, where neighborhood teenagers raise the crops and can eat fresh food for cheap. Plus, just about every hipster restaurant in Red Hook buys its veggies from Added Value. Broke-Ass can see the whole operation if she stands on her tiptoes in her backyard.
So, while McCrae and the IV-ed Broke-Ass were shooting the breeze about the finer points of raising chickens in the city — which is McCrae’s next project, one he’ll embark on after checking out our humble operation in Red Hook — Broke-Ass wondered what his reaction to such projects as farm skyscrapers and moving suburban populations out of their environs to make room for farmland might be. McCrae’s response was at first one of astonished expletives. Then he folded his arms and sighed.
“You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to grow food in the city, and spend a whole lot of money — you just got to find the open space, ask for it, and do the work,” he said. “People think, ‘No one’s gonna let me do that, no one want to hear from me,’ but they don’t ask! People get depressed, they get lazy.”
Broke-Ass still has no idea where she’s going to get three thousand clams to pay for her gastroenterology escapade. She doesn’t know how she’s going to get un-stressed. But meeting a buddy like McCrae gave her a nice kick in the spiritual pants. Things can happen, you can ask, you can do the work — even if you seem like you’ve got nothing to work with.Get the biggest daily news stories by email Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
Four men accused of gang raping a teenage girl 'passed her around like an entertainment device', a court heard today.
The 16-year-old victim was so drunk she was filmed "rolling around on the floor" before the men 'penetrated every single orifice, while others watched, laughed and joined in themselves,' Canterbury Crown Court heard.
Takeaway workers Tamin Rahmani, 37, Shershah Muslimyar, 20 and Rafiullah Hamidy, 24, and a 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, all deny three counts of rape.
Prosecutor Simon Taylor accused the co-defendants of 'plotting' and 'lying' their way out of the evidence held against them.
He said: "Every single orifice had been penetrated by the group of men, while others watched, laughed and joined in themselves."
Mr Taylor said the girl had been drinking to excess, was walking the streets alone late at night, and the defendants took advantage of those features.
He added that she was so drunk she was filmed "rolling around on the floor" before the alleged attack.
(Image: Google Street View)
It is alleged the rape took place in the early hours of Sunday, September 18, above 555 Pizza and Kebab, reports Kent Live.
The prosecution said all the four defendant's DNA was found at the scene of the rape in Hamidy's room.
Mr Taylor said the alleged victim decided to leave her group of friends and walk to her friend's house by herself, and was told by her friend on the phone to ask for directions to Cliftonville.
He told the court she was then taken to a room and raped on a "grubby mattress" whilst men physically restrained her and stood by the door "so she knew there was no escape."
Mr Taylor read out a statement from the girl, previously given as evidence, which said: "I'm not sure how many were in the room, I think there was about four or five of them. They were all like pushing me, like, to each other.
"One of the men pushed me onto the bed and was just laughing."
(Image: Kent Police)
She added: "He pushed me onto a mattress, I think it had a duvet.
"I think there was one or two by the door and a few in the middle of the room.
"One was on top of me and one was beside me holding my shoulders.
"I don't remember much after that but one of them was having sex with me."
She said they were 'all swapping round' and she told them to stop 'but they carried on anyway.'
Prosecutor Simon Taylor added: "There was much laughter in that room where she was being subjected to the ordeal."
Questioning each of the defendant's accounts, Mr Taylor said Muslimyar only admitted he had sex with the girl after he was told his DNA was found.
When questioning him over his defence he had sex with the girl on the street after being so drunk he threw up, he said: "What is so magical about Mr Muslimyar's vomit breath that the victim would change her intentions of asking for directions and ask for sex?"
(Image: PA)
In relation Rahmani, he said the takeaway owner had lied about being in bed with his wife on the night of the rape.
When Rahmani was questioned about CCTV images showing him driving his car at the time, he claimed he had mistaken the day of the week and thought it was in "Afghan time".
Mr Taylor added: "If anybody should know when Saturday night turns into Sunday morning, it's the owner of a kebab shop."
He then questioned the 16-year-old youth's account, saying his voice had been heard in the room where Muslimyar's former girlfriend heard sex noises.
He added that the youth lied to his foster mother about where he was that night, and was later seen escorting the victim out of the premises.
In the case of the defendant Hamidy, who fled to Italy after the alleged attack, Prosecutor Simon Taylor said: "The proof is in the pudding, he left Kent and did not come back."
Mr Taylor said Hamidy was seen escorting the girl, along with the youth, into the room where she was allegedly raped.
He also said Hamidy's semen had been found on the victim in several places.
Glenn Harris, defence barrister for Muslimyar, said even though the 20-year-old had cheated on his girlfriend and had sex on the street with a stranger, he was not a rapist.
He added from CCTV images "it is clear the girl came onto my client" and said she was shown leaning into the defendant and later held his hand.
He said: "She literally jumped on him."
Rahmani of Northwood Road, Ramsgate, Muslimyar, of Hovenden Close, Canterbury, Hamidy, of no fixed abode, and the 16-year-old defendant deny the charges.
The jury is expected to consider its verdict later this week.
The trial continues.Was the original NYT article's claim that there was a 31.5% fraud rate concerning medicare in 2006 accurate?
tl;dr: No. The NYT article is about claims for "Durable Medical Equipment" that accounted for only 1.7% of all Medicare expenditures in 2006. (i.e., 31.5% of 1.7% is much smaller than 31.5% of 100.0%).
Or, yes, if "concerning medicare" applies only to "Medicare claims submitted by sellers of durable medical equipment." (see also note on "fraud rate" below)
As a result, Medicare did not detect that more than one-third of spending for wheelchairs, oxygen supplies and other medical equipment in its 2006 fiscal year was improper, according to the report. Based on data in other Medicare reports, that would be about $2.8 billion in improper spending. - NYT
The 2006 Medicare expenditure for "Durable Medical Equipment" (DME) was $6.9 billion (1.7% of the $403.7 billion in total Medicare expenditures for 2006) - National Health Expenditures, Table 4. In other words, if the 31.5% in "improper spending" applied to Medicare as a whole then the "fraud" would be around $124.4 billion more than the $2.8 billion stated.
Brief note on what "improper-payment rate" means
The National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, an organization of about 100 private insurers and public agencies, estimates that some $60 billion (about 3% of total annual health care spending) is lost to fraud every year, but that figure is considered conservative. In 2008, government-wide "improper payments" cost the U.S. Treasury $72 billion, or about 4% of total outlays for the related programs. Of that amount, 50% took the form of reimbursements to providers, medical suppliers, and other Medicare and Medicaid vendors. Medicaid had an estimated improper-payment rate of 10.5%, or $18.6 billion, for the federal share of Medicaid expenditures — the highest rate of any federal program. - source
Note that 50% of the 10.5% "improper-payment rate" was under-payment.
And is the interpretation that the fraud was intentionally hidden from auditors backed up by any evidence?
tl;dr: Not that I could find.
The NYT article does not support Coulter's claim that "Medicare had aggressively hidden the fraud from outside auditors." Statements attributed to lawmakers or their staff are worthless without corroborating facts. (Protections provided by the Speech or Debate Clause allow lawmakers and "congressional staff" to say pretty much anything - factual or otherwise. Coulter's protections flow from U.S. Const. amend. I).
The company that was doing the auditing at the time, AdvanceMed, is still at it and I could not find any evidence they had been investigated (or even given a stern talking to).
Nor could I find any evidence that the episode resulted in even a "shake up" at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Note on "fraud rate"
As mentioned in the other answers and comments, the terms "improper payment rate" or "error rate" and "fraud" are not interchangeable.
From Articuno's answer,
It is important to note that the improper payment rate is not a "fraud rate," but is a measurement of payments that did not meet Medicare requirements. The CERT program cannot label a claim fraudulent. - source
From Black's Law Dictionary, 9th ed.,Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell: a partnership fated to succeed from the start. Gaiman’s modest, restless prose teamed with the trademark art of Riddell results in a frank and glorious narrative that blends elements of well-known fairy tales to create a haunting new story. Refreshingly, no names are mentioned, but it’s clear that Gaiman’s protagonist is none other than Snow White, whose year-long sleep in a glass coffin appears to have given her unwitting protection against the spell of slumber overtaking the neighbouring kingdom.
At around sixty pages, this is a short, but highly satisfying spin on the Sleeping Beauty myth. The story begins just before Snow White’s wedding to the prince who kissed her awake, but she drops everything to go to the defence of her kingdom – she’s the queen after all. She calls for her armour, she calls for her horse and, aptly accompanied by three dwarfs, she rides out to solve the problem.
This is no usual fairy-tale. The bright kind of fatalism that guides the hero’s sword, which plucks Cinderella from a life of drudgery, that guides Belle to the Beast’s castle, is absent here. Gaiman reverses the trend in order to give choice back to characters whose stories have become sugar-coated. Disney is ditched in favour of honouring the dark fairy-tale tradition wherein blood confers control, youth is stolen to reverse the ravages of time, and death is irreversible and unromanticised. A memorable scene depicts the skeletal corpses of knights impaled high on the castle’s wall of thorns – those inevitable, but rarely-seen failed heroes:
The queen wondered if they had climbed up, seeking an entry, and died there, or if they had died on the ground, and been carried upwards as the roses grew. She came to no conclusions. Either way was possible.
This analytical, measured response to a gruesome sight is part of Gaiman’s reinvention of the heroine stereotype. But here’s the important part: at no point does the queen actively refuse to marry her prince – she is just as ready to accept him as a husband as she is to postpone the wedding until she’s dealt with the threat to her kingdom. Simply put, she’s the epitome of the modern woman whose pragmatism is equal to her idealism, whose choices are sometimes impulsive, sometimes considered. She’s responsible and vulnerable, and isn’t afraid to ask her dwarf companions for help. She evades the zombie-like sleepers with the same alacrity she displays when plucking a rose for her hair, but the mark of a true hero is this: she inspires the same confidence in her dwarf-followers as she does in the antagonist who offers her a chance to rule continents.
Her complex character is captured superbly by Riddell. The queen’s beauty is both delicate and fierce: her skin is as white as snow, her hair dark as ebony wood…and her armour is highly serviceable. There’s a marvellous skull motif running throughout the book – skulls are present on the spindle, but more unusually they also adorn the queen’s duvet and are clustered like grape vines over the bed of the titular sleeper.
The slumber itself has a dark edge that’s wholly unlike the romanticised version we’re used to. For starters, its effects are disturbingly realistic. The image that chilled me the most is that of a milkmaid slumped on her milking stool beside a sleeping cow. The bucket is supposedly half full of rancid milk from which a profusion of mushrooms are springing. The girl herself is festooned in ivy which rather sinisterly looks to be climbing into her parted mouth. That’s freaky, but it perfectly complements the darker elements of the story and makes waking up a nightmarish prospect.
The only living things not slumbering are horrors like spiders and maggots and blueflies.
Industrious spiders had threaded their webs from finger to face, from beard to table. There was a modest web between the deep cleavage of the pot-girl’s breasts. There was a thick cobweb that stained the sot’s beard grey… “I wonder,” said one of the dwarfs, “whether they will starve and die…”
The sheer physicality of the scene is overpowering and faintly grotesque. But again it works in the story’s favour, instilling a real sense of horror at the magical sleep. And this sleep is neither peaceful nor beautiful. People loll with their mouths open, faces pressed against walls or each other. They mumble, they move around and their eyes aren’t always shut, but rolled up in their heads to show the whites. This is not a pretty sleep and you begin to suspect there’s an evil purpose to it. (There is).
This is largely a spoiler free review and so I can’t comment on the intricacies of Gaiman’s subtext, but from the way it delves into heroism and the complex nature of female relationships, The Sleeper and the Spindle is a text worthy of academic discussion – an excellent example of a story as thought-provoking as it is exciting. Expect twists, expect turns, expect a megalomaniac design and an old woman who is not all she seems. It’s reassuring to imagine that Snow White’s tale doesn’t end with a kiss and a wedding. Indeed she is no longer Snow White, but a queen with a kingdom to rule, while the prince remains a prince.
Waking up in your own coffin is an unfailingly awful prospect – “you didn’t rot,” comments one of the dwarfs helpfully – and if it doesn’t leave you with post-traumatic stress, it’s got to teach you something about human nature. Its subtle characterisation and striking use of parallels makes The Sleeper and the Spindle a fairy-tale for a new age.By Connor Armstrong
Theo Walcott is already targeting three points at Vicarage Road after Arsenal picked up a solitary point on the road against Leicester City.
After scoring against Liverpool last week, the England forward kept his starting place for the trip to the King Power Stadium, but his best efforts were fruitless in a tight encounter.
"I think if you look at the balance of the game, it started to open out towards the last 10 minutes. When we look back at this game we will see it as a fair result," he told Arsenal Player.
Login or register to play video 04:11 Leicester City (a) - Bitesize
"We’ve come to the champions and we know it’s not going to be easy. Not many people beat them. Only two teams, us being one of them, beat them last year.
"We want to have a similar sort of performance to when we last played Watford away. It doesn’t matter how we play, as long as we get the three points.
"Leicester know how to defend very well and like to put pretty much the whole team behind the ball, so it’s difficult to break them down. We had chances to score but sadly we failed to do that.
"We don’t want teams getting away from us [in the title race], but it’s only two games in," he added.
"We’ve got a nice run of games now and we’ve got to think about all of the positives from today. Watford is going to be another tough game because every game is this season, so it’s going to be very difficult.
"Each team gets better each year. We want to have a similar sort of performance to when we last played Watford away. It doesn’t matter how we play, as long as we get the three points."
More polls to come during the seasonIn doing a little background research for The Session #80 I came across a 1980 article in the Master Brewers Association of the Americas Technical Quarterly titled “Beers for the Future.” Alas, it is mostly an examination of the how and why of producing low-alcohol beers. So no nifty predictions about beers made with pumpkins or aged in wine barrels.
However, one table provides a bit of data on the direction American beer was still headed in 1980, the year Sierra Nevada Brewing began selling beer. It compares beers from 10 large brewers in 1957 with 1979 beers in various categories.
ABV IBU 1957 beers 4.7% 21 1979 lagers 4.6% 15 Super premiums 4.9% 19 Low carbohydrate 3.8% 13
Jump forward to 2009. The Barth-Haas Group began analyzing the bitterness levels in brands from around the world in 2006. They measured iso-alpha acids (milligrams per liter), which broadly correspond to International Bitterness Units (IBU). So, with a bit of fudging, 1 mg/L=1 IBU. The 2009 results, published in Brauwelt International in 2011, found that 11 U.S. lagers averaged 7.6 milligrams per liter. The article drew attention to earlier reports that bitterness units were still around 20 in 1980 (see above) and 12 by the late 1990s.
U.S. lagers, South American lagers, and Chinese beers contained the lowest levels of iso-alpha acids (7 to 9 mg/L).In an extensive interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport Tinkoff-Saxo team owner Oleg Tinkov has talked further about the departure of former team manager Bjarne Riis, how he would like to cut Peter Sagan's huge contract and how long he envisages remaining in the sport. Related Articles Oleg Tinkov blog: I think I’m a good substitution for Bjarne Riis
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Tinkov bought the WorldTour team outright from Riis at the start of the 2014 season but he fired the Dane through via mutual termination of their contract, ending the Dane's long association with the team he created from scratch. Since then Tinkov has taken a more central role in the team, splitting up several of Riis' former responsibilities within the existing management structure.
In a recent blog for Cyclingnews, Tinkov was critical of Peter Sagan's spring Classics campaign but praised him after he snatched overall victory at the Tour of California on Sunday. Sagan moved to the Russian team for the 2015 season and became one of the most expensive signings in cycling history with an estimated salary of 4 million Euro ($4.5 million) per season. In the interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Tinkov confirmed he is investigating if he has the legal grounds to cut Sagan's salary.
Tinkov asks if the business model for cycling wages is structured correctly because riders who under achieve are paid the same basic salary regardless of performance.
"In the Classics we only had plan A, but no plan B, so when Peter didn't |
) { var top; if (track === 1) { top = TRACK_1_BASELINE; } else if (track === 2) { top = TRACK_2_BASELINE; } else if (track === 3) { top = TRACK_3_BASELINE; } return top; } function drawPlatforms() { var pd, top; context.save(); // Save context attributes on a stack for (var i=0; i < platformData.length; ++i) { pd = platformData[i]; top = calculatePlatformTop(pd.track); context.lineWidth = PLATFORM_STROKE_WIDTH; context.strokeStyle = PLATFORM_STROKE_STYLE; context.fillStyle = pd.fillStyle; context.globalAlpha = pd.opacity; // If you switch the order of the following two // calls, the stroke will appear thicker. context.strokeRect(pd.left, top, pd.width, pd.height); context.fillRect (pd.left, top, pd.width, pd.height); } context.restore(); // Restore context attributes } function drawRunner() { context.drawImage(runnerImage, STARTING_RUNNER_LEFT, calculatePlatformTop(STARTING_RUNNER_TRACK) - runnerImage.height); } function draw(now) { drawBackground(); drawPlatforms(); drawRunner(); } function startGame() { draw(); } // Launch game initializeImages();
The JavaScript accesses the canvas element and subsequently obtains a reference to the canvas's 2D context. The code then uses the context's drawImage() method to draw the background and runner images. In this case, I'm using the three-argument variant of drawImage() to draw images at a particular (x,y) destination in the canvas.
The drawPlatforms() function draws the platforms by stroking and filling rectangles after setting the context's line width, stroke style, fill style, and global alpha attribute. Notice the calls to context.save() and context.restore() : the attribute settings between those calls are temporary. I will discuss those methods in the next article in this series.
The game starts when the background image loads. For now, starting entails simply drawing the background, sprites, and runner. The next challenge is to bring those static images to life.
Next time
In the next article in this series, I'll start with an overview of the canvas context's 2D API, and then discuss animation and set things in motion by scrolling the background. You will see how to implement parallax to make the platforms appear closer than the background, and you'll see how to make sure that your sprites animate at a constant rate regardless of your animation's frame rate. See you next time.
Downloadable resources
Related topicsCLOSE How a Lafayette-based security company came to control a monopoly on the state's e-liquid industry. Wochit
Buy Photo Photo illustration. (Photo: Michelle Pemberton/Indy Star)Buy Photo
Long before Indiana’s controversial vaping law drew the attention of the FBI, a powerful Republican committee chairman had a similar piece of legislation drawn up.
Like the vaping law, it included specific requirements that likely would have allowed a single security company — Lafayette-based Mulhaupt’s Inc. — to secure a lucrative role as the gatekeeper for an entire industry.
This earlier legislation, however, didn’t involve the e-liquid used in electronic smoking devices.
It involved marijuana.
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Drafted in 2013, the measure would have legalized medical marijuana in Indiana and required the state to select a single security contractor to license dispensaries, distributors and manufacturers. The required qualifications for that security contractor were so narrowly written that an expert in the security industry says it is unlikely that any company other than Mulhaupt’s would have qualified.
But that’s not the only link between the marijuana and vaping measures.
The lawmaker who had the medical marijuana legislation drafted, then-Senate Judiciary Chairman Brent Steele, was later hired as the executive director of the newly formed Vapor Association of Indiana, which represents Mulhaupt’s and the few e-liquid makers it has approved.
Steele and Mulhaupt’s owner Doug Mulhaupt did not return multiple messages from IndyStar for this story.
Steele said in December that his new job is unrelated to his votes in favor of the e-liquid law and that he isn't opposed to lawmakers allowing more competition.
Last summer, Mulhaupt said he didn't know until very recently that his security firm was the only one to qualify as a security provider for the vaping industry and that his company never lobbied for the vaping law.
Steele never filed the marijuana legislation and it was never made public, but now it is raising concerns about a possible link between the e-liquid law and what some believe is a secretive behind-the-scenes effort to legalize marijuana and corner that potentially massive new market.
Among the difficult-to-answer but important questions it raises: Was the real purpose of the controversial security provisions in the e-liquid bill to create a ready-made framework for legalizing medical marijuana? Was the true intent of both measures to create a lucrative monopoly for Mulhaupt's? And if so, why?
Legislative leaders concerned
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Among those concerned are the Republican-controlled legislature's top two lawmakers: Senate President Pro Tempore David Long and House Speaker Brian Bosma.
Both leaders said they were unaware of Steele's legislation but acknowledged they've been worried about a possible marijuana connection for months amid rampant speculation at the Statehouse. They said the rumors came to the fore after the 2016 vapor law was passed and were an important factor in their decision to prioritize changes to the law this year.
"I heard it enough that it put up the hair on the back of my neck," Long said. "And that’s what really bothered me — that something like that could be going on and I just want to make sure nothing like that happens."
Long, R-Fort Wayne, said Steele's legislation represented additional evidence that the connection was real.
“Having not talked to Sen. Steele, I don’t know where it came from. But it has some uncomfortable similarities. That is obvious,” he said. “I have to say, I have not seen that language anywhere else.”
Buy Photo Senate leader David Long, left, and House Speaker Brian Bosma. (Photo: Robert Scheer / The Star)
Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said his concerns were "buttressed" by an encounter with a fellow lawmaker over the summer.
"Some other legislator had toured a marijuana facility in Colorado as part of an exchange of some sort and came back and reported to me that the security was virtually identical to the e-liquid facilities here," Bosma said. "So that obviously raised a significant flag. It’s one of the reasons that both Sen. Long and I have indicated that the revocation of those provisions are a priority for this legislative session."
Both Bosma and Long oppose the legalization of marijuana, even for medical purposes.
Interest in marijuana
Steele, on the other hand, has been one of few the Republicans in the General Assembly to show an interest in easing marijuana restrictions. As a committee chairman in 2011, he allowed debate on a bill that would have created a study of marijuana legalization. The following year, he called for making the possession of small amounts of marijuana an infraction with a $500 penalty rather than a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to $5,000 and a year in jail.
Steele didn't sponsor the vaping legislation, but he consistently voted for it in 2015 and 2016 before retiring last year. The resulting law’s specific security firm requirements effectively made Mulhaupt’s the gatekeeper of the burgeoning industry.
Buy Photo State Sen. Brent Steele, R-Bedford, and five of his fellow Republican senators have asked Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller to open a consumer protection investigation of the Humane Society of the United States, a national animal advocacy organization that has opposed several agriculture bills sponsored by Steele. (Photo: Charie Nye / The Star 2012 file photo)
Mulhaupt’s agreed to work with only six e-liquid manufacturers, forcing scores of businesses to close or stop doing business in Indiana. Meanwhile, prices shot up dramatically and the FBI launched an investigation to determine if there was any wrongdoing associated with the law’s creation. The FBI has declined to comment on the status, scope or targets of that investigation.
The security firm requirements in Steele’s earlier medical marijuana legislation are not exactly the same as the ones in the vaping law, but they likely would have had the same effect. In both cases, Mulhaupt's unique blend of work as a locksmith, security firm and overhead door company appears to have made it uniquely qualified.
The vaping law required a pair of obscure trade association accreditations, and the marijuana measure would have required the security firm to be engaged in work that meets seven specific North American Industry Classification System Codes. They include the codes for locksmiths, security system services, building material dealers, wired telecommunications carriers and lumber, plywood, millwork, and wood panel merchant wholesalers.
Bill Nelson, an officer with the Indiana Electronic Security Association, couldn’t think of any security company that would meet the medical marijuana legislation's security specifications — with one exception.
“It almost sounds like that would eliminate everyone, but Mulhaupt’s with their door company could probably qualify,” he said. “Mulhaupt’s would possibly be the only one that would qualify.”
The legislation could have put Mulhaupt's in the center of a huge new industry potentially worth billions of dollars.
Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Portage, who has consistently advocated for decriminalizing marijuana, said she recalled talking to Steele about medical marijuana legislation, though she didn't recall the security firm aspect of the proposed bill. She said the election of Gov. Mike Pence, a stalwart social conservative, may have slammed the door on any plans to formally file the bill.
But many people — including Long and Bosma — wondered if the more recent e-liquid legislation that lawmakers passed under the auspices of protecting consumers could be used as a framework for the legalization of marijuana. Several other states that have legalized medical marijuana in recent years, including Ohio, New York and Minnesota, still prohibit the smoking of marijuana plant material even for medical purposes. But they do allow it to be smoked in vapor form.
After the FBI launched an investigation into the creation of Indiana's law last summer, Long became so concerned about a marijuana connection that he ordered Senate attorneys to conduct what he characterized as a “deep dive” to make sure lawmakers hadn’t inadvertently opened a back door to marijuana.
Long said his legal team doesn't think the e-liquid law would allow such a scenario without additional legislative or administrative action. But he acknowledged that with Indiana’s unusually strict e-liquid regulations and the ability of a single company to determine who gets licenses, it would be easy for a select few business interests to capitalize on medical marijuana with just a small tweak to the existing law.
"That’s never going to happen in our state," he said. "Not under my watch."
Buy Photo Andy Shatara, co-owner of World of Vapor on East Washington Street in Irvington, sorts through a shipment of e-cigarette parts and pieces on Monday, March 20, 2017. (Photo: Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
Business lost
Those who were shut out of Indiana's vaping market expressed anger when told about Steele's medical marijuana legislation. Although rumors of a marijuana connection to the e-liquid law had been widely circulated, they saw Steele's measure as evidence that their industry had been ravaged for no reason.
“If you wanted to go after the marijuana industry, go for it. But why did we have to get dragged into it?” said Amy Lane, who represents about a dozen vapor manufacturers and shops as president of the Indiana Smoke-Free Alliance. “We are collateral damage of this whole scheme and it’s a shame.”
Evan McMahon, a vaping business owner who runs an association opposed to the e-liquid law, said the potential link to marijuana is ironic because many supporters of the law argued it was a way to discourage electronic smoking devices from being used with illegal drugs.
“We keep hearing the e-liquid law was all about public safety and preventing drug use,” he said. “It would be very hypocritical if the real reason behind the law was a backdoor to marijuana legalization.”
Still, McMahon and other opponents of the vaping law are encouraged that the Senate recently passed a measure that would get rid of the security firm requirements and open up the market again. They were also bolstered by a federal appeals court decision that found parts of the law unconstitutional.
But they may face challenges in the House, where some key Republicans have not been as enthusiastic about changing the law.
Changes coming
Rep. Kevin Mahan, R-Hartford City, who carried the initial vaping legislation in 2015, said he wants to make sure any revisions do not compromise product safety.
“At the end of the day, it’s like any other piece of legislation — there’s winners and there’s losers,” he said. “I think it’s very sad when we’ve reached the point to where if things don’t go your way, we’re just going to go the FBI and make allegations.”
Rep. Kevin Mahan (Photo: Submitted photo)
Mahan said he was unaware of Steele's marijuana-related legislation and never spoke to him about it.
As for the security firm language in his own bill, Mahan said he never spoke with anyone from Mulhaupt's about the legislation until last year, long after it had passed. He said he consulted many people about the bill, including an attorney who was later hired by Mulhaupt's, but couldn't pinpoint the source of the security firm language.
"I can’t honestly say for sure," he said. "Who wrote it? I don’t know."
Mahan filed a bill this year that included some changes to the e-liquid law and still would have restricted the number of licenses to 10. But he said he decided not to push the measure once it became clear that Long and other leaders in the Senate would prioritize their own, far more sweeping reform bill.
That measure got its first committee hearing in the House on Wednesday. Although no members of the public opposed the changes, several lawmakers questioned whether it went too far in rolling back regulations.
Long said his chamber remains intent on fixing the law and will work to oppose any "backsliding" in the House.
“For me, to protect the integrity of the legislature is very important. It’s one of the things I take pride in,” he said. “That’s my goal. I think we’re going to accomplish that with Senate Bill 1. It requires vigilance.”
Bosma said Long "is not the only person who is going to be vigilant about it."
"My direction to the group working on the bill in the House is to eliminate the monopoly, focus on consumer protection and to make the security measures, if any are required, extremely reasonable and appropriate for e-liquids — and nothing else."
IndyStar reporters Tim Evans and Mark Alesia contributed to this story.
Call IndyStar reporter Tony Cook at (317) 444-6081. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
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A CCTV picture has been released in Thailand showing a six-year-old girl being led away by the hand by a stranger before being brutally raped and then strangled.
A 32-year-old man is being held for the rape and murder of the six-year-old nicknamed “Cartoon” who was caught on camera being led from a Skytrain station in the capital Bangkok ten days ago.
Her father Sayan Petchdon had taken her to a Thai folk music concert on December 6 and shortly after 10pm he took her to sleep in his pick-up truck outside the venue. When he returned at 11pm she was gone.
Sayan wept uncontrollably when he was shown the girls floral pants. Her body had been found in a deserted area near the city’s Sukhumvit Soi 105 yesterday.
CCTV footage had caught her abductor in Bearing skytrain station.
Police reported him as saying: “I’m sorry my girl. I shouldn’t have left you in the truck. The mean man hurt you.”
The alleged attacker, known as Nui, had only last August been released from jail in Nong Khai north eastern Thailand after serving just three years and eight months for the abduction of a child under 15 years.
Police in Nong Khai said they had arrested him at a local address and he had confessed. Nui had allegedly drunk a bottle of lao khao (rice alcohol) prior to leading the girl away.
He was a roadie with the same band the father had been to see in Bangkok.
Nui was brought down from Nong Khai, bordering the Mekong River and Laos by police truck.
The CCTV image echoes the abduction and murder of James Bulger, the toddler who was caught on camera being led away by 10-year-old Jon Venables from a shopping centre in Bottle, Merseyside, in February 1993.
Venables and Robert Thompson became the youngest convicted murderers in modern English history when they were found guilty later that year.
Just as the Bulger case rocked Britain, Thailand is now reeling from this horror story.PwC the top-ranked consultancy
This caution may explain the mixed year-on-year valuation calculations for the big four in the 2017 Brand Finance Global 500 list of top brands.
PwC's is the top-ranked consulting firm, coming in at 66th on brand value, down from 57th in 2016. The brand is valued at US$18.5 billion ($24.2 billion), based on a "royalty relief" valuation by Brand Finance about how much it would cost to license a brand, which is also down slightly from the 2016 valuation of US$18.6 billion.
Deloitte fell to 77th from 69th, with a brand valuation of US$16.8 billion, up four per cent from the 2016 valuation of US$16.2 billion, while EY was also down to 98th, down from 91th in 2016, with a valuation of US$13.5 billion, up five per cent from the previous year.
KPMG was the lowest ranked of the big four, at 124th, down from 107th, and with a valuation of US$11.0 billion, up three per cent from 2016.
The most powerful professional service brands. Les Hewitt
Accenture, McKinsey on Global 500 list
Other professional services firms on the Global 500 included technology consulting and outsourcing firm Accenture, which jumped to 71st from 89th on the list with a brand valuation of US$17.5 billion, up 38 per cent from the 2016 valuation.
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Strategy consultancy McKinsey also made the list, but its ranking fell to 379th from 290th in 2016, with its valuation decreasing by 9 per cent to US$4.5 billion.
Mr Crowe explained the difference in ranking for PwC and McKinsey as one of scale.
"PwC is top ranked of the professional services firms because of the scale of its sales – the firm turns over about US$35 billion globally, while McKinsey's global sales are around US$8.5 billion," he said.
PwC and McKinsey are two of only 10 brands on the Global 500 list with a brand rating, which is based on the future potential of the brand relative to its competitors, of AAA+. The firms are joined in this elite group by Google, sports brand Nike and toymaker Lego.
Overall, technology firms Google, Apple and Amazon.com take up the top three positions on the Global 500.
Strong competition for staff
The local head of PwC Australia, Luke Sayers, downplayed the risk of brand dilution for his firm while also admitting the firm was competing against sectors ranging from technology start-ups through to advertising agencies for staff.
"If we are truly focused on our purpose of solving the biggest problems facing our clients and society more broadly, what PwC does and what we are known for will and should continue to grow and change," he said.
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He added that an important part of the firm's brand is "being bold and having a point of view" on issues.
The chief marketing and communication officer for Accenture, Roxanne Taylor, said a business-to-business brand was still about making an emotional connection with customers.
"The ability of a brand to deliver on its promise and provide reassurance to clients is crucial in a B2B setting, where B2B branding relies on making an emotional connection with stakeholders every bit as much as – or maybe even more than – consumer branding. The emotions are just different," she said.
The staff are the brand
Deloitte Australia's chief marketing officer, Frank Mellish, said he considered the firm's staff in effect its brand.
"We invest accordingly in creating a diverse, inclusive culture for our employees, so they are inspired to provide the best work for our clients," he said, adding the firm had a "vision to be the undisputed leader in professional services" and an to be an "employer of choice".
Lynn Kraus, the head of markets at EY Oceania, said "brand is extremely important in terms of attracting people".
"Due to the changing nature of professional services and our increased focus on non-traditional accounting areas, we look for people with a variety of backgrounds and experience including engineering, academia and government," Ms Kraus said.
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"Beyond that, the continued growth in cyber security, digital and data analytics has opened up an entire new pool of potential candidates which previously may not have considered the big four as a natural place to further their careers."
Heavy investment
KPMG Australia CEO Gary Wingrove said the firm had invested heavily in promoting its brand in the past three years.
"We are doing this in a number of ways – including sharing our insights on challenges facing our clients and the broader community, "Mr Wingrove said.
"I'm particularly proud of the way we have engaged and driven further debate on important policy, reform, economic and social issues including tax reform, domestic violence, structural deficit, Indigenous economy, and Asian investment."
Focus on clients
The managing partner of McKinsey Australia and New Zealand, John Lydon, said his firm focused upon its reputation and the impact it can have on clients and through its published research.
"At McKinsey, we don't think too much about the concept of brand in its own right," Mr Lydon said.
"It's more an outcome of the impact we achieve with our clients and the experience that our people have developing and growing with us.
"So you might say we are more focused on our reputation – with our clients, our people, and in the broader Australian market."
[email protected] - Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch today recognized a team from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for its exceptional work against child exploitation and human trafficking in the Washington, D.C. area.
The team members were among 376 Justice Department employees and 47 individuals outside of the department to receive Attorney General Awards at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Today’s 64th annual ceremony recognized individuals for their outstanding service and dedication to carrying out the missions of the Department of Justice.
The Washington Metro Child Exploitation Task Force was honored with the award for Distinguished Service, one of the Justice Department’s highest honors. The task force, consisting of members from the FBI’s Washington Field Office, MPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, has played an instrumental role in identifying, disrupting and dismantling the most egregious perpetrators in child exploitation and human trafficking within the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and beyond its area of responsibilities. The team has demonstrated a history of success in penetrating the secret and often reclusive cyber world of child predators.
“The Attorney General’s Awards provide us with a rare opportunity to honor the efforts of outstanding department employees and our invaluable partners across the federal government and at the state and local levels,” said Attorney General Lynch. “Their work has made our nation – and our world – stronger, safer and more just, and I am proud of and inspired by each and every one of them.”
“These awards are a fitting tribute for a longstanding task force whose members literally work around the clock to rescue children from sexual abuse and exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips. “The selfless teamwork and unwavering dedication displayed by the Child Exploitation Task Force are emblematic of the tremendous and critical work being done each day by law enforcement to protect vulnerable victims from dangerous predators who lurk in cyberspace and our community.”
“The members of the Washington Metro Child Exploitation Task Force have done exemplary work in protecting the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Assistant Director in Charge Abbate. “These agents, analysts, and task force officers have worked tirelessly and skillfully to investigate, disrupt, and bring to justice those who exploit and abuse children. Every day, they are faced with some of the most challenging and critical work in law enforcement, and today they have been honored for their truly heroic work.”
“Through collaboration with our partners and an unwavering dedication of each agency to make the Internet safer for children, we will continue to ensure the safety of our children as a top priority,” said Peter Newsham, Interim Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department.
The Distinguished Service Award is one of the Justice Department’s highest honors for employee performance. Recipients exemplify the highest commitment to the Justice Department’s mission. The team members who were honored today include Cyber Division Supervisory Special Agent Brenda K. Born, Supervisory Special Agent Andrew Patrick Leithead, Special Agents Sean P. Clark, Jenny M. Cutalo-Patterson, Tonya Sturgill Griffith, Alicia M. McShane and Jennifer N. Edwards and Intelligence Analyst Heather L. Gordon Ph.D., all from the FBI’s Washington Field Office; Detectives Jonathan K. Andrews Sr. and Timothy R. Palchak, from the Metropolitan Police Department; and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea L. Hertzfeld, Cassidy M. Pinegar, Ari B. Redbord and Lindsay J. Suttenberg and Computer Forensic Examiner John E. Marsh, from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia.
In announcing the award, the Justice Department commended the task force for its extraordinary dedication, innovative techniques and commitment in identifying and prosecuting these predatory offenders. During 2014 and 2015, the work of the recipients resulted in the rescue of numerous children who were victims of ongoing abuse and exploitation. Undercover officers act swiftly when they learn of victims of sexual abuse and child pornography, and their work has led to arrests of defendants in Ohio, North Carolina, Indiana, Texas, Pennsylvania, and other locations. The task force also assisted in identifying and locating more than 60 victims of sexual abuse and child pornography.I’m a nerd for both Shakespeare and Joss Whedon’s writing, so I’ve been super excited for Whedon’s adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing, which opens this weekend in New York, LA, and San Francisco. I’m a big fan of the play, which is full of some of Shakespeare’s most hilarious banter. It’s also a fascinating play from a feminist perspective, because the story hinges on an act of slut shaming. Knowing Whedon’s interests, I expected this element of the story to be emphasized. I had the opportunity to see the movie about a month ago at the San Francisco International Film Festival, and I was not disappointed.
Much Ado is above all a blast, capturing the infectious joy that I find in a lot of Shakespeare’s work and that’s often missing from film adaptations. The movie revels in the play’s language, but in a way that’s focused on communicating story and intent clearly to the audience. It actually makes the plot easier to follow than adaptations that seem afraid of Shakespeare’s words. My only real criticism is that the film is way too white, like most things Whedon does (though it does actually make good use of the famously racist “Ethiope” line). Adapting Shakespeare is largely about choosing what elements of the script to emphasize, what story you want to tell with the material. And the story Whedon wants to tell is very much focused on gender roles, and specifically slut shaming. Contemporary takes on Much Ado tend to focus on the banter between Beatrice and Benedick (Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof, much to the delight of this Angel fan) and treat the plot as something to rush through to get to their scenes. Whedon has chosen to highlight these often underplayed story elements, crafting a film that’s sharply focused on gender dynamics in a way that feels disturbingly contemporary.
Claudio (Fran Kranz) loves Hero (Jillian Morgese), daughter of Leonato (Clark Gregg – yes, Agent Coulson lives!), and they become engaged over the course of the play. Don John, the villain of the piece, tries to trick Claudio into thinking Hero has cheated on him in order to ruin the wedding. Sean Maher’s Don John is a transparent bad guy – he’s referred to as “The Bastard” by other characters, Whedon’s changed the traditional presentation of his henchmen characters to create an obvious evil trifecta (one of Whedon’s specialties), and in the film he’s accompanied by jazzy bad guy theme music that’s so on the nose it’s comical. The film emphasizes that by the time Don John pulls his trick he’s already proven himself to be an obvious, deliberate liar and asshole to Claudio. Claudio has no reason to believe this man ever, yet he instantly believes the lie, and rejects Hero at their wedding. In the play’s most disturbing moment, Leonato goes after his daughter with a slut shaming rant, even wishing her dead. Clark Gregg’s take on Leonato is smart and subtle and has stuck with me since seeing the movie. Leonato and Hero’s relationship is played sweet, loving, and close. When Leonato instantly turns on his daughter it’s devastating – and shocking, unless you’ve spent much time paying attention to slut shaming in our culture. Whedon highlights that this is absolutely about slut shaming – Claudio would actually be OK with marrying Hero if she wasn’t a virgin – it’s the idea of her sleeping with someone other than him that so instantly offends him, and that he’s so willing to believe.
This being Shakespeare, the conflict is resolved with a ridiculous plot involving more double crosses and a Friar recommending a faked death (seriously, why do Shakespeare’s Friars always think that’s a good idea?). Whedon certainly gives us the feeling of a happy ending. But there’s a knowingness that colors the conclusion of the movie, an understanding of expectations placed on women and the dangerous ignorance we can face from men. There’s a particular focus on the trust men often have between each other, their willingness to stand by and believe each other even when the other man’s a known liar. It’s a smart picture of a social situation that’s very real today. Talking about these issues using Shakespeare creates an opportunity for clarity – it seems easier to recognize how very wrong this dynamic is within a story that separates it somewhat from a real world context, where other issues can easily cloud our view of a situation. This leads to a film that is incredibly relevant in the face of some of the devastating instances of slut shaming that have been in the news lately.
Stories have the power to illuminate real world issues. Much Ado is first and foremost a giggly, sexy good time (I didn’t even mention Nathan Fillion’s underplayed Dogberry, which has me laughing just thinking about it). But it’s also perfectly set up to inspire conversations among viewers about the disturbing reality of slut shaming.Should cow vigilantism have cricket lovers worried? The answer is yes, very worried indeed. For, one of the two most important pieces of equipment required to play the game, the cricket ball, is made of cow hide How long before a bunch of 10-15 men stop an IPL game? The bowler may get into trouble for being in possession of cow hide. And how dare he apply his saliva to it to gain some shine?Should we be worried that some group may tomorrow call for a boycott of cricket? What better time to make a game of it than when one of cricket’s most popular and highest grossing show is on. Millions watch IPL, billions ride on it, and it is prime time sports-entertainment.On the streets of Meerut and Jhalandhar, a few men are watching the Save Cow campaign closely. These men are owners of sports manufacturing units. They make lakhs of cricket balls every year. One of them told Mumbai Mirror: “Work will go on. There still are states in India where cow slaughter is not banned. Some manufacturers are getting cow hide from these states. As far as big manufacturers are concerned, they are importing it from Switzerland, England and Australia. The cost is high, but what choice do we have? As such in India, only old cows are slaughtered and the quality of hide is not good.”But what if vigilantes landed at his unit and demanded that he shut it down? “A lot of people’s livelihood will be hit,” he says resignedly. Another manufacturer said that shutting down ball manufacturing units will hit farmers in the same manner as the closure of abattoirs has in Uttar Pradesh. “I also don’t eat cow meat, but what do you do with an ill or an old cow. That cow is source of money for a farmer,” he said.A single cow’s hide can make three-and-a-half dozen cricket balls. An estimated 12,000 balls are used every year in Mumbai during the Mumbai Cricket Association sanctioned tournaments like Giles Shield, Harris Shield and Kanga League. Now do the math to get to the number of cricket balls used in India every year and how many cow hides are required to cater to this market.Is there an alternative to cow hide as far as manufacturing cricket balls is concerned? No. Some manufacturers mix Ox hide with the cow hide, while attempts have been made to use buffalo hide too. But cow hide remains the preferred choice. Buffalo hide is thought to be too hard to mould and tough to work with.One impact of cow-vigilantism likely to be felt in the industry is the increased import of cow hide. “We will have to import more. This would mean that the cost of manufacturing will go up by at-least 25 to 30 per cent. Small manufacturers will be worst hit as they don’t have the finances to import. This would mean that they will have to depend on bigger players for raw material,” said a manufacturer.NDFP Media Office | Press Release
The second round of the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations ended with some progress but uncertainties remain that serve to dampen the initial optimism on the part of the NDFP negotiators and consultants. There is now growing uneasiness and impatience among the NDFP delegation over the snail’s pace in the steps being taken to effect the release of the remaining political prisoners despite repeated promises and assurances coming from the GRP panel.
There are more than 400 political prisoners still languishing in various jails nationwide. The issue of their continued detention came up early in the talks as the new NDFP Panel Chairperson Fidel Agcaoili cited the pledge made by President Rodrigo Duterte himself last May to issue an amnesty proclamation to speed up their release. So far, the GRP has released only 22 political prisoners, most of them NDFP consultants. There have been no other releases since August.
‘In response to the appeal from GRP Panel Chairperson Silvestre Bello for patience, Agcaoili said that if the GRP could effect the speedy release of the 22 JASIG-protected NDFP consultants why the seemingly excruciating difficulty in releasing the rest of the political prisoners?’
Under pressure from the consistent pressing of the NDFP on this issue, the GRP Panel once again promised “to do their best”. But cynicism is now growing among some of the NDFP negotiators and consultants as well as among the remaining political prisoners on account of so many unfulfilled promises.
‘Aside from the issue of political prisoners, reports have been coming in from the field about continuous military operations by AFP forces in NPA territory. According to NPA commands from various regions, the reason why there has been no firefights so far is mainly because NPA forces have been maneuvering to avoid armed encounters. But tensions are rising because the AFP military operations appear more and more to be taking the form of base-denial operations targeting the mass base of the NPA.’
According to NPA national spokesperson Jorge Madlos, “All NPA units have strictly abided by its own unilateral ceasefire declaration. Aside from maintaining defensive posture, NPA units are conducting counter-maneuvers to avoid armed skirmishes with the AFP.” But not a few NPA units are having difficulty holding back amid threats from the AFP in its counter-insurgency intelligence operations, Madlos said.
From Northern Luzon to Southern Mindanao, Madlos claimed, there were reports of AFP units telling civilians that the ceasefire is no longer in effect to justify their operations and presence in their communities. The NPA’s Agustin Begnalen Command based in Abra said the Army’s 24th Infantry Battalion have been telling civilians in Sallapadan town that the ceasefire has ended.
Madlos said the AFP has yet to observe the advice of President Duterte to be friendly to the NPA adding that the AFP continues to conduct hostile operations against the NPA, “even using the drug campaign as pretext to conduct anti-NPA operations.”
In one instance, when confronted by peasants on why the soldiers were continuing with military operations despite the GRP ceasefire, the AFP officer leading the operation reportedly answered that they would then have nothing else to do adding that the NPA would not attack them anyway because the NPA has declared its own ceasefire. To have a stable ceasefire AFP forces must “return to barracks” at the level of the battalion headquarters.
In addition, reports have come in regarding political assassinations and attempted assassinations of leaders of people’s organizations such as the case of the secretary general of the Compostela Valley Farmers Association (CFA), Jimmy Saipan, who was killed in cold blood by two motorcycle riding gunmen yesterday, October 10. Saipan was a Lumad anti-mining activist opposing the exploration by the Agusan Petroleum Mineral Corp. in 12,000 hectares of Lumad lands. The CFA has also been conducting dialogue with the 66th IB for the |
mir- Downtown Dallas and have lunch on us."
Which Wich
"Dallas Police Department Dallas Area Rapid Transit (Official DART page) Our hearts are with you. Please be our guest at our downtown Dallas location at 1410 Main Street. We are providing free food to any law enforcement personnel all day. #DPD #Dallas #SpreadtheLove"
The Elbow Room
"We want to send our love and support to all Dallas police. We invite officers to come in all weekend long for free food and half off drinks. We're all in this together & appreciate all you do for us.?#?DallasStrong?"
ZaLat and DaLat
"We mourn with our city today and support our Dallas men and women in blue. Until close of business today, all ZaLat Pizzas and DaLat Vietnamese Restaurant will not charge uniformed Dallas Police officers and Dart Police Officers for their meals. We thank you for your service, your heroism and your professionalism last nite in keeping us safe even while you were in danger. DPD has always taken amazing care of our shops and our staff whenever we have needed help. We mourn with you today."
Deep Ellum Brewing Company
"As a small token of our thanks, we've donated $1,000 to the Assist the Officer Foundation (www.atodallas.org) and ask that you do too. For anyone that makes a donation of $20 or more, you've got an "in-kind" complimentary tab on us in the Taproom + Kitchen for the remainder of the month.
And for all those that risk it all for our city, your money is no good here. Feel free to drop by for a meal or a beer anytime. My only warning is you might get a hug and a high five because you deserve it! Thank you. A million times over... thank you!"
Cow Tipping Creamery
"We are deeply saddened about what happened in downtown Dallas last night. We wish to help in whatever small way that we can. Any Dallas Police or DART officer in uniform gets free ice cream today. Non-police that show us that they donated at least $100 to Dallas Assist the Officer Foundation or Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation gets a stacker on us." (Note: This offer has been extended through the weekend.)
Boom Juice and Be Raw Food and Juice
"We are offering a free meal to officers in uniform - or with proper ID."
Delta Charlie’s at Dallas Executive Airport, Primo’s Tex Mex Grille, The Hub Sports Bar & Grill, Ron’s Place, Ron’s Corner Tavern and Big Shots Sports Café
"Free meals for all police officers for month of July. Now through July 31, 2016."
Opening Bell Coffee
"Complimentary coffee for all Dallas Police Officers in uniform or with DPD ID/badge."
On Rotation
"We'll be donating a portion of this weekend's proceeds to support the brave men and women of the Dallas Police Department, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (Official DART page), and their loved ones."
Nick & Sam's Steakhouse, Nick & Sam's Grill (Park Cities), Biergarten, Coal Vines, Dos Jefes
"All of Joseph Palladino's concepts not only are offering free meals for police officers all weekend... police eat free there 365 days a year," a press rep for Palladino said. "Palladino, as you may know, is a retired New York cop, so he's always looked out for the men and women in blue."
Cicis
"Cicis is offering its unlimited pizza, pasta, salad, soup and dessert buffet for free to all police officers beginning this Sunday, 7/10, through next Saturday, 7/16. All DFW locations. Wear uniform or show badge."
Monkey King Noodle Company
"The Dallas police did their job last night protecting our right to peaceably assemble. It's our turn to do ours. Any police officer in uniform (or with a badge) can swing by our restaurant today and through this weekend for whatever you want. It's on the house. Thanks for doing what you do."
Lake Highlands Creamery
"100% of our tips this weekend will be donated to The Fallen Officer Fund."
Dakota's, Cedar Grove, DISH Preston Hollow, Front Room Tavern
"Dakota's and all the other NL Group restaurants (Cedar Grove, DISH Preston Hollow, Front Room Tavern) have always provided special concessions/accommodations such as a complimentary meal for anyone in official uniform including the Dallas Police Dept, Dallas Fire Dept, and US Armed Forces."
Thairrific, Zephyr Bakery Cafe
"It's our honor to provide meals to DPD officers in uniform or with ID who come by and need a break this weekend."
Chili's, Maggiano's
"Our hearts are heavy for our hometown and our community. To quickly support, Chili’s and Maggiano’s restaurants in Dallas are delivering food to Dallas and DART police precincts and officers securing the crime scene throughout the weekend. Also, any officer that dines at our Dallas restaurants will receive a meal on us. We are committed to making people feel special in any way we can during this time of grief for the Dallas community."
Parigi
"Parigi Dallas restaurant in Uptown plans a Back the Blue Brunch tomorrow, Sat., July 9. From 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, Officers in uniform will be treated to a complimentary brunch. Also, 50% of Brunch proceeds will be donated to the DPD Fund for families of the injured and deceased."
Tutta's Pizza, Ellen's Southern Kitchen
"Dallas Police Department, Dallas Fire And Rescue, DART Officers are appreciated in the Dallas West End! Come out to Tutta's and Ellen's Southern Kitchen & Bar this weekend for lunch or dinner on us!"
Meat Fight
"The Dallas Police Department has kept every Meat Fight event safe. In an effort to support them in a time of great need, Meat Fight is now auctioning off two VIP tickets to Meat Fight 2016. All monies raised in this auction will go directly to the Assist the Officer Foundation. 100%."
Lakewood Brewing Co.
"To help Guns & Hoses give as much as they can, starting today and through the end of July at the Lakewood Taproom, 100% of the sales from All Call will go directly to the Guns & Hoses Foundation of NTX to help aid the families of the victims of this week’s tragedy. And if you’re a first responder, your beers are on us."
Remingtons Seafood Grill
"Remingtons Seafood Grill in Addison is offering free appetizers to all officers in uniform or those with proper ID. In light of the tragedies they wanted to offer a gift to those that protect and serve."
Meddlesome Moth
"Join us for lunch today and drink a pint of Lakewood Brewing Company All Call in partnership with GUNS & HOSES Foundation of North Texas. 100% of the sales will go to the Dallas Family Police Fund, if you don't feel like drinking a beer you still have the option to donate. Oskar Blues Brewery 2013 Ten Fidy is our tapping for today, it's pouring and ready to be drank."
Asian Mint, The Mint
"We treat all active Dallas police officers to 30% off their meal FOREVER. Just come in uniform or show your badge as we say thank you for keeping our beloved city safe. BRUNCH ITEMS ALL WEEKENDS in JULY ARE ON US for POLICE OFFICERS!"
Full Circle Tavern
"Full Circle Tavern will be giving a free meal to any uniformed police through Sunday, July 10th. We have always done a 15% for any civil servant or military and will continue to do so."
Alamo Drafthouse
"The tragedy in Dallas is on all our minds today. As a movie theater, our best asset is giving people an escape and we think our police and their families could use one this weekend. This weekend through Sunday, we will be donating 10% of all revenue from both our Dallas and Richardson locations to The Russ Martin Show Listeners Foundation - a local organization which aids families of fallen officers. All law enforcement officers (Police, DART Police, Game Wardens, Fire Fighters, First Responders, etc.) and their families will receive free movie tickets and 25% off any food or beverages ordered at our theater. A badge, ID card or pay stub will work as proof. This is only valid at our Dallas and Richardson locations."
Pecan Lodge
"We are offering all DPD officers complimentary meals through July 17. Thank you for your service and commitment to our community. If you would like to donate directly to the families, please go to www.atodallas.org. 100% of our Sunday sales will be donated to ATODALLAS.ORG. Come on over!"
Remedy
"Today and next Sunday, we're giving 50% of our brunch sales to the families of Thursday night's victims."
Dough Pizzeria
"Dallas Police, Fire & EMT workers gratitude has been Extended through the weekend: Dallas has been in chaos so we wanted to give everyone more time to take a well deserved break. Please stop by in uniform anytime this weekend for FREE Pizza as our show of support for the great risks and work that you do for our city. Our hearts go out to you and your families after this weeks horrible events. Please share with anyone you know who serves us so honorably on a daily basis."
Lee Harvey's
"Lee Harvey's wants our men and women in blue to know that we love and support them.
Until close of business on Sunday, we will not charge officers for their meals, your first drink is on us too.
Thank you for your service and heroism."
Pink Magnolia
The Bishop Arts Southern food spot is cooking free lunch today, Monday, for first responders. "Good morning!!! Brisket is smoked! Cobbler is baked!!! Please remind all the first responders in your life to come get loved on at Pink Magnolia from 11-2!!!! We heart you!!!!"
Fireside Pies
"Help us raise money for the "Assist The Officer" Foundation! We're donating 100% of proceeds from all Fireside locations to the ATO Foundation to support the victims' families from the July 7th attack. Visit any of our locations on Thursday, July 14th, and help us raise money for this great cause!"
Greenville Avenue Pizza Company
Greenville Avenue Pizza Company is hosting a "National Cow Appreciation Day" event from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday night that is unrelated to the Dallas police shooting, but will also offer free food to officers. "During the event, Dallas police officers will eat for free in a small gesture of support and solidarity for the brave men and women protecting our city. So be sure to invite your local police officers, and let’s all offer our heartfelt thanks, warm hugs and gratis pizza."
Cindi's New York Deli
"As a small token of our love and appreciation for our heroes, any officer in uniform eats free at any of our 5 locations this month."
Fuzzy's Taco Shop
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families and loved ones affected by the tragedy in Dallas. Through July 15, Dallas Police and first responders will eat free when you wear your uniform or show your badge/ID when placing your order. $10 maximum per person; valid at Dallas-area Fuzzy's Taco Shop locations only."
Dos Jefes
This afternoon, Dos Jefes announced an upcoming DPD fundraiser hosted by owner Joseph Palladino. "On Thursday, July 14, from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., Palladino will host a 'Dine for Dallas Blue' fundraiser at his newest Uptown concept, Dos Jefes, during which 100% of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to the Assist the Officer Foundation. To accommodate as many guests as possible, and to maximize the funds raised, reservations are being accepted now for seatings at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Dos Jefes’ full dinner, cocktail and bottle service will be offered throughout the event. (For reservations, call 214-303-1880.)"
Hash House A Go Go
"Hash House A Go Go is currently accepting donations for the Assist the Officer Foundation at its North Texas location during normal store hours. Also known as ATO Dallas, the foundation is providing financial and immediate assistance to any of the officers’ families who were affected in light of the recent tragedy that took place on July 7, 2016. The foundation additionally provides assistance to any officer who faces the loss of income due to a serious injury, life-threatening illness or other catastrophic event. Hash House A Go Go will match 25% of the total donations for the entire week."
The Cedars Social
"The Cedars Social, next-door neighbor of the Dallas Police Department, is opening their doors for lunch this week, Monday, July 11 through Friday, July 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Collaborating chefs will work together at the boutique venue to create a daily delicious lunch option; the proceeds of which will be donated to the Assist the Officers Fund." Front of house staff from Boulevardier and Rapscallion have volunteered to work the lunches, according to a press release. Here's a rundown of participating chefs:
Tuesday, July 12, will feature Justin Box, from Fearing’s Restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton, and Janice Provost, Executive Chef and Owner of Parigi Dallas. Wednesday, July 13, will feature Nick Amoriello, Executive Chef of Kitchen LTO, with Carolanne Treadwell, Sous Chef of CBD Provisions. Thursday, July 14, will feature Anastacia Quinones, recently of Café Momentum and Uno Immanivong, Executive Chef and Owner of Chino Chinatown. Friday, July 15, will feature The Cedars Social’s own Dexter Samuel, and another chef to be determined.
Cowboy Chicken
"Who: Cowboy Chicken and the ATO (Assist the Officer Foundation)
Where: All (13) North Texas Cowboy Chicken restaurants
When: Thursday, July 14, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. (open to close)
How: Fundraiser to benefit the ATO (Assist the Officer Foundation) to support our recently fallen and injured DART and DPD officers.
20% of all North Texas Cowboy Chicken sales on July 14 will go to the injured officers and families of the fallen. Cash donations also accepted in-restaurant only."
Celebration Restaurant
"During the entire month of July, Celebration Restaurant is honored to provide complimentary meals to any Dallas Police Department or DART Police Department Officers, whether uniformed or with credentials. As has been our long-standing tradition, officers from any department will receive 50% off their meal."
Cotton Patch Cafe
"All first responders in uniform or with proper identification will receive a free entrée and non-alcoholic beverage at Cotton Patch Café through July 24."NEW YORK -- New York Knicks president Phil Jackson took to Twitter on Sunday night to criticize his team's effort hours after a blowout 101-83 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Each NBA game is an opportunity for players to show their "best" nature and please the basketball gods...and those who know what "It"takes. — Phil Jackson (@PhilJackson11) February 23, 2015
Today's game vs Cavs gave bb gods heartburn and those that know what "it" takes/means a smh. — Phil Jackson (@PhilJackson11) February 23, 2015
The Knicks lost by 18 points to the Cavs on Sunday to extend their losing streak to seven games. New York is an NBA-worst 10-45.
Sunday's loss to Cleveland might have hit Jackson a little harder than others.
J.R. Smith -- a former Knick whom Jackson traded away in a salary dump last month -- torched the Knicks for 17 points and four assists in the blowout. Smith hooked up with Iman Shumpert -- a fourth-year guard Jackson sent to Cleveland in the same trade -- for an eye-popping alley-oop in the fourth quarter that is sure to make all the highlight shows.
The Knicks, on the other hand, couldn't muster any highlights for their home crowd. They fell behind by 19 points in the first quarter and shot just 37 percent from the floor overall, including 3-for-19 (16 percent) from beyond the arc.
After the NBA-worst Knicks were blown out by the Cavaliers, Phil Jackson expressed on Twitter his frustration with the team's effort. AP Photo/Bill Kostroun
New York is well on its way to establishing the worst record in franchise history. (The previous mark is 21 wins.)
It's been a nightmare season for Jackson, who said at the beginning of the season that he believed the Knicks were a playoff team.
But Jackson's personnel moves -- trading Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton to the Dallas Mavericks for a package highlighted by veteran point guard Jose Calderon and drafting forward Cleanthony Early -- haven't translated to wins this season.
In early January, Jackson offered a mea culpa to Knicks fans for the team's poor performance.
Earlier this month, Jackson took things a step further, telling The New York Times that his "experiment has fallen flat on its face."Several years ago, a professor at Holland's Radboud University Nijmegen, Dr. Bart Jacobs, landed in legal trouble. He'd attempted to publish an article exposing security flaws in the widely used MIFARE Classic wireless smart card chip, which is employed by transit systems around the world. Using an ordinary laptop, he was able to clone paying customers' cards to access transit systems for free. The point of his research was to demonstrate that the cards were vulnerable to attack.
The chip's owner, NXP Semiconductors, argued that it would have been irresponsible to make this information public. But a Dutch court ultimately ruled that clamping down on his research would have violated the scientist's rights to freedom of expression.
Scenarios like this remain highly relevant in the ongoing debate around coders’ rights that is unfolding in the European Parliament. On June 20, the Parliamentary Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee (LIBE) continued to debate a draft Directive on Attacks Against Information Systems.
As legislators mull over this computer crime legislation, questions about how security researchers should be treated under the law are key. Instead of being regarded like product researchers who gauge automobile safety using crash test dummies, to borrow an analogy from Germany’s Chaos Computer Club, technologists who are adept at discovering computer security flaws risk being defined as criminals under certain provisions of this draft Directive.
As we noted in an earlier post, a central issue is whether or not a security researcher must obtain explicit permission from information system operators when conducting his or her research. Article 3 of the Draft Directive makes it a crime to intentionally access information systems without prior “authorization,” where the actor infringes a security measure.
The wholesale banning of access without explicit permission, without building in a clear and thoughtful exception for legitimate research, is highly problematic. Unless it is improved during the legislative process, the Directive on Attacks Against Information Systems could have a chilling effect on Europe’s robust security research community, which frequently produces groundbreaking work.
In one example, security researcher Karsten Nohl demonstrated how easy it was to eavesdrop on GSM-based mobile phones in 2010. And this past February, to name another example, Ruhr University researchers published a report titled “Don’t Trust Satellite Phones,” announcing that they had succeeded in cracking the satellite encryption that protects the phone signals of hundreds of thousands of subscribers. With some equipment totaling about $2,000, they warned, practically anyone with the right expertise could spy on calls across the entire European continent.
EFF believes that it’s better to have flaws like this detected and addressed, rather than create a climate where honest and legitimate researchers are deterred from investigating such problems out of fears that they'll face lawsuits or prison time.
Legislative language that could curtail well-meaning researchers’ ability to access information systems must be crafted with surgical precision. So far, the European Parliament isn’t there yet. Security researchers are a crucial part of any effective security strategy, and their skills should be recognized as a benefit to the public that can be used to enhance security for everyone.
As they hash out this Directive, members of the European Parliament should keep in mind that there is potential for improved security across the board when skillful coders are allowed to engage in technological discovery.Photos: Fall young adult books September 16: "The Infinite Sea" – Rick Yancey returns to the world of his critically acclaimed novel "The Fifth Wave" with its sequel, "The Infinite Sea." In this sci-fi thriller series, Yancey's young characters explore a post-apocalyptic world where aliens inhabit the Earth and resemble humans. Booklist calls it "a breathless, grueling survival story kicked off by a gut-wrenching concept."
Click through our gallery to see 39 other young adult books coming out in September and October. Hide Caption 1 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books September 16: 'Made For You' – Melissa Marr, author of the bestselling Wicked Lovely series, returns with a thriller. Eva Tilling wakes up in the hospital trying to remember why someone tried to kill her. When she discovers that she can foresee people's deaths when they touch her, the mystery deepens. Booklist says readers will enjoy how "this twisted modern southern gothic tale unfolds through the multiple perspectives." Hide Caption 2 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books September 16: 'I'll Give You the Sun' – Jandy Nelson, author of "The Sky is Everywhere," returns with "I'll Give You the Sun." Twins Jude and Noah each tell half of this story. They were close until their lives went in different directions. Now, an unpredictable force will bring them back together. "Nelson's novel brims with emotion (grief, longing, and love in particular) as Noah, Jude, and the broken individuals in their lives find ways to heal," according to Publishers Weekly. Hide Caption 3 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books September 16: 'Get Even' – Four high school girls team up to anonymously get their revenge on bullies in Gretchen McNeil's "Get Even." Billed as "The Breakfast Club" meets "Pretty Little Liars," "Get Even" centers on members of the Don't Get Mad club. When one of their targets ends up dead, it seems that someone wants revenge on the revenge-takers themselves. "The suspense that McNeil builds should keep readers curious to discover what happens next in this planned series," says Publishers Weekly. Hide Caption 4 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books September 16: 'Jackaby' – Fans of "Sherlock Holmes" might enjoy "Jackaby" by William Ritter. Abigail Rook serves as an ordinary but invaluable assistant to supernatural investigator R.F. Jackaby. Kirkus Reviews calls it "a magical mystery tour de force with a high body count and a list of unusual suspects" that "demands sequels." Hide Caption 5 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books September 16: 'Sway' – The classic tale of Cyrano de Bergerac gets a new twist in Kat Spears' "Sway." Jesse, known as "Sway," can get you anything you want for the right price or a favor. While trying to help a bully get a date with nice girl, Jesse finds himself falling for her. Kirkus Reviews calls it "a compelling debut told with swagger and real depth." Hide Caption 6 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books September 16: 'Blackbird' – Sunny wakes up to face a train hurtling toward her on the subway track with no memory of her identity. But everyone she encounters seems eager to kill her. She has few clues about her past, including a blackbird tattoo and dreams of a mysterious young man. Kirkus Reviews says "this edgy, action-packed thriller gives future genre offerings something to aspire to." Hide Caption 7 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books September 23: 'Afterworlds' – Scott Westerfeld's latest is a story within a story featuring high-schooler Darcy Patel, whose novel "Afterworlds" is about a girl who escapes a terrorist attack. Hide Caption 8 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books September 23: 'Tabula Rasa' – Kristen Lippert-Martin's debut novel, "Tabula Rasa," has been described as "The Bourne Identity" meets "Divergent." Sarah has the chance to undergo a new procedure that will give her troubled memory a blank slate. But her surgery is interrupted by a team of soldiers and Pierce, a teen computer hacker, giving Sarah a chance to figure out her past and her future at the same time. Publishers Weekly says "both Sarah and Pierce are layered and appealing characters." Hide Caption 9 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books September 23: 'On a Clear Day' – "On a Clear Day" is the first of three books by beloved author Walter Dean Myers to be published posthumously. It follows a diverse group of young activists trying to make a difference and fight injustice in 2035. Kirkus Reviews calls it "a clarion call from a beloved, much-missed master." Hide Caption 10 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books September 23: 'Firebug' – In a world of vampires, "werefoxes" and "dryads," Ava is a firebug who can set fires with her mind. She's also an indentured assassin, but things change when she refuses to do her job. Author Lish McBride's heroine presents "a refreshing change from the endless parade of naive heroines found elsewhere," according to Kirkus Reviews. Hide Caption 11 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books September 23: 'Unmade' – Sarah Rees Brennan's Lynburn Legacy trilogy comes to an end in "Unmade." Magic comes to life when Kami must stop a powerful member of an old family from destroying her sleepy little English town. The Horn Book likened Kami to a "British Veronica Mars." Hide Caption 12 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books September 23: 'Skink -- No Surrender' – Carl Hiaasen returns to the wilds of Florida swamps with a beloved character for his first young adult, "Skink -- No Surrender." Skink, former-governor-turned-reprobate from previous Hiaasen novels, teams up with fatherless Richard to help the young man find his cousin, who ran off with someone she met on the Internet. Skink and Richard bond over the bizarre shenanigans that ensue. Booklist says "Reluctant readers (especially guys) will surrender themselves to this page-turner." Hide Caption 13 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books September 30: 'Party Games' – R.L. Stine returns to his wildly popular Fear Street series with the first original title in 15 years. When Shadyside High School senior Brendan Fear has a birthday party at his parents' summer house on Fear Island, things go from bad to worse. "The author's instinct for creative kills remains strong," according to Kirkus Reviews. Hide Caption 14 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books September 30: 'Unmarked' – Bestselling "Beautiful Creatures" co-author Kami Garcia returns with the second installment of her Legion series in "Unmarked." In a world of ghosts and demons, Kennedy Waters and her fellow Legion members have to hunt down a demon she accidentally set free, revealing more about the Legion's history. Kirkus Reviews says "Fans hungry for more Legion tales will be left waiting breathlessly for Garcia's next installment." Hide Caption 15 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books September 30: 'Schizo' – In Nic Sheff's "Schizo," Miles is on a chemical cocktail meant to keep his schizophrenia under control. But the only way to rid himself of grief over his missing younger brother, Teddy, is to go on a journey in search of him. "Given the grim reality of medical management of schizophrenia (and the bleakness of depictions of it in teen fiction), the cautious optimism of Miles' life is most welcome," according to Kirkus Reviews. Hide Caption 16 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books September 30: 'Love is the Drug' – Emily Bird might be privy to one of the biggest government scandals in Alaya Dawn Johnson's "Love is the Drug." The only person she can trust with her secrets is Coffee, a drug-dealing conspiracy theorist. "Johnson blends high school drama, cloak-and-dagger intrigue, race and class inequities, coming of age, and a passionate love story," according to Publishers Weekly. Hide Caption 17 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books Septrember 30: 'Belzhar' – Celebrated author Meg Wolitzer makes her young adult debut with "Belzhar." After her boyfriend's death, Jam Gallahue is sent to a boarding school for fragile teens. But one class offers Jam and her classmates a chance to slip into an alternate reality. Readers will enjoy the allusions to Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar." Kirkus Reviews calls it "an enticing blend of tragedy, poetry, surrealism and redemption." Hide Caption 18 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 7: 'The Fall' – Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" is reimagined in Bethany Griffin's "The Fall." The Ushers are cursed to live and die within the House of Usher, but when Madeline Usher fights to detach herself from its entrapment, the eerie home begins to drive her mad. Kirkus Reviews calls it "a standout take on the classic haunted-house tale replete with surprises around every shadowy corner." Hide Caption 19 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 7: 'Black Ice' – "Hush, Hush" author Becca Fitzpatrick returns with "Black Ice," a novel packed with romance and suspense. When their car breaks down in a blizzard, two friends take shelter in a nearby cabin, only to find that they are not alone. There are three young men and the dead body of a missing girl, but which one is the killer? "Plenty of thrills and some kissing too," says Kirkus Reviews. Hide Caption 20 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 7: 'The Young Elites' – Marie Lu's "The Young Elites" has been described as a blend of video game "Assassin's Creed" and "X-Men." It follows Adelina, who acquired both scars and rare gifts during a deadly plague, making her and other survivors powerful and feared. "Lu's story explores the idea that what damages you gives you strength, but often with a price," according to Booklist. Hide Caption 21 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 7: 'Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel' – "If You Could Be Mine" author Sara Farizan returns with a coming-out story in "Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel." At the center of a multilayered story of subplots, love triangles and quirky characters is the simple tale of how Leila falls for Saskia. The hard part is keeping it a secret from her conservative Persian family and the rest of the school. Publishers Weekly calls it "a welcome addition to the coming-out/coming-of-age genre." Hide Caption 22 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 7: 'The Blood of Olympus' – Rick Riordan's "The Heroes of Olympus" series concludes with "The Blood of Olympus." Percy Jackson and his band of young demigod friends will fight with giants to protect the world in this exciting final installment. No advance praise was available, but fans are eagerly anticipating the book's release. Hide Caption 23 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 7: 'The Perfectionists' – "Pretty Little Liars" author Sara Shepard returns with another gossip-laden thriller in "The Perfectionists." Nolan is the most popular guy in school until he ends up dead at his own party. It appears that five girls were at the party to seek revenge, and each one has their own dark story arc. Kirkus Reviews calls it "suspenseful and juicy." Hide Caption 24 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 8: 'Sweet Unrest' – In "Sweet Unrest," Lucy Aimes bounces between dreams and reality after her family moves into an old Louisiana plantation. Lisa Maxwell's southern Gothic is full of voodoo and forbidden romance. Kirkus Reviews says "debut author Maxwell tackles slavery, segregation and racial tensions admirably and offers a time-transcending romance." Hide Caption 25 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 9: 'Althea and Oliver' – Fans of Rainbow Rowell's "Eleanor and Park" will enjoy debut author Cristina Moracho's trip back to the 1990s in "Althea and Oliver." The lifelong best friends begin to fall for each other until Oliver is diagnosed with "Sleeping Beauty syndrome," causing him to sleep for weeks and remember nothing. Nothing is ever the same after he does something during an "episode" to obliterate their friendship. Booklist calls it "an older, edgier read-alike to Rainbow Rowell's 'Eleanor & Park.' " Hide Caption 26 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 14: 'The Cure for Dreaming' – In "The Cure for Dreaming," Cat Winters returns to the Gothic flavor of her Morris Award finalist novel "In the Shadow of Blackbirds." Olivia Mead is a suffragist in 1900, and her father decides to have the independence hypnotized out of her. Instead, she acquires the ability to see the true nature of people without being able to speak of it. Kirkus Reviews calls it a "gripping, atmospheric story of mind control and self-determination." Hide Caption 27 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 14: 'Clariel' – "Clariel: The Lost Abhorsen" is the long-awaited prequel to Garth Nix's bestselling Old Kingdom epic fantasy series. While Clariel's parents are trying to marry her off to a killer, a dangerous Free Magic creature is on the loose, and a plot brews against the king. She must try to solve everything through sorcery she finds within herself. Publishers Weekly says "this superb tale is exactly the book fans of the series have been awaiting." Hide Caption 28 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 14: 'Snow Like Ashes' – Sarah Raasch's debut fantasy novel will appeal to fans of "Game of Thrones" and Kristin Cashore's Graceling series. The Kingdom of Winter was conquered 16 years ago and its citizens enslaved. Their fate rests on eight escapees including Meira, who trains to be a warrior and is willing to do anything to win back Winter's freedom. Kirkus Reviews says "this heavy high fantasy manages moments of humor and beauty for a satisfying read." Hide Caption 29 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 14: 'Mortal Gods' – Kendare Blake returns to her Goddess War series with "Mortal Gods." Greek gods and goddesses are fighting one another in modern-day renderings of battles they had in ancient times, and well-known characters of Troy are teenagers. But now, all of the gods and goddesses are dying. Blake is considered one of the "best up-and-coming horror/suspense writers around" by Kirkus Reviews. Hide Caption 30 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 14: 'Stitching Snow' – R.C. Lewis reimagines the tale of Snow White in sci-fi setting in "Stitching Snow." Essie is the long-lost Princess Snow, who hides out in a mining settlement with her seven drones and codes machines until Dane crash-lands into her world and discovers her true identity. Kirkus Reviews calls it "a fine addition to the ever popular subgenre of fairy-tale adaptations." Hide Caption 31 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 14: 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' – The con artist in Mary Elizabeth Summer's "Trust Me, I'm Lying" is only 15, but Julep is already practiced in the art thanks to her father. She's a fixer for her classmates to pay her tuition, but it becomes more of a struggle when her father goes missing. Kirkus Reviews says "a memorable debut; here's hoping for a lot more from Summer." Hide Caption 32 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 14: 'My True Love Gave to Me' – October isn't too early to embrace the holiday spirit, especially in a collection of Christmas and Hannukah-themed stories from some of the biggest names in the business. "My True Love Gave to Me" includes stories by David Leviathan, Matt de la Peña, Kelly Link, Holly Black, Gayle Forman, Ally Carter, Stephanie Perkins, Rainbow Rowell, Laini Taylor, Kiersten White, Jenny Han and Myra McEntire. Kirkus Reviews says "it's that rarest of short story collections: There's not a single lump of coal." Hide Caption 33 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 14: 'Redeemed' – Mother-daughter writing duo P.C. and Kristin Cast deliver the final installment in their bestselling "House of Night" series with "Redeemed." The vampire series comes to a close in a classic battle of light versus dark to determine who is redeemed and who is lost forever. The main character "Zoey's strength comes from her difference—a theme that has been consistent throughout the series," according to Kirkus Reviews. Hide Caption 34 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 21: 'How It Went Down' – When 16-year-old Tariq is shot and killed by a white man everyone has a perspective on what actually happened. The incident divides the community in a way that bears eery similarities to the situation in Ferguson, Missouri. School Library Journal calls it "an important book about perception and race." Hide Caption 35 of 40
Photos: Fall young adult books October 28: 'Talon' – Julie Kagawa, author of "Iron Fey" and "Blood of Immortals" series, starts from scratch with the first book in the "Talon" saga. In this world, dragons can disguise themselves as humans, but an order of warriors tries to track them down. When two of these sworn enemies become friends, everything changes. "Kagawa knows just how to end a first |
arraigned Sunday night. Telfair's attorney said the weapons are licensed in Florida. He said the pair had just left a club when they were pulled over and that police were targeting people leaving the club.
Telfair's wife and children live in Florida, but he is in New York because he is separated from his wife, his attorney said.
Photo credit: NYPD
Telfair, a Brooklyn native, was a standout high school player at Abraham Lincoln High School and bypassed college to become a first-round draft pick in 2004. He played for the Portland Trail Blazers and many other teams before finishing his career in China in 2014.
He is a cousin of former Knicks star Stephon Marbury.
Telfair and a friend were arrested in 2007 on a gun charge after a traffic stop. He was stopped for speeding on the Bronx River Parkway, then found to be driving with a suspended license. Police found a.45 caliber handgun under the passenger seat. Both Telfair and his friend said they didn't know how the gun got there.
Telfair pleaded guilty in 2008 to criminal possession of a weapon and was sentenced to three years of probation. The NBA suspended him for three games.The government is launching a last-ditch attempt to sign up energy companies to build new nuclear power stations by proposing to sign contracts guaranteeing subsidies for up to 40 years.
The coalition agreement reached between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in 2010 promised that nuclear power stations would be built only if the industry got no public subsidy, but costly overruns for new reactors overseas and the exit of several major utilities from the UK programme, most recently Centrica, have driven ministers and officials to backtrack on that pledge and accept they will have to provide financial support.
The Guardian has learned that ministers, intent on keeping the guaranteed wholesale cost of each unit of energy below the politically crucial figure of £100 per megawatt hour, are proposing to extend contracts from the 20 years originally envisaged to at least 30 and possibly as long as 40 years.
"To build the full 16GW (gigawatt) at the same price would cost £250bn over 40-year contracts, and over 30-year contracts £150bn," said Tom Burke, a founding director of the environmental campaign group E3G.
Industry sources believe the likely agreed price for the first project in the pipeline to be contracted on this timescale – two 1.6 GW reactors to be built at Hinkley Point in Somerset by the energy company EDF – will be below £100, though not by a large margin. That price, however, is more than double the market price for electricity, and higher than all but the most expensive government forecasts for the future.
"It makes a huge difference if it's 30, 35 or 40 years," said one industry source with knowledge of the negotiations.
Whitehall sources said they were confident that although the cost of the new reactor would be very high, that will start to fall with subsequent projects, and could fall as low as £55-56 a unit later in the programme. The Liberal Democrat MP for Cheltenham, Martin Horwood, commenting on the threat to extend contracts to 40 years, said: "Over that timescale it's ludicrous because we should really see renewables come into their own: there's no justification for subsidising nuclear like that."
At the same time some MPs are concerned that the energy bill, which is being scrutinised by MPs, would allow future governments to give nuclear power stations more money if it was needed, without telling parliament.
Suspicion about the clauses in the bill enabling future financial support have been fuelled by industry claims in recent weeks. Vincent de Rivas, chief executive of EDF, told MPs that he wanted the government to guarantee buying all the possible output from the new nuclear plants, not just what was needed.
Horwood said he supported most of the bill and the funding mechanism being used, but would be tabling amendments over the financial support being extended to a much older technology like nuclear power – a technology that Lib Dems have traditionally opposed.
MPs are also angry about the government's changing rhetoric on subsidies. Since the 2010 promise there would be "no public subsidy", ministers have modified it to say no "unfair" subsidies – wording intended to cover support for a range of technology. This month the energy secretary, Ed Davey, admitted to MPs the funding mechanism could differ between technologies and even individual projects.
Under the proposed funding system, called contracts for difference, companies such as EDF that build and operate nuclear reactors would be guaranteed a minimum "strike" price for the energy they generate.
If the market price falls below this strike price, the difference will be made up by a surcharge on customer bills; if the market price rises higher then the generator will have to refund the difference. "This is Jesuitical Casuistry," said Paul Flynn, a Labour MP and long time anti-nuclear campaigner. "He [Davey] is saying there will be a subsidy. Perhaps an enormous subsidy. But you, parliament and the public, will not know what it is until it is too late to change."
Burke, who is visiting professor at Imperial and University colleges in London, calculated that at just below £100 a unit, if the market price stabilised at £50 – which is below the lowest government forecast market price of £59 in 2030 – EDF would receive £50bn in support from the government over four decades for Hinkley.
The government argues that despite the problems getting new nuclear plants built it is essential to keep nuclear power alongside renewable energy and new gas plants to keep prices lower and help reduce the risk of over-relying on one technology. Long term the government hopes to build up to 16GW of new nuclear power to help diversify the energy sources, also including renewable energy and new gas power, to keep prices down and make the UK more resilient to supply problems with one technology.
The Department for Energy and Climate Change said in a statement: "No commitment has been made on commercial terms or a strike price. Ongoing discussions are focused on finding a fair, affordable deal, which represents value for money for consumers. Any agreement reached will be laid before parliament, and will include details of the strike price."By the time we were 15 years into the 21st century, New York City had become the most expensive place to live in the country. It was $3000 dollars for a 700-square-foot rat nest in Brooklyn— just the kind of bragging point that gets a generation of never-faced-any-real-adversity, not-rich-but-rich-enough would-be artists and musicians to move to the city. It’s something they can brag about to the kids they graduated with over the internet, a kind of gentle “Yeah, you should probably stay in Kansas, I don’t really think you could make it here.” What they never say is that they pretty much weren’t making it here either. No one was really making it on their own… there were trust fund kids whose parents were supplying them with enough money to cover the essentials so they could spend the cash they made bartending on booze and amphetamines. There were art school graduates, living as “artists,” which mostly consisted of working as a barista or at some kind of artisanal pickle cannery while living with seven other people in a sort of sardine-can commune, talking a lot about art, but spending most of their time binge-watching TV shows on $3000 dollar computers. There were foreigners, living in similar conditions (but with a lot more actual work involved), lacking even the opportunity to give up on the city if they failed. All the poor were like that; and because they had no means of fleeing outward into the suburbs and country, they packed into the gaps in the city, trying to squeeze out enough money to live with three generations of family in apartments barely large enough to house three people. Heads down, working. We all knew at some point it would have to shift. Something would have to change. But no one would have expected the collapse of New York.
If you had asked people at the time to guess what would be the downfall of the city, they probably would have said something like “terrorism” or “global warming.” Reality— as it often does— brought about the end less “like a lightning strike” and more “like a slow moving mudslide.” First there was the presidential election. It appeared to be what most people had come to expect from elections, polarizing. In reality it was two candidates with very little difference between them apart from a few ideological policy points and their accompanying platitudes. At the same moment, the country was running headlong into another fiscal nightmare and a seeming governmental impasse over whether or not to raise the debt ceiling. By this time everyone had grown fairly accustomed to such narrowly-avoided disasters, but this one came at a time when political rhetoric had reached a fever pitch. Candidates and pundits preached like Southern Baptists about who was to blame. The Right claimed the Left was borrowing money from our children’s future (which was true); the Left claimed that the Right was holding the country hostage simply for the purpose of banging their drum (which was also true). It was a feeling we had all experienced, though never to that degree.
Then someone assassinated Rupert Murdoch. It was something no one had ever considered possible, though looking back, I’m not sure why. Throughout history powerful people have been targeted for assassination when they are in control, at the height of their power, and seemingly untouchable. As you may well guess, the country exploded. There were peaceful protests of course, but the riots were better for ratings; and as humans always tend to fall back on the “eye for an eye” rule of vigilante justice, an equal response was orchestrated in the attempted assassination of Warren Buffet. Tit for Tat, like we do. Meanwhile, the country went flying over the fiscal cliff and finally defaulted on its debt. What happened next might seem surreal to some, but you must understand how the average American reacts to the sudden onset of 200% inflation. Suddenly everyone was poor, and worse, the government couldn’t borrow any money to help. It was desperate, and people were scared.
Sometimes a preposterous idea posed at the perfect confluence of disasters, when given the right amount of push from the proper media and political channels, can shift from preposterous to feasible; it may in fact even start to seem like a good idea. Several weeks after his attempted assassination, Mr. Buffet announced a proposal: Berkshire Hathaway would combine with Newscorp to form the largest megacorporation the world had ever seen. Obviously there were quite a few antitrust laws to prohibit them from merging, so in exchange for clearance to do so, the newly-formed BHN corp would agree to pay off America’s national debt. All of it. At first it seemed insane, but the Right eventually saw it as “the free market solving a government-created problem,” and the Left saw it as “the rich finally paying for the disaster they had created.” Murdoch had been involved in politics before and had the trust of the American people. BHN only required one other thing— annexation. They would get NYC to themselves as a sovereign nation. I’ll explain the details of this later, but let’s just say that most of Wall Street were heartily in favor of being free from U.S. Government oversight. An idea this big must obviously be put to a popular vote, and it passed by a greater margin than projected. It even passed in New York. So, on the condition that BHN continue to operate on the American dollar, they became their own sovereign nation. The Nation of New York City, technically: “Berkshire Hathaway News Corporation presents New York City.”
Ten years later, no one calls it that anymore. This is far from the glowing free market Meritocracy we were originally promised. It’s not quite an apocalypse either, since any apocalypse must theoretically come to some sort of end, when the fires burn out and the souls are sorted. This is worse: the disaster that never ends. This is Wasteland.London Fog Tea Latte (Earl Grey Latte)
Easy 5 mins
I have been a tea drinker my entire life. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that I was first introduced to the wonderfulness that is a London Fog tea latte.
Oh my goodness, have you all tried it??
Traditionally (and at Starbucks), London Fog lattes are made by combining sweetened earl grey tea with some steamed milk and vanilla syrup. So simple! But when I recently ordered one at a local Kansas City coffee shop, I realized that theirs had a hint of another ingredient that kicked this latte up a big notch — lavender!
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I absolutely love the combination of earl grey tea and lavender in this lavender cheesecake, so it should have come as no surprise that it would make a tea latte all the more wonderful. But oh my goodness, it suddenly made sweetened tea with milk taste like the most luxurious, relaxing drink. So comforting!
But paying $4 for said comfort? Totally not necessary. So this holiday season, I figured out how to make my own 5-minute homemade version for about $0.25, and am now completely hooked. It’s so easy!
The ingredients are super simple. You just need:
an earl grey tea bag (or two)
milk (any kind will work)
sugar (I used regular granulated, but you could substitute other sweeteners)
vanilla extract
lavender (optional, but highly recommended!)
In addition to being wonderfully fragrant, the lavender is so beautiful! I buy a bag from our neighborhood seed and spice store each year, and use it for everything from cooking, to flavoring water, to making little pouches to toss with clothes in the dryer, and now…tea!
To make a london fog latte recipe, simply brew a cup of strong earl grey tea along with a pinch of lavender. Then strain the tea, and combine it with some steamed milk, and stir in your desired amount of sweetener and a dash of vanilla. And a warm, comforting, delicious London Fog drink is yours to enjoy.
Trust me, I think you will love this one. :)
5 / 5 ( 4 Reviews
Leave a review » Did you make this recipe? London Fog Tea Latte (Earl Grey Latte) This London Fog tea latte recipe is so simple to make homemade, and it is full of rich, comforting flavor. Ingredients: 1 cup (8 oz.) strongly-brewed earl grey tea, brewed with 1/2 tsp. dried lavender
1/2 cup (4 oz.) steamed milk* (any kind)
1 Tbsp. granulated sugar**, or more or less to taste
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract, store-bought or homemade Directions: Brew earl grey tea and lavender together, and steep for 3 minutes (or according to tea instructions). Remove tea bag and strain out the lavender. Stir in remaining ingredients until combined. Serve warm. *If you — like me — do not have a milk steamer, you can just heat the milk in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium-low heat until it is simmering but not boiling. (Very important – do not let the milk boil!) **You can use any kind of sweetener for this tea All images and text © Gimme Some Oven
If you make this recipe, be sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #gimmesomeoven. I'd love to see what you cook!
Be sure to also check out these homemade warm drinks:
Mexican Spiced Hot Chocolate
Homemade Chai Tea
Homemade White Hot ChocolateThe moment she walked into the dining room, Harper knew something was up.
Neither of her parents had ever had a good poker face. And though they smiled sweetly at her as she took her seat at the table, she could see through them instantly. The fact that her Oma was having dinner with Clara that evening only made her more certain that something was coming — Hope and Zayne always seemed to choose evenings when it was just the three of them for having serious discussions.
Harper groaned inwardly. Oh God, what’s it gonna be this time? She wondered as she took her usual seat beside her father. Still, she did her best not to betray her suspicions. After all, it could all be in her head, couldn’t it? Maybe she was imagining things. Harper tried to ignore the sinking feeling in her stomach and focus on enjoying the delicious meal her father had made.
Unfortunately, her parents seemed to have other plans.
“So… How was school today, Peanut?” Hope asked sweetly.
A feeling of dread washed over her immediately. Her parents had already asked her about her day when she’d arrived home a few hours ago. She could only think of one reason why they would bother asking again. Shit. It’s gonna be about school. Here we go…
“It was fine.” Harper replied with a small shrug and forced smile. “Hey, why is this conversation giving me déjà vu?” She tried to keep her tone light, but hoped they would take the hint.
But, just as she feared, they didn’t. She watched as her parents exchanged a significant glance.
Zayne cleared his throat softly before finally speaking. “We got a call from Mrs. Brandt today.” He admitted.
Oh shit. Harper took a deep breath. “Papa, look, I…”
“You’re still failing algebra?” Her father continued, his tone suddenly much harder than before. “You told us things were getting better.”
“I must have just gotten a really bad score on the last test. I’ll do better next time, okay?” Harper lied.
Hope shook her head. “It’s not okay.” Her mother sighed softly. “We’ve gotta start looking at getting you a tutor. This is your last chance to get your grades up before you start looking at universities.”
Harper rolled her eyes at her mother’s words. “How many times have I told you guys? I’m not looking anywhere. I’m not going to uni.”
“This again?” It was Zayne’s turn to sigh. “I thought we’d gotten past this, Harper. I thought you were finally starting to take school seriously.”
Harper couldn’t believe it. Are they for real?! This was the same argument they’d had, time and time again for the past year. She wasn’t sure how much more she could take.
“Mom, Papa, I want you to listen to me, okay? I. Hate. School. Ich. Hasse. Schule.” She spoke the words slowly and carefully. “How many more languages do I have to say it in before you get it?!”
“Honey, we do get it.” Hope assured her gently. “I promise you we do. But you’re such a smart girl. Getting a degree would open up so many opportunities for you.”
Her father nodded. “We just don’t want anything holding you back from doing great things, baby girl.”
“Are you for real?!” Harper couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “God, you’re such fucking hypocrites!”
“Harper!“ Zayne’s hand came down sharply against the table, rattling their plates and silverware. “You watch your mouth.” He narrowed his eyes at her as he spoke.
His daughter was completely unfazed. “Papa, I know you hated school just as much as I do! You too, mom.” Harper’s eyes flicked toward Hope for a moment. “So please, just stop trying to convince me that I have to go to uni to be successful, okay? Because I don’t! I mean, look at you guys! How many millions do you have tucked away, huh?”
Hope shook her head slowly. “Harper, that’s not –”
“What about Ur-Opa Tobi?” Harper continued, turning her attention back to her father. “He never went to uni. And neither did Onkel Florian. Or your Papa! And they all did pretty damn well for themselves, didn’t they?”
“They got lucky, Harper!” Zayne’s deep voice cried. “We all did.” He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. “Look, you want to write, don’t you?”
She nodded, but said nothing.
“Well, what if it doesn’t work out?” He continued. “What then? What would have happened to me if I never got my restaurant off the ground? Or what if your mother never got signed for a modeling contract? Where would we be right now?”
Beside him, his wife nodded in agreement. “We never had anything to fall back on. It was a stupid risk we both took.” Hope said gently. “You’re so talented, Pumpkin. You have such big dreams. And we love that. But if things don’t work out, you need a Plan B.”
“No, I don’t! You’re making it sound like I’m gonna end up on the street or something! As if you’d ever let that happen!” She scoffed. “Look, maybe if we were a normal family, I’d buy it. But we’re not!”
Her father’s eyes widened. “You think we’ll just throw money at you? Let you sit around and do nothing? Harper, we raised you better than that.”
Harper rose to her feet. “Look, I’m not going to uni. I don’t want to, and I don’t have to. So you can forget about that stupid tutor, because I don’t need it, okay? And if you can’t understand that, then fuck both of you!” Harper had never sworn at her parents like that — ever. But she’d had enough of her parents’ bogus arguments. She couldn’t take it anymore! “Thanks for dinner.” She muttered, sounding anything but grateful as she headed for the door.
The sound of her parents’ chairs scraping on the hardwood floor reached her ears as she crossed into the kitchen. Harper could hear their voices pleading with her, but coudn’t quite make out what they were saying. And she didn’t even bother trying to. It would probably just make her angrier anyway. And that was the last thing she needed right now.
“‘I’m going out.” Harper called out over her shoulder as she reached the front door. “I’ll be back later.”
She didn’t even have a clear direction in mind. She just needed to get away. And by the time she made it to the end of the street, Harper knew exactly where she would go.
—————————————————————————-
Harper could feel her heart racing in her chest as she took one last look around the small drug store. There were no other customers in sight, and only one employee — a young, blonde woman busying herself behind the cash register. This was her chance.
She reached out almost blindly, grabbing the first two items her hands touched and shoving them into the folds of her denim jacket. Her palms were slightly sticky with sweat as she took a deep breath and walked slowly and calmly back to the front of the store.
“Have a nice evening, miss.” The woman behind the register called kindly as Harper made her way toward the exit.
She did her best to give the woman a small smile, fighting against the dread and anxiety in the pit of her stomach as she crossed through the doors and back onto the sidewalk. As was often the case, no alarms sounded, and there was no need for her to resort to her usual tactic of flashing her hearing aid. It was easy to tell now which items would have security tags and which would not. And Harper knew that the rolled-up magazine and inactive Visa gift card she’d tucked into her jacket were a pretty safe bet.
The moment she knew she was in the clear, Harper allowed herself to relish in the release of all the tension that had been building up inside her. And it wasn’t just the tension she’d felt inside the store. It was all the stress and anger she’d been feeling toward her parents too. The tension she felt arguing with them almost every day.
It all seemed to melt away, replaced instead by a rush of pure adrenaline — just like Harper had known it would.
From there, she headed straight for the alley to meet her friends. She’d texted them as soon as she left her house, but she knew it would take them a while to get to their usual hangout spot. And by the time they showed up, she was already in a much better mood than she had been when she’d left home.
Still, the sight of Rylie and Devin walking down the sidewalk sent a pleasant warmth washing over her.
“Hey.” Harper smiled gently at the pair as they approached. Neither of them had replied to her text, so she hadn’t even been sure they’d show up. I should have known… They’d never leave me hanging. “Sorry for bugging you guys. I guess I just needed to talk to somebody.”
Devin was the first to speak. “It’s okay.” He assured her. “What’s up?”
“Your parents being stupid again?” Rylie suggested.
She nodded slowly.
The other girl chuckled softly for a moment. “Figured as much.”
“It’s so ridiculous. They wanna sign me up for tutoring.” Harper groaned.
Rylie’s eyes widened. “Yikes.”
“I know.” She sighed for a moment before continuing. “And I guess I kinda lost it when they told me.” Harper admitted sadly. “We got into a pretty big fight about it.”
She took a deep breath, then gave them a brief play-by-play of the argument with her parents. Repeating it back to them was a bit uncomfortable — only now did she realize that maybe she shouldn’t have blown up so much about it. But then, she’d already tried discussing things calmly with her parents in the past, and what good had that done her? They never listened!
The thought only made her more angry, of course. And she found herself launching into the exact same rant she always did. Poor Rylie and Devin must be so damn sick of this by now. She shook her head and took a slow, deep breath to calm herself.
“Sorry.” She muttered almost guiltily. “I know you’ve heard me bitch about them a million times, but today was so fucking bad. I don’t even know what to do anymore.” Harper shrugged slightly and studied her friends’ faces uncertainly as she finished, wondering what they would say. Their expressions were so hard to read.
It was Rylie who finally broke the silence. “Well, shit.” She half-laughed. “Definitely a couple of hypocrites.” The girl shook her head in amusement.
“They are.” Devin nodded in agreement, but seemed to hesitate for a moment. “But…”
Harper’s eyes went wide. “Oh God, please tell me you aren’t gonna side with them.” She practically begged.
“I’m not.” He assured her. “Not really. I just feel bad that you’re having this same fight with your parents like, all the time.” Her friend explained. “I’m not saying they’re right, but maybe it’s time to throw them a bone or something?”
Rylie bit her lip for a moment before chiming in. “I… I really hate to agree, but…” She shrugged. “Don’t ever tell my mom I’m like, quoting her or anything, but she always talks about ‘picking your battles’. And this might be one of those times where you gotta give in a little? Get them to finally leave you the fuck alone for once, know what I mean?”
“Oh God, you too?” Harper asked miserably. “What ever happened to ‘you’re right, your parents suck?'”
Rylie smiled. “Desperate times, desperate measures.” She teased.
“We’re not saying you should start looking at universities or anything… Or at least, I’m not.” Devin glanced over at Rylie for a moment, who shook her head. “But maybe it wouldn’t be the worst idea to suck it up and meet them halfway on this tutoring thing? Just enough to get them off your back, like Rylie said.”
Harper did not immediately reply. Maybe they had a point. It was getting pretty damn exhausting fighting with her parents about her grades all the time. Maybe this would be the way to get them to leave her alone?
“I dunno.” She said at last. “Maybe… But UGH. Tutoring?” That familiar feeling of dread suddenly washed over her at the thought.
“It… might not completely suck?” Rylie replied weakly.
Devin’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Hey, it really might not. Remember my cousin I told you about?”
“The one who did your ink?”
He nodded. “I’m pretty sure her uni has a tutoring program. Like, actual uni students doing the tutoring.”
Harper raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah?”
“I mean, tutoring’s probably gonna suck no matter what… But maybe it’ll suck a little less if your tutor isn’t some boring teacher or something?” He suggested.
A soft sigh passed Harper’s lips. If she had to give in and go along with this tutoring idea, that would probably be the least painful way to do it.
“Guess it’s better than the alternative…” She replied softly, trying to smile. “Thanks, guys.”
“Okay, don’t lie.” Rylie smirked at her. “You’re not grateful, you’re pissed because we didn’t tell you what you wanna hear. Ow!” She rubbed her arm where Devin had punched her. “What?!”
Devin ignored his friend. “Just… think about what we said?” He asked Harper seriously. “Please? I know it totally sucks ass…”
“But if it’ll get your parents to lay off, maybe it’ll be worth it?” Rylie finished the thought for him.
She looked for a moment at the beautiful, smiling faces of her two best friends. How could she possibly say no?
“Okay.” Harper promised. “I’ll think about it.”
Advertisementsor … what you would do with sendmail if you actually RTFM 😉
Introduction
It has been a long running joke (12+ years) between my friends and I on what mail server software you should use.
I chose sendmail, while my friends chose, exim, postfix, and qmail, or, well, imho, anything else instead.
They said “sendmail is too hard to configure”, to which I said “you haven’t read the manual”.
This page is dedicated to showing you how to configure sendmail in a secure configuration.
Before anyone talks about milter, spamasassin, and clamav – lets just start with the basics 😉 they’re something for another day/page/post/project.
Why Sendmail?
The reason why I choose sendmail is because of the following:-
It is the oldest SMTP implementation It is the original SMTP implementation against which all others are measured It comes with almost every single UNIX distribution – while many Linuxes etc have chosen alternatives it has served only deviate Linux from what is otherwise a standard platform environment. It often doesn’t require raising a change-control to install because it is already there in most cases (although you should change-control a configuration change and maybe even a data change) It’s not hard to configure once you’ve read the fscking manual – that’s true of all software. right?
Let’s not re-invent the wheel if we don’t have to.
Configuration Process
The key to configuring sendmail is to understand that it’s configuration file, sendmail.cf, is the product of a macro configuration, sendmail.mc, and that it is within the macro file that all configuration changes should be made.
Direct changes should never be made to the resulting.cf file as this file’s format is not guaranteed to be standardised, is version-specific, and subject to changes between releases (as notified by the developers in the operators guide) sufficient to prevent the configuration file which was built for one version of sendmail from being guaranteed to run with another version.
While in many cases the modification of the.cf file alone works, and in may cases the configuration file will work across releases – the method of modifying and/or migrating the cf file only cannot be trusted as its compatibility is not guaranteed and it is harder to reconstruct a macro file from a cf file than it is to reconstruct a cf file from a macro file and hence given the dynamic nature of the cf file makes the macro file the one and only place for making changes.
Sendmail also relies on an amount of data which it uses for mail routing information. This data is kept in in files with names such as access, aliases, virtusertable, mailertable and genericstable.
These are are compiled into simple databases to speed up access when performing look-ups.The are all compiled using the “makemap” command, discussed later on.
Right, now that you know about the macro file, we can start to configure sendmail.
Building the configuration
Creation of the sendmail configuration depends upon calling a set of pre-written macros within your sendmail.mc file to create the resulting sendmail.cf file. These are often found in a directory called “cf”. The custom macros are kept in a directory called “cf/cf”
The sendmail.mc macro file is parsed against these other m4 scripts to create the required configuration. from within the sendmail source’s “cf/cf” directory or equivalent sendmail configuration directory, the sendmail.cf file can be built from the “cf/cf” directory as follows:-
$ m4../m4/cf.4 sendmail.mc > sendmail.cf
cf.m4 is the top-level m4 script for building the configuration file. All other m4 scripts are called from here.
So, now you know how to create a configuration, lets get started on building one…
A typical sendmail configuration may/should resemble something like this – don’t worry about what it all means right now – all will be explained 😉
VERSIONID(`this is my custom sendmail.mc for linux - 201209302221')dnl OSTYPE(`linux')dnl DOMAIN(`generic')dnl undefine(`BITNET_RELAY')dnl undefine(`DECNET_RELAY')dnl undefine(`FAX_RELAY')dnl undefine(`UUCP_RELAY')dnl define(`confSMTP_LOGIN_MSG',`$j')dnl define(`confCF_VERSION',`0')dnl define(`confTO_IDENT',`0')dnl define(`confMAX_MESSAGE_SIZE',`2048000')dnl define(`confLOG_LEVEL',`1')dnl define(`confPRIVACY_FLAGS',`goaway,noexpn,novrfy,noetrn,noverb,nobodyreturn,needmailhelo,restrictmailq,restrictqrun')dnl define(`confAUTH_OPTIONS',`ABEX')dnl dnl define(`confSMART_HOST',`your.upstream.isp.smtp.service.tld')dnl FEATURE(`access_db',`hash -T <TMPF> /etc/mail/access')dnl FEATURE(`nouucp',`reject')dnl FEATURE(`use_cw_file')dnl FEATURE(`use_ct_file')dnl FEATURE(`virtusertable',`hash /etc/mail/virtusertable')dnl FEATURE(`mailertable',`hash /etc/mail/mailertable')dnl FEATURE(`genericstable',`hash /etc/mail/genericstable')dnl FEATURE(`domaintable',`hash /etc/mail/genericstable')dnl FEATURE(`relay_hosts_only')dnl FEATURE(`smrsh')dnl FEATURE(`blacklist_recipients')dnl FEATURE(`masquerade_envelope')dnl MASQUERADE_DOMAIN(`myolddomain.tld')dnl MASQUERADE_AS(`my.extenalname.tld')dnl EXPOSED_USER_FILE(`/etc/mail/exposed-users')dnl MAILER(smtp)dnl MAILER(local)dnl
Note: the ‘local’ mailer is shown for example but is included by default on all configurations.
Configuration Basics
Some Linux distributions (like Red Hat) come with configuration files which start with an include reference in order to avoid calling the top-level macro definition “../m4/cf.m4” on the command-line:-
include(`../m4/cf.m4')dnl
A basic sendmail configuration should then start with the (non-mandatory) version ID:-
VERSIONID(`This is my custom configuration for Sendmail v0.1')dnl
This field is supposed to contain an RCS, SVN, or other change reference, but equally will hold any text string in which you may want to use for tracking your configuration releases.
Note the non-mandatory syntax convention- functions are called in capitals with parenthesis – quotes are surrounded by backticks and single-quotes (`’), this merely improves readability but it is impressed to maintain the convention.
In the m4 language, dnl means “do-not-load” and as such discards anything to the right of the substring “dnl” before the next new line. It is good practice to end each directive with dnl.
The next line in the configurtion details OS-specific information:-
OSTYPE(`linux')dnl
This loads configuration directives which are relevant to your operating system class. You can make custom ostype macros by copying your favourite file in../ostype to another name within there and then making the appropriate tweaks.
Popular options for OSTYPE include:-
aix5
darwin
freebsd6
hpux11
linux
openbsd
solaris8 (5.8 – 5.11)
There are more (too numerous to list endlessly). You will know which one to use depending upon your OS.
It may be desirable to create a custom ostype in cf/ostype if you are developing a new system. The content of the ostype macro is simply generic settings which apply to each OS.
Domain-specific settings
The next line in the configuration details domain-specific information. Most people use:-
DOMAIN(`generic')dnl
This sets domain-specific settings particular to your domain. the ‘generic’ profile allows for standard mail functionality for IPv4 (and maybe IPv6) DNS based mail routing at a bare minimum.
Pre-defined values may be (not that they apply to *your* domain and are the only examples) could be, amongst your own macros:-
Berkely.EDU
berkeley-only
CS.Berkeley.EDU
EECS.Berkeley.EDU
generic
S2K.Berkeley.EDU
The “generic” profile will do for most people however making a customised profile can have benefits.
It may be desirable to create a custom domain in cf/domain if you are developing a large environment. The content of the domain macro is simply generic settings which apply to the domain in question.
Disabling unwanted features
It is desirable to disable unwanted features as sendmail supports many different types of message transport beyond SMTP and these unused transports can represent unexpected attack vectors for malicious attacks.
Obscure formats such as BITnet and DECnet, along with UUCP are supported. The more useful FAX service is also supported, however that too is of limited value in a modern world.
These should be disabled at the start with the following declarations:-
undefine(`BITNET_RELAY')dnl undefine(`DECNET_RELAY')dnl undefine(`FAX_REL |
IL) to support a revived version of the DREAM Act, legislation designed to grant permanent legal status to immigrants who were brought illegally to the United States before they turned 18-years-old.
Graham challenged President Trump, saying he needs to make a move on this matter, and referring to it as “a moment of reckoning.”
“To President Trump, you’re going to have to make a decision,” he said. “The campaign is over.”
Graham also challenged the GOP, saying “To the Republican Party: Who are we? What do we believe?... When they write the history of these times, I’m going to be with these kids.”
And to those who oppose the de facto amnesty bill, the Republican senator said he doesn’t want your vote.
Via PJ Media:
Graham and Durbin have reintroduced the DREAM Act for immigrants brought to the country illegally as children and said the “moment of reckoning” has arrived for the GOP as the Trump administration decides if it should defend Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) executive action in court. Graham believes “most Republicans have zero problem” granting a pathway to citizenship for students who were brought to the U.S. illegally. “To the people who object to this, I don’t want you to vote for me because I cannot serve you well. I just don’t see the upside of telling these kids they have to go back and live in the shadows or send them back to a country they have no idea about the country. If you send them back to their native country, some of them have never been there as anything other than a baby,” he said.
More from The Political Insider
The ‘don’t vote for me’ challenge comes at about the 18:50 mark …
Several social media users responded to the challenge from Graham by essentially saying ‘Fine, we won’t vote for you.’
Lindsey Graham is up for reelection in 2018. Let’s send him packing and #DrainTheSwamp. https://t.co/66WP8ttXWb — Sean K. Davis (@sean_k_davis) July 21, 2017
Dear Lindsey Graham, we DON’T support the DREAM ACT so please look for another job! We’re sick of your RINO BS! https://t.co/v4ijnsBM7P — Lori Hendry (@Lrihendry) July 21, 2017
DONE. Lindsey Graham to Voters: If You Don’t Support Illegal Alien Amnesty I Don’t Want You to Vote for Me https://t.co/yFOcMd1JP8 — TruthInGovernment (@TruthinGov2016) July 21, 2017
Conservative columnist Michelle Malkin has previously referred to the DREAM Act as “a 2.1 million future Democrat voter recruitment drive” and as just another part of the progressive plan to “redraw the political map and secure a permanent ruling majority.”
Apparently, driving voters to the Democrat Party is a good thing in Graham’s view.
Read this Next on ThePoliticalInsider.com Rep. Ilhan Omar Doubles Down on Claim Lindsey Graham Is ‘Compromised’
Do you think President Trump will support this version of the DREAM Act? Would you vote for Lindsey Graham? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!ERBIL, Iraq (Reuters) - Khudeeda Naif won refuge in the United States as a member of Iraq’s Yazidi minority, but what he fears more than religious persecution is retribution for his brother’s work as an interpreter for the U.S. army in Iraq.
Naif is one of the many affected by the U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision on Friday to temporarily ban the entry of refugees and others from seven Muslim-majority countries.
Naif was scheduled to leave Iraq this week with his wife and two children when the International Organization for Migration (IOM) told him the trip was off until further notice.
The 35-year-old electrical technician will remain instead at a refugee camp in Dohuk, northern Iraq, where he has lived since Islamic State militants overran the Sinjar area in the summer of 2014, purging its Yazidi inhabitants.
The insurgents systematically killed, captured and enslaved thousands of Yazidis, whose beliefs combine elements of several ancient Middle Eastern religions and are regarded by Islamic State as devil-worshippers.
A U.N.-appointed commission of independent war crimes investigators said last year the crimes against the Yazidis amounted to a genocide.
Naif fled across the border to Syria on foot with his immediate family and thousands of other Yazidis before returning to Dohuk.
Related Coverage Iraq asks Trump administration to'reconsider' travel ban
But the family was afraid for their lives even before the Islamic State started its attacks.
“People came here (to the camp) because there was a threat to the Yazidis in general, but for the people who worked for the Americans we had to be cautious even when we were home,” he said, contacted on the phone from the Kurdish capital Erbil.
Trump’s executive order bars the admission of people from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
The order said “religious minorities facing persecution in their countries” would be given priority when refugee admissions resume.
More than one hundred Yazidis are waiting for their IOM asylum applications to be processed, Saib Khidr, a prominent Yazidi lawyer and human rights activist close to the Baba Sheikh, the top religious leader of the community.
A Yazidi woman was denied boarding a flight to the United States on Sunday, he said.
Khidr said he had hoped Yazidis would be among those given priority but was concerned that Trump only mentioned the persecution of Syrian Christians when asked about the issue in an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network.
Khudeeda Rashowka Naif and his family, from a minority Yazidi community, sit inside a tent at a refugee camp near Duhok, Iraq, January 29, 2017. The family was getting ready to head to the airport but then they got the call from the international office of migration that their trip was off after U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to temporarily bar travellers from seven countries, including Iraq. REUTERS/Ari Jalal
“We’re disappointed,” he told Reuters in Baghdad. “We’re waiting for the American side to clarify its position.”
Germany, Canada and the United States are usually the top desired destinations for Iraq’s Yazidis, Khidr said.
Naif said his brother was killed in a suicide bombing along with two Americans in 2008 when U.S. forces occupied the country from 2003 to 2011.
Although Iraqis working for the Americans use a pseudonym, his brother’s identity — and by extension that of his family — was revealed when he was killed.
“Eventually, we are going to get killed,” Naif said.
Naif’s family obtained a refugee visa to join his four sisters, brother and mother in the United States after six months of interviews and medical tests.
Interpreters and translators who worked for the U.S. military and American state agencies in Iraq are eligible to apply to a Special Immigration Visa (SIV).
U.S. consular services are currently processing “fewer than 500” application under the SIV program, said a State Department official. Overall, “more than 20,000 Iraqis have received immigrations benefits” from this program, the official said.
Khudeeda Rashowka Naif and his family, from a minority Yazidi community, stand outside a tent at a refugee camp near Duhok, Iraq, January 29, 2017. The family was getting ready to head to the airport but then they got the call from the international office of migration that their trip was off after U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to temporarily bar travellers from seven countries, including Iraq. REUTERS/Ari Jalal
“We hope that he (Trump) changes his mind and at least takes the people who worked with them (the Americans),” Naif said.
“We protected them,” he said. “We never expected this.”Navigating the Internet while trying to avoid spoilers takes skill and practice. And even then, there's a good chance you'll accidentally click a link that drops a big reveal right in front of you before you've had a chance to see it for yourself.
That's why the idea of this Chrome extension posted to Product Hunt, which claims to be a Star Wars spoiler blocker, is so appealing; it quickly scans the page loading in your browser for any mentions of Star Wars-specific terms and promptly covers the page with the movie logo and some wonderfully apt yellow-scroll text. From there, you can decide to navigate away or proceed anyway.
It even has a clever icon:
Did you spot the problems with the concept in that brief description?
It doesn't just block spoilers, but any mention of Star Wars, and in practice that means virtually any news site you navigate to gets blocked. In our cursory test, the blocker decided that CNN.com, The Guardian, Slate and even Mashable all had "potential spoilers," probably because the sites had headlines that merely mentioned the franchise. That's Death Star-level overkill.
Secondly, it doesn't really work. It takes a few seconds for the blocker to engage — which is plenty of time to scan a page and potentially get spoiled by an indiscreet headline. Not exactly Jedi reflexes.
In sum, though we admire jitbit (the developer) for trying here, there is no try — there is either do or do not. And for anyone thinking about installing this extension to prevent spoilers, we have only this advice: do not.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters on Dec. 18.Today was an emotional day for the family of Maple Batalia, the Surrey teen who was gunned down in an SFU parking lot in 2011. The Batalia family have waited a long time for justice, but finally today, Gurjinder Dhaliwal was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 21 years.
Friends and family of Maple Batalia had a chance to give victim impact statements, discussing the pain they feel after losing the 19 year old.
Maple’s mother, Sarbjit, gave her statement to the court today in Punjabi, and her family has shared the translation of it:
Your Honour,
Where I am standing today I never thought I would stand. My daughter and I have not hurt anyone. We are in this position today because of someone else’s wrong doing.
My life is aimless, and the nights are long. My life feels like a burden. All the colour is lost. I have lost my taste for everything. Whenever I do something I remember how my daughter looked in her coffin. I wish someone had killed me instead of her, it would have been much better than this.
What hurts me the most is you endured so much pain in silence. If you had shared your pain with me you would have been alive today. I don’t understand how this happened to you because you were perfect in so many ways. I never thought you had any problems. But after hearing everything during the last couple months of testimony I realized you led two lives.
One life was of an obedient, hardworking, and loving daughter who was successful in life. And the second life I heard of in court of a girl who was living a life that was being controlled and fell victim abuse.
Maple, you never hurt anyone and always tried to help others. Such a horrible fate you faced I cannot handle. How can someone with such a beautiful soul be killed this way? For a daughter I never raised my hand on, how could someone kill you using both a gun and knife. Seeing you at your deathbed I could not believe what was done to you. Your beautiful body was butchered in such a horrible way.
Maple, you were perfect and were trying to make someone else perfect too but your innocent thinking and misconception that you could change someone was impossible, only a person with humanity and a heart can be changed.
I think this is why God took you in his arms so early because there is no room for good people like you in this world. In such a short life you helped and cared for so many people.
The shocking fact is even in death you are helping and touching the lives of so many. Both me and you dreamed of becoming a doctor and although I could not fulfill this dream due to circumstances but you could have fulfilled this dream for me but could not because someone prevented you from fulfilling all your dreams. Now the bursary in your name will help other girls become doctors and help fulfill the dreams you could not.
Both my daughters were so happy and now one grieves for the other’s loss and this pain is too much for me to handle and see. My daughter stands with me in my grief.
Gary, I heard you during the pretrial say that you were not faithful with Maple, then why did you kill her? As I leave today, please answer my question as to why? Your honour, I trust that your sentence will honour a valuable life who was taken without or reason or just cause.LONDON (Reuters) - Investors welcomed new China and U.S. climate targets 10 days before a U.N. summit but an Australian carbon vote delay hinted at wider difficulties to cement a global deal.
The sun sets over New York City as seen from Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York, August 27, 2007. REUTERS/Mike Segar
Traders in a $126 billion carbon market want tight climate targets to boost demand for emissions permits, and energy companies want to know the full future costs — including from carbon — of burning fossil fuels as they plan new power plants.
A December 7-18 Copenhagen meeting is intended to agree the outlines of a new global climate treaty and will shed light on future energy and carbon prices.
In jockeying ahead of that conference, the United States on Wednesday made its first offer since 1997 to cut carbon emissions and China vowed to slow carbon emissions from industry, helping drive momentum toward a global deal.
Energy analysts welcomed the U.S. and Chinese offers, although the U.S. target was widely expected and far below European Union ambition compared with a U.N. 1990 baseline.
“It increases the chances of getting a better, collaborative agreement in Copenhagen, which would in turn create a larger low-carbon marketplace,” said James Cameron, vice-chairman of Climate Change Capital, an environmental investment group with $1.5 billion assets under management.
The U.S. and China moves provided a “very positive” further boost to what would be a record year for clean energy investment in 2010, consultants New Energy Finance predicted.
“I would not be surprised to see a $200 billion year,” said New Energy Finance head Michael Liebreich. Investment would reach $160-$200 billion in 2010, compared with expected funding this year of about $125 billion, down from last year’s record of $155 billion, Liebreich told Reuters.
CONCESSIONS
The U.S. target, to cut greenhouse gases by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020, added momentum but was widely expected.
“All the U.S. said was what’s already passed in the House (of Representatives). I don’t see it as a particularly significant development,” said Deutsche Bank’s Mark Lewis.
“It’s much more important to see how they are going to reduce emissions,” said Michael McNamara at Jefferies Bank.
The target would also need Congress backing in the shape of a domestic climate bill. Republican opposition has stalled progress through the Senate.
The Australian Senate delayed on Thursday a vote on a similar climate plan — both include a cap and trade scheme — alarming analysts concerned about a weakening of the scheme.
“The legislation has reflected incredible degrees of partisan politics,” said Murray Ward, from the Global Climate Change Consultancy, referring to votes both in Australia and New Zealand which passed emissions trading scheme (ETS) legislation on Wednesday.
“The same is happening in the United States. This cannot bode well as the legislation will inevitably be compromised.”
The Australian delay worried carbon traders, cheered by the passage of New Zealand legislation but still waiting the first major economy to follow a European Union cap and trade scheme launched in 2005.
“The Australian delay is potentially a major setback,” said one carbon trader. “It is one of the biggest countries in terms of emitters so they should really move.”
QUESTIONS
The New Zealand and prospective Australian emissions trading schemes would add limited new demand for carbon offsets — traded under the Kyoto Protocol — but important new momentum following recession and a slump in demand for pollution permits.
British utilities increasingly question the effectiveness of emissions trading in Europe, saying carbon prices are insufficient to make new nuclear power plants and coal with expensive carbon capture technology economic.
“Obviously a good strong agreement in Copenhagen will be a great legacy, but let’s be realistic, that may not happen and it may be necessary that we have other mechanisms, if you like a Plan B,” said Paul Golby, chief executive of the UK arm of German utility E.ON AG.
“Utilities need secure funding in order to develop these large scale projects, and quite frankly at the moment the carbon price is too low and too uncertain to support investment without further help.”
— Additional reporting by Nina Chestney and Daniel Fineren in London and David Fogarty in Singapore9 crazy moments that defined the last 13 seconds of Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 2
1. With 13.5 seconds to go in the game, the Spurs' Manu Ginobili pressures Oklahoma City's Dion Waiters on the sideline and appears to step out of bounds. No violation is called. 1. With 13.5 seconds to go in the game, the Spurs' Manu Ginobili pressures Oklahoma City's Dion Waiters on the sideline and appears to step out of bounds. No violation is called. Photo: Tom Reel /San Antonio Express-News Photo: Tom Reel /San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 73 Caption Close 9 crazy moments that defined the last 13 seconds of Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 2 1 / 73 Back to Gallery
By now you have probably heard all the hot takes on last night's San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder semi-final matchup, but those last few seconds need a closer examination.
During the final 13.5 seconds, there was so much chaos that it's all still a bit hazy — there was jersey grabbing, bodies hitting the floor, some really up-close-and-personal fan interaction and plenty of tears and screaming.
A closer look at those final seconds shows the key moments that gave the Spurs opportunities to win, and ultimately gave the Thunder the victory.
RELATED: Refs comment on what happened during wild Spurs-Thunder finish
Click through the slideshow above to see the 9 key moments that defined the end of Game 2.
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@chrisudailyIf you want recruiters to take you seriously, build a strong personal narrative.
Garreth Dottin Blocked Unblock Follow Following Aug 17, 2016
We’ve all been there. Hunched over a desk. Scrolling through job boards. Looking for some trace of hope that you’ll ever work again.
At some point you enlist help. And that’s how you end up across the table from a recruiter.
By virtue of their relationships with employers, recruiters hold a lot of power over your job search. They can decide whether you end up at a rising startup or a fading conglomerate.
Whether they’ll flip you to the first company that comes along — or take time to groom you for a better one — often down to one thing: personal narrative.
I sat down with a recruiter to learn more about how they view recent grads, and what grads can do to get an edge in the job market.
Matt’s a recruiter at a sizable design startup in New York. He couldn’t resist kicking off the conversation with a “How’s the job going? Are you happy in your current position?”
We quickly moved on to what he said is the most overlooked part of the job hunt: shaping your personal narrative.
First Impressions and Narratives
Contrary to what most people assume, an interview — and your narrative — really starts the moment you walk into the office. Everything shapes the first impression you make with your interviewers — from whether you’re early to how you talk to the receptionist.
Psychologist Nicholas Rule described the science of first impressions as a situation that happens almost instantly.
“This happens so quickly — just a small fraction of a second — that what we see can sometimes dominate what we know.” — Nicholas Rule
Once you’re in the office, the time to plan out your talking points has passed. By the time you walk into the office, your focus should be on the people in the room instead of the anxiety in your head.
One tip that’s always helped me is to visualize the interview before I go to the company’s office. Think over the papers you’ll have in your hand, the clothes you’ll be wearing, how you want to introduce yourself.
If you practice this simple visualization trick before you walk into the office, you’ll better-anticipate their questions and be better-prepared to react.
Will it blend?
Don’t try so hard to blend in.
People often assume that a personal story means how you stand out or what makes you different. That’s certainly part of it.
But an often overlooked part of a your story is how you fit into the hiring manager’s narrative for their team, and where the company’s going.
This is where blending comes into the picture.
Before we dive into what blending means from a psychological standpoint, let’s look at it from the physical. Blending really starts with how you look.
Matt the Recruiter says he’s immediately put off when an applicant goes to a developer interview at a tech company dressed in a suit.
Not a good look
He says such an outfit instantly creates an awkward air for the rest of the interview, because such a professional getup lacks the intimacy factor he’s looking for in a potential team member.
Unless a suit is the common attire for the rest of the staff, I would opt against wearing your nicest tie to that next interview.
Blending in Culturally
How you look is far from the only aspect of blending, though. Matt the Recruiter talks about the need to fit in from a psychological standpoint as well. He says you need to create a mental image.
Within the time allotted for the interview, you have to convince the recruiter that you’re the ideal candidate for them to work alongside them 40 hours a week for the next several years.
Let’s dive more into what that means.
“Your brand is a story, it’s a story that helps people tell themselves about you. Most of the stories are unfair, prejudice, lack of information and fear… They are never true, nobody knows you as well as you do.” — Seth Godin
It’s up to you to shape that story. Seem like someone your interviewer would hang out with. Whatever it is they’re looking for, the story you present should blend into the atmosphere and be vaguely familiar.
For example, I’ve found appealing to an interviewer’s sense of nostalgia works well to quickly build a bond.
I can recall numerous times this technique helped me during various job searches — most critically while hunting for my first job out of college.
As a recent college grad, I lacked much in the way of work experience. But I still wanted a prestigious job. So I applied for the World Bank.
I told myself that if things didn’t go well with this “stretch” position, I could always take the assembly line approach and send out hundreds of emails to less desirable positions and pray for the best.
Before arriving at the World Bank for the interview, I did my homework. I knew that most of the staff was international, with experience on overseas projects, and that it was a largely European crowd.
Everything I’d heard from people who knew the place was that there was this cavalier adventurous spirit to the people who worked in the World Bank, akin to the Peace Corps or the Foreign Service.
Illustration by Peter and Maria Hoey
I knew that in order to stand out, even as an engineer, I needed to mold my story closely to theirs.
Unfortunately, I hadn’t taught English in Chile, built houses in Uganda, or made myself useful on any other adventures. But I had lived overseas in England as a kid, and had the chance to travel. So I made sure throughout my interview to sprinkle that in and to speak on my plans to travel in the future.
I’m convinced to this day that’s what separated me from the many other engineers who applied for the same project.
Less is more
By this point, you’ve done the visualization technique where you envision yourself in the interview. You’ve done the research to understand the culture and mood of the office. You’re a qualified candidate, so you know how to dress. You’re probably pretty qualified to tell your story, too.
If you stopped here, you’d be ahead of most candidates. But if you want to really have mastery over your narrative, you must remember: less is more.
A study recently done by Michael Norton at Harvard School of Business drove this point home to me.
Before they started the study — which involved rating other people — participants were asked whether having more information about a person would make them more open to liking someone new.
Unsurprisingly, 88% of people suggested that the more information they had prior, the more likely they would like someone new.
But the data showed something very different. The more the participants knew of these perspective people, the lower they rated them.
The researchers tried this same study over and over again, even conducting a similar one where the participants were allowed to write down traits about themselves. They took this pool of traits — which were overwhelmingly positive — and divided them up into groups describing hypothetical people.
Even in this circumstance where the traits used to describe people were almost all positive ones, people who had a shorter list were generally better liked.
What the results of this study seem to imply is that when you leave something up to people’s imagination — and leave more mystery in your story — you’re more likely to leave a positive impression.
So figure out how to tell your story in as few talking points as necessary. By leaving more to your interviewer’s imagination, you’ll find that employers are more likely to feel the need to call you back.
Much of the advice surrounding the process of getting a job is in the form of a series of disparate tips about formatting your cover letter, making the right amount of eye contact, and other pieces of advice that seem to wax and wane with the times.
But preparing a strong personal narrative is the closest thing that Matt the Recruiter has found to timeless career advice. And it’s certainly worked for me.It hasn’t been a banner year for Thursday Night Football. With the NFL expanding the Thursday-night package from eight games in 2012 to 13 games in 2013, there will be a Thursday-night pro game during just about every week of the regular season. That uptick has not been met with praise and excitement. Players are concerned about Thursday-night games possibly affecting their health; earlier this week, 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin expressed his misgivings about players not having the necessary midweek recovery time between games, and that’s coming from a player who returned less than a month after having his face shattered by an Eric Smith helmet-to-helmet hit.
Fans, meanwhile, have grumbled about sloppy football. This year’s Thursday schedule has already produced a Jets-Patriots game overrun by drops and, recently, a Bears-Giants game seemingly built upon turnovers. Grumble all you want, but the Thursday games aren’t going away. In fact, speculation this week held that the league was considering expanding the NFL Network package to two Thursday-night games per week, a rumor quickly shot down by the league. Even so, it’s clear that the NFL is committed to retaining Thursday as a near-weekly stop on the NFL schedule despite the disappointing quality of the action.
Well, how much sloppier is it? Sloppy football isn’t easy to define; like pornography and pass interference, you know it when you see it. I think there are a couple of proxies that most would agree represent some form of sloppiness, and they’re concepts that we can actually analyze to reveal how sloppy Thursday-night football really is.
Turnovers
Turnovers equal sloppy football, right? Of course, when we think of sloppy turnovers, we think of Rueben Randle not cutting off his route and Eli Manning throwing the easiest pick-six of the season to a waiting Tim Jennings, not some glorious play where a safety reads a quarterback and sprints 25 yards to narrowly pick off a would-be touchdown. We think giveaways, not takeaways. So, while looking at all turnovers doesn’t inherently mean we’re looking at all sloppy plays, it’s a decent starting point.
This year’s six Thursday-night games (the five NFL Network contests and the season-opening Broncos-Ravens game on NBC) have been relatively messy. They’ve combined for 21 turnovers, an average of 3.5 giveaways per game. Those 21 turnovers have come across, per Pro-Football-Reference.com, a total of 819 plays, meaning that 2.6 percent of plays in the Thursday-night games this year have resulted in pointing battles or sprinting celebrations. That’s our sloppy football figure.
Our baseline for what football should be, obviously, is composed of the games from Sunday. And through six weeks, there have been a total of 10,315 plays, only two or three thousand of which feel like they’ve produced a Giants giveaway. In actuality, 275 of those plays have produced turnovers. When I get Excel to perform basic division for me, I find that the Sunday games are producing turnovers on 2.7 percent of plays. That shocked me: Even with these six games that have seemed incredibly sloppy, Sunday games have actually produced turnovers more frequently than Thursday-night games. Now, it’s an incredibly small difference, but that their turnover rates are virtually identical is just as bizarre.
OK, so six games make for a small sample. What if we expand the set out to include all the Thursday-night games since 1990? That throws in all the Thursday Night games since the package appeared in 2006, the Thanksgiving games, and a bunch of random stragglers that somehow ended up on Thursday. Let’s also compare them to the Monday-night games. Which day produces the highest turnover rate?
Turnovers Avg Plays Avg TO TO% Thu 125.5 3.4 2.7% Sun 125.7 3.6 2.9% Mon 125.4 3.5 2.8%
Well, that’s pretty bizarre. Again, Sunday has the highest turnover rate, and Thursday has the lowest. It’s a tiny difference, since we’re talking one fewer turnover in a Thursday-night game per month or so, but even the fact that we’re seeing virtually identical rates from day to day says a lot about the sloppiness factor.
Is the sample adulterated by most of the Thursday and Monday games being at night? After all, that football-for-creeps Chargers-Raiders game was pretty sloppy. If I just include the games that started after 7 p.m. ET on those days, does the Thursday-night sloppiness stand out? Yes, but again, not in the way you expect; Thursday-night games produce turnovers on 2.5 percent of their plays, while Sunday-night games yield turnovers on a whopping 3.0 percent of theirs, the biggest difference we’ve seen so far. (Monday-night games are at 2.8 percent.)
But what about selection bias? After all, the league probably picks teams that are supposed to be representatives of good football for their Thursday and Monday games, so they’re less likely to turn the ball over than the average team, which means fewer turnovers. Well, again, let’s see. For every matchup on Thursday and Monday night, I went ahead and calculated what their expected turnover rate would have been given how they took care of the football on Sundays during their typical games that year. It’s somewhat true: We know from the table above that the average game sees 2.9 percent of plays result in turnovers, but the matchups on Thursday have been between teams whose Sunday games produce turnovers 2.8 percent of the time. That doesn’t solve the mystery, because those teams then still turn the ball over less frequently on Thursday than they do on Sunday (or, at the very least given the small differences, don’t turn it over more frequently). The same is true for Monday-night games.
OK. Finally, let’s just say that the Thursday-night grind has mattered only since the NFL Network introduced that package in 2006; for some reason, there’s something about the theme music that sounds like it’s Christmas regardless of the time of year, and that makes quarterbacks turn the ball over. Are the numbers any different since 2006? No. Turnover rates are down, but they’re down across the board; 2.7 percent of plays on Sunday night result in turnovers, but a mere 2.5 percent of plays on Thursday night produce those changes of possession. Remember that the first six Thursday games of the year are at a mere 2.6 percent; that’s basically right about where it should be.
This isn’t perfect, since it includes takeaways without including things like fumbles that are recovered by the fumbling team and dropped interceptions, but there’s no reason to think that, say, a fumble is more likely to be recovered by the offense than the defense on a Thursday night than it is on a Sunday night. I can’t say that I was expecting this to be the case, but it appears that, at worst, Thursday football doesn’t produce more turnovers than Sunday football.
Dropped Passes
This one, on the other hand, should be clearly in favor of Sunday football. After all, Thursday night already has that Patriots-Jets game from Week 2 on its side, and — conservative estimate — about 50 percent of the passes in that game were dropped by the receivers. Let’s just get to this table quickly and we can all move on with our lives
Drops Avg PA Avg Drops Drop% Thu 65.6 3.2 4.8% Sun 64.5 3.2 4.9% Mon 64.6 3.4 5.2%
WHAT WHY NO. According to ESPN Stats & Information, which has charted dropped passes for every game going back to the beginning of the 2008 season, teams drop almost exactly as many passes on Thursdays as they do on Sundays. Because they throw an extra pass in on Thursday night, teams are actually dropping passes least frequently on football’s sloppiest day. In fact, teams drop passes more frequently during Monday-night games, which actually just resulted in the Stats & Information department being incinerated by a laser.
There doesn’t appear to be any of the adulterating issues with this sample, either. Passes have been slightly more likely to be dropped on Sunday games when they’re played at night, but they’ve been less likely to be dropped on Thursday-night games than during the early Thanksgiving tilts. Teams in those Thursday- or Monday-night games aren’t less likely to drop passes than your typical randomly selected team, so there’s not a selection bias issue, either.
What is true is that we’ve all seen a higher-than-normal drop rate through the six Thursday games this year. Stats & Information has charted 28 drops amid 417 pass attempts through the six Thursday games, a drop rate of 6.7 percent. (The official total for those games is 437 pass attempts, but Stats & Information is measuring these drops against only those passes that had a clearly targeted receiver, which is actually better for our purposes of determining whether a pass was dropped or not.) Finally, some proof that we’ve had to sit through ugly football! Of course, six games don’t tell us a heck of a lot. It’s probably just a small sample size.
Now, this doesn’t definitively prove that NFL games are as neat on Thursday nights as they are on Sundays. As I said earlier, there are a lot of ways to define “sloppy,” some of which aren’t exactly easy to quantify. With that being said, there’s little evidence suggesting that games that don’t take place on Sunday are suddenly ugly-football fests. And were we having this conversation in any of the previous seasons of Thursday Night Football the way we are this year? My guess is that we’ve probably just seen a bad batch of games so far in 2013.Sorry, this video isn't available any more.
Ain’t nobody been snubbed so hard in the history of snubs.
Donald Trump went in for a handshake with Agata Kornhauser-Duda, Poland’s first lady, when she outright stonewalled him — and the gif is glorious.
It shows Kornhauser standing next to her husband who shaking hands with Trump during his visit to Warsaw.
It looks like she’s next in line to make mitt contact with the president, but as soon as he extends his arm, she’s all like, ‘nope, lol’.
She knows (Picture: Getty)
Instead, she walks right over to Melania and greets her, totally ignoring Trump’s micro digits.
It’s a snub of the most brazen variety. Trump knows, and he will never forget.
Enjoy this edited version showing his obvious frustration:
It wasn’t the only awkward moment for Trump today. The president left Twitter cringing hard over his Hitler and Stalin comments made while giving a speech in Poland.
Days without national embarrassment: 0 (Picture: PA)
He was talking about how the people of Poland dealt invasions from the west and the east when he blurted out another classic line for the Trump archives.
The Labour party is not what the Independent Group says it is - now we must prove it
He said: ‘In 1939 you were invaded yet again by Nazi Germany from the west, and the Soviet Union in the east. That’s trouble. That’s tough.’
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Of course, Trump didn’t mean to downplay such a devastating part of history, it just kinda happened.
Trump on Hitler and Stalin invading Poland: “That’s trouble. That’s tough.” pic.twitter.com/prE4uOhVnV — Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) July 6, 2017
Twitter just couldn’t bear the cringe reaching warp-speed levels.
It turned the number of days without a national embarrassment back to zero.
There were feelings of shame.
So. Much. Shame.
Trump wrapped up his major speech by declaring that ‘the West will never be broken’ and vowed to win the battle against extremism.
Trump, speaking in Warsaw, said ‘our people will thrive and our civilization will triumph’.
Can you get a refund if you have Flybmi tickets and why has airline collapsed?
He used the speech to make the case for the United States and its allies to embrace that spirit of nationalistic pride that helped sustain the Polish people.
He repeatedly drew contrasts with the beliefs of extremists and made the case for the necessity of his travel ban, which restricts immigration from some terror-impacted countries.Hundreds of demonstrators have marched through the streets of Hanoi to protest, for the third time this month, against China's claims to sovereignty in the South China Sea.
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friend Will, who appears in many of the images that accompany the article, and I, have both ordered our own. That is the highest praise I can pay it.
Our verdict of the Ricoh Theta M15 :
I’ve bought one myself. One of the best cameras ever. If you want to play with 360 degree images, buy now. 10 10
Send your products to be reviewed. Contact James Bruce for further details.CLOSE Alicia Keys to return to 'The Voice' for Season 14 Wochit
Lucas Holliday performed Prince's "The Beautiful Ones" during the playoffs on "The Voice" Monday night. (Photo: Tyler Golden/NBC)
Lansing's singing cashier Lucas Holliday made his comeback on "The Voice" Monday night during the playoffs.
But he was eliminated – again.
The 26-year-old Lansing native performed Prince's "The Beautiful Ones."
More:
'The Voice': Lucas Holliday eliminated during knockout rounds
'The Voice' contestant Lucas Holliday: 'Singing is the one thing I'm good at'
Lansing's'singing cashier' Lucas Holliday surprises 'The Voice' judges in blind audition
After getting eliminated from "The Voice" last month, Holliday announced last week that he would be returning to the competition.
"Losing the knockout was kind of crushing but 'The Voice' has been a huge, invigorating experience for me, and I can't just be a regular ole cashier anymore," Holliday said on the show ahead of his performance.
"I know what it feels like to go home," he continued, "and, at this point, it's critical that I do everything in my power to just let it rip."
During the playoffs, each judge has a team of six, comprised of the four contestants who survived the knockouts, one contestant they stole from another judge and another contestant they're bringing back for a second chance.
"I brought (Lucas) back because he's a pure raw talent," said coach Jennifer Hudson. "He's so unique vocally, the way he looks, the way he speaks. He doesn't even know how he got soul. He just has soul."
Team Jennifer featured six comeback artists, but Hudson was only able to select three contestants to move on to the live shows.
Holliday wasn't one of them.
"I thought I was just gonna be in the middle of Michigan for the rest of my life," Holliday said in the moments leading up to his elimination. "But now because of you, Jennifer, I'm gonna do everything I can to show the world what kind of artist I really am."
Holliday secured a spot on Team Jennifer after making it through the first round of blind auditions on Sept. 25. He survived the battle rounds before getting eliminated during the knockouts during an episode that aired Oct. 30.
Davon Fleming, Noah Mac and Shi’Ann Jones will represent Team Jennifer during the live shows.
After the playoffs, the voting switches over to the viewers' control.
Contact Princess Gabbara at [email protected] or (517) 377-1006. Follow her on Twitter at @PrincessGabbara.
From left: Chris Weaver, Davon Fleming, Hannah Mrozak, Lucas Holliday, Noah Mac and ShiAnn Jones represented Team Jennifer during the playoff rounds. (Photo: Tyler Golden/NBC)
Watch
"The Voice" playoffs air at 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday on WILX.
Read or Share this story: http://on.lsj.com/2ADnth7To Save Big, Think Small
A few days ago, I was bewildered about my recent activities and how it relates to my finances.
During the last three months, I traveled to five different places totaling 20,000+ miles. For most people, this type of travel schedule would cause a budget crisis but surprisingly, mine still turned out okay. The result got me thinking about why this is the case and how I could alert you of my findings. One thing led to another and the true reason surfaced: we are usually misled into thinking that certain activities are costly.
Surprise surprise but let me give you a few examples of what I mean.
Vacations are not expensive – the meals, hotels, transportation and gifts are.
Eating out is not expensive – the drinks and deserts are.
The movies aren’t expensive – the popcorn, drinks and dinner beforehand is what trashes the budget.
In fact, I was talking to Emma about a particular restaurant that surprised me the first few times when we got the bill because the per person cost is always triple the cost of each entree. A quick study shows why:
Appetizer: $10 – $15
Entree: $12 – $15
Drinks: $5
Desert: $7.50
Tips and Taxes: add another 30% of so to the bill
We normally don’t order deserts at restaurants but the cakes are the only reason why we go to this place. Another interesting fact is that we are more prone to ordering drinks at this particular diner because (and this is my theory only) we subconsciously figured that a drink goes well along with the cake, not to mention that it has become a habit for us to order one now.
So from all this, we can safely assume that some people can spend something like $15 ($12 + tax and tip), while another person can pay as much as $40 for eating at the same restaurant. Quite a difference.
What I’m Trying to Say
You see. Whether it’s continually changing cars, eating out, living in a big house or traveling continuously, it doesn’t mean anything about how much is being spent.
Now why is this important? The obvious is of course the fact that you can trim your expenses much further by eliminating some unneeded details, but there’s more.
It means that:
There is No Need to be Jealous of Other People – Are your neighbors always changing cars? Maybe they aren’t really that rich but are just going out to dinner less to compensate. Perhaps they are actually making money every time they change vehicles because they are buying used cars with good value and turning around to sell them, in which case you should talk to them more and learn from them.
We Can Still Have Fun and Save Some Money Too – Arguably, going out to eat is about having a good time with your friends and family (as opposed to the actual food consumed), and also getting out of the everyday routine of eating at home. Instead of paying $40 every time you go out on Friday night, why don’t you buy the $12 entree and go out Friday and Saturday? How about the vacation trip that you’ve been dreaming about for ages? There are tons of ways to budget travel. Why not study what others do and make your dreams come true?
Little matters count, because the small details probably account for most of the cost.Children’s Books All Kids Should Read
What’s your favorite children’s book of all time? When was the last time you read one?
Ah the life of a family…It’s a perfect fall morning on a school day. You get up, get yourself ready for work, the kiddos wake themselves up and happily get dressed in outfits that match and are actually clean, pressed and folded. Everyone sets down to a breakfast with plenty of time to spare, free of arguments over who gets the last bowl of fruit loops. The school bus arrives and hugs and kisses are happily exchanged before they head off to school. After school, you help your oldest with his algebra homework and he exclaims that you are the smartest mom in the world because you knew the mnemonic F.O.I.L….
Yah…right.
If that is not your average day, if you are a parent, a teacher or someone who is blessed by interacting with the kiddos…read on. Kiddos, just like us, can be inspired and learn amazing life lessons through reading. They face real challenges like learning to share the fruit loops, stress over homework, getting along with friends, feeling different, even prejudice and simply wanting to feel needed. These top 10 books for children are accompanied by a complementary exercise specifically designed to instill learning.
Best Children’s Books That Your Child Will Love
It’s fair to say that Alexander is cranky. He can tell it’s going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. He went to sleep with gum in his mouth and woke up with gum in his hair. At school the teacher liked his friend’s drawing of a sailboat better than his drawing of an invisible castle. At singing time, the teacher said he sang too loud. His mother forgot to put desert in his lunch. There were lima beans for dinner and Alexander hates lima beans. Everything is going wrong so he might as well move to Australia. “Mom says some days are like that…even in Australia.”
Recommended accompanying exercise: Have the child write down 5 words on 5 post-it-notes (one word per post-it) describing a bad day. Don’t put too many rules on this; they might decide to write down what makes them mad or even how they feel. Now do the reverse; have them write down 5 words on 5 post-it-notes on what makes a good day. Discuss how they can use their emotions to control how they feel.
A bunch of approachable critters are settling down for bed. Follow them as they take a bath, “find pajamas big and small,” and brush their teeth. While this book was written for the little ones, the older readers will enjoy the rhythmic cadence created by the sounds of the written words: “Rock & rock and rock to sleep.”
Recommended accompanying exercise: This book is perfect for a soft lullaby. Turn off the lights, turn on a night-light, cuddle up in a favorite blanket, and sing a lullaby.
In this children’s book, there is a special bond between mother and son and the story begins with a new mom rocking and singing to her newborn son, “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.” Time and the bond grow as mom watches her son become two years old, getting into everything and driving her crazy. The son becomes nine and never wants to come in for dinner and when he does, he sometimes says bad words at dinner. Through each stage of life, she sings a special lullaby of love at night to her son. The circle of life continues as mom gets older and the son sings to her as he sings to his new baby girl, “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.”
Recommended accompanying exercise: Draw or cut out pictures of a life cycle. For younger children the life cycle of a butterfly works well, older children can use their family as an example. Tape the pictures in order around a hula-hoop. Spin the hula-hoop and have the child explain the circle. The words of wisdom that come out of their mouths might surprise you.
More Children’s Books
Camilla Cream has a secret…she loves lima beans! Distracted by peer pressure, Camilla worries about fitting in and she knows her friends do not like lima beans! One day, as she is getting ready for school she begins to worry about what her friends will think of her outfit. A bad case of the stripes appears and Camilla is covered in rainbow stripes. At school she turns into red, white and blue stripes when her class recites the Pledge of Allegiance. Her worst fear is realized, the other kids make fun of her. Camilla is determined not to admit that she loves lima beans. As Camilla denies who she is, she becomes literally unrecognizable to herself and to everyone else. It is only when she admits her love of lima beans, that she becomes her unique and beautiful self.
Recommended accompanying exercise: Using a toilet paper role, have the child draw a picture of themselves. On a piece of paper, have them write down what pressures they are under from others, what makes them feel peer pressure? Cut out the ‘pressures’ and tape them on the paper role image of themselves. Discuss how peer pressure can disguise who they really are. Next talk about strategies to deal with each of the written pressures. As you discuss those strategies, take the piece of paper off the paper role image, until the image of the child is once again revealed.
Rainbow Fish is “the most beautiful fish in the entire ocean.” The thing is, he is actually quite vain and selfish, preferring to keep his beautiful scales all to himself to be admired by others. Being a very proud and greedy fish, he keeps the other fish at a distance until one day; he decides to share one scale. The feeling he gets from sharing a part of himself is “a rather peculiar feeling.” Today’s fast-paced world places value on things on the ‘outside’ rather than who we are on the inside. This can make it difficult for children to feel confident in being vulnerable and true to whom they are. Rainbow Fish inspires children to share themselves and their talents so that the world can be a brighter and shinier place, just like Rainbow Fish’s scales.
Recommended accompanying exercise: As a family or classroom, talk about opportunities in your area to give back and volunteer. Schedule a family/group volunteer activity. Ideas can include working at a soup kitchen, food bank, or visiting a senior center.
Jeremy Jacob is busy building a sandcastle while his parents set up the beach umbrella when a gang of pirates admire Jeremy’s digging talents noting that they could use a good digger. Jeremy quickly decides to leave his family on the beach and go on an adventure to become a pirate. The life of a pirate is just as Jeremy had imagined it. Pirates don’t worry about manners or eating their vegetables. No one tells a pirate how to behave, when to go to bed or brush their teeth. But alas, pirates also don’t tuck you into bed, read a bedtime story or kiss you goodnight. Jeremy learns that the pirate’s life is not for him but just in case he changes his mind, he knows where the treasure is hidden.
Recommended accompanying exercise: On a piece of paper, draw a line down the middle. On the left side, have the child write down manners, chores and household habits like brushing their teeth and saying “excuse me.” On the right side of the paper, have them write down why that household habit is a good habit to have.
More Children’s Books
Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine
In this children’s book, this real life, Underground Railroad, story is told with truthful eloquence without loosing the power of the experiences of Henry Brown. Henry is a slave boy who grows up facing unimaginable adversity. Children will ride along with Henry as he experiences being separated from his mother, growing up a slave, marrying and having children of his own and being separated from all that he loves. Eventually Henry takes matters and fate into his own hands by mailing himself in a wooden crate to freedom.
Recommended accompanying exercise: The book never discusses what Henry’s life is like as a free man, which gives children a wonderful opportunity to explore and imagine life after slavery. Using an old shoebox, paper, and small items from around the house or classroom, create a scene or ‘day in the life of’ depicting Henry doing an activity as a free man.
A perfect book for the tactile, kinesthetic learner! This simple but brilliant book demonstrates, in a three-dimensional way, how mistakes are a thing of beauty. Simple mistakes that all children make (spilling, staining…) can be turned into an opportunity for creativity.
Recommended accompanying exercise: Fill a few small plastic glasses with water and different colors of food coloring. On purpose ‘spill’ the contents on butcher paper, creating a collage of colors and spills. Have the child see through the mess to create a picture with the ‘mistake’.
A great book for all ages that will be sure to create grateful conversations. The singsong rhythmic tone is complemented by imaginative illustrations. The story line is simple but creatively takes the reader through a journey of thankfulness for all things even “those bad things (that) can turn out to be good.”
Recommended accompanying exercise: Using magazines and family pictures, have the child create a collage of all things he or she is grateful for. Display it proudly.
Duncan wants to color but when he opens his crayon box, he finds that the crayons have each written him a letter and most are not happy. Red complains about working on holidays. Purple complains that Duncan is coloring outside the lines. Grey is upset that he is coloring elephants all by himself. Green is happy but worried because his friends Orange and Yellow are not talking to each other, arguing over who is the true color of the sun. To settle the differences, Duncan uses his imagination, making each color feel special by drawing a picture using all of the colors and earning an A from his teacher.
Recommended accompanying exercise: As a group, discuss and write down simple activities that make others feel special. Some examples might be ‘hug a friend’ or ‘give my best friend a card’. Put the ‘special surprises’ in a bowl. Periodically, pick a special surprise out from the bowl and act on it, making someone feel special.
What other inspirational children’s books would you add to the list? Check out more bestselling books for kids here!LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Concerns among Hispanics that signing up for medical insurance under President Barack Obama’s healthcare law may draw the scrutiny of immigration authorities has hurt enrollment, according to advocates of the policy.
Engrith Acosta, patient care coordinator at AltaMed, speaks to a man during a community outreach on Obamacare in Los Angeles, California November 6, 2013. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Convincing Latinos to enroll could be crucial to the law’s success, and supporters of Obama’s signature domestic policy are aiming their campaign at the 10.2 million Latinos eligible for the new insurance plans or the expansion of the Medicaid program for the poor.
As a group, Latinos are younger than the overall population in the United States and signing them up in large numbers under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act could help offset the costs of covering older and sicker people.
But the enrollment effort appears to be falling short. In California, home to the largest Latino population in the country, only 13 percent of enrollees on the state’s online marketplace called Covered California identified themselves as Hispanic, despite accounting for about 38 percent of the population, the state said last week.
Ironically, polls have consistently shown Latinos are more supportive of the law, commonly called Obamacare, than the general public. A September survey from the Pew Research Center found 61 percent of Hispanics had a favorable view of the law compared to 29 percent among whites.
The law, passed in 2010, established online insurance exchanges, or marketplaces so that millions of uninsured people could enroll for private healthcare plans.
The Obama administration has not released figures on enrollment by ethnicity, but so far officials are not optimistic about Latino turnout.
“I would not be surprised if those numbers aren’t what we want them to be right now,” said Mayra Alvarez, associate director of minority health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
IMMIGRATION LAW ENFORCEMENT
The sign-up campaign may be stalling in part due to the administration’s vigorous enforcement of immigration laws. The administration deported a record number of people during Obama’s first term, according to Pew Research Center data.
While Obama has backed a bill that offers a pathway to citizenship for many of the country’s 11 million undocumented immigrants, his administration increased deportations to nearly 410,000 people in 2012, almost double the number in 2003.
Obamacare supporters say fear of immigration enforcement is a particular concern in Hispanic families where one spouse is a U.S. citizen or legal resident and married to an undocumented person, or where both parents are undocumented immigrants but their children have citizenship.
“A lot of mixed-status families are afraid that if they enroll, that the government will come and divide up their family through deportation,” said Daniel Zingale, senior vice president at the California Endowment, a health foundation.
One couple who last month came to a Los Angeles event by the group Vision y Compromiso demonstrates the types of problems these families face, said program manager Hugo Ramirez. The organization, dedicated to improving the health of the Hispanic community, received funding through Covered California to promote Obamacare.
The undocumented parents, a father who is a construction worker and a mother who works as a house cleaner, feared information they might submit to enroll their three children in Covered California could be used against them by U.S. immigration officials, Ramirez said.
An advocate advised the couple they would not risk running afoul of immigration authorities, but that in enrolling their children and providing details on the family’s earnings, they would have to begin paying income taxes despite being undocumented, Ramirez said. The couple seemed inclined to buy coverage for their children, ages 17 and younger, he said.
The administration has sought to defuse immigration concerns, which had been flagged by community leaders before the six-month open enrollment period began on October 1. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency said in October that personal information submitted by insurance shoppers would not be used for immigration enforcement.
Minnesota’s exchange, MNSure, said it has found that even when mixed-status Latino families were prepared to sign up, some hesitated in submitting information needed to verify the identity of the member seeking insurance online.
“This is on our radar and we are communicating with our navigators about this issue,” said MNSure spokeswoman Jenni Bowring-McDonough.
HOME INTERNET ACCESS LESS LIKELY
When it comes to enrollment, technology issues have also proven a barrier.
The Spanish-language version of the federal online exchange, CuidadoDeSalud.gov, was not running until December.
The federal website, HealthCare.gov, which serves 36 states, was hobbled by technology problems in October and much of November and fell short of enrollment expectations.
California, one of 14 states with its own website, has boasted that it works far better than the federal portal, but even with the technology working well, other issues may hinder enrollment.
Latino families, because of lower household income and other factors, are less likely to have home internet connections, according to a 2013 Pew Research Center study, making them more dependent on outside help from enrollment navigators to shop for the new plans.
Ricardo Hernandez, 20, a Los Angeles-area resident, is uninsured and eager to obtain coverage through Covered California, but he lives with his sister in a house that has no internet connection. He has called the exchange’s hotline seven times but has been unable to reach someone.
Slideshow (2 Images)
“It’s rare when I have access to computer,” said Hernandez, a part-time gas station attendant. “I just feel like a bother constantly to have to ask a friend or a neighbor to use their computer.”
The troubles seen in California run even deeper in Florida and Texas, two states with large Hispanic populations. Both states declined to set up their own websites and shoppers need to use the federal government portal.
U.S. Representative Loretta Sanchez, a California Democrat, said her state was “all on board to say we need to make it work, and our numbers are still low in the Latino community and they should be high.” Sanchez described Texas as “thumbing their nose at the president and saying we’re not going to help you, yes outreach may be lacking.”You like Game of Thrones? And love the sound of Oud? Then you are in for a treat! Ahmed Alshaiba, a Yemeni, self-taught Oud player located in New York managed to scramble both the heartwarming Oud and the theme music for one of the most popular TV shows ever in the most elegant and unexpected way. The result was nothing short of brilliant!
Ahmed can also play the guitar, the keyboard, and the tambour. Combining the sounds of the instruments he knows in addition to Oud, of course, Alshaiba creates covers with an Arabic touch that will make you reconsider the greatness of the original pieces that he adds his touch to.
If you like Alshaiba’s skills, don’t forget to check out his Youtube channel and follow him on his official Facebook and Twitter accounts!
What do you think of the way Ahmed employs his Oud talents? Which song you would like to see him cover next? Let us know in the comments section below!LOS ANGELES -- Construction of an NFL stadium in the Los Angeles area could come with another change: a possible shift in division for the Oakland Raiders or the San Diego Chargers.
The teams have proposed a shared $1.78 billion stadium in the city of Carson -- one of two stadium projects being considered by the NFL near Los Angeles that could bring professional football back to the region after a two-decade absence.
Carmen Policy, a former San Francisco 49ers executive who was hired to help oversee the Carson project, said Monday that the teams have agreed to shift divisions, if necessary, to make the project acceptable to the league.
The Chargers and Raiders are rivals in the AFC West, which could make game scheduling and other issues difficult in a shared stadium.
The teams have made clear to the league and NFL owners that "you send us to LA and you'll make the decision as to who plays in what conference or division," Policy told reporters after detailing stadium plans for business leaders and a sports group at an event in downtown Los Angeles.
"There are some very interesting scenarios, depending on how all this turns out," Policy said.
Policy detailed the possible division shift on a day when the teams unveiled the latest design update for the 65,000-seat stadium, which would rise on the site of a former landfill about 12 miles from downtown Los Angeles.
The renderings show an open-air stadium wrapped in steel bands, its seating shaded by canopies, with features that range from a nearby stage for live music performances to an authentic farmers' market. Outside, towering screens would carry game-day highlights that could be viewed from the parking lots.
A promotional video, narrated by actor Kiefer Sutherland, boasted that the stadium bordered by palm trees would become part of a quintessential Los Angeles experience while coddling fans.
"Sunshine. Beaches. Hollywood. Where anything is possible," he says.
High-end amenities would include an on-field patio "blurring the line between spectator and teammate," according to the video that depicted fans sipping drinks just steps from a team bench. Eight acres would be reserved, rent-free, for an "NFL campus," which could include a home for the NFL Network and a western annex for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
One prominent feature from earlier versions vanished. Previous plans called for a tower that could simulate lightning bolts for the Chargers or a huge flame honoring late owner Al Davis for the Raiders. A dominant feature is now an oversized, gleaming Vince Lombardi Trophy, the prize that goes to Super Bowl winners.
A development group that includes St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke is pushing a rival project in nearby Inglewood. The $1.8 billion venue on the site of a former horse track would be part of a sprawling development of homes, parks and office space.
Policy promoted the Raiders-Chargers plan as an ideal solution for two California teams playing in stadiums long out of date. He said the teams would attract fans from California's Central Coast to Mexico to a stadium with 12,000 parking spots for tailgating and easy freeway access.
League spokesman Brian McCarthy has said the NFL wants franchises that are "strong and successful in their existing markets." Under current rules, the next opportunity for a team to file to relocate would be in January 2016. Any decision to move would have to clear a tangle of hurdles, including winning the support of at least 24 of the 32 teams.
The NFL owners meet again in October in New York, but no relocation vote is expected at that meeting. Policy predicted there could be a decision by the league early next year.69 shades of anon - by bRkyeWpF aka "Doc" DutchyI May 31st, 2013 13,981 Never 13,981Never
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rawdownloadcloneembedreportprint text 77.48 KB 69 shades of anon - by bRkyeWpF aka "Doc" > When I was four or five years old, I got hit in the head somehow. I was found on the corner of a busy street in a puddle of blood. > I almost died, and suffered minor brain damage from blood loss. I couldn't remember anything about who I was, how I got there, and even had trouble speaking. > Also have a small tic because of it. Not really noticeable anymore, but it's there. > Doctors and nurses rarely say a word to me while I'm there. It's like I'm some kind of creature no one wants to deal with. It was pretty shitty. > No one reports a missing child. > One of the doctors tries to talk to me about adoptions, foster homes, things like that. I don't want anything to do with them, they sounded scary as fuck. > When I'm sitting out in the courtyard, the doctor comes up to me again about two weeks later. Following him is a lady that looked like she might have been beautiful 30 years ago. > He introduces me to her. We'll just call her 'Miss Anon' for now. She waves to me in response, and I notice that her arm seemed kind of funny. > I don't think anything of it. I'm four years old, what would I know? He talks with her for a while and I just sit on the bench kicking my legs, smiling and looking at the fountain. > "Are you absolutely sure about this? It just doesn't make sense to me." The doctor says to the strange woman. She just nods her head. > "If anything comes back to me, I'm pushing it to you. You understand that, right?" She just nods her head again. I still don't have a fucking clue what's going on. > The doctor looks back to me. He doesn't know my name, and I honestly don't remember it either, so he just says, "Alright, let's go little guy. We've got a few more things to talk about." ---- > I follow him and the old lady (Everyone's old at that age) to his office, room, whatever the fuck it was. > "Well, take a seat. There's a lot to go over." He looks back at the old woman. "Are you absolutely certain? I can get into a lot of trouble, and so can you." > She sits still for a couple seconds. I'm distracted by a magic eight ball on his table. When I look up, she's just giving him a death stare. > "Alright, alright. I get it. Fill out there forms. We should at least make it look like you're related." All I hear is that we're related. > A bit of hope rises from inside me, and I look over to the strange lady with interest. She has long red hair, but it's up in a bun and is streaked with grey. She's constantly got this look in her eye like she's trying to shout something to the world but doesn't know how, but her smile is really beautiful. It was the one thing that always drew my attention to her. > "This is 'Miss Anon'. She also got into a bit of an accident a little while ago. She ended up losing her right arm, and can't speak because of it. Do you understand?" He raises an eyebrow at me. The guy was seriously laid back, and always had a calm air around him. >"Uh-huh." is all I manage to say, but the fuck I understand. It's confusing as hell so I just go with the flow. > "Good. Starting today you're going to be living with her. She's paying a lot of money for you to go live with her. You should be happy, she's a very rich woman. You should be able to have a lot of fun living with her." He just nods his head a bit. It's hard to tell if he's reassuring me or himself at this point. > "So I'm related to her?" Is all I can ask. That one statement of his kept making me wonder. I wanted to learn more about my family, or about what happened. I guess I just wanted to feel more secure about what was going on. > "Well... sort of. Yeah, I guess you could say that." I don't know what exactly he meant by that. ---- > "Anyways, you're going to be living with her. Things will be hard to get used to at first, but she's a very nice woman. I'll also be stopping in to check on you. > I stop giving a fuck at this point. It became apparent to me that I wasn't going to have a say in what was happening, and that they weren't going to explain things to me. > After a couple more forms are filled out and he continues with his half-assed reassurance, they pack up the few gifts I got from doctors, some spare clothes I had gotten, and send me on my way with some woman I had never met before. > It was really weird at first. The place she lived in was absolutely massive. Dozens of rooms, huge garden, the works. Think of your cliched millionaire mansion, and that's what she had. It's a beautiful place. > I got self-conscious of the fact that she was missing an arm, so I'd often catch myself staring at her. She had a prosthetic limb, but her arm was severed above the elbow so it was mostly just to look somewhat normal at a passing glance. > I spent four or five years living with a woman who couldn't speak and didn't know my name. The only way she could get my attention was by ringing a bell she had. > Eventually a little system got put into place. She'd ring it twice if she wanted me to come to her and three times if there was food. I passed my time practicing reading (We'll get to my schooling in a bit) or just playing in the garden. Looking back, it was a pretty awkward lifestyle. I can't say I hated it, but it made me feel uncomfortable. > Every two or three months the doctor that set up the adoption would come and visit. He'd talk to her a bit about the financial situation, check to see how I was doing, and then be on his way. I remember hearing them talk about a lot of things I couldn't follow, but I can't remember what they were about. > A few months after I left the hospital she enrolled me into a nearby school. ---- > Every morning would be the same. She'd gently wake me up with the bell or by nudging me softly, and I'd go downstairs to a pretty awesome breakfast. It was always a little different and always tasted amazing. Honestly, I was happy. She turned out to be pretty nice, and things were going pretty well. > She would drive me to and from the school every single day, and would talk to the teachers through writing if anything ever came up. > School sucked for me, though. I hated it. It was the worst thing ever up until high-school. > My first day there, the teacher tried to introduce me to the class. Unfortunately, the lack of a name had never really been solved. It was just implied that "someone" was going to be attending the school and that I was to be taken care of respectfully. > Somewhere along the line, "respectfully" turned into "keep your distance from him." The other kids in the room started saying things like how I was "Too stupid for a name" or that I was weird or sick if I didn't have a name. One of the brats even went so far as to start telling people it meant I wasn't loved by God or some shit. I didn't care because I didn't understand religion, but it was all kinds of horror to them. > One of the kids asked me why I don't just come up with a name for myself. It's not like the idea hadn't crossed my mind, but I didn't like it. I rarely spoke at all, which was a habit formed by living with a mute woman and in a hospital for all of my memorable life. > I didn't know what a good name would be for someone like me. I didn't understand the concept of giving myself a name, so I simply didn't. I didn't want to. I was scared to. What if no one liked it? What if Miss Anon hated it? What if I picked something bad, or weird, or got called out for copying someone else? > Somehow naming myself was a scary prospect. In time, they just ignored me altogether. I would do my work quietly and then head home when Miss Anon picked me up. ---- > One day I got sick of the teasing. "How come I don't have a name?" I asked her. My voice was quiet and underwhelming from lack of use and living such a quiet life. > She just stared at me like she normally did when I asked about something she didn't like. Her eyes would get sad, and she'd just give me her small smile. For some reason that always made me feel sick, and I would have to stop asking whatever I wanted to ask. Everything else became irrelevant when I saw that it wasn't making her feel well. I thought it meant I was making her sick or something. > Year after year goes by, and I'm still just some kid without a name living with some woman I couldn't talk to in a house that was far too big for two people. > I remember one day the doctor came to visit, and the woman started trying writing to him in a panic. I couldn't see what she wrote, and probably couldn't have read it at the time, but it seemed extremely important based on her expression. His eyes got wide and he seemed a bit nervous as well. > "Are you busy tomorrow? No? Good. I'll stop by after you drop him off. We can discuss things then. I can't believe it's getting worse..." They didn't want to talk about it around me, so I assumed it was about me. Those last words made me think I did something terrible some how, and I was more upset than usual at school that day. > Miss Anon picked me up that day, and the doctor was sitting with her in the car. "Hey... uh..." He wasn't sure what to call me, so he settled with calling me by her last name. "Little Anon, I'm gonna talk to you for a bit when we get back, alright?" > He always seemed collected and cool, but this time he seemed anxious. I got scared and thought they were taking me away somewhere again, or that I was going to be adopted a second time by someone else. > When we got back to the house, I sat down with him in the largest study. Miss Anon headed to the main kitchen and started cooking. ---- > He started with his usual |
plane flying in that area reported seeing open parachutes of the Tu-95 crew," the statement continued.
The ministry said in the statement the crash had probably been caused by a malfunction, although other causes were not ruled out.
The Tupolev Tu-95 (NATO reporting name Bear) is a four-engine turboprop-powered strategic bomber and missile platform in service with the Russian Air Force since 1957.
The Russian Air Force has a string of six mishaps involving its warplanes since June.Updated November 2, 2014.
Less than a week after its last case was settled, the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Judicial Board (J-Board) has accepted a petition claiming that bylaw infractions occurred during the Fall 2014 SSMU General Assembly (GA) held on October 22. According to the petition, filed on October 29, the failure to adopt simplified rules of procedure for the GA and the indefinite postponement of the GA motion on solidarity with Palestine were violations of SSMU’s bylaws.
The two petitioners ask that the J-Board annul the decision to indefinitely postpone the Palestine solidarity motion and compel SSMU to hold a special GA for the purpose of discussing the motion. At the October 22 GA, the Palestine solidarity motion was postponed indefinitely by majority vote before it could be debated, and cannot be brought for discussion at a GA in its current form until Fall 2015.
“The main purpose [of the petition] really is to have a GA that follows the rules,” one of the two petitioners, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Daily. “It’s also to correct for the fact that the use of indefinite postponement was a violation of the bylaws, and also a violation of the freedom of speech and the freedom of expression that we are entitled to on a university campus.”
The petition names SSMU Council and the Speaker of Council as the respondents. According to J-Board Chief Justice Muna Tojiboeva, a hearing will occur only if a mediation session between representatives of the two parties, which will be confirmed after the two parties provide their factums to the J-Board, proves unsuccessful.
Alleged bylaw infractions
The petitioners claim that the indefinite postponement of the Palestine solidarity motion was a violation of article 5.4 of By-Law I-5, which states that “members present at the General Assembly must be given the opportunity to debate and amend each resolution.” According to the petition, the speaker was at fault for allowing a motion that was in conflict with this bylaw to pass at the GA.
“For students to be denied the right to actually debate and amend the resolution, which is what the bylaw states, that is where the violation was mostly felt around that motion,” the petitioner The Daily spoke to said.
In addition, the petitioners claim that SSMU failed to adhere to article 5.2 of By-Law I-5 in the lead-up to the GA. The article states that, one week before a GA, SSMU must adopt standing rules for the GA that “make Robert’s Rules easier for students to understand.” The article also states that the rules must be “publicized to the membership” at least five calendar days before the date of the GA.
“Looking at all the listservs that were sent by the VP Internal, as well as SSMU’s website, Twitter feed, and Facebook feed going back to September 1, there was no publishing of simplified rules,” said the petitioner. The simplified rules were never adopted by Council nor even drafted, the petitioner claimed.
SSMU President Courtney Ayukawa declined to comment.
[gview file=”https://www.mcgilldaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/GA_JBoard_Petition.pdf”]The boys and girls basketball teams from Mendocino High School (California) had their invitations to a tournament at Fort Bragg High rescinded because they might possibly wear "I Can't Breathe" t-shirts during pregame warmups, according to The Guardian, though the boys team later had their invitation reinstated.
Following in the footsteps of their professional counterparts, both teams wore the t-shirts pregame on December 16th, when they played at Fort Bragg High. The girls team also wore them at two other tournaments. Despite the fact that the teams had worn the t-shirts numerous times with no incident—including on the Fort Bragg High campus, where the tournament will take place starting Monday—the Fort Bragg principal banned them as a "security precaution":
"To protect the safety and well-being of all tournament participants it is necessary to ensure that all political statements and or protests are kept away from this tournament," wrote Walker, who said she was speaking on behalf of the athletic director and the Fort Bragg school superintendent. "We are a small school district that simply does not have the resources to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff, students and guests at the tournament should someone get upset and choose to act out."
The boys team was eventually let back into the tournament because all but one player agreed not to wear them, but enough of the girls team refused that they won't be playing. That one boys player won't play in the tournament, and his father says he's standing up (or sitting out, in this case) for free speech:
That's how Marc Woods, whose 16-year-old son Connor plans to sit out the tournament, sees it. Connor wore the t-shirt at the 16 December game in the name of team solidarity, but "now that's become a first amendment violation, that's what he is fired up about", the father said. Woods said he was outraged by what he sees as using intimidation to silence players and fans. Fort Bragg administrators have warned spectators who plan to protest the t-shirt ban that they will be asked to leave, he said. "It doesn't take a lot to suppress the exchange of ideas when you put fear into it," Woods said.
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[The Guardian]
Photo via ShutterstockToronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious events, festivals, pop-ups, winemaker dinners, supper clubs and other food related happenings in Toronto this week and next. You can find us here every Friday morning.
THIS WEEK
Cold Tea (60 Kensington Ave.) hosts BBQs every day of this long weekend, starting at 3pm. Smoke Signals wil be at the grill on Saturday, August 30; Momofuku Daisho takes over on Sunday, August 31 and Auld Spot keeps the good times going on Monday, September 1.
AwesTRUCK, the free food truck rally and awards show, revs up at 5pm on Friday, September 5 and at 6pm on Saturday, September 6 at Celebration Square, Mississauga as part of Soundbites Mississauga. Voting is open now to recognize favourites in five different categories of food truck excellence.
UPCOMING
Take part in a Fall Popcorn Tasting at the Toronto Popcorn Company (147 Baldwin St.) hosted by Toronto Common. The recurring event is planned for every Sunday in September at 11am and for $13 will offer visitors the chance to sample new flavours, as well as take home two regular savoury or sweet flavours, plus one premium flavour.
Tickets are on sale now ($8 in advance, $10 at the gate) for City Cider presented by Not Far from the Tree. The annual celebration of cider takes place Sunday, September 14 from noon to 5pm at Spadina Museum (285 Spadina Rd.) and features freshly-pressed cider made right in the heritage orchard and hard ciders from Ontario cideries, as well as eats from top Toronto chefs, live music and family friendly activites.
The Evergreen Urban Rodeo and BBQ is happening on Saturday, September 27 from 7:30pm to midnight at the Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Ave.). Tickets are $150 (VIP $250) for an all-inclusive fundraising event featuring carnival games, mechanical bull rides, live music, and, of course, eating and drinking at 10 food stations. Vendors will be cooking up country classics with pairings from Creemore Springs and Dillon's Small Batch Distillers spirits.
Diner en Blanc is back for its third official year in Toronto on Wednesday, September 17 at a secret location. Those interested in attending need to register on the waiting list, wait for an invite and then secure an all-white table setting and outfit for the occasion.
Photo of AwesTRUCK! 2013 by Jesse Milns.The Ling Space is dedicated to bringing you varied, accessible, and up-to-date content and discussion about linguistics and other language topics.
Let's be frank - language is awesome.
We use it all the time. We make jokes, we read signs, we give speeches. From infancy onward, we use language to communicate our moods, our thoughts, our desires. As humans, language is the #1 way we express ourselves in the world, and it's one of the things that define us.
But have you ever really thought about how language works? Not how you spell, or whether you can leave a preposition at the end of a sentence. But how we acquire language so quickly, becoming people who think and speak and dream in words before we can really cut our own food. Or how we can use it so effortlessly, working out what someone means when their speech is flying at us at two hundred words a minute, usually without even realizing we're doing it.
How do we know that "Colorless green ideas sleep furiously" is nonsense but its grammar is OK, but "Green furiously colorless sleep ideas" doesn't even have that? (And we can still make sense of "Sasha maked me delicious sandwich" in spite of the grammatical mistakes.) How do we sense that a sentence like “The detective found the burglar with binoculars” has two different meanings? How do we tell that someone sounds like they have an accent? Why is learning a second language often so much harder than learning your first?
That’s the study of linguistics – all of that, and more. Here at The Ling Space, we'll be uploading a new video every Wednesday to spotlight the science behind our awesome ability to learn language, speak it, hear it, and use it. Subscribe to our YouTube channel, and get involved in the debate on our Discussion pages!Get the biggest daily news stories by email Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
(Image: Deadline News)
An attempt to recreate a scene from the hit movie Dirty Dancing left a pub-goer in hospital with a horror leg break that will keep him off work for months.
Gary Mackay heard the sickening sound of his leg snapping after a woman friend jumped and tried to wrap her legs around his waist in an Inverness bar.
The 28-year-old collapsed in agony but claims he was lifted up by bouncers, taken out through the fire escape and left on a bench, reports the Daily Record.
After he was taken by ambulance to hospital, the barber needed a three-hour operation to insert two bolts and a metal rod in his leg and faces being off work for three months.
The incident happened as Gary, from Inverness, and friends were enjoying a Saturday night out listening to a local covers band.
A woman, described by Gary as a friend of a friend, decided to try an ambitious dance move straight out of the legendary 1987 hit movie.
(Image: Reuters)
Asked about the woman's attempt to turn him into Patrick Swayze, Gary said: "It came out of nowhere.
"We were just talking about leaving - I wasn't even dancing with her. She just jumped up at me and wrapped her legs around me.
"I wasn't expecting it and I heard my leg snap. When I wasn't getting up I think the band realised and they stopped."
He added: "I knew it was broken straight away - my foot just flopped to the side.
"I was screaming, I was asking for someone to get me some help.
"I didn't want to get up. I wanted a paramedic to come and help me. I remember her still standing there when I was shouting.
"I did hear her saying "I heard it snap".
"That's the last I remember - I was just in so much pain.
"Eventually the bouncers put their arms around me and lifted me up. They just put me on a bench outside the fire exit and left me there."
Doctors confirmed he had broken his leg in two places at the ankle and knee and he endured several days in hospital as well as a lengthy operation.
Gary said he had not heard from his dance partner since the accident.
He said: "The worst thing is she's tiny - it's just the way she caught me.
"She's about 5"4 and she's skinny. She's not been in touch but she's told my workmate she's mortified and sorry."
Don Lawson, owner of Johnny Foxes, said: "There was a mix of horseplay and alcohol which didn't end well.
"A man and his friend were recreating a scene from Dirty Dancing.
"He fell funny which resulted in him breaking his leg."
He added: "We lifted him to a safer part but he declined when we asked him if he wanted us to call an ambulance.
"His friends just took him.
"Our primary concern is for the chap who broke his leg.
"We hope he makes a speedy recovery."Ask an Admin (Admins being the term for Reddit employees) is a weekly column connecting Redditors and Upvoted readers with the people behind-the-scenes at Reddit. Got a question for Greg the Admin? Email him at [email protected].
In honor of Star Wars Day (May 4), which character would you say you relate to the most?
Like many, Star Wars is a big deal in my life—and when I say “life,” I actually mean like, in my life.
I’m a toy collector, I collect Star Wars toys. I’m a lightweight cinephile, and Star Wars ranks up there with some of my favorite films of all time. I’m a reader, and I’ve delved into the extended universe in the past. Oh, and uh, did I mention I have an R2-D2 tattoo on my left arm? Yeah, well, like I said—Star Wars is a big deal.
So which character would I say I relate to the most? Did I already show my hand when I let on about the R2 tattoo? Honestly, I related to R2 more than anyone else, because he has all the qualities that I see myself having.
He is witty, and he is loyal. He doesn’t take crap from anyone, and has no problem putting the bad guys in their place. He can joke and be aggressive, but in the end he is sweet, and loved by many. But most important, he is the unsung hero—the underdog—the one who they all said couldn’t make it, couldn’t be of any help or importance, but still fought to make himself known, and ends up being worth more than his weight in broken droid parts!
What I mean is, nobody gave R2 a chance, and then he turns around and literally saves the heroes in every Star Wars film! And at the end of it all? He remains humble.
I asked a few Admins which character they most relate to. Find their answers below:Perhaps you've seen a lot of charts on Business Insider that look like this one, showing seasonally adjusted weekly jobless claims since 2006.
FRED
Or maybe you've seen this chart, showing the inversion of weekly jobless claims overlaid with the S&P 500.
Well if you didn't already know by now, all these charts are made possible using a site called FRED, which stands for Federal Reserve Economic Data, and is run out of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, which is one of 12 regional Federal Reserve branches.
There are two reasons we go to FRED just about every day.
And we're not the only ones who use the site like crazy.
We asked famous FRED user and Nobel Laureate economist Paul Krugman his thoughts on the site, and he told us he used it: "I'd say three or four times a week, at least — basically any time I'm addressing a US macroeconomic issue."
puddleglum42 via Flickr
Krugman added that it's taken the entire economics profession by storm: "I think just about everyone doing short-order research — trying to make sense of economic issues in more or less real time — has become a FRED fanatic."
Frankly, we're not used to seeing this level of innovation and user-friendliness on a public website, so we were curious to know the story behind it.
So a couple of weeks ago, we got the chance to chat with four people from the St. Louis Fed: Michael Cassidy, (Electronic Data Coordinator - FRED), Katrina Stierholz (Assistant Vice President and Director of Library and Research Information Services), George Essig (Senior Web Developer) and Julie Knoll (Senior Web Developer).
FRED
Michael Cassidy laid out the basic history for us:
It goes back to the 1960s and Homer Jones. Homer Jones started a history of producing data publications out of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and FRED kind of became the electronic version of those data publications. In 1991, we'd been producing those publications for awhile, and decided they needed to be put online in a bulletin-board format.
So we'd post, I think we had 200 data series at the time, they were all included in our data publications, and people could dial in and download them in a text format. In 1996, we moved to the world wide web, and we had about 403 series. The modern version of FRED that you're probably familiar with, FRED 2, that started in 2002.
In 2006 we came out with ALFRED, which was vintage data, graphing customization and allowed for units transformations and had about 3,000 series in FRED at the time. Then in 2007, we added about 20,000 additional series and started GEOFRED.
2011 turned out to be a banner year for FRED. According to Julie Knoll the site saw 1.9 million visits, a 42 percent increase from the year before. FRED visitors come from 200 countries.
What's remarkable is that for such a powerful site, the team building it is incredibly light, with only 5-6 people working on it at a level that could be called "full time."
When I asked further how the site got to be what it is, I was quite impressed by how obvious it was that it operated with the experimental and agile nature of the most dynamic web startups.
Katrina Stierholz: I don't' think it was single decision, I think it was a recognition that we had this tool people were using — FRED's been popular for long time — I think it's more popular now because obviously the financial crisis has made a larger public interest in economic data, but it has been popular among academics and financial analysts for a long time. So as we built FRED, the popularity was obvious, so they fed off each other. The more people came to our website and recognized the work we were doing on FRED, the more we realized, 'We should really keep working on this and work hard and do more because we really provide a valuable service.' So it wasn't like a single thing.
George Essig: I started working on FRED in 2000, and at that time it was just a static html; the data files were text files. The next step was to store the data in a database, and then write web programs around it so we could automate web pages. And over time we just incrementally added software features that evolved into what FRED is today — like we talk about different milestones, features, in the end the thing that's obvious is that the software is important. It's not just the data, it's the data plus software.
Mike Cassidy: I've only been here for a year and a half, but my experience here has been, FRED has almost a Skunkworks feel to it inside the bank. Chuck Gascon, myself and Josh Haynes from research started the development of the Excel add-in, and it almost felt like that was a very organic thing to do. We just went out and saw there was a product that needed to be developed, and we developed it. From what I can gather from the past of FRED, I think a lot of that development has been along the same lines. When we developed the world wide web site, that was because there was a young lady here at the bank, her name escapes me, she was very into Mosaic, the tool before Netscape, so she was like, 'Hey i think this is something we should do,' and brought that to our attention.
So what's next for the site?
Basically more and more data. This is what users demand the most. And there's particular interest in more financial data, such as currencies and commodities.
More importantly, perhaps, is the mission to FRED-ify the world.
There's tons of data that various sites host (EuroStat, the OECD, the World Bank, etc.) but it's clunky and horrible to use. This is something that Krugman told us when we asked him: "There's nothing comparable in ease of use. In a given month I also make use of the IMF database, Eurostat, OECD (behind a paywall), and Millennial Historical Statistics (also paywalled). But all of the others require more steps and are much more awkward."
When all that data eventually is in a database that can be used with the ease of FRED, it will be a quantum leap for research.
Meanwhile, here are some stats that were provided to us
1.9 million visits from 200 countries (42 percent increase over 2010)
average 6,000 visits per day
14.5 million page views during 2011
13,000 visits from Twitter during 2011
Approximately 600,000 custom FRED Graphs were created during 2011
FRED Graphs were created during 2011 GeoFRED received 15,000 visits during 2011
ALFRED received 48,000 visits during 2011
During Q4 2011, 14.7 million data calls sent through API
15,000 new series added during 2011
Now go check out FRED, and start having fun >by Mike Woitalla @MikeWoitalla, Dec 27, 2013
Interview by Mike Woitalla
Last month, the U.S. Soccer Federation named Tab Ramos its Youth Technical Director, replacing Claudio Reyna, who left for MLS expansion club New York City FC in May. Ramos, also an assistant to Jurgen Klinsmann with the full national team, will continue as U-20 men's national team head coach. We spoke to Ramos, who in December was selected to the USA’s All-Time National Team Best XI, about his expanded role with the Federation.
SOCCER AMERICA: You were surely a top candidate for an MLS head-coaching job. Why did you opt for U.S. Soccer’s Youth Technical Director position?
TAB RAMOS: I’ve been with the program a long time. 2014 will be my 32nd year of wearing the crest on and off in different ways. For the last six-seven years I’ve been assistant coach to head coach, to helping Jurgen with the first team for the last two years.
I thought I would be the right person to take on the challenge of youth soccer -- having had the experience of coaching at all age groups for the last 10 years [with New Jersey youth club NJSA 04].
There were opportunities of going to MLS but once U.S. Soccer decided that they wanted me in this role and keep head coaching the U-20s, it was a very easy decision. Having Jurgen [Klinsmann] and U.S. Soccer’s support, I would not want to be anywhere else.
SA: What does the position entail …
TAB RAMOS: I work very closely with Jurgen. With Jurgen having a World Cup year, it’s a little more difficult for him to be involved in the day-to-day of the entire program. The youth part of it is a lot easier for me.
Beginning with the youth national teams -- the top priority would be to organize and integrate all the teams as we’ve done with the U-20 national team falling under the senior national team, and with the U-18s, with Javier [Perez] and the U-20 national team. And pass that down to the 17s and 15s and 14s. And decide if we want to make a U-16 team, which currently exists but in some between way, just having some camps, in order to prepare the next U-18 team, which eventually becomes the U-20 cycle.
I’m working closely with Tony Lepore and the Development Academy and see how we can continue to improve the Development Academy and provide resources so it can continue to grow and put more players on the national team.... And helping out Director of Coaching Education Dave Chesler. … There’s a lot of work to do in my position in general.
SA: How important is it that the various national teams are coached in the same manner and play the same way?
TAB RAMOS: I’m coming into this position where the coaches are already in place. One of the things we don’t want to do in general is tell anyone how to coach. Everybody coaches a little bit differently and at every age group you have different types of talented players, so you can’t possibly play exactly the same.
Now, there’s a certain way that we’ve been doing things for the last maybe year and a half, and one of the things that I did and one of the things that I certainly want to pass down – and what I addressed to the Development Academy coaches -- is that we are looking for players who are comfortable on the ball. It doesn't have to be players who are specifically great in any one position, but players who can adapt to positions because they are comfortable on the ball.
It begins there. The rest of it will be little steps at a time.
But I don’t see it getting to a point where we dictate exactly how everyone has to play. It would be difficult to coach that way because not all the groups are the same.
SA: The last few years have seen an ambitious expansion of the Federation's youth programs, with the Development Academy, Training Centers, Technical Advisors and a network of 100 scouts...
TAB RAMOS: This is the great thing. Sometimes when somebody is put in the position like mine, most people tend to think they need to immediately try and change everything -- but what’s important is to recognize there have been some great things that have been done.
There have been great things done by Claudio Reyna, including the Curriculum. The Development Academy -- it’s unprecedented worldwide. There’s no one else that does what we do.
I think we’re in a great place. We certainly have a lot of room to grow... The Development Academy is still relatively new. The organization and what Tony Lepore has done with the Development Academy is unprecedented and we have to continue to provide resources for it to continue to grow and become better and better.
SA: There have been some vehement complaints from clubs that aren’t part of the Academy, particularly that their players are shut out of the national team program or steered to Academy clubs by national team staff...
TAB RAMOS: Look, all the best players will get a shot at the national team regardless of where they play. I believe that we're very lucky to have the Development Academy because we force them to train a minimum of four days a week. We are managing their game schedule. We’re making sure that they're not playing in too many games and have a good practice-to-game ratio. We're taking care of a lot of the things that are important in general in world soccer.
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I think a player who comes to the Development Academy has a great advantage in terms of moving on to the national team because he's already familiar with working under a specific practice plan, a specific periodization within his team. Working basically the same way he’d be working with the national team or a professional team.
I don’t want to say that every single academy in the country is doing a perfect job. And I also don’t want to say that outside the Academy there aren’t coaches who aren’t perfectly capable of running their teams. Or running their teams just like an Academy team would be run.
But for the most part, when you look at numbers in general, the Development Academy is a great place to be. And the best place to be. And we do encourage all the players nationwide to be in an Academy club.
That’s not to say there aren’t some clubs who are also doing a great job and who we would want to consider down the road for being in the Academy.
In Part 2 of our interview, Ramos discusses his work with Jurgen Klinsmann, the high school vs. club controversy, young Americans going abroad, and the 2013 performances of the U.S. U-17 team.
(Mike Woitalla, the executive editor of Soccer America, is co-author, with Tim Mulqueen, of The Complete Soccer Goalkeeper and co-author with Claudio Reyna of More Than Goals: The Journey from Backyard Games to World Cup Competition. Woitalla's youth soccer articles are archived at YouthSoccerFun.com.)
Soccer America on Twitter: Follow Soccer America | Mike WoitallaCreating a parallel, offline, extensible, browser based bundler for CodeSandbox Ives van Hoorne Blocked Unblock Follow Following Aug 27, 2017
When I first started CodeSandbox I was completely focused on React development. We even named it ReactSandbox at first, but I changed it to CodeSandbox last minute so we could expand to other libraries. I’m proud to say that we now succeeded in that regard! The past week we slowly rolled out support for other libraries. We now have support for React, Vue and Preact templates and are planning to support Angular, ReasonML and Svelte (let me know if you have other suggestions). To make this happen I had to rewrite the bundler from scratch. In this Medium post I will explain mostly how the new bundler is built and what decisions I took to get there.
Vue Preact
Past The first bundler we used was very primitive: for each requested file we would first transpile it, evaluate it and then cache the result. When a file changed we would just throw away the cache for all files dependent on that file and start over again. This worked for Babel, but wouldn’t work for other loaders that need asynchronous transpiling like Sass. Creating transpilers for e.g. Vue turned out to be even harder in the old system. It was evident that I had to rethink the bundling process if we want to support libraries like Vue, plus it would give me the chance to improve the bundler. Webpack in the browser My first idea was to make Webpack work in the browser. Almost all existing CLIs already use Webpack and it would require no work to add a new loader if it already works with Webpack. Exporting to a webpack.config.js for the download function would also be effortless and users would be able to provide their own config. Sounds like the perfect scenario, right? For me as well! It sounds too good to be true, and it turned out to be. I got Webpack running in the browser, however the bundle size was 3.5MB uglified. I had to provide many polyfills and compilation threw a dozen warnings because of dynamic requires. Furthermore, only half of the loaders worked. Webpack assumes a Node environment, and it turned out that the cost to simulate that environment was (in my opinion) too big for the advantages gained from it. My second reason is that CodeSandbox is a very specific platform, and if we build the bundler ourselves we can completely optimize for that platform. Webpack Loader API in the browser My second idea was to write my own bundler, but with a loader API very close to Webpack. The advantage of this is that the bundler “feels” like Webpack, but is optimized for a browser environment. Writing loaders would be very easy; we can just take an existing Webpack loader, strip all SSR, Node and production logic away and it *should* work in CodeSandbox. Another big advantage is that we assume a browser environment, so we can abuse browser APIs like Web Workers, Service Workers and code splitting! Implementation For the actual implementation I tried to achieve the best of both worlds: close loader API surface with Webpack and full optimization for CodeSandbox. It should work faster than first bundler, work offline and it should be extensible. The final bundler distinguishes three phases: configuration, transpilation and evaluation. Configuration The new bundler has been built with templates in mind. For every template we have (currently React, Vue and Preact) we define a new preset. These presets contain configurations you can also find in a Webpack config: aliases, default loaders and default extensions. The function of a Preset is to return what loaders are used for a file type, and how files are resolved. The Preset for Preact looks like this: Transpilation Transpilation is the most important phase. Like the name implies: it does transpilation, but it’s also responsible for building the dependency graph. For every transpiled file we traverse the AST, search for all require statements, and add them to the tree. This doesn’t only happen to js files, it also happens for typescript, sass, less and stylus files. The advantage of building the tree during transpilation is that we only have to build the AST once. Transpiled output is saved in a TranspiledModule. One file can be associated with multiple TranspiledModule s, because files can be required in different ways. For example, require(‘raw-loader!./Hello.js’) isn’t the same as require(‘./Hello.js’).
Different require syntax is supported!Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) criticized other groups for not impeaching President Trump at a Congressional Black Caucus town hall on Thursday.
“Don’t come here and tell me, ‘Maxine, you keep on doing what you doing,'” she said to the crowd. “Maxine going to keep on doing what [she’s doing], but when are you going to give me some support?”
“How many of you in your organizations have said, ‘Impeach 45?'” she asked.
Waters said that Congress can impeach President Trump for any reason they want.
“Impeachment is whatever the Congress says it is. There is no law that dictates impeachment,” she continued.
The far-left representative “guarantee[d]” that Trump is colluding with Russia to “undermine our democracy.”
“Don’t another person come up to me and say, ‘You go, girl.’ No, you go!” she added, as the crowd cheered with approval.Da Vinci’s Dream: 15th Century Musical Device Comes to Life
500 years later, Leonardo Da Vinci’s repertoire continues to produce things that amaze. The latest is a musical instrument he dubbed the ‘viola organista,’ and a Polish concert pianist has reproduced one that’s both completely functional and absolutely beautiful.
Slawomir Zubrzycki reportedly put in an estimated 5,000 hours of work over three years, pouring $10,000 into the instrument, a true labor of love. What emerged from this creative endeavor was a beautiful contraption that’s a combination piano (or harpsichord) and bowed string instrument. This Da Vinci replica’s beauty is found in both its aesthetics and engineering.
It essentially takes the key work one would do on a piano, and instead of hammers hitting the strings to produce sound, four spinning wheels covered in horse hair do the work. It’s meant to mimic the technique one uses on a bowed string instrument. Zubrzycki pumps a pedal to make the wheels turn and when the keys are played, the strings press onto the wheels “emitting rich, sonorous tones reminiscent of a cello, an organ and even an accordion,” according to the Hindustan Times. The schematics were found among the flying machines and anatomical sketches of one of Da Vinci’s 15th century notebooks. Zubrzycki showed off his impressive sound machine at the 5th International Royal Krakow Piano Festival last month. It’s hard to decide which is more beautiful – the organista’s sound or design.An E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft assigned to the 965th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron is guided down the runway for take-off by its flight crew en route to a combat mission during operations at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia on Feb. 11, 2010.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Air Force plans to cut a quarter of the AWACS planes at Tinker Air Force Base, but station more air refueling tankers there and spend $111 million to build a maintenance depot space for the next generation of air refueling planes, according to the Air Force budget released Wednesday.
Looking to reshape the service under tight spending constraints, the Air Force said in budget documents that it would reduce its capacity of Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft by seven; Tinker currently has 28 of the planes.
The E-3G aircraft are equipped with a rotating radar dome with a range of 250 miles; the planes can detect enemy aircraft and ship movements and quickly relay information needed for battle situations.
The Air Force said it would continue modernizing the remaining fleet and fielding a variation of the E-3G.
None of the remaining AWACS planes will be associated now with an Air Force Reserve unit at Tinker. Instead the Air Force plans to adjust the Reserve mission at the base by adding four KC-135s — air refueling tankers — to the eight already there.
Despite budget pressures, the Air Force plans to continue investing heavily at Tinker to prepare for maintenance work on the new Boeing-built refueling tanker, the KC-46A.
This year’s budget included $9 million to purchase land and build a road and fence near the Tinker Aerospace Complex.
For next year, the Air Force wants $63 million to build a two-bay maintenance hangar and another $48 million for infrastructure to support the depot.
Tinker has a huge aircraft maintenance complex, but the KC-46A is too big for it, according to the Air Force. The plane is 52 feet high, about 165 feet long and has a wingspan of nearly 158 feet.
Oklahoma is one of only 10 states in which the Air Force is planning construction projects next year; Air Force budget documents state only the highest-priority projects were requested.
The first KC-46A planes are expected to arrive for routine maintenance at Tinker in 2018.
Inhofe criticizes president |
Rae Bareily or in its revision petition, ever stated that there was offence of criminal conspiracy against the leaders.(With inputs from Agencies)The family that runs Cafe Mosaics, a Whyte Avenue eatery known for its coziness and vegetarian comfort food, is set to open a new restaurant just east of the downtown core.
The Moth Cafe will open in the former home of the Trang Tien Vietnamese Restaurant at 9449 Jasper Ave. later this month.
Like Cafe Mosaics, The Moth will serve plant-based food with an emphasis on raw and nutritious ingredients. Menu highlights include a Banana Blossom Miso Soup, raw pasta dishes and a Kombucha bar.
Thanh Lu and her daughters Jillian Khuong and Khuyen Khuong secured the location a year ago and started renovations in June. Khuyen Khuong, who has a master’s degree in architecture, designed the restaurant’s interior, adding an arched doorway and an inviting lounge area in the cafe’s northeast corner. Cafe Mosaics staff chipped in, too, with Haylee Fortin designing the Moth’s logo and Sara Trimmer making hanging ceramic lights for the space.
The new restaurant lies in The Quarters, a revitalization zone east of downtown that the City of Edmonton expects could house between 18,000 and 20,000 people once it is fully redeveloped. (Only a couple thousand residents live in the area now.)
Khuong said Friday the family is committed to serving current and future residents in the inner city. She was warned it would be difficult to win the Edmonton Design Committee’s approval, but the committee supported the family’s plans after she presented them last spring. She told the committee about the success of Cafe Mosaics and its community contributions. For the past two summers, the restaurant has spent several thousand dollars funding student architecture projects that replace parking spots with pop-up public seating. (There are 21 parking stalls outside The Moth building, it’s worth noting.)
By having The Moth open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and keeping prices low, the family hopes to appeal to the area’s diverse residents and become a community gathering place.
“People usually associate raw and vegan ingredients with higher prices, but we’re trying to make it affordable so anyone can have a taste and be a part of that lifestyle,” Khuong said.
“We’re trying to light up a corner on the street.”
For updates on the restaurant’s soft opening, follow @themothcafe’s updates on Instagram.
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@madcummingsThe U.S. House of Representatives on Friday morning approved the 21st Century Cures Act by a wide 344-77 margin. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
The bipartisan legislation is meant to streamline regulatory approval of devices and drugs through the Food and Drug Administration, as well as provide additional research funding for the National Institutes of Health.
Here are some highlights of the bill (H.R. 6) as of last week, though the version that passed may contain last-minute amendments that have yet not made it into the official legislative database:
Innovation fund: For the next five years, NIH would get $1.75 billion and FDA $110 million annually to address “major challenges” in biomedical research that could potentially lead to important breakthroughs. The bill’s authors say the new spending is fully offset with savings realized in other parts of the legislation.
NIH reforms: In addition to reauthorizing NIH operations for the next three fiscal years, the 21st Century Cures Act requires the agency to develop a strategic research plan, become more accountable in its awarding of grants and find ways of lessening the administrative burden on researchers and grantees. The bill also would promote more collaborative research and establish a national pediatric research network under NIH.
Precision medicine: FDA would have to define and later update as necessary the term “precision medicine or biological product.” FDA also would have the authority to approve treatments for rare and life-threatening diseases based on data submitted for previously approved products that takes a similar “underlying approach” to fighting the disease.
Patient access to “breakthrough” therapies: Congress directs the FDA to continue its policy of fast-tracking approval of “breakthrough” drugs and therapies, as long as the innovation meets established safety and efficacy standards.
Patient-centered drug development: The FDA would have to develop a “structured framework” that would incorporate patient observations and experiences into drug-safety evaluation.
Medical device regulation: The bill would authorize a third-party, voluntary quality assessment program for device-makers to have their quality systems pre-authorized, theoretically speeding up pre-market review. FDA also would be more lenient in its review and oversight of low-risk Class I or Class II devices, possibly opening the door to faster approval of diagnostic medical apps and other mobile devices. Another section is meant to provide more clarity about when smartphones and other wireless platforms would be considered medical devices.
Interoperability: In light of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology finding rampant “information blocking” by certain health IT vendors, the bill gives the Department of Health and Human Services power to hold scofflaws responsible, in the name of creating data interoperability.
Home-based care: The legislation changes Medicare’s payment system for durable medical equipment to remove barriers to seniors receiving the same kind of care and access to medical devices in the home as they would in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.
Photo: House Energy and Commerce CommitteeThis is the election time. A lot has been written about Narendra Modi and the BJP. A lot has also been said about the Congress and other secular parties.From the point of view of Muslims, both parties have been painted in black and white terms.Modi, if he becomes the next Prime Minister of India, will turn the country into Gujarat subjugating Muslims. Then Congress and other secular parties, being protector, will emancipate them from the devil.Thus, Muslims seem confused and are dangling like pendulum from fear to hope and so on.I do not endorse a particular party. Let it be upon Muslim voters to decide. However, I would like to narrate my direct experience with the RSS and its affiliate institutions.I grew up in the background of communal violence. Being a Muslim, I used to feel that I am being targeted for my religion in India.Media further accentuated my fear by bringing live the violence against Muslims to me...Bhagalpur, Mumbai, Gujarat, Muzaffarnagar...endless, to name a few.The fear multiplied many folds within me. I began to view all those individuals and organizations responsible for engineering riots as hunters seeing me as their next prey.Truly, I began to view "instigators" of violence differently...being killers and only killers. I had no option but to live in India. I could not fly. I could not escape. I accepted fear as my destiny.The time passed by.One evening, I received a letter of appointment from Durga Prasad Baljeet Singh College in the district of Bulandshahar. I had applied for a job at various places after having qualified the National Eligibility Test (NET) for lectureship.My joy knew no bound. I always looked forward to future.The next day, I visited the college. The campus truly impressed me: the physical facilities, the ambience and overall discipline were up to the mark. I decided to join, though I hesitated initially.The college was situated on the bank of the river Ganga, in a town known as Anoopshaher. The location of the institution was symbolic - to provide modern education in the environment of spiritual liveliness.I began to work hard. At the same time, I also carried the fear of insecurity as I was the only Muslim in the institution. Moreover, the management belonged to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the organization about which I had heard that it was anti-Muslim.I was given free accommodation in the college campus. Every night I slept, I thought if any communal violence would start, I would be the first to be targeted, yet I lived.Soon, I befriended many. The most notable ones among them were Shri Acharyaji, a lecturer of Sanskrit and a scholar in Hinduism and KC Gaur, a lecturer in Education.We often shared the same dining hall, the same food, the same joke and the same laughter. We often played together, watched movie and had innumerable interactions every day.The fear which I had carried for so long about certain organizations and certain individuals being 'killers' began to evaporate.The principal of the college, Dr Dhal, after having seen my performance, said: "Mr Azeem, you have a good future here".Within weeks, my perception about people coming from other communities changed. None of what I had feared all along ever nagged or troubled me. In fact, I began to feel more secure both physically and financially. I felt I had a rebirth.Soon, I was elevated to be a member of the management in allotment of flats to the teachers in the college. Next my family joined me, and I began to live happily.That was truly my first interaction with the majority community. For the first time, I realized how brotherly feeling they carried toward their fellow-workers. My religion never came in my way to ever obstruct communications with them. Surprisingly, it became an advantage to me. Being the only one from the minority community, I was shown much affection and care compared to others.For better financial opportunities, I travelled to Libya on leave from the college. I still miss the college, the campus and the people there. I wish I have that life back to me.Much of what creates 'fear' in individuals results from gap in communication between the two individuals and between the two communities.We should rely on our first-hand experience before coming to a conclusion about certain individuals or organizations. My impression to paint everyone as a 'killer' was absolutely wrong.Constitution, schmonstitution: Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin. Photo by Sue Ogrocki-Pool/Getty Images
When Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin was sworn into office, she promised in her oath to “offend the Constitution of the United States.” Many at the time assumed it was a blunder. But as it turns out, Gov. Fallin is true to her word.
In September, Fallin vowed to prohibit Oklahoma’s National Guard from providing benefits to married same-sex couples, directly violating a Pentagon directive and a presidential decree. Now, after a Pentagon pushback, Fallin has doubled down, cutting spousal benefits for the entire Oklahoma National Guard, including straight couples. The Republican governor, in other words, would rather deny every soldier benefits than grant a few gay ones the rights they have been federally guaranteed. Her painfully mangled logic:
Oklahoma law is clear. The state of Oklahoma does not recognize same-sex marriages, nor does it confer marriage benefits to same-sex couples. The decision reached today allows the National Guard to obey Oklahoma law without violating federal rules or policies. It protects the integrity of our state constitution and sends a message to the federal government that they cannot simply ignore our laws or the will of the people.
Not to harp on the point, but this notion is so deliriously erroneous, so undeniably and doltishly wrong, that I can’t quite believe Fallin believes it herself. The military’s policy of providing spousal benefits to same-sex couples is not a gentle suggestion. It is a federal mandate, prompted by the president himself, extending from the Pentagon to each (federally funded, federally supervised) National Guard base. It doesn’t matter whether the policy violates Oklahoma’s constitution: The Constitution of the United States declares in Article VI that “the laws of the United States … shall be the supreme law of the land,” regardless of “the constitution or laws of any state to the contrary.” By presidential decree, the laws of the United States now require spousal benefits for gay soldiers; following that order is a constitutional requirement. And the federal constitution is not something a state governor can simply toss aside when it doesn’t suit her viciously homophobic beliefs.
Fallin, however, isn’t alone in her crusade of unconstitutional bigotry. Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia have all resisted the new policy as well, citing similar (and similarly fatuous) concerns about their anti-gay state constitutions. I’m not sure what these states’ excuse is—aside from virulent, unpatriotic prejudice—but at least Oklahoma has a defense to fall back on. The state elected a governor who, on her very first day in office, swore “to offend” the United States constitution. We can fault Fallin for many things. But we certainly can’t accuse her of going back on her word.Each update makes World of Tanks more interesting and diverse but sometimes problems occur when updating the client. We want to remind you that the Customer Service Center is open to any game questions and issues that you may have. Qualified specialists are ready to provide support in any situation.
Below are the most frequently asked questions related to new versions and their answers:
Issues Related to Using Mods
Many players use World of Tanks mods. We would like to remind you that they are created by third-party developers and users and may not be associated with Wargaming. Therefore, you may encounter one or more of the following problems when launching the new version of World of Tanks with mods on: low FPS, hang-ups and crashes of the game client, absence of textures in Sniper Mode, etc.
In most cases, these problems are resolved by deleting the mods; sometimes you will have to reinstall the game client. More solutions and details on common issues related to mods are given here.
Please note: Wargaming accepts no responsibility for the operation of the modified game client. The only exceptions are WG Stream, WG Social, and WGTV sounds. All players that use these mods are recommended to follow the links to download and install the latest versions.
Performance - Low FPS
To get the best out of your hardware and achieve optimal game performance, it is very important to configure the game client correctly. Therefore, we recommend you to apply the Auto-Detection of Graphics Settings. Go to Menu > Settings > Graphics, click the Recommended button, wait until the settings are configured, and click Apply. The system will automatically select the most appropriate graphics quality based on the parameters of your computer.
In most cases, graphics issues can be solved by updating your video card driver. We also recommend that you watch the video below. It can help you to configure settings correctly based on your computer’s specifications.Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, has been in meetings with BMW for a collaboration on the development of a new all-electric car. Apple’s electric car project code-named, Titan, is rumored to use the BMW’s i3 as the basis for the new pure electric car. The project has been in the works for more than a year now as more than 100 employees have been dedicated to the effort, according to the Wall Street Journal report.
The BMW i3, which won the Green Car Journal’s 2015 Green Car of the Year award, would be a healthy platform for Apple to enter the still paltry pure electric car market. At a starting MSRP in the low $40K range, the downsized minivan is a luxurious alternative to the cheaper Nissan Leaf and quite the appealing compromise for those who can’t shell out the dough for a Tesla Model S.
It will be interesting to watch the price point of Project Titan. Will it cannibalize the BMW i3 market segment? Will it be priced aggressively to compete with the Tesla’s Model 3’s $30K range? If history has any bearing, Project Titan will carry with it the ubiquitous “Apple Tax,” and whether it is worth it or not will be argued forever just like the rest of its product line.
Stay tuned as more of this collaboration develops. In the meantime, what do you think Project Titan’s price point will be? And will it be worth it?Photo: Getty and Lionsgate
It would be easy to call this the year of Jennifer Lawrence if last year hadn’t already earned that distinction. Perhaps it’s just easier to say we’re in the age of Jennifer Lawrence — a multi-year period in which the young actress holds the entertainment journalism industrial complex in the palm of her hand. Loving Jennifer Lawrence is a four-quadrant thing right now, but what’s striking is how much of this month’s smash hit The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is devoted to warning viewers about trusting anything the media serves up as “genuine.” When Lionsgate won the bidding war for rights to “the next Twilight” back in 2009, they had no idea how much the plot of Catching Fire would be a case of art reflecting life.
Lawrence is currently experiencing an America’s Sweetheart status that seems to predate these cynical, media-savvy times. (Though Julia Roberts, a former holder of the title who is knowledgeable of what expectations it holds, took pains last week to distance Lawrence from the “America’s Sweetheart” curse, saying simply that the young actress was “too cool” for it.) With every stop on the Catching Fire press tour, she has wormed her way even deeper into the nation’s collective heart. Did you see her fumbling with and subsequently spilling breath mints in Madrid, resulting in a double-take that would make Buster Keaton envious? Or zetzing Jon Stewart because he hadn’t done any research for their interview? Surely you heard her discuss soiling herself with David Letterman? There’s a straightforwardness about her that seems lacking in almost every other star of her generation, or those adjacent. Can she really be this good? Are we witnessing genuine J.Law or is it just an act? And if so, does it even matter?
The onslaught of GIFs and listicles celebrating how much Lawrence is crushing the junket trail certainly springs from a real place on the part of fans, but the pervasiveness with which everyone has agreed to ask “isn’t she great?” is striking. She may indeed be a free spirit and an independent thinker, but her swift climb to the A-list is based on something very specific: She’s an extremely talented actor, not just a pretty face. And all actors are trained fakers when you get down to it. A modern megastar doesn’t stop working after a director calls cut, and it can become dicey when your personal brand is authenticity. However, if you can convince people that your on-the-carpet persona is, in fact, the real you — and if that “you” is anointed by a thousand eager Tumblr users ready to generate memes from each of your off-the-cuff remarks — that is real cultural capital that needs to be protected, and likely orchestrated.
Cynicism worthy of the best Jennifer Lawrence eye roll? Maybe so. Still, it’s interesting how perfectly the role of Katniss, and the way she slays the mighty infotainment beast, seems to fit Lawrence.
“You never get off this train,” warns Woody Harrelson’s veteran Hunger Games tribute Haymitch to Lawrence’s Katniss in Catching Fire. Even though he says this line as they are literally traveling on a train, he’s talking about something else. Katniss is waking up to the fact that becoming a public hero does not win her anything like a quiet, normal existence. Once her name was called (well, technically, her sister’s) her fate was sealed, and though she didn’t die in the arena, she is still condemned to a lifetime lived in the public eye — exemplified early on in the movie by the long-limbed arachnoid cameras that shoot Katniss “falling” into the arms of Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta, as well as the phoney prompts from Stanley Tucci’s preposterous emcee Caesar Flickerman, cinema’s most nihilistic barker since Gig Young’s “yowza yowza yowza!”–shouting character in They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?
Katniss’s innate survival skills and natural intelligence equip her with the stuff needed to navigate a grueling press junket. As a victor of the Hunger Games, Katniss has seen things and knows the face of desperate horror. If staying safe (and keeping her family secure) means putting on a show, she’ll give the people what they want. TV-ready graphics of Katniss and Peeta’s gleaming, healthy, upward profiles would fit nicely alongside images from Leni Riefenstahl’s Olympiad, and their manufactured love story narrative is reminiscent of Hollywood studio bosses forcing marriages on closeted stars.
Katniss is nimble enough to twist the indignity of Flickerman’s spotlight to her advantage and gain wealthy sympathizers. It’s those sponsors who kept her alive in the first film. Similarly, Jennifer Lawrence clearly hates the junket life because she’s smart, but she works it to her advantage because she isn’t stupid.
Take, for example, this interview from the usually on point Steve “Frosty” Weintraub of collider.com. He gives Lawrence and Hutcherson the cold oatmeal question “why is this franchise so popular?” and you can see Lawrence using all her powers to refrain from rolling her eyes. (She also dumps the question in Hutcherson’s lap — it’s pretty funny, you should watch her do it.) A true media rebel would have said, “Aw, hell no, come up with a real question, you’re better than that!” But she didn’t. Because you never get off this train.
In effect, Lawrence is giving the people what they want — by reminding us that what we want is bogus. And all it takes to do that is to be someone who colors just a tiny bit out of the lines. Her talking points are “no talking points.” She’ll interrupt a ludicrous red-carpet double-team from both MTV and VH-1 by talking about how much she wants to eat French fries. She’ll answer a question about “the process” by which she gets dressed by shrugging and saying she got dressed. Ultimately, she soldiers on, despite the knowledge that a backlash is waiting somewhere off in the distance, just out of sight: “I feel like I’m becoming way too much,” she said recently. “Everybody is very fickle. They like me now, but I’m going to get really annoying really fast. Just watch.”
Katniss and J.Law are a wonderful alignment of artist and repertoire. When she learns that she’ll once again be called back into the arena for the Quarter Quell, it looks as if Katniss is going to hightail it and run. Ultimately, despite her anger and frustration, she’s back in the training facility with her bow and arrow. Lawrence gives off the vibe of a woman annoyed by the endless repetition of a press tour, but she exploits it to perpetuate her status as a movie star that is nonetheless “real.” Will continued scrutiny ever show that this lack of act is, indeed, just an act? Is Lawrence Katniss-ing us? And if so, how much longer until people get tired of the show? There are two more Hunger Games movies to go.A 17-year-old motel occupant was injured after a gun accidentally went off Thursday, Winston-Salem police said.The incident was reported just before 1:30 p.m. at the Budget Inn at 600 Peters Creek Parkway near West Academy Street. His injury was considered non life-threatening.The teen was loading the gun when it accidentally discharged, police said. The gunfire then struck the teen.No one else is being sought in connection with the incident, police said.The investigation continues.
A 17-year-old motel occupant was injured after a gun accidentally went off Thursday, Winston-Salem police said.
The incident was reported just before 1:30 p.m. at the Budget Inn at 600 Peters Creek Parkway near West Academy Street. His injury was considered non life-threatening.
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The teen was loading the gun when it accidentally discharged, police said. The gunfire then struck the teen.
No one else is being sought in connection with the incident, police said.
The investigation continues.
AlertMeThe indie sci-fi film Blue World Order is set to takeover in January.
It
is the first feature from writer-directors Che Baker and Dallas Bland, and
stars Billy Zane (Titanic, The Phantom), Jake Ryan (Home and Away, The Great Gatsby) and Stephen Hunter (Peter Jackson's The Hobbit trilogy), Bruce Spence (Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, Matrix Revolutions), Jack Thompson (The Man from Snowy River, Around the Block) and newcomer Billie Rutherford.
The film won awards for Best Film at the Canberra International Film Festival and the LA Invasion Film Festival amid screenings around the world.
From Random Media,
Blue World Order will premiere nationwide January 16th on Cable and Digital VOD, including iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, inDemand, Dish and more.
It will also be available on DVD from all major retailers. Check out the synopsis and trailer below.
After a nuclear war decimated the Northern Hemisphere, the surviving population was infected with a deadly bacterium. In an attempt to rebuild civilization, a self-appointed government called The Order distributed an immunization to the bacteria, which inadvertently killed all the children. Only one man, Jake Slater, remained immune. The only child that survived is his daughter, Molly. Now, Jake scavenges the wasteland searching for a way to keep her alive, unaware that she is the key to the survival of humankind.What if two people call a color the same name but their eyes see different colors? Is it proven that that's not possible? Question Date: 2004-11-03 Answer 1:
Great question! What you've described is entirely possible! In fact, it happens all of the time. You're quite right that there are physiological differences in people's eyes. The cells in our retina, called photo receptors, are generally sensitive to what we call blue, green and red colors. It is actually more accurate to say that these photo receptors are generally sensitive to short, medium and long wavelengths because, as you suggest, what one person calls "red" may have different physical properties than what another person calls "red". The reason for this is that photoreceptors vary in the wavelengths at which they are most sensitive. For example, one person may have "red" photoreceptors, or "long-wavelength cones", that are most sensitive to wavelengths of light around 564 nanometers. Another person may have long-wavelength cones most sensitive at 568 nanometers. This may seem like it isn't much of a difference. However, this slight shift in photoreceptor peak sensitivity can make all the difference in the world when it comes to perceiving colors as "red" versus "orange", or other colors. So, as you say, different people may color the same name even though they are seeing different colors (i.e., perceiving light with different physical properties). And, people may perceive colors of the same physical properties and call them something different! That is, if you shined light with certain physical properties in my eye, then shined the same light in your eye, it's very likely that we would say they were different colors. That's because our photoreceptors are different. It could also be that you and I have learned to call the same thing by different names. Remember, the physical properties of light may be objective (measurable) but the names we give the light we see (e.g., "color") are entirely subjective. If your parents taught you to call apples "red" and my parents taught me to call apples "blue" then, when looking at the same apple, we would label them different color! Now, think about this: There are entire industries that try to reproduce color in ways that look good to us. Take, for example, television. When images of real objects (say, apples) are reproduced on television, the light that is used to make these images is artificial. Televisions, instead of using the full spectrum of light, use "phosphors" to produce visual images. These phosphors, generally called blue green and red "guns", are supposed to match the spectral sensitivities of our photoreceptors (cones). But, as you pointed out, people perceive things differently. How can we make televisions so that people perceive the images exactly the same way? In fact, is it even possible? If you really want to stretch your brain, check out the research by David Brainard
human vision
who studies human vision, machine vision and computational modeling of visual processing. He's worked on this stuff for a long time. But, watch out! This is tricky stuff!!! Answer 2:
This is actually very common. Many people see the same color differently. For example: my son is not blind to all colors, but he cannot distinguish them very well. He sees brown and green as the same, for example. We only found this out when, in second grade, he would get colors "wrong" on tests, and we took him to an eye doctor, who confirmed that he did not see colors like everyone else. But I also tested him with a rainbow of colors from sunlight passing through a crystal, and making a rainbow on the wall. He claimed he could "see" well into the infra red - beyond the end of the red end of the spectrum, well beyond where I could see. So, people actually do see in different ways. The "colors" are named as they are because that is what MOST people agree that they see. What we call colors are actually vibrations of an electromagnetic field at different frequencies that are detected by our eyes, and interpreted by our brains. The "scientific" definitions of colors are not the same as the"psychological" definitions. Eye doctors have tests for this, so people can find out if they "see" the same as the "standard." Answer 3:
Good question. It shows that you know the difference between the world and our perception of the world. Our perception is how we see the world and it is influenced by who we are and by our senses. We all learn to give specific names to specific colors when we are very young. But that doesn't guarantee that we see the same thing. Maybe I see a particular shade of gray when I look at a green object. I will learn to call that shade of green "gray" and may never know that it looks different to me than it looks to other people. If someone asks me if I can see green, I'll say "sure" because I think I'm seeing what everyone else sees when they look at a green object. That's why you need special tests to tell whether someone is colorblind. Check out the tests on this page:
color blind Notice that the circles are all different shades: some are light and some are dark. That is because even a person who can't see color can tell whether a shade is darker or lighter. What part of our eyes let us see color? Why are nocturnal animals usually colorblind? Answer 4:
The simple answer to this question is that everyone's eyes see the same colors, but we don't know if their brain's are interpreting that in the same way. To answer this we must first understand what colors are. When you see colors, the tissue of your eye is telling your brain that it has been hit by a certain kind of energy. This type of energy, which we call light, is actually a form of radiation. This radiation comes in many other forms that you have heard of: microwaves, radio, UV (ultraviolet), infrared. These are all made of the same thing: photons. Most people don't know this, but the difference between red light and green light is much like the difference between red light and microwaves or radio waves. Photons travel through the universe in a wave-shaped pattern, just like the waves on the beach. When you go to the beach, you see waves hitting the shore. The first thing you notice is how big the waves are. The second thing you notice is how often they crash on the shore. These two characteristics define whether the photons hitting you are radio waves (these are often large waves that don't crash very hard) or x-rays (tiny waves that come really fast). Colors are defined as photons which have a very specific "wavelength", which is a number describing how large and how fast the waves of photons are hitting the detector (your eye). If the wavelength is 700 the light is red, if it is 450 the light is blue. So we know for sure that the light that you call red and the light that I call red are defined by the wavelength of the energy hitting our eyes. So what does our brain do with this? Do I see red the same way that you do? The answer is not known. We do know that many men have a genetic difference which causes them to be colorblind. For many colorblind people, reds and greens seem like shades of grey. In other words, they can't distinguish dark red from dark grey. It may be that when you see red the color in your brain is more like the one that I call purple. This is hard to determine because it is based on how your brain works, and we know very little about how the brain works. But most people can see the full range of light wavelengths and see how they differ. Most people can't see x-rays or microwaves or radio waves because their eyes are not adapted to detect those kinds of radiation. Good luck!
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UCSB Terms of UseLegend: A wild bird flying into one’s house is a portent of ill luck, possibly even death.
Example: [Collected on the Internet, 2001]
Not normally a superstitious person but recent happenings at my father’s house have me worried. Have heard the superstition that a bird flying into the house portends death. But what about a bird that constantly crashes into a closed window in a vain attempt to force itself into the house? For several days in a row now, a robin has repeatedly thrashed it’s body against my father’s window and it will not stop! My father is very ill and about to undergo a risky surgery. Could this be an omen that his death is near?
Origins: Most superstitions came into being during a time when what made the world tick was far more of a mystery than it is now. Our ancestors were quick to assign subtexts to events as
one of the ways they tried to make sense of an existence that appeared frighteningly capricious and unpredictable. All manner of occurrences, both the mundane and the unusual, were subject to scrutiny and interpretation.
Everyday things, such as the way fires burned or candles sputtered, were studied for their portents. But it was to out-of-the-ordinary events that special attention was paid, because these were believed to foretell the greatest shifts of fortune. Unusual incidents were understood as urgent messages falling directly from the lips of the gods.
Strange behavior on the part of animals was cause for concern. A hen that took to crowing, for instance, heralded a death in the owner’s family, as did the sudden howling of otherwise placid dogs or the midday crowing of a rooster. Wild birds that tried to get inside houses (whether they succeeded or not) were also seen as presaging deaths. A bird that flew in through an open window, circled the room or landed on the back of someone’s chair, then flew back out was saying as clearly as an omen can that someone who lived in that dwelling was about to clutch the lily. Birds that hit glass windows were likewise trying to provide the same message, as did those who sat upon sills peering into rooms or tapping on the glass. Some placed no time limit on when the death was to take place; others said it would happen within the year.
Because of this superstition, some folks will not even keep a pet bird, not so much as a budgie or canary. And there are those whose aversion to indoor avians runs
so strong that they eschew pictures of our feathered friends, even representations of them on wallpaper. One of those persons was Lucille Ball, who dated her antipathy to birds to the 1915 death of her father when she was three years old — she recalled that a picture fell from the wall that fateful day, and a bird flew in the window to become trapped inside the house. Even as an adult, the comedienne would refuse to take lodgings in any hotel that displayed pictures of birds, either framed or incorporated into their wallpaper. She was no less particular about her home — in the 1950s she had Japanese silk print wallpaper that went for $90 a roll ripped out of the front hallway of her Beverly Hills home because only after the paper was up did it become apparent the shadowy images of birds were part of its pattern.
One of the older superstition books we consulted stated that interior decorators knew better than to suggest wallpaper with little birdies on it simply because this belief was then so widespread.
Not everyone holds the opinion that having birds fly into the house is bad news. Our cats, for instance, view such incursions as having their prayers answered.
Barbara “good fortune hunters” Mikkelson
Last updated: 2 January 2005
Sources:
de Lys, Claudia. A Treasury of American Superstitions.
New York: Philosophical Library, 1948.
Kanfer, Stefan. Ball of Fire.
New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2003. ISBN 0-375-41315-4 (pp. 12, 183).
Opie, Iona and Moira Tatem. A Dictionary of Superstitions.
Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989. ISBN 0-19-282-916-5.
Pickering, David. Dictionary of Superstitions.
London: Cassell, 1995. ISBN 0-304-345350.
Platt, Charles. Popular Superstitions.The massive attack that has infected PCs by tricking users into clicking links in fake messages from CNN.com shows little sign of ending soon, security researchers say.
According to MX Logic Inc., spam posing as CNN.com Top 10 lists peaked at close to 11 million messages per hour early Thursday, but remained at high volumes throughout the day Friday. The Colorado security vendor said it had been tracking an average of 8 million messages per hour since midnight.
MX Logic's vice president of information security, Sam Masiello, called the trend "a very slow, but steady decline" from the 11 a.m. Mountain Time peak the day before.
Masiello also said that the spam has changed since attacks were first launched on Tuesday. "We've also seen several morphs of this spam over the past couple of days," he said in an entry posted on the MX Logic blog Friday. Where the messages once trumpeted " CNN.com Daily Top 10" in the subject heading and linked to a single filename on malware-hosting sites, now the spam sports a subject reading "CNN Alerts: My Custom Alert" and uses a variety of filenames in the malicious URL.
"This is likely in response to all of the media attention and awareness that has been brought up over the past couple of days," Masiello speculated.
Also on Friday, Websense Inc. reported that its researchers |
start fretting again when we lose to Newcastle next Monday, only to change my mind 5 days later when we go up to Man City and stuff them on the Saturday!
For now though, until these muddy waters have cleared, I still fear relegation. So, starting with the relegation 6-pointer against Newcastle (a team who I seriously think could go down this season), let’s get right behind the team, lower those expectations, and Sing When We’re Losing!On Tuesday, three astronauts expected to be safely onboard the International Space Station, meeting their new crew mates and getting to work. That, though, is not the case.
One NASA astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts are still orbiting the Earth in a Russian Soyuz spacecraft nearly 24 hours after lifting off on what was expected to be a six-hour trip.
Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian Federal Space Agency, at bottom, NASA flight engineer Steve Swanson, and Russia's flight engineer Oleg Artemyev wave farewell before boarding the Soyuz rocket that lifted off on Tuesday. (Photo: NASA/Joel Kowsky)
A thruster failed to fire and move the spacecraft into position to dock with the International Space Station late Tuesday night, and Russian ground control decided to move to a backup rendezvous plan that entails 34 orbits around the Earth and an approximately 27-hour trip.
NASA reported that U.S. astronaut Steve Swanson and Soyuz Commander Alexander Skvortsov and Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev of the Russian Federal Space Agency are fine and awaiting their new docking time, set for 7:58 p.m. ET today.
Russian flight controllers are investigating the cause of the third thruster burn failure. Initial information suggests that the Soyuz was not at the correct orientation related to the space station, according to a NASA report.
The 34-orbit rendezvous plan is not new to the astronauts. Until last year, it took a spacecraft two days to dock with the space station.
In March 2013, a Soyuz spacecraft, carrying one astronaut and two cosmonauts, successfully docked with the space station in record-breaking time that was less than six hours. The faster trip used new rendezvous techniques that had been tested in three previous unpiloted Russian cargo spacecraft.
This is the first time that Russia and its Soyuz spacecraft have ferried a U.S. astronaut to the space station since a growing disagreement began between the U.S. and Russia over the latter's actions in Ukraine.
NASA said in a statement to Computerworld that the agency does not expect the current Russia-Ukraine situation to have an impact on its longstanding cooperative efforts on space exploration.
"NASA and the Russian Federal Space Agency continue to work together in the mutual pursuit of peaceful space exploration," NASA said.
This article, Astronauts still orbiting Earth after planned 6-hour trip to space station goes awry, was originally published at Computerworld.com.
Sharon Gaudin covers the Internet and Web 2.0, emerging technologies, and desktop and laptop chips for Computerworld. Follow Sharon on Twitter at @sgaudin, on Google+ or subscribe to Sharon's RSS feed. Her email address is [email protected].
See more by Sharon Gaudin on Computerworld.com.The number of executions in the United States continued to decline in 2014, with 35 people put to death, compared with a peak of 98 in 1999 and 39 last year.
There were 72 death sentences imposed this year, the lowest in 40 years and down seven from last year, according to a report released Thursday from the Death Penalty Information Center (DPIC) in Washington.
The decline in the use of the death penalty stems from a combination of factors, including a large drop in violent crime between the late 1980s and early 2000s and the fact that all states with the death penalty now offer the alternative of life in prison without parole.
But various aspects surrounding how the death penalty is imposed have also been troubling to some state leaders in recent years.
“Six states since 2007 have abolished it completely.... They said the death penalty risks innocent lives, the death penalty costs a lot, the death penalty is biased in some cases,” says Richard Dieter, DPIC’s executive director.
Executions in Ohio, Arizona, and Oklahoma generated strong reactions this year because of drawn-out lethal injections that some deemed to be cruel. Such states have resorted to using new lethal injection drug formulas because the traditional providers of the drugs have stopped supplying states.
A federal judge is hearing a challenge by death row inmates in Oklahoma who claim the lethal drug combinations violate the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
Dudley Sharp, a Texas-based pro-death-penalty expert and former political director of Justice for All, a criminal justice reform group, agrees the Oklahoma execution was botched, but says that based on his conversations with anesthesiologists, the executions in Arizona and Ohio should not be characterized the same way.
In April, Ohio officials said they would increase the dosage for future executions, although after a review of the execution in question, the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction said it was “confident that it conducted the execution in a humane, constitutional way and that the inmate was completely unconscious and felt no pain.”
A number of states executed inmates this year in cases that were controversial because of mental illness. Recently, a federal judge stayed the execution of Scott Panetti in Texas because of his long history of schizophrenia.
Public opinion on the death penalty is largely split. When asked whether the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole is the better approach for a murder conviction, 50 percent favored the death penalty, 45 percent favored life in prison, and 5 percent had no opinion, according to a Gallup poll in September. In 2001, 54 percent favored the death penalty and 42 percent favored life in prison.
The DPIC report notes:
Seven states executed at least one inmate in 2014, the fewest number of states in 25 years, though many more maintain death rows.
Sixty-six percent of those executed this year were members of minority groups. As of October, 57 percent of the 3,035 inmates on death rows were minorities.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that no executions would take place while he is governor, joining the governors of Oregon and Colorado in halting executions.
Seven death row inmates were exonerated this year, based on DPIC’s count. Three of them had been convicted in an Ohio case, and two of the defendants in that case were released from prison in November after 39 years. (Previously, the sentences for all three men in that case had been commuted to life imprisonment.)
Mr. Sharp says DPIC pursues an anti-death-penalty agenda by misleading the public to think of those on its list of exonerees as innocent, although the defendants proved innocent through DNA, for instance, are only a portion of those on the list.
On its website, DPIC does have an “Innocence List” but states that the criteria include being acquitted of charges that placed them on death row or having all such charges dismissed by the prosecution, in addition to being pardoned based on evidence of innocence.
The first two categories can include cases in which there were mistakes with evidence, witness problems, or other issues with the original trial that led a judge to later acquit or order a retrial. In some cases, prosecutors may have decided to dismiss charges rather than try a person again.
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“We’re not saying we know exactly what happened... but in our system they are as innocent as anyone else,” because people are presumed innocent if not proven guilty, Mr. Dieter says.
In 2011, the Florida Legislature’s Commission on Capital Cases examined 23 cases of people released from death row for convictions dating back to 1974. It found that 17 percent of the releases were based on doubts about guilt, 39 percent based on issues with evidence, 30 percent on issues with witnesses, and 17 percent on issues with court officials. As of 2006, 10 had been convicted of felonies committed after their release.Yesterday, the California Supreme Court dismissed the case of Pack v. City of Long Beach. The Pack case addresses the issue of whether local regulations governing medical marijuana production and distribution are preempted by the federal law Controlled Substances Act. The Supreme Court decision to dismiss this case means that localities can move forward enacting and implementing regulatory programs as they have been for many years.
The Court found that since Long Beach had since repealed the ordinance that was the focus of the lower court’s decision that the legal validity of the ordinance was moot and dismissed the case.
The original decision in the Pack case came from an appellate court in October of last year, which held that some medical marijuana dispensary regulations may be preempted by federal law. The case was appealed and a decision was made last January to vacate the lower court’s decision and review the ruling. The lower court’s decision in Pack concerned many localities in California that have enacted or wish to enact programs to regulate medical marijuana within their communities, some of which used it as a justification to ban dispensaries all together.
“The recent crackdown by the U.S. Attorneys in California has left medical marijuana businesses looking to state and local officials to carve a path of regulation in order to preserve safe access to medical marijuana in California. This decision allows them to move forward,” said Tamar Todd, senior staff attorney for the Drug Policy Alliance. “There is now no legal impediment for state and local government in California to move forward with responsible regulation for medical marijuana cultivation and distribution to patients. The question now is whether it is regulated or whether it operates on the margins.”
The Supreme Court is still poised to decide Riverside v. Inland Empire Patient’s Health and Wellness Center. The Riverside case addresses the issue of whether localities have a right under state law to ban all dispensaries.Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday announced a 10-year "mega development programme" for Balochistan to bring the province on a par with the others.
The premier had arrived in Quetta earlier in the day to review the law and order situation and ongoing development projects initiated under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He also held a high-level meeting at the Governor House in Quetta.
Under the newly-announced development project, all union councils in the province will receive electricity, water, gas, health and educational facilities, PM Abbasi told reporters. He added that the federal government would provide 50 per cent of the funds for the plan while the provincial government would finance the remaining half.
The premier also announced the installation of 11 liquefied natural gas plants in different parts of the province at the cost of Rs200 million.
He also addressed the lack of facilities available for Shia pilgrims visiting Iran via road, and promised that the government will ensure that all kinds of facilities are provided to travellers at the Pak-Iran border at Taftan.
When asked about 2018 general election, the prime minister assured that the polls would be held on time.
"The government tenure will end in June and election will be held after two months," he said.Jason Chaffetz Jason ChaffetzTop Utah paper knocks Chaffetz as he mulls run for governor: ‘His political career should be over’ Boehner working on memoir: report Former GOP lawmaker on death of 7-year-old migrant girl: Message should be ‘don't make this journey, it will kill you' MORE is the ultimate opportunist.
The departing Republican congressman from Utah recently announced he would not run for re-election. He even hinted that he might even leave the House of Representatives before his term was completed.
I doubt many who live in the District of Columbia will shed any tears or plead with him to reconsider.
He presently Chair's the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. This Committee has jurisdiction over the District.
He has used this position to exhibit many of the traits associated with a colonial overseer.
He delights in doing everything in his power to demean and belittle the 670,000 residents of the nation's capital.
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In 2009, Chaffetz actually testified against any voting rights for the District. Any scrap of local autonomy he has opposed and has gone so far to recommend DC join the neighboring state of Maryland.
A move which neither D.C. or Maryland seeks or desires.
During the Presidential campaign of 2016 he delighted in pursuing Hillary Clinton over anything and everything.
But when Donald Trump Donald John TrumpHouse committee believes it has evidence Trump requested putting ally in charge of Cohen probe: report Vietnamese airline takes steps to open flights to US on sidelines of Trump-Kim summit Manafort's attorneys say he should get less than 10 years in prison MORE became president, all of a sudden his investigative zeal immediately evaporated. His most recent charge against former National Security Advisor General Flynn seems to be a late attempt to refurbish his image and give him a patina of bipartisanship.
Chaffetz' entire political career is a textbook case of Nixonian morality.
After a brief stint as spokesman for Nu Skin International, he began his political climb.
He challenged incumbent moderate Republican Chris Cannon in Utah. Cannon was a decent guy. Cannon advocated a guest worker program for immigrants and pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants.
Chaffetz saw a juicy political opening. He came out for the immediate deportation of all illegal immigrants.
And that was not all.
He wanted "tent cities" constructed with barbed wire fences. Interesting proposal coming from a “compassionate conservative.”
Chaffetz beat Cannon in a primary and then came to Washington, D.C.
It has been said that Jesse Jackson and Chuck Schumer Charles (Chuck) Ellis SchumerBrennan fires back at'selfish' Trump over Harry Reid criticism Trump rips Harry Reid for 'failed career' after ex-Dem leader slams him in interview Harry Reid: 'I don't see anything' Trump is doing right MORE never met a TV camera that they didn't like. But both had a political philosophy.
Chaffetz' philosophy since arriving in Washington, D.C. has appeared unabashedly self serving. He seems consumed with saying outlandish things whether or not he truly believes them.
That is of secondary importance. The main overriding goal is to get on TV.
Chaffetz denied rumors that he was going to run against Sen. Orrin Hatch Orrin Grant HatchThe FDA crackdown on dietary supplements is inadequate Orrin Hatch Foundation seeking million in taxpayer money to fund new center in his honor Mitch McConnell has shown the nation his version of power grab MORE (R-Utah). He'll bide his time and run for Governor of Utah in 2020.
What motivates Chaffetz is not ideology or principle. No, it is just being seen and getting ahead.
Look, I am not naive. I fully realize that all politicians have this in their DNA.
But with Chaffetz it is so blatantly obvious and in my eyes crass that it surpasses almost anyone I can currently think of on the political landscape. (There is one exception in politics and I’ll let you guess who that might be).
George Washington Plunkitt, whom I'm fond of quoting, was the legendary boss of Tammany Hall. His famous quote was, "I saw my opportunities and I took 'em."
Chaffetz followed Plunkett with an ugly vengeance, but at a tremendous cost to political dialogue and public service.
Mark Plotkin is a contributor to the BBC on American politics and a columnist for The Georgetowner. Previously, he was the political analyst for WAMU-FM, Washington's NPR affiliate, where he co-hosted the "D.C. Politics Hour With Mark Plotkin." He later became the political analyst for WTOP-FM, Washington's all-news radio station, where he hosted "The Politics Hour With Mark Plotkin." He is a winner of the Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in writing.
The views expressed by contributors are their own and are not the views of The Hill.So much of the conversation in professional sports centers around the business as it does the game. How do you build your #brand? How do you expand your reach? How do you hit global superstar status?
Editor's Picks In India, NBA aims for the hoops that regular basketball has missed Kevin Durant is the biggest star to visit India but on the ground the game exists in two parallel worlds.
For Kevin Durant, his path was simple: He just did himself. "IM ME, I DO ME, AND I CHILL" -- it has been his Twitter bio since the day he signed up, and Durant has stuck to it. He came into the NBA as an 18-year-old ready to prove the world wrong about doubts over his strength and worked his way to the pinnacle with a league MVP with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2014 and a championship in his first season with the Golden State Warriors in 2017.
But along the way, Durant's star ascended -- not from a well-mapped PR plan, but from organic moments of him just being himself. Like showing up to play flag football with college kids during the lockout. Like answering questions at the podium after playoff games with a backpack on. Like his emotional MVP speech.
Kevin Durant already owned a league MVP trophy when he joined the Warriors, and he proceeded to add a Finals MVP trophy to his collection. Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Durant isn't some complicated enigma who is hard to parse. He's a kid from Seat Pleasant, Maryland, just outside Washington D.C., who loves to hoop. He's certainly evolved since he was drafted in 2007 and has growing passions and ambitions, but Durant has always been a straightforward player and a genuine person.
With the 2017 Finals MVP taking his star power to India this week to promote his sport, here are some lesser-known facts that provide insight into what makes Durant tick.
He is listed at 6-foot-9. He's more like 7 feet tall.
It's always been a bit of a weird inside joke with him to avoid saying his real height, but he finally came clean last year. "Since I love you guys so much, I was recorded at 6-10 and three-quarters with no shoes, so with my shoes on I'm 7 feet," Durant told KNBR last December. "I just like messing with people. They just ask me so much... yeah, I just like messing with people."
Photography is a major hobby of his.
He even snapped photos for The Players' Tribune at Super Bowl 50 in San Francisco.
When Durant, an avid photographer, takes a shot, it's not always with a basketball. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
He wears No. 35 for Charles Craig, a mentor and Durant's first basketball coach.
Craig -- whom Durant calls "Big Chucky" -- was murdered at the age of 35. Durant started wearing No. 35 at the University of Texas.
That shimmy before every free throw loosens him up.
Durant started doing it his rookie season in Seattle, mainly because he was nervous. He missed some free throws and was getting tight, so he told himself he needed to loosen up. He pulled the shimmy and started swishing them again. And it's stuck. Probably because he's an 88 percent career free throw shooter.
He has a lot of tattoos.
You just don't always see them. They were once labeled "business tattoos," as Durant avoided getting visible tattoos on his arms or neck, instead covering his stomach, back and now legs. He has huge tattoos of Rick James and Tupac on his legs, he has "Maryland" across his back, he's got the Washington Nationals logo, he has a small triangle on his wrist (for him, his manager/friend Charlie Bell and business partner Rich Kleiman) and he has a Bible verse on his back.
Another musician. Another tattoo.
Kevin Durant adds Rick James to his collection: https://t.co/5f3dcVFEak pic.twitter.com/KSoIdFpAco — ESPN (@espn) September 4, 2016
Speaking of the verse tattoo, it's James 1:2-4.
And originally it had a typo in it. It said "mautre" instead of "mature." It's fixed now.
He's a confessed buzzer-clutcher.
He's ditched the habit a bit since joining half-court-heave savant Stephen Curry, but Durant routinely will hold on to the ball and release it just a split second after the buzzer on long-distance, end-of-quarter shots. He's admitted to it back in 2013: "It depends on what I'm shooting from the field. First quarter, if I'm 4-for-4, I let it go. Third quarter, if I'm like 10-for-16 or 10-for-17, I might let it go. But if I'm like 8-for-19, I'm going to go ahead and dribble one more second and let that buzzer go off and then throw it up there. So it depends on how the game's going."
His MVP speech was mostly ad-libbed.
He had a plan, written basically on the back of a napkin. It consisted of getting his teammates onstage and talking about them. From there, though, he just sort of winged it. What resulted was an incredibly raw, emotional moment that resonated with people even outside of sports.
He went to three high schools.
Durant started at National Christian Academy in Fort Washington, Maryland, then spent a year at the famed Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, but concluded his high schooling at Montrose Christian School in Rockville, Maryland. The takeaway: Durant wasn't afraid to switch teams, even as a teenager.
He loves video games.
He claims to be an expert at "NBA 2K" and "FIFA" and honed his skills back in his early days in Oklahoma City, actually playing against neighborhood kids.
He likes to make music.
There's the mysterious track with LeBron James out there somewhere, but Durant has recorded a number of songs, including one called "Worried About Tomorrow" with rapper Privaledge.
Does Durant listen to the song he recorded with LeBron James while warming up? Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
He can bench-press 185 pounds now.
At the draft combine back in 2007, it was a really big deal that he couldn't. He can do it now, and then some.
He loves the Washington Redskins.
He routinely argues with friends and teammates about his favorite football team and supports the franchise through the bad... and the bad. He has -- or at least, had -- a pair of Redskins socks he'd wear often after games, so much that they had holes in them.
He's a bit of a penny-pincher.
He doesn't buy a lot of new clothes. He doesn't have a ton of cars. And even back in 2010, he went on Twitter and asked for someone to let him use their ESPN Insider login information.
Anybody got a espn insider username n password that I can use? — Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) April 6, 2010
He's a complete basketball junkie.
Early in his career with the Thunder, staffers literally had to kick Durant out of the practice facility and lock the door behind him so he'd go home and get some rest. He has pulled off some of that obsessive behavior in recent years, expanding his horizons with other hobbies, but at his core, Durant can't get enough of the roundball.
He has a bulldog named Zo.
The pup was introduced to the world via Facebook in 2014.
He loves riding bicycles.
When Durant was in the Hamptons last summer, he went on a bike ride to clear his head and gather his thoughts the morning before he announced his free-agency decision.
He used to drive a van.
It was decked out and customized with lots of bells and whistles (such as Texas Longhorn hubcaps), but it was just a black GMC van.
He pays attention to the media.
Durant can't resist watching First Take. He loves to read articles and follow rumors and news. He's not just obsessed with playing basketball; he's obsessed with the NBA in general.
He pays attention to social media.
Durant has been known to mix it up every now and then with fans and friends on Twitter., but he has admitted one of his biggest flaws is blocking out some of the noise. He claims to not let it bother him, but Durant couldn't keep away from peeking at critical comments on his Instagram so much that he deleted his accounts last year -- both of them, private and public.
He doesn't like any of his nicknames.
There has been a bit of an obsession at coming up with a suitable nickname for Durant for a number of years. The Slim Reaper? Durantula? He doesn't care for those. He once said he liked "The Servant" but was really mostly joking. When it comes down to nicknames, Durant's preference is pretty simple: "I just like KD."
He was teammates with Michael Beasley, Ty Lawson and Greivis Vasquez in high school.
But his favorite teammate ever? Royal Ivey, a former player and current assistant with the Thunder (although Durant also has said Kendrick Perkins is his favorite teammate ever).
Kevin Durant was asked today at his camp who his favorite teammate ever is. Answer: Current OKC Blue assistant Royal Ivey. — Royce Young (@royceyoung) August 8, 2015
He grew up wanting to be a weatherman.
An interest in meteorology was certainly a fit in Tornado Alley. The fascination has always stuck with Durant, though, and his apparel line has included "weatherman" design schemes of his shoe, based on Doppler radar imagery, and other gear that says "Trust the Weatherman" (which was also the handle of his defunct private Instagram).
He says his all-time favorite movie is "Twister."
See previous item.
He wants to be a music producer when he retires.
Or at least that's what he said a few years ago. As things go with Durant, his interests change often, and sometimes quickly.
He says he can't palm a basketball.
To be specific, he says he can't palm an NBA ball (they're a lot slicker than college or high school ones). "No, I can't," he said in 2014. "It's nothing I can control. I don't know what else to say."LYNN MORENO Lynn Fullerton Moreno, 76, a retired cashier for Clark County Social Services, passed away Oct. 3, 2012. She was born Feb. 16, 1936, in St. George, Utah, and was a 62-year resident of Nevada. She was a proud fifth generation member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and currently a member of the Parkdale Ward. She was married to Tony Moreno of Las Vegas for 50 years. She held many callings in the LDS church and loved attending the temple. Her favorite calling was in compassionate services as she was an excellent example of service and love. She loved to crochet and would donate hats and blankets to local prenatal units and shelters. Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Keith Fullerton and Donna Shakespeare Fullerton; and just three weeks ago, her sister, Carole Graff of St. George. Lynn is survived by her brother, Tom Ratliff of Dayton, Nev. She was mother to Rick Moreno, Julie Weaver, Mike Moreno and Joe Moreno, all of Las Vegas. Lynn has six beautiful grandchildren; and three even more beautiful great-grandchildren. View will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, at Bunkers Mortuary, 925 Las Vegas Blvd. N. View again 9:30-10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, at the LDS Gateway Chapel, 4040 E. Wyoming, followed by her funeral at 11 a.m. at that location. Burial will be in the St. George City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Lynn would wish you to vote Republican in the upcoming presidential election.
Read MoreAKRON, Ohio -- Akron police are searching for a man wanted for endangering his three children and locking his ex-wife in a basement and attempting to sexually assault her, authorities said.
Dontrell Johnson, 34, of East Canton, is charged in an arrest warrant with abduction, child endangerment, kidnapping and domestic violence charges, Akron police said.
Johnson picked up his 28-year-old ex-wife and their three children -- ages 4, 7 and 8-- from a park in the East Canton area and brought them to a home in the 300 block of Talbot Avenue in Akron on Wednesday, police said.
The woman was locked in a basement, where Johnson ripped off her clothes and attempted to sexually assault her, police said. She was let out of the basement the next day to speak with friends on the telephone, but she was not allowed to leave, authorities said.
Johnson also punched the 7-year-old in the face when he asked for something to eat, police said.
Anyone with information regarding the location of Johnson should call Akron Police Department's Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490; the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-866-4-WANTED; or the Summit County Crimestoppers Inc. at 330-434-COPS.
To comment on this story, please visit Monday's crime and courts comments page."But I want wolves!"
"We can't afford them."
Welcome to the sort of heated debate that happens behind the scenes in game development. The difference here is that this isn't a budget meeting between a tight-fisted publisher and an ambitious development studio, but a conversation between me and my 8-year-old daughter as we sit on the sofa playing with Microsoft's game making tool, Project Spark.
We've made a rather delightful island. We've sculpted some impressive hills, and painted it all in appealing grass textures. Trees have been carefully placed, and we've followed the tutorial that told us how to create our hero character - actually a heroine, because there's no way my daughter is going to play as a boy - and make them move, jump and attack.
Our heated debate occurs when it's time to add some enemies to our world. She wants wolves. And the game has wolves. We just can't use them, because we've not unlocked them. And to unlock them right away, we need to spend money.
This is where Project Spark's egalitarian "everyone can make games" mission statement collides with Microsoft's "let's keep making money" ethos. The world isn't short of tools that will help you make games, but this is the first one I've seen that borrows the structure and style of a free-to-play game. The combination is problematic. Especially when it leads to wolf-based disagreements among the team.
You can whip up an acceptable game world in a matter of minutes, or spend hours obsessing over every tiny detail.
It's a pity, because Project Spark is a genuinely powerful tool and one that is, more or less, fairly intuitive to use. Unlike LittleBigPlanet or Disney Infinity, which are games first and foremost with creation tools built in, Project Spark is the other way around. This is game design software which offers a few sample games to get you started.
You can start by jumping into an interactive tutorial, which walks you through the steps to make a simple 3D action adventure. Sculpting and painting terrain is especially easy, and my kids spend a lot of time just making places. The results are instantly polished and cool to look at. Creating characters is even easier - you just pull them out of your props inventory and place them in the world.
Making characters, enemies and items interact with each other is less easy, but the process has been made as simple as possible by using a system that Microsoft calls Kode. This is based around a foolproof series of WHEN...DO statements, constructed from a plethora of tiles. WHEN the left stick is moved DO move the player character. WHEN the player touches this flag DO end the game. That sort of thing. Getting a rudimentary game up and running in this way is dead easy, leaving you to concentrate on the fun stuff.
There are other ways to create as well. If you skip the tutorial, you can go straight into Create mode where Project Spark can either leave you to your own devices, or make a game based on what you want. Desert world or forest? Third-person brawler or first-person adventure? There are loads of presets that allow you to make something in just a few minutes, even if you're not actually doing much of the hands-on making yourself.
Alternatively, you can jump in and play some games. The free download comes with an adventure called Crossroads, in which you get to make various light design decisions as you play: choosing the terrain, what objects appear in the world as you play, what the enemies will be and so on. You can also sample the games being made by other users. It doesn't matter whether you're playing user content or Project Spark's own creations, you can edit and remix everything whenever you want, via the pause menu.
It's enormously empowering. Until you run into a paywall.
Kode makes it simple to create basic gameplay rules, but it's also very flexible once you start playing around with its deeper options.
As with our wolf deadlock (still unresolved, by the way) few things bring creativity to a crushing halt faster than being told you don't have something, and Project Spark isn't backwards in coming forwards with things you can't use, but could if you'd just buy some lovely Spark Tokens.
The Starter Pack, for example, will set you back £31.99 and adds a host of science fiction themed props, textures and characters to the game, to go with the fantasy set that comes with the free download. That's still not a lot to play with, particularly where characters are concerned, and the result is that even the user creations that are most ingenious at a code level all feel very generic on the outside. If future content packs are going to be priced at a similar level, you're looking at a lot of investment just to have a decent selection of assets with which to make your game stand out.
Now, to be fair, you can unlock content without paying using credits earned for completing challenges, both in Project Spark's built-in games and in the creation suite itself. Like a true F2P title, though, the balance is heavily tipped towards the paid option unless you enjoy grinding. And the very notion that grinding should be part of a software package designed to free your imagination and encourage you to create things is downright bizarre.
Lest we get too bogged down in the whole "Eurgh, F2P" swamp yet again, Project Spark does have a few other problems outside of its financial model. Not least, the fact that it's not finished yet. The included tutorials will only take you so far, and if you want to create something outside of the ordinary, like a puzzle game, you'll need to work it out for yourself, or fall back on the community which is already posting FAQs and the like on the official website.
Of all things, Project Spark reminds me most of XNA and the Xbox Live Indie Games channel. It's full of potential, and in theory thoroughly deserving of praise, but in practice there's a sense that Microsoft isn't entirely sure where to take it, or if it's willing to commit to following through on that potential. The fact that it's left beta with only the first few stepping stones in place suggests a timidity that is discouraging for aspiring creators, and the decision to parcel up the toybox with intrusive micropayments is baffling in the extreme.
Kids will be delighted to make a game that looks like this, but with only a few looks to play with it soon loses its charm.
Younger kids will enjoy the ease with which they can create good looking but simple 3D action games, but will soon chafe against the creative limitations imposed by the free-to-play model. Older kids, and those hoping to actually learn something about making real games, will have the tools they need to be more adventurous - but in a form that is only ever going to be of limited use.
I can't help feeling that, for all its accessibility, if you're having to resort to YouTube and forums to find out how to make stuff, you might as well put that effort into learning how to use a less restrictive tool. Tools such as GameMaker or Stencyl, which Project Spark resembles in its clip-together code, or with a little more effort you could get to grips with Unity, which seems more daunting but is surprisingly similar in form and function once you get past the imposing UI.
At least with that sort of package - many of which are available in free versions for homebrewers - you can import your own graphics and sounds, and export your games to open platforms like PC and mobile, where you could actually share them with the world, rather than being stuck in the rather tiny walled garden of fellow Spark users. Even the top rated downloads have barely topped 10,000 downloads, with most barely scraping past the 1000 mark.
The frustrating thing is that, at its core, Project Spark could be amazing. Maybe it will be, one day, when all the tutorials are in place and you've purchased all the content. You've got nothing to lose from trying the free version, of course, but it's really up to Microsoft to make a more compelling case for its long term appeal.Koei Tecmo announced during the "Neo Romance Halloween Party 2015" event on Sunday that it will release its La Corda d'Oro 4 PlayStation Vita dating simulation game in Japan on February 25, 2016.
The game's official website previously streamed a teaser promotional video for the game in July.
Text: Are you going to end it here?
Narrator: A summer where you clashed with your own music, and aimed for the top with your friends.
Narrator: A story after that summer!
Narrator: It's a cold season, so the distance between you will get closer.
Narrator: Group the members freely, and open the Silvester Concert with the best ensemble!
Narrator and Text: La Corda D'oro 4, out in 2016.
Narrator: Accepting design proposals for fall and winter clothes! The official website will open on July 27.
KOEI Tecmo Games unveiled the game along with the video during the "Neo Romance Festa: La Corda d'Oro Featuring Jinnan High School Op. 2" event in July. The game will continue the story from the previous La Corda d'Oro 3 game, and will feature same cast and characters:
Jun Fukuyama as Kyōya Kisaragi
Katsuyuki Konishi as Ritsu Kisaragi
Yuya Uchida as Daichi Sakaki
Kaori Mizuhashi as Haruto Mizushima
Kentarou Itou as Yukihiro Yagisawa
Masakazu Morita as Shiro Hozumi
Daisuke Kishio as Arata Mizushima
Kishô |
in a second, also-deleted tweet: “Yes, @twitter. My words were harsh. I don’t wish harm on anyone. I wish there’s some way #BetsyDevos would understand and care about others.”
He then doubled down a second time, writing: “Twitter trolls are now due process experts! Priceless. #TitleIX.”
This tweet also disappeared.
On Wednesday, Ranco extensively apologized for the offending tweet and the subsequents tweet defending the first one, reports Campus Reform.
“I made comments directed at you that were absolutely inexcusable, and I am sorry for that,” a humbled and subdued Ranco said. “I may disagree with your policies, but please know that I don’t believe anyone should ever be subjected to a sexual assault.”
“I tweeted something mean and crass and completely insensitive to all victims of sexual assault,” Ranco also tweeted on Wednesday, noting the thick irony that has resulted because he believes “we need to better protect people.”
Another Ranco tweet said: “I certainly don’t deserve your forgiveness for what I said. I know I would have a hard time forgiving someone who directed something like that at a member of my own family.”
Ranco resigned from his faculty position at Austin Community College this week.
School officials had already distanced themselves from the offensive tweets.
“The college does not condone these comments and their sentiment,” an Austin Community College representative told Campus Reform earlier this week.
“The college never condones sexual assault under any circumstance,” school officials also said.
Ranco, who is primarily an attorney, also resigned from his legal job at The Carlson Law Firm earlier this week after speaking with the firm’s founder, Craig Carlson.
“I wasn’t going to make a rash decision about a member of this family just to appease people on social media,” Carlson told Austin Fox affiliate KTBC. “That said, I considered the health of everyone in our organization, promised my partners and my employees that we would act according to the values of our firm and sat down to speak with Mr. Ranco.” (RELATED: Professor Resigns Law Firm Job After Tweeting ‘I’d Be Ok If’ DeVos Was ‘Sexually Assaulted’)
The Carlson Law Firm specializes in a number of practice areas including personal injury, medical malpractice, bankruptcy and nursing home injury.
Ranco’s ill-advised Twitter rampage came after DeVos announced last week that the Department of Education will stop pressuring colleges to trample on the due process rights of students accused of rape or other sexual assault.
A new policy — which is still in the works — will focus on giving people accused of serious crimes due process and fair treatment in disciplinary hearings.
“The rights of one person can never be paramount to the rights of another,” DeVos said in a speech on the issue last week, noting that parties in sexual misconduct cases often could not appeal decisions and stating that it is “no wonder” these institutions are called “kangaroo courts.” (RELATED: Secretary DeVos Slams ‘Shameful’ Obama-Era Campus Sexual Assault Policy)
Follow Eric on Twitter. Like Eric on Facebook. Send story tips to [email protected] the last decade, Caps fans have gotten to know Alex Ovechkin and watched him become one of the greatest goal scorers of all-time. Along the way, we’ve also been exposed to Ovi’s style of communication. There’s always lots of ha ha‘s and exclamation points. And parentheses.
Parenthesis use on social media grew out of Russia as an alternative to smilies. It’s similar to the use of terms like LOL, ROFL, and LIRL— just coded in a simpler way.
Have you seen those Discovery documentaries about elephant language? This is pretty much it.
Though there are no strict rules in parenthesis use, I have noticed certain patterns in the way people utilize them in Russia.
Generally, ) means something you’d say with a little smile on your face. Basically, it’s an expression of friendliness or pleasure more than anything and in my experience, is present almost after each message between close friends, unless discussing serious matters.
I found myself using )) as a reaction to an unfunny joke or a bad pun (think Adam Vingan). Something that you have to chuckle not to offend another person, but, well, try harder next time.
))) is a legitimate alternative to LOL. It’s also every bit as phony and washed up as LOL. If somebody sends you a message with a ))), make no mistake, they’re not laughing.
Now )))) is where it gets serious. I, for one, like to use it as an insurance policy to make sure my words are not taken seriously under any circumstance. It’s like saying, if you don’t believe it was said for fun, here’s your extra ). Case closed, no offense taken. Very good for jokes that may offend your overly sensitive friend.
More )s means that person is laughing. If it’s a response to your joke, you should be proud of yourself. George Costanza would’ve left the room in your place. It may also be accompanied by hahahahaha or ahahahahah. The number of ha’s is a subject for another study.
Ovi suffers from severe ) overuse. Let’s take a closer look.
)))маленький ОВИ!smalllllll ovi))) Фото опубликовано Alexander Ovechkin (@aleksandrovechkinofficial) Сен 16 2014 в 11:38 PDT
)))маленький ОВИ!smalllllll ovi)))
) used correctly. Alex is not laughing, but the picture is pretty funny. Please notice the consistence of ) use in Russian and English versions of a post. Alex knows what he’s trying to say.
It’s time to fishing!!!время порыбачить!)) Видео опубликовано Alexander Ovechkin (@aleksandrovechkinofficial) Сен 24 2014 в 3:48 PDT
It’s time to fishing!!!время порыбачить!))
) used incorrectly. Fishing probably deserves one ), but more is pushing it. It’s a smile, not a chuckle.
Evgeny Kuznetsov is clearly more careful with his )s preferring emojis instead, but certain tendencies are still visible.
Ковбой сегодня отдыхает))))кто не понял смотрите последнее фото @a0gr8 Фото опубликовано Evgeny Kuznetsov (@kuzy092) Окт 24 2014 в 7:15 PDT
Cowboy is resting today))) Who doesn’t get it see last photo by @a0gr8
) used correctly. Ovi and Kuzya had a lot of fun together last year. All )s are warranted, and maybe even more.
Полетели на родину!!! Варя Дима и я)))) pic.twitter.com/BDmuFTXbiJ — Evgeny Kuznetsov (@Kuzya92) June 1, 2015
Homeland bound!!! Varya, Dima, and me)))
) used incorrectly. Nobody is laughing on this picture. It doesn’t look like something funny is happening (really, there are few things more boring than a lengthy flight), so one ) to describe pleasure of being with friends would probably be enough.
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PinterestDozens of Jewish settlers surrounded an IDF patrol vehicle on Wednesday evening near the Shilo settlement, setting up roadblocks and physically assaulting IDF soldiers.
The incident began after rumors circulated that the Gal Yosef illegal outpost is about to be evacuated. At approximately 9 P.M. the settlers erected roadblocks and blocked the entrance to the outpost with their cars.
Masked right-wing activists in the West Bank AP
An IDF patrol vehicle that arrived on the scene was blocked by settlers. The soldiers tried to turn back, but were stopped by more roadblocks.
The vehicle was then surrounded by a few dozen youth from nearby settlements. When the soldiers asked them to let the vehicle pass, one of the soldiers was punched in the face, prompting a violent clash between the two sides. Soldiers who were called to the scene were able to detain one of the attackers, but he managed to escape.
A senior IDF commander said that "the army sees this incident as crossing a red line, and the settlers who were involved in violence against the soldiers will be arrested soon by the police."
Officers serving in the West Bank have reported recently that tensions between security forces and settlers are on the rise. According to one senior office, "the security forces spend more time dealing with incidents involving Israeli citizens than confronting Palestinian terrorism."
The Gush Shilo area has recently become one of the main friction points between Israeli security forces and settlers. Over the past few weeks, settlers have been attacking Palestinian farmers' property in the nearby village of Qusra, almost on a daily basis. On Thursday morning, villagers discovered some 200 olive and fig trees were uprooted or damaged throughout the night.
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According to a recent Shin Bet security service report, right-wing extremists no longer appear to need a "trigger" to take action, while the targets of the violence are also widening - military vehicles at an IDF base near Ramallah have been vandalized, and threatening graffiti was sprayed onto the apartment door of a left-wing activist. Attacks on Arabs and their property are carried out when the opportunity arises, the Shin Bet officials add.
The Shin Bet also warned that the delegitimization campaign that extreme right-wing activists are conducting against civil servants could end in serious violence.Ms Felicia Neo and Mr Melvin Huang swiped right on each other's profile on Tinder in May last year.
Seven months later, they were not only dating, but they also felt committed enough to apply for a Build-To-Order HDB flat together.
For Ms Neo, a 26-year-old business analyst, and Mr Huang, a 28-year-old engineer, it was love at first online chat and deeper love at first sight.
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She had just come out of a seven- year relationship and was giving mobile dating a shot.
Most of her friends were women and she wanted to expand her social circle.
Even though our first impressions were based on looks, it was personality that mattered in the end.
MS FELICIA NEO, who met her boyfriend Melvin Huang through the dating app Tinder
He, meanwhile, had never been in a serious relationship and was using Tinder to help find "the one".
He says: "I'm an outgoing person, but I didn't want to keep meeting people in bars and clubs - those relationships very rarely turn out to be for the long term.
"Similar to Felicia's experience, we both felt that the people we met on Tinder were, in fact, quite serious about commitment."
After chatting for four days on the app last year, they decided to meet in real life.
Ms Neo says: "We were clicking well when chatting and seemed to have many similar values.
"Even though our first impressions were based on looks, it was personality that mattered in the end."
Now, the foodies spend date nights looking for new cafes to try and enjoy taking photographs together.
They recently travelled to Taiwan and Japan together on holiday and hope to get hitched in the next three years.
Neither has any regrets about how their relationship has come about.
Ms Neo lets on: "My mother and girlfriends were initially a little creeped out by the idea of me meeting strangers off an app.
"But now that they've seen how great it can be, even my friends have been more encouraged to try the app."
It is a sentiment her beau agrees with.
He says: "Our parents support us and our relatives have been curious about how Tinder can help successfully match people.
"It's definitely an indication that the stigma of using dating apps is gone."Allison Joyce via Getty Images Solar panels in Yarat village, Ladakh. The cold desert of Ladakh has been known as the roof of the world and reportedly a region with huge potential in tapping the solar energy with its vast patches of barren land surrounded by mountains.
India plays an important role in Al Gore's new movie, An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power. The film looks at India to highlight the challenges developing nations face as they seek to move away from conventional, polluting coal energy toward clean but less established sources of renewable energy. Much of the movie was filmed in 2015, when India was portrayed in the Western media as being a holdout in the Paris climate negotiations.
Spoiler alert: India, the world's 4th largest carbon emitter (after China, the US and the EU), does indeed sign on to the Paris treaty. And what's more, India is on track today to meet and even exceed the ambitious climate goals set at Paris. In the scant two years since the film wrapped, India has made tremendous progress, shifting away from coal and toward renewables, fuelled by aggressive goal-setting and supportive government policies. What's crucial now is developing the financial infrastructure to fund small-scale projects and newer technologies to ensure that clean, renewable power reaches India's rural areas.
India has added 9GW of solar power in just the past two years—the equivalent of 4.5 Hoover Dams—for a total of 12GW of total solar power capacity.
The overall growth of renewable energy in India has been remarkable. India has added 9 gigawatts (GW) of solar power in just the past two years—the equivalent of 4.5 Hoover Dams—for a total of 12GW of total solar power capacity. Solar capacity has increased 370% in the past three years. According to an analysis by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), another 37GW will be added by 2020. India commissioned 3.6GW of wind power in 2016 and doubled that in the first quarter of 2017 alone.
This boom in clean energy has led to a slowdown in the growth of coal. Several Indian states have recently scrapped plans to build new coal-fired power plants and announced the cancelation of coal mining projects. BNEF projects that by 2040, coal will no longer play a dominant role in India's power system.
Much of India's projected clean energy growth is expected to come from large-scale projects such as solar parks. But India also needs to ramp up small scale energy development, such as rooftop solar, in order to reach some 300 million people who are not connected or are underserved by the power grid.
Many small towns and villages only get electricity for a few hours a day, if at all. People rely on wood, coal or gas for lighting and cooking. This creates carbon emissions as well as unhealthy smoke at home—pollution that particularly affects women and children.
With all the drama in the US, it's easy to forget that most countries are still moving forward on climate, honoring their commitments at Paris...
The government has set a goal of installing 40GW of rooftop solar and electrifying 18,000 villages by 2022. But right now these types of small-scale, off-grid projects don't have the same access to capital that big projects like solar parks do. This needs to be remedied. The ability to warehouse and bundle small projects together would make it easier for banks to service loans and create a scale that's more attractive to private and international investors. A dedicated green investment fund with ring-fenced, patient capital and clean energy expertise could provide this and other solutions to help finance underserved projects such as rural solar energy development, as well as newer technologies like electric vehicles and solar batteries, where financiers have less experience lending.
With all the drama in the United States, it's easy to forget that most countries are still moving forward on climate, honoring their commitments at Paris and even, like India, on track to exceed their climate goals. NRDC is working with partners in India to help remove barriers to clean energy financing so that India can continue to cut carbon pollution while providing energy to everyone who needs it.Abstract
Should we expect most habitable planets to share the Earth's marbled appearance? For a planetary surface to boast extensive areas of both land and water, a delicate balance must be struck between the volume of water it retains and the capacity of its perturbations. These two quantities may show substantial variability across the full spectrum of water-bearing worlds. This would suggest that, barring strong feedback effects, most surfaces are heavily dominated by either water or land. Why is the Earth so finely poised? To address this question, we construct a simple model for the selection bias that would arise within an ensemble of surface conditions. Based on the Earth's ocean coverage of 71 per cent, we find substantial evidence (Bayes factor K ≃ 6) supporting the hypothesis that anthropic selection effects are at work. Furthermore, due to the Earth's proximity to the waterworld limit, this model predicts that most habitable planets are dominated by oceans spanning over 90 per cent of their surface area (95 per cent credible interval). This scenario, in which the Earth has a much greater land area than most habitable planets, is consistent with results from numerical simulations and could help explain the apparently low-mass transition in the mass–radius relation.
1 INTRODUCTION
The methane seas of Titan are the only exposed bodies of liquid known to exist beyond our planet. They differ markedly from the Earth's oceans not only in terms of chemistry but also in their modest expanse. As a result, Titan is a world whose surface remains heavily dominated by dry land. Remarkably, Dermott & Sagan (1995) were able to deduce this fundamental feature long before detailed surface observations became available. They argued against the presence of extended oceans on the basis that Titan's orbit would have been circularized by the dissipative motions of their tides. This left only one viable hypothesis: a surface where the liquid was confined to sparse, disconnected pockets. In due course, Cassini's radar was able to construct a high-resolution map of the surface by piercing the haze of Saturn's largest moon. These observations vindicated the theoretical predictions in spectacular fashion (Stofan et al. 2007). The liquid hydrocarbons on Titan appear to account for little more than 1 per cent of the total surface area.
We are currently faced with the even more daunting task of characterizing the surfaces of habitable exoplanets. But one subtlety that appears to have been overlooked is that the prediction of Dermott & Sagan (1995) could have been made even without the orbital data. On a purely statistical basis, and in the absence of correlations, one expects the division of liquid and solid surface areas to be highly asymmetric. This is because the volume of liquid need not match the capacity of perturbations in the solid. The two quantities often differ by several orders of magnitude. If it is the liquid that dominates, the solid surface becomes completely immersed. Enceladus and Europa offer exemplary cases of this phenomenon. Beneath each of their icy crusts, a single ocean completely envelops a solid core (Kivelson et al. 2000; Waite et al. 2009). If, on the other hand, the liquid's volume is subdominant, it settles into small disconnected regions, as was found to be the case on the surface of Titan.
Does this trend of asymmetric surface partitions extend to habitable exoplanets? And if so, why do we observe the Earth's water and land areas to be so finely balanced, differing in extent by only a factor of 2? These are the core questions we shall aim to address in this work.
Simulations of terrestrial planet formation provide us with the first clues for solving these puzzles. Raymond, Quinn & Lunine (2007) explored the viability of delivering water to habitable planets from icy planetesimals that originate beyond the snow line. The chaotic nature of this process ensures habitable planets garner a broad spectrum of water compositions. This variety reinforces our expectation that their surfaces tend to be dominated by either solid or liquid. However, not all water will reside on a planet's surface. Some will remain locked in the mantle, while a further portion will be lost through the upper atmosphere. Indeed a number of processes can influence the depths of the oceans (Schubert & Reymer 1985; McGovern & Schubert 1989; Kasting & Holm 1992; Holm 1996; Abbot, Cowan & Ciesla 2012; Cowan & Abbot 2014). If sufficiently strong feedback mechanisms are at work, it may be possible to ensure that the depths of oceans match the amplitude of perturbations in the crust. In that case, we ought to expect many habitable planets to resemble the Earth's division of land and sea. However it remains unclear if any are strong enough to correct for variations in water volume of more than one order of magnitude. Alternatively, habitable planets display a broad distribution of surface conditions, and for the case of the Earth, we just ‘got lucky’ (Cowan & Abbot 2014). But, given that trillions of dice have been rolled, do we require any luck at all? Perhaps the dice were weighted in favour of a balanced surface.
The earliest applications of anthropic selection were of a binary nature, in that they addressed the question of whether a particular set of conditions forbade our existence (Carter 1974; Carter & McCrea 1983; Barrow 1986; Weinberg 1987). Later, more refined studies invoked Bayesian statistics to deliver quantitative assessments of how our cosmic environment may be biased by our existence (Efstathiou 1995; Garriga, Linde & Vilenkin 2004; Tegmark et al. 2006; Peacock 2007; Simpson 2016b; Simpson 2016c). Until recently, the application of Bayesian anthropic reasoning was restricted to the cosmological realm. The hypothetical ensemble of cosmic conditions has a number of theoretical motivations, yet any experimental evidence lies tantalisingly beyond our grasp. No such limitations exist for the ensemble of habitable planets. Simpson (2016c) used a simple population model to argue that our planet is likely to be towards the large end of the spectrum,1 inferring the radius R of a given planet with intelligent life to be R < 1.2R ⊕ (95 per cent confidence bound). Empirical analyses by Rogers (2015) and Chen & Kipping (2017) appear to support these findings, with the latter study concluding that the Terran–Neptunian divide occurs at approximately 1.2R ⊕. Whether it is the multiverse, extraterrestrial life or even the longevity of our species (Gott 1993; Simpson 2016a), putting this predictive framework to the test is rarely practical. Yet the characterization of habitable exoplanets provides a remarkable opportunity to do just that.
In this work, we turn our attention to the selection effect involving a planet's ocean coverage. Our understanding of the development of life may be far from complete, but it is not so dire that we cannot drastically improve on the implicit approximation that all habitable planets have an equal chance of hosting intelligent life. Should we consider planets with different land–ocean divides to have an equal chance of producing an intelligent species such as Homo Sapiens? Few would doubt whether the Earth's surface configuration is better suited to supporting a diverse biosphere than Tatooine. It is this small piece of knowledge that can be exploited to update our prior belief for the surface conditions among the ensemble of habitable planets.
In Section 2, we explore the fine-tuning problem associated with the Earth's oceans, and review two approaches for tackling the problem: feedback processes and observational selection effects. In Section 3, we quantify the relative probability of observing a host planet based on its habitable area. The model we use for the ensemble of surface conditions is defined in Section 4. Our main results are presented in Section 5, before concluding with a discussion in Section 6.
2 THE OCEANIC FINE-TUNING PROBLEM
2.1 Basin saturation
w to the capacity of the basin V b, \begin{equation} S\equiv \frac{V_\mathrm{w}}{V_\mathrm{b}} \,. \end{equation} (1) b to be the volume of liquid required to cover half of the solid surface. ⊕ ≃ 4. One could generalize this expression beyond water to encompass any liquid. For example, Titan's lakes have an estimated volume of around 9000 km3 corresponding to a basin saturation value of approximately 10−4. To facilitate a comparison of surface conditions across the gamut of habitable worlds, it is instructive to introduce the basin saturationS. This dimensionless quantity is defined as the ratio of the surface water volume Vto the capacity of the basin VHere, we shall take the basin capacity Vto be the volume of liquid required to cover half of the solid surface. 2 By construction, a subsaturated world (S < 1) will have a surface dominated by land, while a supersaturated world (S > 1) will be mostly covered by water. The Earth's saturation value is S≃ 4. One could generalize this expression beyond water to encompass any liquid. For example, Titan's lakes have an estimated volume of around 9000 kmcorresponding to a basin saturation value of approximately 10
Throughout this work, we shall use the term habitable planet to refer to those worlds that possess a permanent body of surface water, such that S > 0. The full ensemble of habitable planets will span a distribution that we shall denote p(S). Unless p(S) has both a mean close to unity (μ S ∼ 1) and a small standard deviation (σ S ≲ 1), most planets will have imbalanced surfaces dominated by either land or ocean. The oceanic fine-tuning problem may therefore be stated as follows: why should we find ourselves on a planet with a saturation value S of the order unity, as opposed to S ≫ 1 or S ≪ 1?
There are three viable hypotheses:
|$\mathcal {H}_0$|: luck. The distribution of saturation values p(S) is not localized at S ∼ 1, yet by chance we arrived at the point S ⊕ ∼ 1.
|$\mathcal {H}_1$|: selection. The distribution of saturation values p(S) is not localized at S ∼ 1, but land-based observers such as humans inhabit an inherently biased sample of habitable planets, such that the conditional distribution p(S|H) is localized close to S ∼ 1. This scenario is explored in Section 2.2.
|$\mathcal {H}_2$|: feedback. The distribution p(S) is localized close to S ∼ 1 due to feedback mechanisms. This hypothesis is discussed in Section 2.3.
Why might the terrestrial value, S ⊕, be prone to selection bias? Consider the relationship between the basin saturation value S and the fractional oceanic area f w. This relationship is illustrated by the solid line in the left-hand panel of Fig. 1 for the case of a Gaussian elevation profile. The dot–dashed and dashed lines utilize the elevation profiles of the Earth and Mars, respectively. Meanwhile, the shaded region (S > 10) denotes the regime in which over 99.7 per cent (3σ) of a Gaussian surface is immersed. This fraction will change slightly for different elevation profiles, but only the most contrived shapes would retain a substantial land mass. (For example, if we tried to carve out more room for the Earth's oceans, by excavating two-thirds of the continental land mass and replacing it with water, this would raise our basin saturation value from 4 to 6.) The Earth's saturation value, as represented by a vertical dashed line, sits close to the threshold at which planets transition to waterworlds. Is it just a coincidence that we are located close to a critical point, beyond which our existence would not have been possible? Coincidences often arouse our suspicion, but this is an intuitive response, one that is difficult to quantify. Fortunately, Bayesian statistics offer a means to analyse and quantify the source of this distrust (see e.g. MacKay 2003).
Figure 1. View largeDownload slide The oceanic fine-tuning problem. Left: the ocean coverage as a function of the surface water volume, normalized in terms of the capacity of surface perturbations. The solid line describes any solid surface with a Gaussian hypsometry. This will serve as our model for the statistical average across all habitable worlds. The dot–dashed line depicts the effect of adopting the shape of the Earth's elevation profile (Eakins & Sharman 2012), while the dotted line (barely distinguishable) corrects for the isostatic depression of the seabed. The thick dashed line shows the response for the elevation profile of Mars. The thin vertical dashed line demonstrates that the Earth's value of S ⊕ ≃ 4 is precariously close to the waterworld limit. Right: three different models of the habitable land area expressed as a fraction of the total surface area. The dotted, dashed and solid lines correspond to values of |$\alpha = \frac{1}{5}, 1, 5,$| respectively, and the habitable area is defined by equation (7). These curves are generated using a Gaussian hypsometry, as depicted in the left-hand panel.
Figure 1. View largeDownload slide The oceanic fine-tuning problem. Left: the ocean coverage as a function of the surface water volume, normalized in terms of the capacity of surface perturbations. The solid line describes any solid surface with a Gaussian hypsometry. This will serve as our model for the statistical average across all habitable worlds. The dot–dashed line depicts the effect of adopting the shape of the Earth's elevation profile (Eakins & Sharman 2012), while the dotted line (barely distinguishable) corrects for the isostatic depression of the seabed. The thick dashed line shows the response for the elevation profile of Mars. The thin vertical dashed line demonstrates that the Earth's value of S ⊕ ≃ 4 is precariously close to the waterworld limit. Right: three different models of the habitable land area expressed as a fraction of the total surface area. The dotted, dashed and solid lines correspond to values of |$\alpha = \frac{1}{5}, 1, 5,$| respectively, and the habitable area is defined by equation (7). These curves are generated using a Gaussian hypsometry, as depicted in the left-hand panel.
\begin{equation} S= \frac{ \int _{-\infty }^z \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} \textrm{erf}(x) \mathrm{d}x }{ \int _{-\infty }^{0} \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} \textrm{erf}(x) \mathrm{d}x }\, = {\rm e}^{-z^2} + z \sqrt{\pi } \textrm{erf}(z), \end{equation} (2) |$z \equiv \sqrt{2} \textrm{erf}^{-1}\!{\left(1 - 2 f_w\right)}$|. Here, |$\textrm{erf}$| denotes the error function, while the parameter z represents the sea level's displacement from the median elevation. Note that for any Gaussian elevation profile, the expression ( 1 ) for the basin saturation has the generic solution where. Here,denotes the error function, while the parameter z represents the sea level's displacement from the median elevation.
Both V w and V b, and therefore S, will exhibit some time dependence over geological time-scales. To draw a fair comparison across different planets, we must therefore specify a fixed reference point. Here, we shall concern ourselves with their values at an age of 4 Gyr, the approximate time required for the emergence of land-based and intelligent life on Earth. Therefore, Mars, for example, would be considered to have S = 0, despite its possible early period of habitability. Note that by imposing this age restriction, we effectively exclude planets hosted by higher mass stars, M ≳ 1.4M ⊙. By this time, these stars will have evolved off the main sequence, posing a serious challenge for habitability (Ramirez & Kaltenegger 2016). Planets within lower mass M-dwarf systems are included, unless the emergence of complex life has been compromised by their heightened stellar activity.
With this definition, we expect to find a bimodal distribution for S. Those planets that lose water on a time-scale much less than 4 Gyr will be deemed uninhabitable, S = 0, while those capable of retaining water shall form a broader distribution p(S).
2.2 The luck of natural selection
As is evident from Fig. 1, the Earth appears precariously close to the waterworld limit. This marks the transition to a regime where the existence of our species would no longer be viable. Such proximity to a critical limit is exactly what one expects to find, under one condition: the bulk of the probability distribution lies beyond the critical point. In other words, if we cannot exist on a waterworld, yet most habitable planets are waterworlds, then we should expect to live on a planet close to the waterworld limit. This is the same line of reasoning used by Weinberg (1987) to predict the value of the cosmological constant.
Given how closely the cosmic argument parallels our planetary one, it is worth revisiting the logical steps followed by Weinberg (1987). There may be an ensemble of cosmic conditions, and this ensemble defines a probability distribution for the cosmological constant, p(Λ). Values of the cosmological constant greater than some critical value Λ c ∼ 10−120 prohibit the formation of galaxies. If most values of the cosmological constant are too large to permit life, then the selection effect associated with our existence will truncate most of the probability distribution p(Λ), such that p(Λ > Λ c ) = 0. Despite the very large uncertainty in the functional form of p(Λ), a single sample ought to lie close to the point of truncation, provided the tail of the distribution is smooth and featureless. It was this statistical insight that led Weinberg to conclude that the value of the cosmological constant in our Universe is within an order of magnitude of the critical value required to obstruct galaxy formation. Empirical verification arrived little more than a decade later (Riess et al. 1998; Perlmutter et al. 1999).
Returning to the case of planetary oceans, we are faced with a somewhat analogous situation. In place of Λ, we now consider the influence of a planet's ocean coverage. Given that our existence would not have been tenable on waterworlds, this imposes an upper bound given by S c ≃ 10. In that case, the selection effect truncates the full p(S) distribution, such that p(S > S c ) = 0. If the bulk of habitable planets lie beyond the threshold – i.e. they are waterworlds – then, we should fully expect to find that our home planet lies in the range of 1 < S ⊕ < 10. Conversely, if the bulk of habitable planets fall below the threshold, such that waterworlds are outnumbered, then we have no immediate expectation that our planet should lie in close proximity to the threshold.
There is an important difference between the cosmological and planetary inferences. For the case of the cosmological constant, the hypothetical ensemble was used to predict the local value. For the case of planetary oceans, the information passes in the opposite direction: it is our local value that is being used to predict the nature of the ensemble. That is the core concept that underlies this work.
For a further example on the importance of selection effects, we turn to biology. Early civilizations assumed a creator was responsible for all of the highly complex designs exhibited by living creatures. These designs, it turned out, could be explained by a mechanism of natural selection (Matthew 1831; Darwin 1872). This went on to become one of the most famous and widely accepted results in science.
Evolution determined which genes we call our own, but what determined which planet we call home? If one wishes to avoid invoking a creator, then one must accept that a higher tier of natural selection took place – on a truly cosmic scale. Unlike the animal kingdom, where genetic material undergoes sequential generations, planetary selection is a shotgun approach. Only a single ‘generation’ exists. But the planetary population is vast, with their broad ensemble of characteristics mimicking the range of genetic mutations. The end result is highly analogous. Our genes, and our planet, are those that have proven to be highly successful at producing life. In biology, we cannot see those genetic mutations that are associated with sterility. In the same way, no individual in the universe evolved on a planet whose characteristics are associated with sterility. From this deep selection process grows the appearance of design.
The apparent fine-tuning of the Earth's orbit – that it is neither too close to the Sun for its oceans to boil, nor too remote for them to freeze – is readily attributed to the importance of liquid water in the development and sustenance of life. Could the Earth's ocean coverage be a further example of illusory design? The land–ocean divide is likely to have a major impact on the probability of forming an intelligent land-based species such as our own. Planets with only small areas of exposed land will have a much more limited range of land-based species, and this prospect vanishes altogether in the case of total ocean domination. Conversely, consider a planet identical to the Earth, except it has only sufficient surface water to fill the Mariana Trench. It is still technically classified as habitable, but would it be as likely as the Earth to produce a species such as ourselves? There would only be a tiny area of habitable land, while the remainder is arid desert.
Establishing a selection process based on land-based species does not discount the plausibility of water-based observers. There may be a number of water-based and land-based observers, but a priori it is extremely unlikely that these two numbers are a similar order of magnitude. And since we find ourselves to be land-based observers, it is highly probable that we are vastly more numerous than any water-based counterparts.
2.3 Feedback mechanisms
If most habitable planets possess an approximately even divide between land and oceans, despite a variety of initial conditions at the time of |
of traditional status and luxury, featured a popular ad during the 2014 Winter Olympics in which a middle-aged actor sitting by the pool monologues:
Why do we work so hard? For this? For stuff? Other countries, they work, they stroll home, they stop by the café, they take August off. Off! Why aren’t you like that? Why aren’t we like that? Because we are crazy-driven hard-working believers, that’s why!
That “crazy” American work ethic has led to accomplishments from the Wright Brothers to the moon landing, the voice continues—before the actor gets into his Cadillac and turns to the camera, saying, “As for all the stuff, that’s the upside of only taking two weeks off in August, n'est-ce pas?”
(In another study, Keinan and her colleagues found Italian respondents equated working more hours with lower, not higher, social status, implying that obsession with busyness is a distinctly American phenomenon.)
In another experiment that should be of interest to brand managers, the researchers confirmed the potential power of a “sell busyness” strategy. Five hundred participants were asked to rate the status of consumers who used products associated with a busy lifestyle.
First, they showed participants a description about a consumer named Matthew who shopped at either an upscale grocery store or instead used grocery-delivery service Peapod. Though Whole Foods was perceived as more of a luxury brand, the participants rated the status of the Peapod shopper equal to the Whole Foods shopper, and both were rated above Trader Joe’s.
“Whole Foods may be the more luxurious experience, but Peapod signals your time is so valuable you can’t afford to waste it,” says Keinan.
In another study, a woman wearing a Bluetooth headset was rated higher than one wearing headphones, while both were rated the same in how nice, honest, and attractive they were.
“This leisure-less lifestyle is so aspirational, any products or services that are associated with it become status symbols,” Keinan says.
Interestingly, this glorification of busyness and productivity is also affecting how consumers spend their limited leisure time, Keinan believes. “We are so obsessed with productivity and efficiency, we tend to keep ourselves busy even when we are on vacation, We make bucket lists and collect experiences, even when we are supposed to be at rest.”
A wrong message?
While marketers can certainly strike a chord by appealing to our obsession with busyness and productivity, that doesn’t mean they should.
Keinan cites her own 2008 study that found that while people often felt guilty about taking time off for fun in the short term, in the long run they are more likely to regret missing out on indulging in leisure activities.
“It’s the old adage that nobody on their death bed ever said they wished they spent more time in the office,” Keinan says. “If marketers can help consumers devote more time to things that are really important—like spending time with friends and family—without feeling guilty, that would be a real success.”(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document,'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); Follow @DavidMLombardi!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,'script', 'twitter-wjs');Both USC and Stanford have undergone offensive shifts since their last meeting. The Trojans' transformation, which has featured an implementation of Steve Sarkisian's uptempo offense, has certainly been more drastic. But the Cardinal's shift is no joke either: With no more 220-pound bell cow at the running back position, Stanford must use to Saturday to prove that it can still control the ball and keep an opposing high-octane offense on the sideline.Power hasn't left the Cardinal's arsenal, but repeatedly running in between the tackles all day will no longer be enough for this team to win its biggest games. While smaller, Stanford's backs are quicker and shiftier than their past counterparts. The offensive line they're running behind is also still jelling. Meanwhile, a different pronounced physical strength has emerged: The team's receiving corps is bigger, stronger, and deeper than ever.Therein lies a golden Stanford potentialadvantage against USC, and Mike Bloomgren must tailor the Cardinal's game plan to capitalize on his roster's new strengths. He must orchestrate a well-balanced attack that effectively mixes tried-and-true power with creative perimeter running that utilizes Stanford's wide receivers, their biggest match-up edge."We want to be physical [with our wide receivers' blocking]," David Shaw told me Wednesday. "We don't want to give cornerbacks a free pass. We want to be talked about as one of the best blocking units in America." Devon Cajuste weighs 228 pounds. A beefed-up Ty Montgomery checks in at 225. The importance of both in Stanford's passing game is obvious, but their muscle in space without the ball can also prove truly devastating. Since USC is missing Josh Shaw, its only 200-pound cornerback, Cajuste and Montgomery will have the opportunity to lock helmets with the likes of Chris Hawkins (5-11, 185), Kevin Seymour (6-0, 185), and true freshman Adoree' Jackson (5-11, 185). Those are relatively young players who are 40 pounds lighter than Shaw's aforementioned receivers.If Stanford can dominate this match-up, USC may be forced to commit studly strong safety Su'a Cravens (6-1, 225) closer to the line of scrimmage, and that has the potential to open things up downfield for Kevin Hogan's re-tooled passing attack.
Remember 2013 Midseason Adjustments: Set the Edges on the Perimeter
In many ways, this next objective is the defensive inverse of the first one. Sarkisian has implemented the same offense that he tormented Stanford with while coaching Washington last year. Remember that the Huskies torched the Cardinal to the tune of 489 yards in 2013. Much of that success was based on a perimeter swing passing emphasis that USC also featured plentifully in their 52-13 week one romp over Fresno State. Quarterback Cody Kessler quickly delivered the ball to a sprinting athlete in the flat. Meanwhile, a Trojan receiver would eat a defensive back (or two) alive, and the ballcarrier would enjoy daylight.Stanford recovered from its Washington and Utah struggles last season by re-emphasizing physicality on the perimeter and overpowering wide receiver blocks on the edges. By the time UCLA rolled into town last year, Cardinal defensive backs Alex Carter and Wayne Lyons -- possibly the most physical in the Pac-12 -- were suffocating the outside. It's absolutely critical that Stanford continues to win this battle on the perimeter, because USC's stable of athletic weapons will light the stadium on fire if their blockers create space.There's a reason why Zach Hoffpauir's stock is rising: He's extremely physical. Stanford will play him at free safety in its base defense and at nickel back on passing downs. Lance Anderson wants Hoffpauir's rugged play on the field in this one because he believes the Cardinal's nastiness in the secondary can bruise USC's sleek speed.USC running back Javorius Allen ('Buck') says that he wants to emulate former Washington stud Bishop Sankey in Sarkisian's new-look offense, and that would be bad news for Stanford for one simple reason: Allen averaged only 1.6 yards per carry against the Cardinal last year, while Sankey racked up 125 yards in his visit to The Farm.Washington saw rushing success against Stanford for a multitude of reasons. For one, the Cardinal were beaten up on the defensive line ( Henry Anderson was out, David Parry was laboring through a lower abdominal issue, and Ben Gardner hurt his arm). Reason two: Since Stanford's defensive backs struggled to set hard edges (discussed in the key above), the Cardinal's bruised defense was stretched thin against the interior, and the Huskies marched up and down the field behind Sankey and play-action in the second half.By the time the Cardinal held Allen to 26 yards on 16 carries at USC later that season, they had solved their perimeter edge-setting issues and become healthier along the defensive line. Given that success, and because Henry Anderson and David Parry are again at 100 percent, Stanford feels that it's in position to stonewall a Sarkisian-led rushing attack this time around.This objective is reliant on the previous one. The only effective way for USC to mitigate Stanford's ferocious pass rush is to successfully run the ball. If the Trojans are unable to do that (or unable to establish an effective perimeter swing passing game, which can serve as an alternative to the standard run when it comes to neutralizing pass rushes), then the Cardinal can focus their attention on storming into the backfield to corral Kessler.That's where USC's offense would become particularly vulnerable. This potential weakness was discussed at length in Wednesday's State of Stanford piece, but it must be reiterated here: The Trojans are starting three new offensive linemen this year, and the two guys on the right side weigh over 350 pounds (right guard Damien Mama is 370)."They play a little bit high and I think we can find holes in their game the more we watch film," Stanford defensive end Henry Anderson said. "If you're 370, I don't know if you'll be able to move laterally as well as some smaller guys. If we work edges on the big guys, I think we'll be able to do damage there."If Anderson's unit gets the point where it can focus solely on a pass rush, the USC uptempo attack that put up gaudy numbers against Fresno State will come crashing down to Earth. Never forget what happened to Matt Barkley the last time the Trojans came into Stanford Stadium and were unable to establish a running game: No. 7 became a rag doll for 60 minutes.Stanford out-rushed USC 210-23 last year... and lost. A simple reason: The Cardinal scored only 10 points on four trips to the red zone. The Trojans ranked No. 1 nationally in red zone defense last year, and they saw early success again versus Fresno State. Stanford must fare better in this match-up this time around. Success depends on playcalling quality, Hogan's maturation, and the reintroduction of the tight end position.Special teams were ultimately the deciding factor in both of our primary 2013 data points. Despite the fact that Sarkisian's Washington team outplayed Stanford offensively and defensively, a pair of sensational Montgomery kick returns pushed the Cardinal to victory. And despite the fact that the Cardinal out-gained and severely out-rushed USC in November, the Trojans' block of Conrad Ukropina's 30-yard field goal attempt and Andre Heidari's subsequent game-winning boot provided the final 20-17 difference.Efficiency numbers -- and Christian McCaffrey's emergence -- say that Stanford has the better special teams unit, but remember that USC blocked six kicks in 2013, good for fourth in the country. Last year's results against the Trojans and Washington suggest that the special teams phase of the game will be imperative for Stanford on Saturday. 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CUSSETA, Ala. (WIAT) -- An Alabama automotive parts supplier for Hyundai and Kia and two staffing agencies are facing a collective $2.5 million in fines after the horrifying death of a young woman.
The U.S. Department of Labor Wednesday announced that Ajin USA, Alliance Total Solutions and Joynus Staffing Corp. were cited for 27 safety violations after 20-year-old bride-to-be Regina Elsea was crushed to death inside a robotic machine at the Ajin facility in Cusseta, Alabama.
According to the Department of Labor, Elsea and three of her co-workers entered a robotic station on June 18, 2016 to clear a sensor fault when the robot abruptly restarted, crushing her inside. She died two weeks before her wedding day.
According to CBS affiliate WRBL, several people tried to work on it, but when Elsea tried, the machine started on its own and pinned her between two welding tips on a robotic arm. The robotic arm pushed her from the rear into the other machine she was standing in front of.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated after her death, and as a result issued "citations for 23 willful, serious and other-than-serious violations, including 19 egregious instance-by-instance willful violations, to Joon LLC, doing business as Ajin USA of Cusseta. OSHA also cited two staffing agencies – Alliance HR Inc., doing business as Alliance Total Solutions LLC and Joynus Staffing Corp. – for two serious safety violations each. Collectively, the three companies face $2,565,621 in penalties for the federal safety and health violations."
OSHA says they issued willful citations to Ajin USA for:
Failing to utilize energy control procedures to prevent machinery from starting up during maintenance and servicing.
Exposing workers to caught-in, struck-by and crushing hazards by allowing them to enter a robotic cell without shutting down and securing hazardous stored energy according to safety procedures.
Failing to provide safety locks to isolate hazardous energy.
Exposing employees to crushing and amputation hazards due to improper machine guarding.
Assistant secretary of labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels says Elsea's death was preventable. The Department of Labor says Michaels in 2015 went to Korea to meet with Kia and Hyundai to warn them about hazardous conditions at suppliers' factories.
"This senseless tragedy could have been prevented if Regina Elsea's employers had followed proper safety precautions," said Michaels. "In addition, it is unfortunate that Hyundai and Kia, who set strict specifications on the parts they purchase from their suppliers, appear to be less concerned with the safety of the workers who manufacture those parts."
Her mother says her employers have no idea what they have taken from those who loved her most.
"They have no idea what they took from me and my family. My world will never be the same again--she is my baby, my world, my everything," she said.
OSHA says when Elsea wasn't a temporary worker at the Cusseta facility, she was busy making final plans for her wedding and looking forward to her life with her husband-to-be.
"She loved everyone, was always smiling. No matter what life threw her way, she kept myself and her sister straight. She always made us laugh, never went a day without calling me. She was beautiful inside and out," her mom said.
She told us Regina loved animals more than anything and was excited to get married.
"She was just starting her life; she had finally met the man she was going to marry," her mom recalled.
According to the Department of Labor, the companies have 15 days to to contest the citations.The support for Charlie Adam from what I’ve followed suggests that it is split. This is part one of a two part series. Certain supporters believe he has been great, while others believe he hasn’t. It’s a tough call to say which group is right. A lot of how a player performs depends on the formation employed by the team and his role within that formation.
For much of the season so far, Liverpool has implemented a straight forward 4-4-2; a formation that is rather out dated. The two central midfielders within this formation have to be very versatile and basically box-to-box midfielders; the kind that can attack, defend and control the game.
The following table highlights certain statistics from the first 7 Premier League games for Liverpool.
Defending:
Total Ground 50-50s 75 Dribbled Past 8 Ground 50-50 Win % 53% Loss of Possession 7 Mins/Ground 50-50 7.27 Mins/LOP 78 Aerial 50-50 Win % 75% Total Tackles 11 Tackle Success % 100% Mins/Tackle 50 Interceptions 6
In Liverpool’s typical 4-4-2 formation, it is safe to say that defensive duties of the central midfielders are about as important as the attacking ones. As such, a comparison to Liverpool’s defensive ‘master’ Lucas makes the most sense.
Charlie gets into fewer 50-50s and loses out more than Lucas does. Lucas’ stats stand at 104 50-50s with a success of 63%. However, what is noteworthy is that both players win in 50-50s more often than not. If anyone has followed the games though, you’d notice Charlie does tend to be on the back foot when defending and often comes in late for 50-50s. His aerial 50-50s are completed at a great success %. While Lucas does get into more aerial situations, his 50% completion is well below Adam’s 75%.
The tackle statistic is what highlights the difference between Charlie Adam and Lucas in terms of defending. When Liverpool is out of possession, it is up to the players to tackle and regain possession. While Charlie Adam has a 100% tackle success rate, the numbers of tackles are close to 75% lower than what Lucas has committed to. (11 tackles compared to 45) Whether or not tackles are successful or not, the attempt alone has the ability to break up the flow of play for the opposing team. In that respect, Charlie is a little shy in the tackle and the stats suggest his ability to win the ball back is low. Lucas has committed 45 tackles with a 73.3% success rate which is absolutely brilliant. He is a menace on the pitch and has the ability to break up play very well. The final statistic which further proves Adam’s laid back attitude towards defending is that he only manages a tackle every 50 minutes. (Less than 2 tackles/game on average) Lucas manages a tackle every 14 minutes in comparison.
Yet another statistic that highlights Adam’s off-the-ball movement is the fact that he has only managed 6 interceptions. Lucas has managed 16. Both players have dribbled past players 8 times in defence. Adam has lost possession 7 times while Lucas has only lost it twice.
So it should go without saying that Lucas fairs far better than Charlie Adam defensively. Adam is very laid back off the ball and his movement when out of possession isn’t great either. This could be due to his positioning sense. His ability to hold on to ball when in possession in defence isn’t great either. He loses possession at least once a game in defence while Lucas loses it once every 314 minutes.
As far as defending goes, the 4-4-2 isn’t our best formation. Prior to his sending off against Tottenham, Liverpool were still on the back foot. Tottenham’s midfield ran rings around the Liverpool players. Adam’s positional sense, lack of defensive qualities, lack of time and space eventually led to late challenges that saw him go off. As it stands then, if I were the manager, Adam wouldn’t be an ideal candidate to fit into a central role within the 4-4-2 formation. The only other option would be to change the formation to better use his abilities.
The following heat maps indicate how Charlie Adam spends his time on the pitch.
The following will give an idea of how Lucas spends his time in comparison.
So what do these suggest? The most glaring fact is that Charlie Adam moves forward more while Lucas sits back more. I believe this is one of Liverpool’s issues. Playing a 4-4-2 requires two very dynamic midfielders. Liverpool is bound to have issues at the back if Lucas is the only midfielder tracking back and trying to cover the back line. The team has more issues if only of the dynamic duo are creating chances and moving forward. (We will look into this in the second part).
What is clear from the graphs is that Lucas covers a good amount of the midfield’s defending duties. As such, he doesn’t move forward as much as Charlie Adam does. Charlie spends a good portion of his time in the opposing half, while Lucas does not.
Final Words:
There is no doubt in the fact that Lucas is the better defensive player between the two. Charlie Adam doesn’t track back as much, doesn’t break up play as much, is a little laid back when out of possession and isn’t the most composed in defence either.
In part 2, I will look at his passing and attacking statistics to help figure out whether he pulls his weight within our 4-4-2 formation.
Stay Tuned and do comment and share.CTV Vancouver
Saanich Mayor Richard Atwell has been asked to step down as chair of the district’s police board after leveling bombshell allegations against law enforcement.
Atwell held a press conference this week suggesting police may have leaked details about a reported altercation he had with a supporter’s fiancé, and questioning how many times he’d been pulled over by Mounties since launching his mayoral bid.
On Thursday, the Saanich Police Board said Atwell’s conduct put members in “an untenable position,” and that it had asked the Ministry of Justice to investigate.
“The board has requested Mayor Atwell to step aside as chair until the board receives advice from the minister,” member Lori Staples said.
Atwell, who automatically became chair when he was voted mayor, said he hasn’t decided how he’ll respond.
“I haven’t received legal advice either way,” he told reporters Thursday. “It’s a legislated position, so maybe this is new ground that we’re breaking here.”
According to the Police Act, boards can elect an alternative chair from current members if the chair “is absent or unable to act.”
Atwell didn’t attend Thursday’s board meeting.
The mayor has already filed a formal complaint against the Saanich Police Department. It’s unclear whether the B.C. Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner will follow-up on his concerns.Geez, is it the first Thursday of May already? It is and I’ve made no bake peanut butter cereal bars for the Peanut Butter Bash! This month’s theme was peanut butter and cereal, so I pulled out one of my favorite cereals. I don’t love milk, so the peanut butter crunch cereal is perfect for me. I can jam it into my mouth by the handful and avoid adding milk all together.
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This just is one of my several cereal bars that I’ve made. There’s also my maple bacon rice krispies treats which people on pinterest seem to love and cookies & cream rice crispy treats. These ones are fully loaded with peanut butter though. Because the cereal is round, I did crush some up to add a little more texture to the bars. I would imagine there would be a lot of empty space in the bars if I didn’t crush some up.
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The top layer of peanut butter ganache is really sort of optional. It tastes amazing, gives the bars a finished look AND a way to stick little mallow bits on it, but totally not necessary. You know me, more is more! Plus, it’s a way to have more peanut butter flavor.
No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars Print Pin It Prep Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 12 bars Calories: 307 kcal Author: Miranda Course: Dessert Cuisine: American Ingredients Ganache 10 oz. peanut butter chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup mallow bits Bars 3 cups peanut butter crunch cereal crushed
3 cups peanut butter crunch cereal whole
10 oz. marshmallows
6 T. butter sliced
1/2 cup peanut butter Instructions Ganache In a medium glass bowl, add in the peanut butter chips and heavy cream. Microwave for 1 minute and stir. If there are still lumps after giving it a good stir, microwave for another 45 seconds. Stir until smooth.
Let the ganache set up for about 20 minutes until it's thickened. When you stir the ganache, the ripples will stay in it and not smooth out. Bars Spray a 7x11 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Add the 3 cups of peanut butter crunch cereal in a large bag. I used a storage bag. Smash the cereal until crushed. It doesn't all have to be completely crumbs, there can be big bits.
Add the crushed and whole cereal into a large bowl. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, add in the marshmallows and butter. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally. Once the butter is all melted and the marshmallows are all melted and smooth, remove from the heat.
Add in the peanut butter and stir until combined.
Pour the marshmallow mixture into the bowl with the cereal. Stir to make sure all the cereal is coated with the marshmallow and work quickly. It marshmallows will start to stiffen up quite quickly!
Press the cereal into the prepared pan. I use a piece of wax paper that's been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray to press it down. That will prevent most of the sticking.
Spread the ganache that's been slightly cooled and thickened on top of the bars. Use a offset spatula to spread it out and then give it a few taps on the counter to flatten it out completely.
Sprinkle the mallow bits on top of the ganache.
Place in the fridge to set up.
Cut and serve! Keyword: no bake desserts, No Bake Peanut Butter Cereal Bars Nutrition Calories: 307 kcal | Carbohydrates: 35 g | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 16 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Cholesterol: 19 mg | Sodium: 124 mg | Potassium: 77 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 24 g | Vitamin A: 3.2 % | Calcium: 1.1 % | Iron: 4.5 % DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? Tag @CookieDoughandOvenMitt and use the hashtag #cookiedoughandovenmitt
We’ve had so many readers want to join us that we’ve started a peanut butter sharing group for all! Join us at The Peanut Butter Recipe Box Facebook Group!
Bloggers, do you want to join in on the peanut butter bash fun? If so, email me at [email protected] and request to join the Peanut Butter Bash facebook group! The first Thursday of each month we post a dessert/sweet with peanut butter and a mystery ingredient. This month’s ingredients were peanut butter and carrot.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Snack Mix from Gina of Kleinworth & Co.
No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Cereal Squares from Emma of Bake Then Eat
Turtle Peanut Butter Chex Mix from Stephanie of The TipToe FairyPosted by Mark Williams | January 24, 2015
By Tim Esterdahl
The new 2016 Toyota Tacoma grabbed a lot of attention when it was unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit (see our video). Sure, there are many changes to the new midsize leader, but there are other details that haven't received much attention. Here are five items we want to make sure you don't miss.
1. Rear Drum Brakes
Truck buyers and journalists love to hear about new styling, powertrains and technology, yet the nitty-gritty maintenance items are often overlooked. For example, while the new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon got disc brakes all around, Toyota opted to keep using drum brakes on the rear of its 2016 Tacoma, but the decision is not without logic.
The reason has to do with trade-offs, according to Toyota Tacoma chief engineer Mike Sweers. Toyota improved the drums brakes with a new vacuum booster and a new antilock braking system to improve how the brakes feel, reduce fade and improve stopping distance.
"Based on these changes and the proven durability of our braking system, the disc/drum was determined to meet all of our criterial for on- and off-road performance and maintain proper brake surface temperatures," he said. "Bottom line is that disc/drum or disc/disc setup will give you similar performance and stopping distance based on system cooling and/or temperature buildup. Disc brakes provide better cooling and reduced mass over drum systems. Drums provide less exposed braking surface and less brake vibration due to braking surface flatness [rotor warping] concerns resulting from overheating of surface."
2. Qi Wireless Charging
Another overlooked feature available in the new Tacoma is Qi wireless charging. Simply put, this system will wirelessly charge your smartphone by setting it on top of a charging pad. This pad resides under a storage tray in front of the cupholders. If you have a Qi-enabled smartphone, you can charge it by simply setting it down.
This may not seem like a big deal to the truck guy who only wants a bare-essentials cabin and truck, yet it is a great convenience for the tech-savvy owner.
3. GoPro Camera Mount
During the past several years, we have witnessed a boom in the use of video cameras. From police cruisers using dash-mounted cameras to off-road junkies sharing videos of hitting the trail and everything in between, GoPro cameras have become a must for some. But they present a challenge: Mounting them on a vehicle can be a struggle, and suction-cup attachment systems sometimes give out.
The new Tacoma solves this problem with a unique GoPro camera mount next to the rearview mirror. While this standard feature will be overlooked by many Tacoma owners, it is a smart innovation for those who use it.
4. Driveline Vibration Update
For years the Toyota Tacoma has been plagued by a persistent driveline vibration. This vibration occurs when driving at speeds of 15 to 25 mph and causes the truck to feel like it has a shimmy. Even more maddening than the shimmy is the fact it doesn't equally affect all trucks. A service manager we spoke with a few months ago said you could drive a variety of Tacoma trucks on his lot and each one would have a different degree of shimmy.
Service managers and owners have created all sorts of remedies to the problem, and Toyota has had an ongoing technical service bulletin stretching back to 2005 models. This service bulletin offers a variety of remedies to the problem, including installing a foam pad behind the steering wheel cover.
We asked Sweers if the problem was resolved in the 2016 model. "Completely gone," Sweers said. "If you can find it, I'll buy you dinner."
But what caused the problem in the first place? Sweers said it was a combination of angles and manufacturing tolerances. He said the new truck has a completely new differential with new spring sets and corresponding angles. This basically changed the driveshaft angle, which resolved the problem.
5. No Turbo?
Diesel seems to be the buzzword these days. While Toyota has so far avoided using a diesel, we wondered why not a turbocharged engine? This engine is not new to Toyota. Toyota's luxury brand uses a new turbocharged engine in the new Lexus NX SUV, and Toyota announced at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show that it was looking to add more of these engines to the lineup.
"The problem with turbos is that they are great for giving you power, but we haven't seen the fuel economy," Sweers said. "Until we can have a lean-burning turbo, the fuel economy isn't there. Where our competitors are running a lot of turbos, in our testing we can't find the fuel economy [benefit]. The biggest issue with the turbo is to keep the turbo and the catalyst cool you have to dump more fuel into it, so your fuel ratio is high. Honestly, driving some of the turbos that are out there, I drive a Tundra crew cab every day and I see better fuel economy in that than I did in my competitor's turbo. Sure, it gives you great power and there are great turbo engines out there, but on a daily driver, not so much benefit for the cost to the consumer."
Sweers did add that Toyota is always looking toward the future and if something changes, it will look closely at adding turbo engines to its lineup.
Cars.com photos by Evan SearsFree Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) member Torsten Grote claims that Google's "Android SDK [Software Development Kit] is now non-free software."On Twitter, Grote summed up his position as "#Android SDK is no longer #FreeSoftware. Is #Google turning evil?"
Grote's solution is not to drop Android. Rather, he suggests developers use "the truly Free Software version of Android called Replicant."
The particular clauses that Grote seems to object to is the restrictions in the Android SDK license in section 3.3 and 3.4:
3.3 You may not use the SDK for any purpose not expressly permitted by this License Agreement. Except to the extent required by applicable third party licenses, you may not: (a) copy (except for backup purposes), modify, adapt, redistribute, decompile, reverse engineer, disassemble, or create derivative works of the SDK or any part of the SDK; or (b) load any part of the SDK onto a mobile handset or any other hardware device except a personal computer, combine any part of the SDK with other software, or distribute any software or device incorporating a part of the SDK.
This clause applies to the SDK binary, not the SDK source code files, and it has been around for years. The SDK source code, like almost all of Android, is covered by the Apache Software License 2 (ASLv2).
The new clause, introduced in November 2012 with the release of Android 4.2, was widely reported at the time. It reads:
3.4 You agree that you will not take any actions that may cause or result in the fragmentation of Android, including but not limited to distributing, participating in the creation of, or promoting in any way a software development kit derived from the SDK.
Again, this license only covers the binary code. You can download the SDK source code with the SDK Manager. For more on how to do this see Lars Vogel's Making the Android SDK source code available in Eclipse. You can also get to the SDK code directly over the Web via git.
Grote argues that since the Android SDK license starts with "In order to use the SDK, you must first agree to this License Agreement. You may not use the SDK if you do not accept this License Agreement,” that “This sentence alone already violates freedom 0, the freedom to use the program for any purpose without restrictions." That clause, however, has been in the license since at least April 10, 2009.
I don't follow his logic. All licenses require you to agree to them. For example, the preeminent free software license, the GNU General Public License version 3 (GPLv3) begins, "Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this license document, but changing it is not allowed." Does that last phrase make it any less free? I don't think so.
Grote also argues, "Google made this step to prevent fragmentation of the ecosystem. What are they going to do next? This situation is far from perfect for software freedom. Developing Android Apps in freedom is only possible as soon as the Replicant developers catch up. Looks like Android stops being a Free Software friendly platform."
That is one heck of an over-statement. Developers have been creating their own Android spins for years. For example, Amazon, which runs its own version of Android in its Kindle devices, still requires programmers to start with Google's Android SDK.
An important point to remember is that the Android SDK is not Android. You can fork Android source code to your heart's content. You just can't call the result Android. And, if you can write a working Android app without the SDK, well good for you. No one's stopping you.
Android itself, or to be more exact, its user-space platform components, is licensed under the ASLv2. Its base operating system is Linux, which is licensed under the GPLv2. Google encourages developers to license their Android applications under ASLv2. True, Google's use of ASLv2 bothers some open-source developers but that's been true since the beginning.
Put it all together and what do you get? You get an Android that's about as open-source friendly as it ever was. If you don't like it, fine, you can use Replicant, which is compatible with Android 4.0. But there really hasn't been any significant change in Google's open-source Android policies. This is a tempest in a teapot.
Related Stories:There are exercises for your butt, your legs, your arms, your spare tire, even your ever-texting achy thumbs. So considering the bladder itself is a muscle—and it's surrounded by other muscles—it makes sense that you can whip that puppy into shape, too.
Of course, unless you already have the occasional leakage due to aging, genetics, or childbirth, you might not focus much exercise attention on your bladder. But strengthening those down-there muscles can stop (or prevent) so-called stress incontinence in its tracks, says Candace Howe, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn in private practice in Newport Beach, California. "Who wants to undergo surgery?" Howe says. "I'm a surgeon, and I tell my patients I wouldn't want to! If we can fix incontinence with exercise, that's preferable."
When Suzanne Andrews, host of Functional Fitness, was experiencing urinary incontinence after the birth of her son, her doctor told her to consider surgery. As an occupational therapy clinician, Suzanne was seeing patients with the same symptoms and realized her exercise background could help. She created the 30 Day Bladder Fix, a pelvic floor strengthening DVD that combines seated and lying-down exercises to help control incontinence. "I remember the day I realized I didn't have it anymore," Andrews says. "I sneezed and nothing came out!"
So how do you fix incontinence with |
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— A federal appeals court on Wednesday rejected a request by North Carolina voters to expand early voting hours and locations in five counties.
The federal ruling comes three weeks after plaintiffs asked to expand early voting in Nash, Forsyth, Guilford, Mecklenburg and New Hanover counties. The same plaintiffs previously persuaded the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to nix large swaths of the state's 2013 voting law.
The 4th Circuit ruled this summer that much of North Carolina's voting law, including a portion that limited in-person early voting to 10 days, unconstitutionally limited voting options for minority voters. As a result, county boards of election across the state had to create 17-day early voting plans in August.
Lawyers representing the League of Women Voters filed the now-rejected motion in early October, saying plans approved by the State Board of Elections or unanimously approved by local boards skirted the intent of the 4th Circuit's earlier order.
Early voting begins on Thursday.How To Predict A World Series (In Five Years) Witness the power of this fully operational fortune-telling machine
“Believe it or not, the Royals used to be terrible. No kids, it’s true. Kansas City used to be terrible. … How did it turn around? How did the Royals reach the playoffs … win the World Series in 2015 … well, it was that minor league system … that amazing Kansas City Royals minor league system.”
There will be no humblebragging here. I wrote those words in 2011 for Sports Illustrated. I wrote them when the Kansas City Royals were coming off a 95-loss season preceded by a 97-loss season. The Royals had finished with one (barely) winning record in the 16 years since the 1994 strike. They were terrible, a laughingstock, and I predicted that they would win the 2015 World Series based on the expected emergence of a whole bunch of players like Mike Moustakas and Salvador Perez and Eric Hosmer, who had not yet played a single major-league game.
In a professional career during which I have made my mark by being wrong, I’m not going to underplay this one. I predicted almost five years ago that the Royals were going to win the World Series this year. In the moments after Game 5 ended, and the Royals beat the Mets, I was standing just outside the clubhouse as champagne sprayed, and I felt this finger poking my chest. I turned.
“YOU PREDICTED THIS!” Dayton Moore was shouting at me. “YOU PREDICTED THIS!”
Then a bunch of other Royals people started calling me “Nostradamus.”
Yes. All hail me.
Of course, if you want to get into the details, well, I got a few things wrong in that piece. So what happened was this: Back in late 2010, I was talking with my editor there and I was telling him that we should do something on how the Kansas City Royals’ farm system was the best in baseball and one of the best in recent memory. My friend and current SI managing editor Chris Stone gave me the green light because he’s a big baseball guy and, I suspect, because he deeply amused by my Royals optimism.
I mean, the Royals’ farm system was legit — I was hardly the only one saying so. Baseball America listed the Royals’ farm system as the best in baseball and perhaps the best since they had started keeping track 25 years earlier. Many others sang along. Keith Law, for instance, had five Royals prospects in his Top 41. Baseball Prospectus had five in its Top 21. John Sickels had three Royals in his Top 10 hitting prospects and three more in his Top 20 pitching prospects. I would hear from people throughout baseball about the Royals’ amazing prospects, and how this time there was real reason for hope in Kansas City.
So it was widely acknowledged that the Royals had prospects. But what would they do with them?
When it was time to write the story, I decided on a gimmick: I would write it as if I was years into the future. And I would write it as if the Royals were the dominant team in baseball.
A few of the predictions I made in that piece:
— LeBron James would not win an NBA title. Fact check: False. Very false.
— Tiger Woods would not break Jack Nicklaus’ record for major championships. Fact check: Mostly true.
— Charlie Sheen would become Reverend Sheen. Fact check: False, as far as I know.
— Derek Jeter would become U.S. President. Fact check: Too early to tell.
— Flying cars are coming. Fact check: Do we know what Apple is doing?
And as far as the Royals go, well, this was five years ago, so a lot of details I got wrong. I assumed that top prospects Wil Myers, Mike Montgomery and John Lamb would play a role in the ascent (they did, sort of, more on that in a second). I assumed that Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer would become MVP candidates, which is not exactly true, at least so far.
But when predicting the future, you shouldn’t worry too much about the details. What was clear in 2011 was that something fundamental had changed with the Royals. It was the same thing we saw last year with the Chicago Cubs (who I think will win the World Series in the next five years). The Royals had the most valuable asset in all of baseball: Young talent. And if they used that young talent in the right way, they would ascend.
MORE: Royals are champs, and we’re not in Kansas anymore
Well, the Royals did. Young homegrown players like Moustakas, Hosmer, Salvador Perez, Yordano Ventura and Kelvin Herrera emerged as big contributors. The Royals traded Myers and Montgomery in a big seven-player deal that netted them Cyborg Wade Davis, the all-but-unhittable reliever. The Royals dealt Lamb to Cincinnati in a trade-deadline deal that brought them Johnny Cueto, who came up big in two crucial postseason games this year.
The Royals did a lot of other things right, too. Dayton Moore and the club had one coveted player in 2011, and that was former Cy Young winner Zack Greinke. They had to get a lot in a trade for him. When they made the trade, many people — Nostradamus, included — thought they did not get enough. As it turned out, they got Lorenzo Cain, who will get MVP votes this year, and Alcides Escobar, who is their everyday shortstop and leadoff hitter. So, yeah, they hit big.
They made some shrewd small-print acquisitions, too, like Kendrys Morales, who looked completely spent last year, pitcher Chris Young and utility-man-extraordinaire Ben Zobrist. It wasn’t the straight-line climb to the top that I might have predicted in that story. But climbs to the top never go in straight lines.
I became a Kansas City Star sports columnist back in 1996, and for 15 or so years I wrote columns about their awfulness. How many? Have you seen the movie, “Home”? There’s that great exchange in there between Captain Smek and Oh.
Oh: “I has fixed my mistake!”
Smek: “Yes, but before you that, you has made your mistake.”
Oh: “But I …”
Smek: “And many mistakes before that.”
Oh: “Wait, I have not …”
Smek: “Many, many, many, many …”
Oh: Actually, I …
Smek: “Many!”
That’s how many columns I wrote about the Royals’ awfulness. But always, there was a thread of hope that one of the plans would work. The Royals always had good people trying to make the team a winner. The Royals always had a few good prospects, a few good players, a few good thoughts … and there was this feeling that someday, after all the high draft picks, after so many mistakes had been learned from, after Bill James’ plexiglass principle kicked in (teams that improve in one season tend to decline in the next and vice versa) this team would have its day.
Well, it happened. When I decided to put the hopes into the historic pages of Sports Illustrated, where they will stand forever, I predicted they would first make the playoffs in 2013. It was actually 2014. I predicted they would win their first World Series in 2015.
I also predicted they would win three more. That will be tougher.
So, yes, I’m going to say that I absolutely called this and, like the Emperor from Star Wars, I feel it’s only right that everyone should kneel before me. This week’s Sports Illustrated cover features Hosmer and Moustakas hugging each other, surrounded by the team. Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen.
The headline: “Make it Reign!” I have foreseen it!
The subhead: “How the relentless Royals ran off with a World Series title no one saw coming.”
Oh … come on!My intention here is not to make points against Lenin, but rather to analyze "The State And Revolution" as objectively as possible, yet remain within the context of anarchism. This analysis written by Lenin some months before the October Revolution, has been called his most libertarian work. Writers such as Hal Draper, Raya Dunayevskya, C.L.R James, therefore claimed that Lenin was something of a libertarian socialist and Trotskyists have also used it to claim that he was in favour of workers' power.
The State and Revolution, more than any other document, spells out the Marxist concept of revolution and its immediate aftermath. It also brings into clear focus the differences and similarities between Marxism (a) and anarchism over the nature of revolutionary governance. (b) A major bone of contention between anarchists and Marxists is over the notion of the "workers' state." Anarchists typically see these concepts as a Marxist desire to erect a powerful centralized state and party dictatorship over the working class.
What is a state in Marxist terms? According to Lenin the state develops where class antagonisms cannot be reconciled. (1) For Engels the state is a power standing above society to alleviate the conflict. The state requires a territory, the armed forces not coinciding with the people. If the state stands over society liberation therefore ultimately requires its destruction. (2) The final goal of Marxists and Anarchists is thus the same – a stateless and classless society. It is in the details of the intervening period between the old system and the new where we find differences of opinion.
Why A Workers' State?
It order to defend the revolution, revolutionaries must suppress counter-revolution and this is accomplished by the armed working population. By the very act of suppressing another class, the workers, in Marxist terms, have a "state." The state, ie, the proletariat organized as the ruling class. (3) The form that the workers state takes, Marx says, is that of suppression of the standing army and its replacement by the armed people. (4) Lenin too, saw the workers state as nothing more than the exploiting class being suppressed by the armed populace. But this"state" really is not a state in the regular sense of the word – a bureaucracy, standing army separate from the people, but is a "state" that is already disappearing. ("withering away") This is what is Lenin called the abolition of the state as state and is the fullest form of democracy. (5) 463 As soon as the revolution is successful and the workers have broken the power of the rulers, that remaining essence of the state begins to dissolve itself. For Engels,...there is no longer any social class to be held in subjection...[there is] nothing necessitating a special coercive force or state. (6)
But workers simply cannot take over the existing state and use it. They must smash it and replace it with something new. In order for the revolution to be successful, it must be a people's revolution, (7) (peasants and workers) and the smashing of the state is the pre-condition of this alliance. This new form of governance is the Commune. The Commune is the form discovered by the proletariat under which the emancipation of the proletariat takes place. (8) The basic structure of the workers state or commune would be to...elect delegates, all revocable, control and supervision by all, at wages the average of the worker. (9) Lenin mentions favorably Engels remark about the need to replace the term [workers] state with "commune" as more accurate and less confusing. (10)
A Contradiction?
While lauding the Commune and its direct democracy, Lenin also said that in this workers state, state power involves a centralized organization of forces – the vanguard "directing and organizing the new system... (11) But this seems contradicted by his favorable attitude to Engels rather decentralist view that in the early French Republic of 1792-98 each commune enjoyed complete self-government on the American model. (12) Engels also favored the Australian and Canadian system of provincial and municipal governments, seeking a situation where there was complete self-government for provinces, districts and communes... abolition of all local and provincial authority appointed by the state. (13)
We will see later, that Lenin seems to confuse centralization with unity and this confusion is one root of contention between Marxists and anarchists.
Two Different Analytic Tools.
By positing the state in its ultimate sense as one class suppressing another, Marxists engaged in an ontological definition – the state is essentially class domination. Anarchists, on the other hand view the state not as a concept or abstraction, but as the "really existing state". Their analysis is empirical (descriptive) – the state has a bureaucracy, a governing body and army separate from the people etc. Thus, for anarchists, the Commune is NOT a state, and for the Marxists it is the last vestige of the state. Both are right according to the choice of analytic tools, and the ontological and the empirical are both valid ways of looking at the world. Nor should Marxism be reduced to the ontological and anarchism to the empirical in some general way. Both tendencies use both methodologies, though sometimes in different ways.
Marx and Lenin Attack The Anarchists
If the above was all there was to State and Revolution, the situation between anarchists and Marxists would be "you say to may toe, I say to mah to." However, Lenin, and Marx and Engels before him, systematically misrepresented the anarchist position on revolution, organization and governance. While it is true that anarchists have also misrepresented Marxists, sometimes grossly, I would suggest that Marxist misinformation has only served to reinforce the negative stereotype anarchists often have of them. (c.)
Lenin states, contra anarchism, We are not utopians, we do not dream of dispensing at once with all administration, with all subordination. These are anarchist dreams. (14) Accordingly, The anarchists dismissed the question of political forms altogether (15) and only have a vague notion of what they wish to replace the state with. (16) They just want to destroy the state, period. Anarchism is thus a tactic of dispair, rather than taking into account practical problems.(17)
Let's see what Lenin's anarchist predecessors and contemporaries had to say about administration, political forms and their destruction. (All emphasis below is mine.)
On the other hand the State has also been confused with Government. Since there can be no State without government, it has sometimes been said that what one must aim at is the absence of government and not the abolition of the State. However, it seems to me that State and government are two concepts of a different order. The State idea means something quite different from the idea of government. The State, Its Historic Role, Peter Kropotkin
There is a need for a revolution... This conviction has led many to believe that the only important thing is the insurrection, and to overlook what has to be done to prevent an insurrection from remaining a sterile act of violence against which an act of reactionary violence would be the eventual reply. For those who believe this, all the practical questions of organization... are matters which will solve themselves... Yet the conclusion we come to is this: Social reorganization is something we must all think about right now... In order to abolish the police and all the harmful social institutions we must know what to put in their place... immediately, the very day we start demolishing. One only destroys, effectively and permanently, that which one replaces by something else; and to put off to a later date... would be to give time to the institutions one is intending to abolish to recover from the shock and reassert themselves, perhaps under other names, but certainly with the same structure. The Anarchist Revolution, Errico Malatesta
by the... federation of communes to replace the domineering, paternalistic state. Micheal Bakunin, Bakunin On Anarchy, Sam Dolgoff, Vintage 1971, P. 262
Collective power... workmen's associations in place of armies. Proudhon in George Woodcock, The Anarchist Reader, Fontana, 1980, p.293
A new form of political organization has to be worked out. And it is evident that the new form will have to be more popular, more decentralized, and nearer to the folkmoot self-government than representative government can ever be.
Kropotkin in Paul Berman, Quotations From The Anarchists, Praeger, 1972, p. 68,
The nation is a free association of communes. Mandatories are at all time subject to recall. Carlo Piscane in Robert Graham, Anarchism, Black Rose, Montreal, 2005, p.66
Lenin claimed that the anarchists thought that the workers should "renounce the use of arms, organized violence, that is the state... [they] repudiated all authority, all subordination, all power." (18) Were anarchists that naive?
We must play an active part in the necessary physical struggle... in order to destroy all the repressive forces of the government and to induce the people to take possession of the land, homes, transport, factories, mines, and of all existing goods... We must... encourage action... in order to prevent the emergence of new authoritarian groups, new governments, combating them with violence if necessary... The Anarchist Revolution, Errico Malatesta
Revolution means war... Either the bourgeois world will subdue... the people... or the working masses will... destroy to its roots bourgeois exploitation... the uprooting of all that is represented by the State. Pps 372-373 It is necessary... there be a real force in the field, one that knows what should be done...capable of taking hold of the Revolution and giving it direction salutery for the people... a serious international organization of workers' associations. p.375. Begin by striking down those who oppress you... and having destroyed the power of your enemies... disarmed and helpless... invite them to live and work along side you....p.377 The Political Philosophy of Bakunin G. P. Maximoff Free Press 1964,
The purpose of revolutionary organizations is to help people toward self-determination... the least interference from any sort of domination. Bakunin- The Philosophy of Freedom, Brian Morris, Black Rose 1993, p.148
It is necessary to make sure the [revolutionary] movement... is not simply a blind movement... on taking up the Winchester we go forth decided, not upon the enthronement of another boss, but the reclamation of rights of the people.
179 War against the wage system, Mexicans!...make the lands and machinery of production for common use; and this can only be achieved through means of force... And if those who...oppose this work of supreme social justice, kill them!
Dreams of Freedom, Ricardo Flores Magon,, eds Chaz Bufe, M.C. Veter, p.155
In each Syndicate [union] a group for defense was formed... they exercised themselves in the management of arms... not to be taken unawares [by] reactionary conspiracy... These Syndicalist battalions were not a force external to the people, they were the people themselves...at the same time they seized the factories... they occupied... all the points where the reactionaries might have been able to concentrate... [they] were ruthlessly isolated... Emile Pouget, How We Shall Bring about The revolution, Pluto, London, 1990, p151
The structure of the CGT.. is neither centralist nor authoritarian...[it] is controlled from below...Confederal activities co-ordinated by the... delegates... In the regulation of collective affairs the Congress [of the CGT] is entirely sovereign. Pierre Monatte 1907 in George Woodcock The Anarchist Reader Fontana 1980. p. 214
Unless democracy is a fraud... each citizen in the sphere of his industry, each municipality, disctrict or provincial council, within its own territory, is the only natural and legitimate representative... The People is... the organic union of wills... Such a union must be sought in the harmony of their interests, not in artificial centralization. Proudhon, Anarchism, Robt. Graham ed Black Rose 2005, p.57
Lenin claimed that Anarchists find no use in exploring past revolutions to find out what to replace state with. (18)
I would be unable to accept the view that all past revolutions though they were not anarchist revolutions were useless, nor that future ones which will still not be anarchist revolutions will be useless. The Anarchist Revolution, Errico Malatesta It should also be remembered that Kropotkin wrote an entire book on the French Revolution where he described the Parisian sections. Proudhon also wrote about it as well.
Marx disagreed with Bakunin and Proudhon on federalism and Lenin wrote it off as an aspect of the "petty bourgeois" nature of anarchism.. (19) For Lenin, Marx was a centralist and this was exemplified as The proletarians and poor peasants... organize themselves quite freely in communes, unite all the communes in... crushing the resistence of the capitalists, in transferring [industry] to the entire nation, won't that be centralism?
After reading the quotes from the anarchists above on organization and administration, there should be little doubt anarchists want to see the proletarians and poor peasants... organize themselves quite freely in communes, unite all the communes in... crushing the resistence of the capitalists, in transferring [industry] to the entire nation.. But this is seen not as "centralization" but "unity in action". For anarchists centralization means top-down control and no autonomy in the units that make up the centralized organization. We have already seen that Marx, Engels and Lenin all agree that control should be from the bottom up...elect delegates, all revocable, control and supervision by all, and the communes should have the degree of autonomy necessary to carry out their functions, "complete self-government for provinces, districts and communes...
Lenin seems to confuse unity with centralization. Both he and Marx also seem confused about federalism. They deny the need for it, yet at the same time insist upon the complete self government of the communes. What is local autonomy combined with delegation, other than a form of federalism? It may be that Marx and Lenin thought federalism meant too loose a structure, communes or counties as virtual independent countries, and thus dis-unity and conflict. Perhaps like the thousands of petty German principalities during Marx's youth, or the "federalism" of business unionism where different trades scab on each other. But this was never the federal concept among social anarchists.
Finally there is the canard about "petty bourgeois anarchists". For sure there are such anarchists, just like there are "petty bourgeois" socialists. But these "individualist anarchists" are few in number compared with social anarchists. (d) This slander by Marxists has always seemed like psychological projection. Syndicalism is the most purely proletarian form of socialism, yet among the Marxist parties is where one finds lawyers, academics and the children of the middle class in charge.
Conclusion
Marxists who adhere to the principles of the Paris Commune and anarchists have much more in common than they think. Strip away the polemical exaggerations, strip away the fallacious arguments, and you have two groups who seek Popular Power for the working masses.
It seemed to 19th Century revolutionaries that they could defeat other revolutionary tendencies through polemics, and these were often of dubious honesty. Criticism of genuine weaknesses and errors are to be desired, as they help develop our practice. False or polemically exaggerated statements do nothing but exacerbate division and animosity. Tendencies can be almost obliterated by violence – witness anarchism in the 1930's and 40's as it was stamped out by fascism and Stalinism. But when the ground is fertile they are reborn. A tendency will only be permanently reduced to insignificance when it is totally disconnected from the reality of the times and the needs of the people. Witness the Socialist Labor Party which has been dying since 1900 and experienced no significant growth during any of the periods of revolt of the last century. 150 years of polemics between Marxists and Anarchists, and guess what? Both of us are still here, in most cases more alive than in several generations.
More important than tendency or ideology is practice, or desired practice. If you believe in worker and neighborhood assembles with recallable delegates, self-management and multi-tendency direct democracy, these common principles should take precedence over the quarrels of 150 years ago.
FOOTNOTES
a. Except for " libertarian Marxism", which denies the need for any form of state.
b. I have chosen the word "governance" as a neutral term to describe the political organization of post-revolutionary society. Governance can be either statist or non-statist, in the anarchist usage of the term, state..
c. There have always been anarchists respectful of Marx, such as Albert Parsons, Daniel Guerin, Murray Bookchin and Kevin Carson. Furthermore, much anarchist animosity can be traced to Bakunin's understandable confusion between the German Social Democratic Party and the thinking of Marx and Engels.
d. Social anarchists are those with some level of class analysis, consider themselves socialists and favor, where needed, large scale organization. Social anarchists include mutualists, syndicalists and anarchist communists.
1. 387, 2. 387, 3. 402, 4. 418, 5. 397, 6. 395, 7. 416-17, 8. 432, 9. 481, 10. 440, 11. 404, 12. 447, 13. 448, 14. 425, 15. 431, 16. 484, 17. 488, 18. 436, 19. 427
All the above pages came from "The State and Revolution", in "Lenin's Collected Works" Vol. 25, Progress Publishers, Moscow, 1964
Labels: anarchismIt has been two weeks since teams were able to offer 10-day contracts, and the Knicks have yet to act despite having an open roster spot and small forward Cleanthony Early being out until March with a gunshot wound to his right knee.
According to a person familiar with the club’s thought process, the available players, including point guard Tony Wroten, wouldn’t crack the rotation, so a 10-day contract would be wasteful. If a rotation player sustained a serious injury, then the club would act — possibly on Wroten or Jimmer Fredette — pending the position of need.
If Lance Thomas’ left-knee injury were deemed more serious, the Knicks probably would have signed somebody.
Thomas missed the Knicks’ 118-111 overtime victory over the Jazz on Wednesday, the first time he has missed a game this season. But doctors have determined he has a mild knee sprain. Thomas said he believes he could be back as soon as Friday versus the Clippers.
“It’s a sore knee, mild little sprain,’’ Thomas said. “I”m just going to rest it. It’s nothing that will keep me out. An MRI [exam] wasn’t necessary.’’
Thomas injured the knee when he got kicked Monday in the fourth quarter by Sixers center Nerlens Noel.
The Knicks also are contemplating using a 10-day contract on a young free agent, but that player would then play some games in the D-League with their Westchester affiliate on an experimental basis to learn the triangle while also practicing with the Knicks.
Wroten, cut by the Sixers last month, tweeted the other day a picture of himself in a Knicks uniform, then deleted it. The Knicks have some interest because they consider him a good penetrator, an active defender, strong in the passing lanes, but also are concerned about his tendency to gamble on defense.
Carmelo Anthony is now serving as a spokesman for the “In Real Life Campaign” from MENTOR and the NBA.
Anthony’s role is to promote the importance of mentoring, and encourage people to become mentors to help make an impact in their communities.
Anthony said he believes he didn’t have strong enough mentors growing up.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about the youth, it’s all about the kids, it’s all about hearing what they have to say, it’s all about giving back to them,’’ Anthony said. “If we don’t give back to them, then we’re not planting no seeds for them to grow.”
The Knicks could have travel woes as they plan for Saturday’s game at Charlotte. The Knicks play Friday night against the Clippers and have to fly after the game, when the East Coast snowstorm reportedly is going to pick up intensity.What President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican sweep of government will mean for K-12 education priorities over the next four years is not entirely clear yet. However, policy statements and administration selections so far indicate “school choice” will top the agenda.
Betsy DeVos, Trump’s nominee for education secretary, has been known to be an advocate of school choice initiatives: DeVos has supported voucher programs that allow families to use taxpayer money to enroll in private and religious schools. She also promoted charter school legislation that offers students choices outside of traditional public schools.
Vice President-elect Mike Pence too has a history as governor of Indiana of promoting school choice policy. Indiana not only is ranked as having the most favorable policy provisions for charter schools by a prominent charter schooling advocacy group, but it is among the 25 states employing a type of charter school unfamiliar to many folks across the United States: the cyber charter school.
Unlike the usual charter school, the cyber version is typically delivered to students online wherever they may live, so long as they are residents of the state in which the cyber charter school operates. Cyber charter schools have been growing in states that have school choice policy.
Our research, along with a body of academic work, suggests that the public should be concerned about an expansion of the cyber charter schooling model.
Here’s why.
What Is a Cyber Charter School?
Charter schools are privately managed K-12 schools that utilize public money. The funds for charter schools are removed from regular public schooling budgets and paid to various private firms and organizations (and sometimes other parts of a state’s education system) to provide a wider choice of schools.
In the cyber version of the charter school, instruction is typically delivered to the students online wherever they may live, so long as they are residents of the state in which the cyber charter school operates. The model of these schools could vary — some use a hybrid delivery model (online and in person), although most are entirely online. Students receive course material, lessons and tests on their computer at home (usually the computer is also provided with state funds).
As with traditional charter schools, the general idea behind cyber charter schools is to allow families and students to have a choice other than their local public school.
A 2015 annual report prepared by a consulting group that tracks online school practice and is often cited by scholars to describe cyber charter school enrollment shows that in 2014-2015 there were 275,000 students in cyber charter schools across 25 states. In some states, tens of thousands of students enroll in cyber charter schools. In Pennsylvania, for example, more than 36,000 students enrolled in cyber charter schools during 2014-2015.
Where Do the Students Come From?
One of the goals of recent scholarship has been to understand who are the students who enroll in these schools and why do they do so.
The National Education Policy Center (NEPC) conducts an analysis of cyber charter school students every year. The most recent report shows that in 2013-2014, cyber charter schools, compared to the national average, had higher percentages of white students and lower percentages of free and reduced lunch students.
However, since these numbers are nationally aggregated and not every state has a cyber charter school, we believe comparing national cyber charter school averages to all students nationally may be problematic. Our research at Penn State on cyber charter schools has examined enrollments within Pennsylvania and shows that the picture is more complicated.
In our study of enrollments in Pennsylvania, we found that the majority of students in cyber charter schools are indeed white, but they match the racial demographics of the state. Similar results have been seen in Ohio.
Furthermore, in a another study in Pennsylvania we found that it was the economically disadvantaged students who were more likely to enroll in a cyber charter school.
An obvious question to ask is whether parents would have homeschooled their children had the cyber charter school option not existed. The best estimate comes from an internal report of one of the largest national providers of cyber charter schools: The report found that a small percent — 13.6 percent of cyber school students in those schools — were previously homeschooled.
So, what motivates a majority of parents to enroll their children in these schools?
Penn State researchers who interviewed parents who enrolled their children into cyber charter schools found that parents thought these schools were better customized to their children’s needs, carried little financial risk and were possibly the last hope for their child to succeed in school.
Concerns About Cyber Charters
Despite the hope that many parents hold out for this new educational option, the performance of cyber charter schools has consistently, and often drastically, lagged behind the performance of their brick-and-mortar school counterparts.
Research about cyber charter school performance outcomes paints a dismal picture linked to test-based outcomes. For example, a recent report from the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO), a policy analysis center based in Stanford University, used a technique to match cyber students to an academic and demographic “twin.”
They did this matching twice, once to compare individual gains of cyber charter students to their statistical twin in brick-and-mortar charter schools and once to compare them to their statistical twin in a brick-and-mortar district school.
Across all racial and poverty status groups of students in the study, the majority of cyber charter school students showed poor learning growth when compared to their matched twin. This was true in both math and reading when students were compared to charter and traditional students.
Researchers found these trends across almost all states that they studied: They found lower learning growth in reading in 14 out of the 17 states, and 17 out of 17 states in math. In their report they noted that improved academic outcomes for a student in a cyber charter school was “the exception rather than the rule.”
This research is consistent with others that examine the academic outcomes of cyber charter schools. Studies have looked at cyber charter school outcomes in Pennsylvania and in Ohio. These studies provide similar results about extremely lower learning growth in cyber charter schools in these state contexts when compared to other schools.
What is of further concern as one legal scholar, Susan DeJarnatt, has shown is that cyber charter schools may not have all the safeguards needed to protect the sector from fraud. Already federal authorities have indicted two of the five “mega-cyber” providers (a school that enrolls more than 2,000 students) in Pennsylvania of fraud.
Outside of the scholarship conducted about fraud in Pennsylvania, a review of hundreds of news stories revealed dozens of state audits across 20-plus states. These news stories repeatedly and overwhelmingly raise concerns about funding and academic accountability across all state contexts, matching the concerns that have emerged in the academic literature.
Looking Forward
Following such reports of poor academic outcomes and questionable ethical practices, our research team at Penn State has decided to continue to study the cyber charter school movement in Pennsylvania to find out more.
Our current research examines how cyber charter schools have influenced the entire education system in Pennsylvania.
However, based on the body of academic work that is currently available, we believe while it may be logical to allow online learning in certain circumstances, the cyber charter model is not the appropriate model. And the new education secretary Betsy DeVos might want to exercise caution.
The study mentioned in this article, titled “Schooling in Cyberia: Analyzing the Contexts and Effects of Cyber Charter Schools and Online Learning in Pennsylvania Public Schools” received grant funding from Penn State’s College of Education.Girls' coach accused of biting player
CARTHAGE, Miss. -- A girls' high school basketball coach in Mississippi has resigned, police say, after being accused of biting a player in the face.
Leake County Sheriff Greg Waggoner says Leake Academy coach Doyle Wolverton is accused of biting a player during a timeout in a Nov. 12 game in Marion County.
The player was taken to a hospital emergency room in Carthage after the team returned, and hospital employees called the sheriff's office because the injury allegedly stemmed from an assault.
A police report obtained by WJTV-TV states a deputy took pictures of the bite mark.
Toby Thaggard filed the report on behalf of his daughter, whose name was not released. The report alleges that Wolverton grabbed the player "by the shirt and then bit her on the right side of the face" after a bad play, the Jackson Clarion-Ledger reported.
"I have no comment on any of that," Wolverton told the Clarion-Ledger on Monday. "It's all still being... I can't say anything right now."
Waggoner says the family is declining to press charges. "We haven't been involved with anything directly since (the hospital) because the parents and coach are trying to settle matters themselves," Waggoner told the newspaper.
Waggoner said Wolverton resigned Monday, but the coach told the newspaper he couldn't "confirm nor deny" that he stepped down. A school official told the Clarion-Ledger that there would be a statement on the incident Tuesday.
Last year, Wolverton became the No. 2 all-time winningest girls' high school basketball coach, trailing only Leta Andrews of Granbury, Texas.
The Neshoba Democrat reported Wolverton coached at Leake Academy in Madden for |
an employee of the family-owned Gord’s Smoke Shop. “It’s kind of a bigger thing down in the States, but it’s making its way to Canada.”
E-cigarettes use batteries to produce an inhalable steam from flavoured cartridges that often include nicotine and range from $10 disposable e-cigarettes to $150 luxury models, Industry estimates peg last year’s worldwide sales around $3 billion.
A Thursday morning city statement says Red Deer “is clearing the air” on e-cigarettes “in response to questions from members of the community.”
“Upon review of its Smoke Free Bylaw, the city has confirmed the bylaw and its definition of ‘smoking’ apply to ‘vaping’ — the practice of using an e-cigarette — as well as smoking combustible cigarettes,” reads the statement.
That prohibits e-cigarettes from a list of venues, from casinos and bars to patios and workplaces.
“We want to make this grey issue more black and white until federal and provincial regulators provide more direction,” reads a quote attributed to Sarah Cockerill, director of community services. A Friday afternoon request to clarify who made the decision was not returned.
Red Deer may be the first Canadian municipality to fold its smoking bylaw under e-cigarettes.
Kate Ackerman sells e-cigarettes in Mountain View County, and is on the Electronic Cigarette Industry Trade Association (ECTA) board of directors. She said she’s “in shock and awe” by the change.
“I’m very, very discouraged to see this happen. It appears that Red Deer made this decision without talking to anyone,” Ackerman said.
Ackerman points out that most e-cigarettes use propylene glycol as a flavouring, which leaves an odour that some describe as being similar to a bakery. She predicts that it will be hard to enforce the bylaw, as e-cigarettes don’t produce smoke and leave a smell that quickly fades.
In 2009, Health Canada advised against e-cigarette use pending further study. While restrictions exist for nicotine products, e-cigarette sales remain a free-for-all — including to minors.
Ackerman says some people take up e-cigarettes because they’re trying to wean themselves off of tobacco, though they’ll now be told to stand near cigarette smokers.
Rasse said she’s heard of people using e-cigarettes to quit their tobacco habit, but says the store doesn’t advertise them that way.
“It’s a way you can smoke in more places,” she said. “A lot of people have switched to these devices so they’re not outside in -30 (Celsius) weather.”
Last month, 53 scientists pressured the World Health Organization (WHO) to embrace e-cigarettes as a tool to fight smoking deaths. Because they use fewer toxins, various groups — some funded by tobacco companies — argue e-cigarettes are a healthy alternative.
The move came in response to a memo leaked last November that said WHO officials see e-cigarettes as a threat to public health, because they resemble tobacco cigarettes, especially for children.
The document suggested countries classify them as regular tobacco products under the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which almost every country except the U.S. follows.
Rasse suggests a more prudent city policy would enable e-cigarette use in dedicated areas, or “vaping” lounges.
“I think a lot of people react harshly because it is so much like smoking, “ said Rasse, saying the stigma transcends cigarettes, marijuana and e-cigarettes.
“As smokers, we’re kind of lower on the totem pole.”
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Twitter.com/dcrHeraldSexual fetishes consist of recurring sexual fantasies, urges, and/or behaviors that center around nonliving objects, body parts, and secretions. People can develop fetishes for a wide range of things, including (but not limited to) feet, shoes, and dirty underwear (to learn about some of the more unusual sexual fetishes ever documented, click here). In this article, we’re going to look at one specific type of fetish: autonepiophilia, also known as paraphilic infantilism and Adult Baby Syndrome. A few cases of autonepiophilia have been reported in the psychological literature to date, which typically involve adults who derive sexual gratification from engaging in infant-like behavior. This may include acting like a baby, being taken care of like a baby, and/or wearing and using a diaper (not because they need to, but because they want to).
Several online communities exist that cater to persons with this interest, with members generally falling into one of two groups: the adult babies (ABs), who tend to be more interested in the role-playing aspect, and the diaper lovers (DLs), who tend to be mostly interested in wearing diapers. Collectively, they are known as the Adult Baby/Diaper Lover (ABDL) community.
Very little is known about ABs and DLs, including their psychological characteristics, history, and behaviors. However, a recent paper published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior provides some interesting insight.
For this study, a total of 1,795 adult men and 139 adult women were recruited from ABDL websites to complete an online survey. Participants were 31 years old on average and most had completed at least some college. Most men reported being attracted only to women (58%) or were bisexual (19%), while most women reported being bisexual (43%) or were attracted to men only (34%).
Results revealed that ABDL interests appeared to emerge very early in life, around age 11 for men and age 12 for women. Most participants reported having practiced this behavior for quite some time too, with men partaking in it for about 17 years and women for about 12 years on average. These results suggest that ABDL interests appear to emerge somewhat earlier in men and that men tend to have practiced this behavior longer. However, men and women did not differ in terms of how frequently they currently practice ABDL behaviors in a typical month.
About half of the sample reported current involvement in a romantic relationship, with the vast majority of both men (79%) and women (83%) reporting that their partner was aware of their ABDL interests.
For both men and women, the most commonly reported ABDL behaviors were “using diapers,” “wetting,” “messing,” and “using other baby items.” However, there were sex differences in the frequency with which certain behaviors were practiced. Specifically, men reported using diapers more frequently; in contrast, women reported playing with baby toys, as well as sexual and non-sexual play with a daddy figure more often.
Compared to women, men also rated diapers as being more sexually stimulating and more important to their ABDL activities. Compared to men, women reported being a baby and being dominated as more important elements of their ABDL activities. Based on these results, it is perhaps not surprising that men reported greater levels of sexual enjoyment from ABDL, whereas women reported greater levels of role-play enjoyment.
ABDL behaviors were associated with attachment styles and parental relationships; however, these associations tended to be small and more associations were found for men than for women (although this might be a function of the male sample size being so large and the female sample size being small—it is simply easier to detect statistically significant correlations in larger samples). Among men, being more anxiously attached was linked to nine ABDL behaviors, including a desire to be dominated and to have a daddy. Also, among men, having a negative relationship with one’s mother or father was linked to engaging in sexual activity with a mommy or daddy figure, respectively; in contrast, having a positive relationship with one’s mother or father were both linked to viewing diapers as sexually stimulating and placing more emphasis on sexual enjoyment from their ABDL activities.
Lastly, most men (87%) and women (91%) reported that their ABDL activities had never caused major problems or distress in their lives. In addition, participants’ mood states were largely unrelated to their ABDL practices. This suggests that most persons with ABDL interests would be unlikely to meet criteria for it to be considered a paraphilic disorder.
This study is not without its limitations. For instance, we do not know to what extent the participants recruited reflect the broader ABDL community. Likewise, it may be possible that those who are more comfortable with their ABDL interests self-selected into this study.
That said, this exploratory study provides a revealing look into a rarely examined sexual interest. The results suggest that (1) the ABDL community is comprised of individuals who engage in a diverse range of practices, (2) that there may be subgroups within it involving persons with differing interests and motivations, and (3) that practicing ABDL activities is not linked to personal distress for most participants.
Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook (facebook.com/psychologyofsex), Twitter (@JustinLehmiller), or Reddit (reddit.com/r/psychologyofsex) to receive updates.
To learn more about this research, see: Hawkinson, K., & Zamboni, B. D. (2014). Adult baby/diaper lovers: An exploratory study of an online community sample. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 43(5), 863-877.
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You Might Also Like:A young man checks out merchandise at the National Rifle Association's annual convention. (AP File Photo/Steve Ueckert)
THE BIG IDEA: The vast majority of Americans favor legislation being considered today in the Senate that would restrict people on the terrorist watch list from buying guns. But the measure will fail because those who oppose stricter gun laws are, on the whole, more passionate and politically organized than the average voters who support them.
It can be hard to understand this after Democrats staged a 15-hour filibuster on the Senate floor last week, but the intensity gap in the gun debate long predates the attack on the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. It is why nothing got done after children were massacred at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., even with a newly reelected President Obama pushing for action and a Democratic majority in the Senate.
Democratic senators call for gun-control legislation. The Rev. Sharon Risher, a clinical trauma chaplain in Dallas, who lost her mother and two cousins in the Charleston church shooting, joined the Thursday news conference. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
-- A look at the numbers: A Quinnipiac University poll conducted after the San Bernardino attack in December found 83 percent of registered voters supported banning gun sales to people on the government’s terrorist watch list. It had support from 89 percent of Democrats and 77 percent of Republicans, as well as 80 percent in gun-owning households.
A separate Gallup poll in December found 71 percent of adults saying a ban on gun sales to people on the federal no-fly list would be “very” or “somewhat” effective in the U.S. campaign against terrorism. This action was seen as one of the more effective measures to combat terrorism — surpassed by increased airstrikes on the Islamic State (79 percent) and providing tighter screening for short-term travelers to the United States (79 percent) but far higher than blocking Muslims from entering the country (38 percent).
But, but, but: The Post’s in-house pollster, Scott Clement, flags a 2013 Pew Research Study, which found that people who prioritize gun rights over gun control are four or five times more likely to contribute money to advocacy groups, contact public officials, sign petitions and express their views on social media.
Donald Trump waves to supporters in Phoenix on Saturday. (Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
-- This intensity gap is why Donald Trump has basically capitulated to pressure from the National Rifle Association. Phoning in to CBS’s “Face the Nation” yesterday, Trump seemed to walk back his support last week for meaningful action on this issue. Instead, he repeatedly praised the National Rifle Association and said that he’s working closely with it. “The NRA has the best interests of our country” at heart, he said. “These are great people.” Caving like that is rare for the headstrong candidate, but it reflects Trump’s continuing political education. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), his closest ally in the Senate, publicly chastised him last week for breaking with party orthodoxy.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.). (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
-- All that said, the political dynamics of the gun debate are changing in significant ways:
-- Republicans are actually offering alternative proposals. GOP leaders do not want their members to look obstructionist the way they did after Sandy Hook three years ago. The majority leader wants to reassure voters that his party is capable of governing. So rather than just blocking the Democratic bills, which procedurally would be easy, Republicans are making a big deal about how they, too, want to stop terrorists from getting guns and proposing measures of their own to do so, even if they are impractical in reality.
Democrats have rallied behind a bill from Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) that would let the attorney general deny firearms to any suspected terrorist, congressional reporter Karoun Demirjian explains. The alternative from Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) would let the attorney general do the same — but only if she could prove to a judge within three business days of the attempted sale that there was probable cause to suspect the buyer of ties to terrorism. “Republicans argue Feinstein’s bill doesn’t do enough to protect against situations where someone is mistakenly on a terror watch list,” writes Demirjian. “But Democrats maintain the time limitations in Cornyn’s alternative would make it functionally impossible to actually prevent suspicious individuals from purchasing firearms.”
“Democrats will also move a measure by Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) that would expand background checks for anyone trying to purchase a firearm at a gun show or online. It is similar to a compromise measure from Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) that sought to do the same in 2013 … but failed to gather enough support,” Demirjian adds. “Republicans are backing an alternative from Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) that would increase funding for the agency that runs background checks, but wouldn’t expand mandatory background checks to gun shows and online sellers.”
The Cornyn and Grassley bills, which both senators know will never actually become law, are designed to help members in tough races defend themselves. The mainstream media and TV news reporters — who have a bad habit of pursuing false equivalency in the name of fairness — are already covering today’s debate as a “he said, she said” sort of situation, which muddies the water and makes it harder for Democrats to score political points.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) also spent part of last week in discussions with other Republicans to craft her own compromise proposal. Her measure is limited to the no-fly list, which is a subset of the terrorist watch list. “Collins’s proposal is the only attempt at striking a compromise that Democrats have not dismissed out of hand. But it is not scheduled for a vote on Monday, and Democrats are skeptical it would garner any Republican support,” per Karoun.
-- Democrats are seizing on this terrorist watch list issue aggressively even in deep red states, a sign of its potency. In Kentucky, Lexington Mayor Jim Gray is attacking Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) for opposing the Feinstein measure. He released this web ad ahead of today’s vote:
-- A Democratic polling firm says the terrorist watch list measure could sway voters in Florida. An automated poll published Saturday by Public Policy Polling found 83 percent of registered voters in the state support barring those on the Terror Watch List from buying a gun, and 74 percent say they're less likely to vote for a Senate candidate opposed to that. Pollster Tom Jensen emails: “At the end of the poll we did a simple informed horse race, after telling respondents that [Marco] Rubio has opposed barring people on the Terror Watch List from buying firearms and that he's opposed requiring criminal background checks for those wanting to buy firearms. [Democrat Patrick] Murphy's initial 42/41 lead over Rubio ballooned all the way up to 47/32 based on his position on those gun issues. Those numbers are a pretty strong indicator that this year might be different when it comes to gun issues and the election if Congress once again fails to act.”
Ted Strickland, the Democratic candidate for Senate in Ohio, campaigns at the Steel Trolley Diner in Lisbon earlier this month. (AP Photo/Julie Carr Smyth)
-- Gun control has increasingly become a litmus test issue for Democrats, just like it has been for Republicans over the past two decades.
Hillary Clinton was an unabashed supporter of tougher gun laws during this year’s Democratic primaries, a contrast to her more nuanced position in 2008. Bernie Sanders proved quite vulnerable on the issue, specifically his 2005 vote to limit liability for gun manufacturers.
In Ohio, the quintessential presidential battleground, Democrat Ted Strickland campaigned as pro-gun in 2010 when he was running for reelection as governor. He even got the NRA endorsement over John Kasich. Six years later, he’s his party’s nominee against Republican Sen. Rob Portman and sounding a different tune.
“I grew up in rural Appalachia, and I believe in the Second Amendment,” Strickland writes in a new Medium post. “My creator also gave me eyes and ears, a heart and brain — and the capacity to use all of them to assess the challenges facing our country. There is no denying that America is facing a pressing and heartbreaking epidemic of gun violence. The victims have been school children, moviegoers, parishioners and now dancers at a nightclub.... Our leaders in Washington like Senator Portman are not taking simple, commonsense steps to keep weapons out of the hands of those who would do us harm.”
Michael Bloomberg (L) and NRA chief Wayne LaPierre (R)
-- Finally, the forces in favor of gun control are also trying to get their act together, and their efforts have benefited from Mike Bloomberg’s largesse. Catherine Ho looks this morning at a growing group of volunteer activists involved with Everytown for Gun Safety, the nation’s highest-profile gun control group. They have a “Survivor Network” with 1,000 activists in 46 states who are either survivors of gun violence themselves or who know or are related to someone who was killed that way. “Since its launch in April 2014, Everytown has skyrocketed from about a dozen employees to 130,” Cat writes. “Headquartered in midtown Manhattan, the group spent $37 million in 2014, the most recent year for which there are publicly available tax filings.” (By comparison, the NRA in 2014 spent $345 million, though only $20 million on that was on its lobbying arm.)
WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING:
LeBron James, center, celebrates. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
-- The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Golden State Warriors 93-89 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The victory ends the city's 52-year championship drought and makes the Cavaliers the first team to recover from a three-games-to-one deficit in NBA Finals history, Tim Bontemps notes. LeBron James was the series MVP.
GET SMART FAST:
Israel is constructing a deep underground wall around the Gaza Strip, attempting to counter the threat of assault tunnels built by Hamas militants who rule the coastal enclave. (Ruth Eglash) Top U.S. cancer doctors are leading a campaign to increase the use of the HPV vaccine, which is stubbornly underused despite studies that show it could avert tens of thousands of cancer cases per year. (Laurie McGinley) High lead levels have been found in roughly 3 percent of children across the country, according to a study which slams U.S. pediatricians for not doing enough to prevent lead poisoning. (USA Today) Fourteen Nepalese security guards were killed in Kabul by a Taliban suicide bomber, one of the deadliest attacks on foreign contractors since the war began nearly 15 years ago. (Sayed Salahuddin) One in every 113 people in the world is forcibly displaced from their home right now, according to a new global trends report from the United Nations. (Max Bearak) Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s push to give convicted felons the right to vote continues to be a mess. In the latest embarrassment for the close Clinton ally, state officials were forced to remove 132 sex offenders from the list of newly-eligible voters. (Laura Vozzella) Dustin Johnson won the U.S. Open, despite earning a penalty after his ball rotated slightly on the fifth green. (Dave Sheinin) Former Vanderbilt football player Brandon Vandenburg faces a prison sentence of 15 to 25 years after being convicted of multiple charges stemming from a gang rape of an unconscious woman he had been dating. (Cindy Boren) Actor Anton Yelchin was found dead outside his L.A. home after being struck by his own car. The 27-year-old “Star Trek” star was found pinned between his car and a gate on his inclined driveway. (Caitlin Moore) Las Vegas police arrested a 19-year-old man after he tried to pull a gun from an officer’s holster during a Trump rally. “It's not clear what Michael Sandford's intentions were or whether he was attempting to harm Trump. The Secret Service says it has charged Sandford with violating two federal laws following the incident, including assault, and he could face up to a decade in prison if convicted," per CNN. A 64-year-old Ohio gun store owner was killed after a student in his concealed carry class accidentally set off his firearm. The bullet traveled through the wall from an adjacent room. (Peter Holley) A New Hampshire car dealership unveiled a controversial “buy a car, get an AR” sales gimmick that offers buyers an AR-15 assault rifle with the purchase of a vehicle. (Peter Holley) A woman was mauled by a bear while running a marathon through a New Mexico wildlife preserve. Other runners helped until emergency crews arrived. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries to her head and neck. Authorities are trying to find the animal to euthanize it and test it for rabies. (AP)
Barack Obama and Marco Rubio get off Air Force One at the Orlando airport last Thursday. (Loren Elliott/The Tampa Bay Times via AP)
-- Marco Rubio is widely expected to announce he’s running for reelection to the Senate at some point before Friday. National Review's Alexis Levinson looks at how he got here: "NRSC executive director Ward Baker first approached Rubio at the end of April. He also started calling senators and close confidants of Rubio, asking them to talk to him about running. … Several polls conducted by the NRSC starting the first week of May determined that not one of the five candidates then running to replace Rubio had broken out of the pack.”
A boat flying a large "In" flag, campaigning to remain in the EU, sails by the British Houses of Parliament to meet a flotilla of boats from the group "Fishing for Leave" on the river Thames in London last week. A Brexit flotilla of fishing boats sailed up the Thames with foghorns sounding. (Niklas Halle'n/AFP/Getty Images)
THE "BREXIT" VOTE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STORY OF THIS WEEK:
-- Trump explained his support for Britain leaving the European Union in an interview with The Sunday Times of London: “I would personally be more inclined to leave, for a lot of reasons like having a lot less bureaucracy,” he said. “But I am not a British citizen. This is just my opinion.” He’s previously said he “thinks the country” should leave, though he has declined to comment further on the issue. “I respect David Cameron,” Trump offered in the interview. “I would imagine we will have a very good relationship if I am successful.”
-- Two fresh polls suggest support has swung back toward the “remain” category following the Thursday assassination of British MP Jo Cox: 45 percent of voters said they planned to cast a vote to remain in the E.U., according to a Mail on Sunday poll, while 42 said they still wanted to leave. A YouGov/Sunday Times poll also reflected a shift, with “remain” voters edging out leave voters by a 44-43 point margin. (USA Today)
-- Key insight: “Emotional ties to Europe likely won’t be on Brits’ minds." From Griff Witte: “To beat back the marauding hordes of continental Europe, the medieval English built an immense stone castle atop the sheer white cliffs of Dover, with 21-foot-thick walls and royal soldiers on constant watch for anyone who dared trespass upon their blessedly detached isle. Eight centuries later, the modern English are still not quite sure whether the people across the water are friend or foe. That lack of emotional attachment to Europe — and indeed the hostility that some feel — helps explain why the country’s citizens might be eager to leave even amid the overwhelming consensus of experts that a departure could be economically, politically and strategically disastrous. But if the pro-E.U. forces are able to stop Brexit, as the U.K. departure is popularly known, it will not be for any love of Europe among the people of Britain. ‘European?’ asked [Derek] Beech, incredulous at the idea of counting himself as one. ‘I don’t even think there is such a thing.’”
-- The generational divide is a major fault line. From Karla Adam: “A recent YouGov poll found that those between 18 and 24 were the least likely age group to vote, with only 51 percent saying they were absolutely certain they would cast a ballot. Youth turnout has long been a problem in Britain, and there are fears that it could be exacerbated this year with the referendum date clashing with soccer’s European Championship in France, as well as Glastonbury, a five-day music festival that attracts more than 170,000 people.... Political apathy has the potential to hurt the ‘remain’ side the most, with polls showing that younger voters are the most pro-E.U. of any age group.” Older people are less enthused about the European project. Voters over 65 are the most likely to vote for a Brexit.
-- The prospect of the Brexit alarms our Baltic allies, especially Estonia, Max Boot writes: “With a total population of just 6.2 million and just 56,000 military troops, the Baltic states sit next door to Russia, with 142 million people and more than 3 million troops... Already Vladimir Putin has invaded Georgia and Ukraine. What is to stop him from marching into the Baltics? … The Balts are also members of the European Union, and they are convinced that a strong and vibrant E.U. is also necessary to maintain their prosperity and security. The E.U. enforces economic sanctions on Russia and provides the financial support needed for its more vulnerable members in Eastern Europe to withstand Russia’s economic pressure. … Their message for Britons is: ‘Lead, not leave.’”
Trump in Phoenix on Saturday (AP/Ross D. Franklin)
SUNDAY SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:
-- Trump said it’s time for the United States to “start thinking about” racial profiling: “I think profiling is something we’re going to have to start thinking about as a country,” he said on CBS’s Face the Nation. "It’s not the worst thing to do.... Other countries do it. You look at Israel and you look at others; they do it and they do it successfully. And I hate the concept of profiling, but we have to start using common sense and we have to use our heads."
-- The RNC’s new Hispanic media spokeswoman declined to say whether she’s comfortable defending Trump: "Everyone has to make their own decision in this campaign, and that isn’t different from any other year,” said Helen Aguirre Ferre, in her first media interview since taking the position. “The Republican Party, like I said, is united in defeating Hillary Clinton, and that is what unites all of us." (Ed O'Keefe)
IS IT REALLY TOO LATE TO BLOCK TRUMP FROM GETTING THE NOMINATION?
-- There were 1,000 participants on a Stop Trump conference call last night. Organizers announced plans to raise money for staff and a possible legal defense fund as they asked new recruits to help spread the word with less than a month until the Republican National Convention. From Ed O'Keefe: "Having started with just a few dozen delegates, organizers also said that they now count several hundred delegates and alternates as part of their campaign.... The group is led by convention delegates seeking to block Trump at the GOP convention next month in Cleveland by changing party rules so that they can vote however they want -- instead of in line with the results of state caucuses and primaries. It is quickly emerging as the most organized effort to stop Trump."
Reince Priebus is working to quash The Resistance. An RNC spokesman dismissed plans to undermine Trump on the floor as "silly" and "nothing more than a media creation and a series of tweets."
Delegates are under intense pressure from the party establishment not to join anti-Trump efforts: In North Carolina, some have proposed fining delegates or kicking them out of the party if they vote against Trump. In other states, party leaders have threatened to strip delegates of their credentials if they buck primary results and vote against Trump. Some who have reached out to The Post have spoken on the condition of anonymity, saying that their spouses are fearful of physical threats if they speak publicly about their plans.
Paul Ryan prepares to address the Council on Foreign Relations. (Photo by Allison Shelley/Getty Images)
-- Even so, leaders of the Stop Trump effort -- which, to be clear, is still a HUGE long shot -- were pleased by Paul Ryan’s interview on “Meet the Press" yesterday, in which the Speaker said it’s not his place to decide whether delegates should be bound or unbound at the convention. "It is not my job to tell delegates what to do, what not to do, or to weigh in on things like that. They write the rules. They make their decisions," Ryan said. Though he maintained his endorsement of the presumptive nominee, he told Chuck Todd that Republicans should “follow their conscience." Many perceived this as a green light to keep organizing against Trump.
-- Big picture: The conversation about Ryan is completely dominated by Trump. Over the last seven days, there have been more than 198,000 tweets mentioning Ryan. More than 68,000 of them also mentioned Trump, according to our analytics partners at Zignal Labs. The connection was even greater in news articles: The Speaker was mentioned in 13,000 stories over the last week, and more than 10,000 also mentioned Trump.
Bernie in Burlington (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
THE DEMOCRATIC DENOUEMENT:
-- Sanders could formally endorse Clinton before the Democratic convention in July, depending on the outcome of ongoing policy talks between the two campaigns. From John Wagner: Bernie's manager Jeff Weaver said he has been “encouraged” by discussions over several policy issues important to Sanders — including a plan for tuition-free college — that Sanders would like to see as part of the Democratic legislative agenda going forward. Clinton and Sanders began talks in earnest over such issues during a meeting last Tuesday night in Washington. “The resolution of those issues are important to determining any timetable” for a potential endorsement, Weaver said, adding that the outcome could also determine “how closely the campaigns work together” heading into the fall.
-- Meanwhile, taxpayers are spending more than $38,000 PER DAY for Sanders to continue receiving Secret Service protection. It's an expensive reminder that the Vermont senator still hasn’t dropped out. From Wagner: "A team of agents still guards him at his home … They travel with him on commercial and charter flights and use a motorcade to whisk him through cities he visits. Such round-the-clock protection can cost taxpayers more than $38,000 a day. And with the potential for the Secret Service to be watching over Sanders through the convention in Philadelphia five weeks from now, the taxpayers may get stuck with a big security bill long after his campaign receded from the daily cable-news cycle."
-- The Congressional Black Caucus attacked Sanders over his effort to get rid of superdelegates. The group voted unanimously to put out a statement “vehemently” opposing any meaningful changes to the system. They say it guarantees minority representation at the convention. (Wagner has more.)
-- But the proposal is getting traction at state conventions. The California Democratic Party yesterday, for instance, called for a broad overhaul of the nominating system, including the elimination of caucuses and most superdelegates. From the LA Times: “The California resolution calls for Democratic governors and members of Congress to lose their status as super-delegates and instead attend the nominating convention as nonvoting guests. Members of the DNC would remain super-delegates, but would be required to vote for the candidate who won their (state). The resolution also calls for replacing all state caucuses with state primaries.... The resolution, though only a symbolic statement, was unanimously approved at the state party’s executive board meeting."
Clinton waves to the crowd during a Women for Hillary event in New York. (AP/Seth Wenig)
VEEPSTAKES:
-- The New York Times fronts a story today that says CHEMISTRY is the key consideration in HRC’s VP search. The paper suggests that she has it with Julian Castro and Sherrod Brown but not with Cory Booker. “Mrs. Clinton’s aides began collecting information last week on as many as 10 candidates. James Hamilton, a Washington lawyer who is overseeing the vetting, will begin meeting with candidates as early as this week," Amy Chozick and Thomas Kaplan report. “Senior Democrats, thinking about both the fall election and a potential re-election in four years, said the right choice would stir up enthusiasm on the campaign trail, enhancing Mrs. Clinton’s strengths while not outshining her or overtaking events.”
Per the Times, "The contenders most frequently mentioned by her advisers and senior Democrats close to the campaign include Senator Michael Bennet, from the key state of Colorado; Thomas E. Perez, President Obama’s secretary of labor and a Hispanic civil rights lawyer; Representative Xavier Becerra of California; and Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both former governors from Virginia. Elizabeth Warren … is a favorite of liberal Democrats, though an all-female ticket is unlikely.”
-- Becerra declined to say whether he is being vetted by Clinton’s team. “I can’t tell you I know,” he said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “I know I’m in constant communication with the [Clinton] campaign on a number of items, but I can’t tell you I know where they are on the vetting process.”
-- Warner said he is not under consideration: “I’m not being vetted. I don’t expect to be vetted,” he told the Virginian-Pilot. The Virginia senator praised junior senator Tim Kaine, saying “there’s nobody" with better integrity and trustfulness. “Secretary Clinton and the country would do well by him,” Warner said.
-- Perez was Clinton's surrogate at the Virginia Democratic Party's annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner in Richmond on Saturday night. When The Post's Jenna Portnoy asked about the veepstakes, he replied: "I’ve been around politics enough to know all the swirl that’s fit to print, and so I focus on the reality of the here and now." Leaning forward with clasped hands, he added, “It’s all about her, it’s not about me.”
-- Warren visited the Clinton campaign's Brooklyn headquarters for meetings on Friday. Then, on Saturday, she spoke at the New Hampshire Democratic Party convention. (Abby Phillip)
-- The Boston Globe looks at how liberals are increasingly concerned that Warren would lose independence and power if she became Clinton's #2: “Warren’s detractors call it grandstanding. But her habit of needling, and sometimes flat out taking on, her own party when it veers toward the political center is what Warren’s allies love about her. And it’s exactly the trait they worry she’d have to give up if she abandons her perch as a senator and becomes Clinton’s running mate,” Annie Linskey writes. “The example that liberals fear most: Hubert Humphrey. Like Warren a darling of the left, he was tasked by President Lyndon Johnson with defending America’s role in Vietnam, which put him in direct conflict with his former allies and hobbled him when he sought the presidency himself.” Three key lines from the story:
“When you’re vice president, it’s not your agenda, OK. It’s the president’s agenda,” said former vice president Dan Quayle. “That is something significant you are giving up. That independence.”
Barney Frank predicts that Warren as vice president would carve out a role for herself as the tsarina of financial rules in a Clinton White House.
She wants to be VP: “Two of Warren’s advisers have told the Globe that she’s intrigued with the idea."
-- Politico's lead story is about how Wall Street donors are working behind the scenes to block Warren from getting the spot. “Most big donors don’t want Warren on the ticket because she is the most accomplished anti-Wall Street populist in the Democratic Party," Ben White writes. "But many also think her presence would drive a potential Clinton administration too far to the left, poison relations with the private sector from the start and ultimately be damaging to the economy. A constant theme that emerged in the interviews is that executives in the financial industry believe the first 100 days of a Clinton administration could feature potential deal making with Republicans, who are likely to maintain their majority in the House of Representatives. 'Clinton is going to face a divided government unless there is a total tsunami,' said one moderate Washington Democrat with close ties to the banking industry. 'What you want in a vice president is someone who can negotiate for you on the Hill, someone like Joe Biden.'"
-- On the Republican side, Trump hired former Newt Gingrich adviser Kevin Kellems to oversee his surrogate operations. Newt has been getting more VP chatter again over the past 10 days, and this might add another data point. (New York Times)
Trump speaks at the Treasure Island casino on Saturday in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
MORE ON THE DONALD:
-- Could Arizona go blue for the first time in 20 years? Philip Rucker notes that an estimated 350,000 Latinos are eligible to vote but not registered, and Trump might have awakened a sleeping giant. "There is no recent reliable public polling in Arizona, but Democratic and Republican strategists said private research shows the presidential race as a toss-up. Asked whether Clinton has a path to victory, GOP strategist Charles Coughlin conceded: 'I believe it’s there if she wanted to do it. Everybody always says, ‘This is the election when Latinos turn out,’ and it’s never happened. But I can actually see that happening this time.’"
-- Trump met with the Utah GOP chairman over the weekend, alarmed about a poll that shows Clinton polling neck-and-neck with him in the reliably red state. James Evans told The Salt Lake Tribune that Trump promised he'll come back to Utah to campaign in the fall! The chairman said he encouraged Trump to tone down rhetoric that has turned off many Utahans, specifically his attacks on Judge Gonzalo Curiel and his proposed ban on Muslims (which is anathema to Mormons).
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Davis had never used a lathe before. I was very proud of him. This was done in Dave Dearborn's shop. Here is our tank of liquid nitrogen. Note the condensate from our heavy use. Minus 300 degrees F. This will cool a six pack in 6 seconds. It will freeze the six pack solid in ten seconds!!! The riverside turbine is exposed. Mr. Hobbs inspects the waterbox door to locate the next cut. Note how thick the cast iron is. You can not burn cast iron with oxyacetylene. Removing the Rodney Hunt turbines at Livermore Falls, N.H. Bill Fay is using thermite bars to burn the 3 inch thick cast iron head covers at Livermore Falls. Here the cold of outer space (liquid oxygen at minus 297 degF) is feeding the fires of hell (OxyAcetylene burns steel at 2500 degF, the surface temperature of the sun is 16,000 degF. The tip of the thermite bar runs 8,000 degF). The thermite bars are consumed like a punk stick. As they burn down the 8,000 degF gets very close to your hands!! Once they are ignited, we could carve our initials in solid granite. The amazing thing about this pictures is the smoke. It is gaseous iron! We had to put our shirts, soaked in water over our heads to protect our scalps. We had a special face mask that allowed us to see. With an ambient temperature of 102 deg F, we could only do three bars and than we had to switch off. We were afraid our clothes would ignite. When we stopped and took our heavy clothes off, even though it was over 100 def F, we started shivering uncontrollably. One bar would do about 14 inches of cut through three inch cast iron. This process took some time. Day after day, we got lost in our little world. One day, we heard a commotion. We looked up and there were about 30 fire and police personnel watching us. The look out tower, on Tenney Mountain, saw our smoke plume and thought the gorge was being incinerated. They called in the troops, to put out a major forest fire. When they got to Livermore Falls, all they found were two crazy guys playing with fire!! Davis continues to carve an opening. Note the green, high volume, welding hose feeding the burning bar collet. The collet is a cylindrical brass holder. One end has a ball valve to control the flow. The other end has an adjustable collet that the bar is inserted into. When the bar is consumed, the collet is twisted loose, the stub is removed, another bar is inserted and the collet is twisted the other way to seal the sides of the bar. Water turbine- there were two Rodney Hunt Type 80, Francis turbines. Each turbine was in a camel back configuration with two runners on a common shaft. One runner was left hand and the other was right hand ie: mirror images so they would revolve in the same direction when placed back to back. The complete unit spun at 300 rpm and produced 1200 horsepower to run pulp beaters. Molten cast iron being sprayed through the air. One ten foot bar will burn a slot through 3 inch thick cast iron 1/2 wide by 18 inches long. Burning bars fed by liquid oxygen. Mr. Fay and Mr. Hobbs fed by gatorade!!! Almost done on the river side burning. The beast exposed in its lair. The Lima 34 Crane on top of the dam. On one side it drops 30 feet to the cellar floor. On the other side it drops 15 feet to the sand in the forebay. The top width is 15 feet. Mr. Hobbs tieing off the crane cable to some junk machinery. The LIMA is an old lady with a live stick. The cable lifts the boom up but the weight of the load and boom brings the boom back down by gravity. The load line drum was sticky so we had to tie the line off to something heavy each time and lift the boom back up in order to unreel the drum. Mr. Hobbs directing the crew (me!!!). The beast reluctantly emerges from its lair! It had hibernated for 29 years. Here we had to stop because the pulley we were using to change the load direction extruded itself out of a piece of 8 inch pipe. The cable went crazy and tried to eat Mr. Hobbs. It is risky business doing jump rope with a 3/4 inch cable that has suddenly and explosively unloaded. (That is why we called him "Dangerous Dave!!!!). We re-rigged by putting a choker cable around one of the castellations and hooking the snatch block to the choker. One of the runners. Note the heavy rust and scaling. In order to remove the unit. We burned off the draft tube bed bolts. We used railroad jacks to lift the unit up. We slid these heavy box beams beneath it. To transfer the load we burned a hole in this 8 inch pipe that was protruding from the floor. We inserted an eyebolt into the hole and reached down through the top of the pipe and screwed a nut on the back side. We hung the snatch block (a pulley that has a hook on one end with a side plate that can be removed to reeve a cable) on the eye bolt. As we pulled the cable with the crane the turbine started to slide up the box beams. It suddenly stuck. As I pulled harder, the nut on the eyebolt was pulled through the side of the pipe. Another view of the impromptu extrusion process. A bird's eye view of the cable. It is running down from the crane boom to a pulley mounted in the cast iron. The last thing I did when we finished burning off the cover was to burn a hole in the remaining cover large enough to insert a large eye bolt. We installed the eyebolt and hung a snatch block (pulley) to it. So the cable goes down vertically from the boom through the pulley. It then runs horizontally across the cellar floor to a second pulley mounted on a choker wrapped around the cellar wall on the far side of the cellar. It then runs back and is attached to another eye bolt on the turbine flange. As I pull up vertically with the crane, the force is transmitted horizontally to the front of the turbine and it is dragged sideways out of the hole. That's the theory anyways!!! Things get exciting when you are 30 feet in the air with a 30 ton crane sitting on a tiny footprint and you look over your shoulder to find the rear 1/2 of the tracks ate two feet off the ground because the turbine is not moving forward but the cable is pulling the boom over into the abyss!!!!!! Mr. Hobbs with the beast. Note the pulley behind his head dangling from the eyebolt. Note the eyebolt on the far right screwed onto the end of the coupling. It has an orange shackle attached to it. Here is a clear view of the cable systen running over to the snatch block at the far wall, turning 180 degrees and running back to the eyebolt on the turbine coupling. Note the giant pieces of pipe we are using as rollers to roll the turbine across the concrete cellar floor. Another view of the cable system and large roller (see the circle beneath the oval manhole cover). A bird's eye view of the removal. We had rollers, box beams and timbers all going at once. Here is a great view of the choker wrapped around the castellation and the snatch block used to reverse the direction of force. Here we tried to pick the complete unit out of the hole. It stayed put and the crane started to tip over. We decided to take the units out in pieces. The unit is still complete. We have removed the wooden, lignum vitae, quarter block housing from the end of the gatecase. We have removed the gatecase from one end and lifted it out of the pit. We have dismantled the roller bearing and pulled the covers from the other end. We have blocked up the mainshaft and removed one of the sides of camelback. By this time I was feeling like a bunch of ants that were devouring the carcass of the beast bit by bit!!!! This was the heaviest and scariest pick. The two runners and one gatecase. The crane tilted up a bit on its treads, steadied out at a weird angle and the load came up out of the hole. We start on the second lair. We had to hand shovel tons of brick and earth debris in order to expose the cast iron door. Note the white scum line on the face of the coupling from being buried. Note the manhole cover over the machine (I guess they were little people back than!!!). Also note the iron ring used to attach the turbine to the cover. We previously burned off all those bolt heads and pried the ring off. Davis starts his surgical incision. Note the small pressure case to the right. The Clark's (of Clark's Trading Post Fame) 15 years previously removed a smaller turbine by drilling a two hundred holes in the little cover. They than smashed the cover with large sledge hammers. The result was the same but Davis and I preferred the thermite bars. Somewhere at this time, I saw the shirt covering Davis' head on fire. I quickly took my quart of Gatorade and poured it on his head. He never even noticed!!! The cover falls away in pieces. Note the wooden step ladder propped up in the corner (OSHA approved!). We dropped the oxygen and acetylene bottles down from above. I was much stronger than and to remove the bottles we would sling them over our shoulders and carry them up the step ladder. The shaft and linkage to the middle right control the turbine wicket gates. We had to carefully remove the shaft and bearings. It looks like a scene from hell and maybe it was!!! Close up and dirty thermite work. Hell on earth!!! Mr. Hobbs flirting with the flames. Molten cast iron can be warm!!! The burning bar is burning down to Davis' hand. + Davis dancing with the devil. Things are warming up! Look at the streams of molten cast iron. The camera caught the action. You could not look with your naked eyes. It was like looking at the sun. Also the streamers would have burned out your eyes. It was tough getting to the burning area through the cast iron rubble. Here I have taken over from Davis and I am in the hot seat!! Note the mass of molten cast iron on ground. Spare burning bars are stacked in the corner by the step ladder. The cutting torch is used to ignite the end of the burning bar. I suppose we should have used face masks. We certainly did not need to take iron supplements for a while!! Beast No. 2 exposed. Note the governor shaft control arm to the left. We have sliced off the shift ring arms. We now need to burn the bed flange bolts off. I think this is the day before Davis was burning in the back of the pit and we both simultaneously noted that the acetylene hose had burned through and there was a high pressure jet of flame burning one of Davis boots off his foot!! Between the eye bolt pulling out of the pipe that sent the 3/4 inch cable sawing across the basement floor and Davis being caught on the wrong side of the erupting acetylene hose I never understood why he did not enter the Olympics!!! Wow can Davis move really, really, fast!!! Here we are receiving help from Johnnie Webster's brother, David of Southern New Hampshire Hydroelectric Development Company. Mr. Hobbs and Mr. Webster are dismantling the second unit. Removing the cast iron quarter block assembly. David has burned the bolt heads off and is hammering steel wedges in the flange cracks. David is using my 30 inch wrecking torch to burn off all the flange bolts in order to separate the camel back casing to reduce the weight that I need to pick with the crane. Here Mr. Webster expertly wields the oxyacetylene torch and removes 40 year old bolts with a dexterity and ease which belies how difficult the process is! Mr. Webster and his brother John have developed many hydro electric sites through out New England and are skilled craftsmen and wiley business entrepreneurs! Another exposed runner. Mr. Fay has on the job training. He is learning the International Sign Language of cranes. A tight fist means "STOP". I usually only made that anal retentive sign when I looked behind me and noticed the crawlers tracks in back were three feet off the ground and the crane was ready to tip over into the abyss with me in it!!!! Here we are loading a unit onto Mr. Dean Yeaten's truck. Mr. Yeaten was wonderful and trucked both cranes and turbines for us. He jumped in and helped us rebuild the road and RR crossing into the gorge. His advice and encouragement were indispensable. The end of a long day's work. Extremely rare photo of Mr. Tom Clark of White Mountain Hydroelectric Company. He is directing one of the picks. Mr. Clark is the most experienced hydro owner/operator in New England. We were most fortunate to have him assist. Here Mr. Clark, Mr. Hobbs and Mr. Dave Dearborn ruminate with the LIMA 34. Who says cranes can't talk? Mr. Hobbs testing to see if the turbine will topple into the abyss. We are very safety conscience!!! More rare views of the "un-photographable ones"!!! Dave Dearborn and Tom Clark inspect the gatecase. David Dearborn helped us out more than anyone on this adventure. He was friend, advisor, mentor and more than anything, he steadfastly believed we could make it happen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Davis thought we could put one of these gatecases on either side of the crane and roll it back to Massachusetts. Dean Yeaton's truck is in the background grinding up the old mill driveway with a serious load on the back of his truck. Davis is hooking the crane block to some junk in order to pull some slack back into the cables. Most cranes would have a sizable weight on the hook to provide this function. The little LIMA 34 had been a shovel. The previous owners had removed the shovel and installed a boom from a Linkbelt Speeder. As such the crane never had a crane weight on the back and never had a proper hook installed. Of course we were so ignorant about cranes that we did not know any better. It just goes to show, ignorance is bliss!!!" Dean Yeaton, his son and Davis loading more parts. And more parts. We had a constant source of tourists towards the end. It was like a weird NASCAR event, everyone kept wondering when we we would topple into the abyss, crash and burn!! Mr. Hobbs is unhooking the giant 50 ton nylon strap from around a gatecase I had pulled from below. Mr. Fay sets the shaft assembly onto Mr. Yeaton's truck for transportation out of the gorge. It must have looked odd to the State Police going down the road with the runner assembly hanging off the back of his truck like that. Young Mr. Yeaton and Davis securing a tricky load. Taking the slack out of the chains. Look out for the snap on that binder. It can take your teeth out. Another load goes out. A final view looking straight down the face of the forebay wall with the turbines removed. We left a lot of scrap metal on the ground. We sold one of the turbines to Pioneer Hydroelectric Company in Ware, Massachusetts. We were than hired to refurbish the turbine and install it. The following are photos of the job. Here we have white blasted and primed one of the runners. We had to cut the shaft in order to part out one of the double runners. My friend, mentor and father-in-law, Nic Reitzel and Davis look over the work. Another view from the other end. We had a horrible time getting the 36 inch diameter coupling off the shaft. We had two 100 ton bottle jacks between the runner and the bottom of the coupling. We had a 250 ton porta-power on top of the coupling. We heated the coupling up red hot. We jack that coupling up to 450 tons when suddenly there was an enormously load crack and the coupling split in half and fell off!!!! Various views of the rebuilt, 38 inch diameter, Rodney Hunt, Type 80 from Livermore Falls being installed at Pioneer Hydro in Ware, MA during March/April 1993. Here we are looking up the penstock, to the temporary roof hatch, we cut in the top of the penstock. This allowed us access to rig the old 30 inch Samson unit out and the new turbine parts in. The turbine throat ring is in the foreground. Here the reconditioned runner is being held up by a chainfall. We are getting ready to slide the throat ring onto the spool piece so that we can lower the runner into the throat. A close up of the spoolpiece. It was designed to convey the discharge water from the new turbine to the old Samson's draft tube. The Type 80 had a larger throat diameter than the 30" Samson wheel it was replacing. PHI did not want to replace the draft tube. We made a slight reducing section that speeded the water up before going into the old draft tube. The energy was than recovered in the old draft tube. This worked splendidly. We saw no reduction in power from that predicted by Rodney Hunt's power tables. Note the frozen tailwater in the bottom of the draft tube. The wooden blocks are frozen to the floor of the pressure case. Ambient outside temperature was -18 degrees F. Why do Davis and I always end up playing in river beds when it is below zero temperatures??? Here, young Mr. Hobbs is operating the big Hilti hammer drill. He is exposing the top of the pressure case so we can install the new gateshaft. A picture of the rigging tackle we used to rig in the turbine runner(3800 pounds). The chainfall is actually in a hole burned in the top of the pressure casing. It is suspended by the I-beam in front of Jason Hobbs. The rebuilt pressure case. We sandblasted all parts and primed and painted them with a two part epoxy paint. All pins and bushings were replaced. Mr. Hobbs made all the gate hinge pins and Mr. Fay made all the bronze eccentric pins. A view of three gate links that are fabricated from steel that we replaced. A view of the quarter block assembly. This contains blocks of lignum vitae wood from South America that serve as the shaft bearings under water. A view of the rebuilt turbine. Note the gate shaft in the background. The coupling came from Appleton Mill in Lowell. It took me three hours to burn through the two 8 inch shafts with my wrecking torch. Retrieving the coupling halves from Appleton was an adventure in itself. Mr. David Wright of Ware River Power Company Inc. assisted us at Appleton and we were very grateful. Note the new concrete floor surrounding the spool piece. We had 3 1/2 cubic yards of concrete poured down the penstock. Sometimes, Davis and my light bulbs, dim a little. It certainly happened that day. We ordered the concrete. We installed the concrete truck's chute into the access hole. Then Davis and I got our shovels and hoes and went down into the pressure case with no other way out. We told the driver to start pouring. 3 1/2 cubic yards is a lot of concrete!!! Especially in a tight place. As it was pouring down the penstock it started to bunch up. Then, to our horror it started to fill the penstock up instead of flowing towards us. It happened so quickly that the truck driver could not hear us. We jumped up into the penstock and literally hoed for our lives. We finally got it down into the pressure case and the flow from the truck stopped. I was a zombie going home that night!!! View of the base of the new gateshaft. The governor shaft was under hung and it would have been frozen into the new concrete. Davis installed a pipe chase for the shaft to sit in and to prevent the new concrete from touching the shaft. Note the new hexagonal gate operating arms. People are always making them out of round stock. You need to use a pipe wrench to adjust them and it always makes horrible marks on the steel. I decided to use hexagonal stock so you could use a big adjustable wrench on them. The new coupling halves we retrieved from Appleton Mills. The governor shaft from Livermore Falls is seen in the background. We turned it on end, in a vertical configuration. The new chase that we welded to the top of the pressure case in order to allow the governor shaft to penetrate the top of the pressure case. We used a main stuffing box from Appleton Mills. We had to cut a large hole in the top of the pressure case in order to install the stuffing box. The double bell crank assembly. Note the ears face away from the pressure case. I am embarrassed to say that at Tannery Pond in Winchendon, MA. when we were installing a second Livermore Falls turbine, I installed the double bell crank with the ears facing the turbine. I could not figure out why the governor was jamming. Mr. Duncan Broatch of Summit Hydro Power and his friend Rick Mackowiack visited one day and were looking at the governor shaft. They pointed out that the double bell crank was installed backwards!!! It is good to have so many great friends in this business. The Appleton Mills main stuffing box from the top side. The new David Brown gearbox. This is used to increase the turbine speed to match the high speed Kato generator. The Kato generator mounted on top of the David Brown speed increaser. A view of the gearbox coupling on the end of the intermediate shaft. Do you recognize this giant bell crank from the Livermore Falls pictures? View of the new hydraulic actuator supplied and manufactured by Ware Machine Works. Thank you very much Mr. Pilch!!! Mr. Fay and Mr. Hobbs in front of the new installation. We guaranteed 400 kilowatts and said it would generate closer to 500 kilowatts. It went on line and made 520 kilowatts!!! Good job Mr. Hobbs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a great business partner Davis has been! The endThe Electoral Affairs Commission has disqualified Chan Ho-tin, candidate for the pro-independence Hong Kong National Party, from running in the Legislative Council election this September.
The party said in a statement that the government has “ignited a constitutional crisis” by stripping the election rights of Hong Kong people on the basis of their political views.
“We are honoured to be the first party to be banned by the Hong Kong communist colonial government from running in a democratic election on the basis of political views,” read the statement.
Update: Independence advocates barred from Hong Kong election as they ‘cannot uphold Basic Law’, says gov’t
The statement did not directly state the reason for the ban, but said that “[since] the government used ‘violation of Article 1 of the Basic Law’ as a reason to stop someone from running now, it could use ‘violation of Article 23 of the Basic Law’ to ban Hong Kong people – who support protecting democracy, human rights and freedom – from running in the future.”
Article 1 of the Basic Law stipulates that “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China.”
Article 23 of the Basic Law was the national security law targeting subversion and sedition which was abandoned in the face of mass opposition in 2003.
See also: Legco hopefuls launch legal challenge following gov’t’s new ‘One China’ election pledge
It urged all pro-democracy parties to boycott the election.
The party also said that it would not stop advocating for Hong Kong independence.
Chan submitted his nomination to run in New Territories West on July 18. He did not sign the controversial new “pledge” that related to upholding three Basic Law articles on China’s sovereignty over Hong Kong.
He received an email from the constituency’s returning officer a week later, asking whether he still supports Hong Kong independence, after declaring he would uphold the Basic Law and pledge allegiance to Hong Kong on the nomination form.
“Your request does not relate to any matter in respect of which you are by law entitled to request information and is irrelevant to the validity of my nomination,” Chan said in a reply. “If you can inform me of which basis you are entitled to make such a request, I will consider it. The political views I hold and advocate for are a matter solely for consideration by the voters in the constituency in which I propose to stand, not for you as the Returning Officer.”House Republican leaders put out a bill Friday night that would slice and dice education funding far below current levels and far below what President Barack Obama wanted in his never-enacted fiscal year 2011 budget request. (List of cuts is here.)
The measure, which would continue federal funding for rest of the fiscal year, takes aim at some programs that were previously considered untouchable, including special education spending and Pell Grants to help low-and-moderate income students pay for college. Overall it would cut $4.9 billion from the U.S. Department of Education's fiscal year 2010 budget of $63.7 billion.
"This absolutely would be the largest cuts ever in history for education programs," said Joel Packer, a principal with the Raben Group in Washington, who works with the Committee for Education Funding, a coalition that advocates for increasing education spending.
The bill would cover fiscal year 2011, which technically started back on Oct. 1. Most of the federal government, including the Education Department, has been funded at fiscal year 2010 levels through a series of stop-gap measures, the latest of which expires on March 4.
It's tough to imagine the administration swallowing these cuts. And it's unlikely they'll get through the Senate, which is still controlled by Democrats.
Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee said in a statement:
The GOP approach "would knock the legs out from under our nascent economic recovery, kill jobs, and do virtually nothing to address the long-term fiscal crisis facing our country. Try as they might to convince the American people otherwise, it is simply not possible to balance the budget by targeting 15 percent of federal spending—no matter how deep the cuts are."
But Republicans say the cuts are needed to get the nation's fiscal house in order. Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky., the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said in a statement:
Lawmakers "have weeded out excessive, unnecessary, and wasteful spending, making tough choices to prioritize programs based on their effectiveness and benefit to the American people. My committee has taken a thoughtful look at each and every one of the programs we intend to cut, and have made determinations based on this careful analysis."
Packer said he expects that the two chambers will have a tough time even agreeing on another stop-gap measure. That could spell a government shutdown, he said.
Under the GOP proposal, Title I would be cut by $693.5 million. It's not clear if that means just Title I grants to districts, which got $14.5 million in fiscal year 2010, or if the cut would also effect Title I School Improvement Program, which got $545 million in fiscal 2010.
Special education, which is typically a Republican priority, would be cut by $557 million, below its $11.5 billion funding in fiscal 2010.
Head Start was targeted for the one of the biggest reductions: a $1 billion cut below fiscal 2010.
And Pell grants would be cut as well, resulting in an $845 cut to the maximum per-student grant of $5,550.
GOP lawmakers also didn't find any new money for the administration's top priority, the Race to the Top 2.0. The administration had asked for $1.35 billion to continue the competitive grant program begun under the economic-stimulus package, and last calendar year, Congress had been poised to provide some of that money. Plus, there would be no money for another round of the Investing in Innovation grant program. The administration had originally asked for $500 million to continue i3, another stimulus-funded initiative.
The Obama administration in its fiscal 2011 budget had proposed consolidating smaller programs into broader funding streams. For instance, smaller literacy programs would have been combined into a big competitive fund aimed at improving reading and writing.
But, under the House bill, those programs would be scrapped entirely, including:
• Even Start Family Literacy program: $66.5 million
• Mathematics and Science partnerships: $180 million
• Striving Readers program: $250 million
• The Obama administration's $50 million high school graduation initiative, which is a fairly new program
• Literacy Through School Libraries: $19 million
• Education Technology State Grants: $100 million
• Foriegn Language Assistance: $26.9 million
• The National Writing Project: $25.6 million
• Ready-to-Learn Television: $27.3 million
• Civic Education: $35 million
• Elementary and Secondary School Counseling: $55 million
• Smaller Learning Communities: $88 million
• Tech Prep State Grants: $102 million
• Teacher Quality Partnerships: $43 million
Even some prized education reform programs with deep political connections would be slashed:
• New Leaders for New Schools would be cut by $5 million.
• Teach for America would lose its $18 million appropriation.
• The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards would lose its its $10.6 appropriation.
Also on the chopping block:
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers would get cut by $100 million. And two college access would be cut: TRIO by almost $25 million, GEARUP by $19.8 million.
So who would come through unscathed? The Teacher Incentive Fund, which helps districts create pay-for-performance programs, and got $400 million in fiscal year 2010. Charter schools, which got $256 million in fiscal 2010. And Teacher Quality State Grants, which got $2.95 million in fiscal 2010.
The bill is expected to go to the floor of the House next week. Packer said some GOP lawmakers could introduce amendments making even further cuts.
Confused? This Republican budget proposal is for fiscal year 2011, which actually started way back on Oct. 1, 2010. President Barack Obama will release a budget proposal Monday that will cover fiscal year 2012, which starts on Oct. 1, 2011.tech2 News Staff
Soon after pulling the wraps off the Gorilla Glass 5 for smartphones, Corning's newest offering is Glass SR+ aimed at wearables. The Glass SR+ promises scratch-resistance levels of sapphire crystal glass.
Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ claims to offer up to 70 percent better damage resistance against impacts and 25 percent better surface reflection than those alternative materials. Such step improvements in optical performance will enable longer battery life and improved outdoor readability.
“In early 2015, Corning launched Project Phire with the goal of engineering glass-based solutions with the scratch resistance approaching luxury cover materials, combined with the superior damage resistance of Gorilla Glass,” said Scott Forester, director, innovation products, Corning Gorilla Glass. “Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ delivers a superior combination of properties that is not available in any other material today – it is in a class of its own.”
According to Cnet, Scott Forester, director of innovation products for Gorilla Glass has said the first product using Gorilla Glass SR+ will be a smartwatch. Speculations are rife that it could possibly be the Apple watch 2. We've already seen its Gorilla Glass on Samsung's Gear smartwatches and also the cheaper variant of the Apple Watch. However, the Glass SR+ is the first different form that is the result of Corning's Project Phire. Project Phire was aimed at combining the toughness on the Gorilla Glass with a scratch-resistance which is as good as that of sapphire.
Tech2 is now on WhatsApp. For all the buzz on the latest tech and science, sign up for our WhatsApp services. Just go to Tech2.com/Whatsapp and hit the Subscribe button.ES Football Newsletter Enter your email address Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in or register with your social account
Chelsea fans are no strangers to multiple monikers given their recent history of Brazilian talents, but it’s not often that an established Stamford Bridge star makes an official name change midway through their career.
Mikel was born John Michael Nchekwube Obinna (the son of Michael Obi) in 1987, but a mistake in 2003 changed things for the midfielder.
During the registration process for the 2003 Fifa Under-17 World Championships, the Nigeria Football Association mistakenly submitted ‘Michael’ as ‘Mikel’ for the tournament in Finland.
The competition ended in disappointment as Nigeria failed to qualify from their group despite Mikel scoring during a win against Australia, but the midfielder decided to keep his new name.
Read more Chelsea's John Obi Mikel to miss start of Premier League season after being included in Nigeria squad for 2016 Rio Olympics
The Chelsea midfielder says the mistake had a “special ring to it,” and from joining Chelsea in 2006 he went by ‘Mikel John Obi’ instead of ‘John Obi Mikel.’
And the midfielder has now decided to officially change his full name to Mikel John Obi.
But Chelsea fans need not worry about their new 2016/17 replica shirts need not worry as ‘Mikel/12’ will stay on the jersey.
Mikel will miss the start of the new Premier League season, instead representing Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympics as one of the Super Eagles’ three designated over-23 players.
Rio 2016 Olympic Games Venues - In pictures 41 show all Rio 2016 Olympic Games Venues - In pictures 1/41 The sun rises behind the Christ the Redeemer statue, above the Guanabara bay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazi Felipe Dana/AP 2/41 Olympic Park Aerial view of the Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazi Getty Images 3/41 Olympic Village Aerial view of the Olympic Village in Rio de Janeiro Leo Correa/AP 4/41 Olympic Village Aerial view of the Olympic Village in Rio de Janeiro Getty Images 5/41 Athletics Aerial view of the Joao Havelange Stadium, locally known as Engenhao in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Engenhao will host Track and Field events Getty Images 6/41 Athletics Olympic Stadium Getty Images 7/41 Swimming & Water Polo Olympic Aquatics Stadium Getty Images 8/41 Golf Aerial view of the Olympic Golf Course in Rio de Janeiro 9/41 Diving Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Getty Images 10/41 Cycling Olympic Velodrome at Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Getty Images 11/41 Beach Volleyball Olympic Beach Volleyball Arena on Copacabana beach 12/41 Table Tennis RioCentro Pavillion in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Getty Images 13/41 Tennis Olympic Tennis Center 14/41 BMX, Mountain Biking and Whitewater Stadium Aerial view of the Olympic BMX Centre and the Whitewater Stadium AFP/Getty Images 15/41 Whitewater, BMX and Mountain Biking Aerial view of the X-Park section inside Deodoro Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Getty Images 16/41 Table Tennis RioCentro Pavillion Getty Images 17/41 Weightlifting and Table Tennis Riocentro Getty Images 18/41 Weightlifting Getty Images 19/41 Handball Future Arena of Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Getty Images 20/41 Pentathlon Youth Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Getty Images 21/41 Hockey Olympic Hockey Centre at Deodoro Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Getty Images 22/41 Fencing Arena Carioca 3 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Getty Images 23/41 Wrestling Carioca Arena 1 at Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Getty Images 24/41 Sailing Marina da Gloria, the Sugar Loaf and Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Getty Images 25/41 Gymnastics Rio Olympic Arena Getty Images 26/41 Boxing RioCentro Getty Images 27/41 Basketball Arena Carioca 1 at Olympic Park Getty Images 28/41 Equestrian Centre Aerial view of the Olympic Equestrian Centre with its jumping and dressage arena, cross-country course and horse and trainer accommodation for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games AFP/Getty Images 29/41 Shooting Olympic Shooting Center in Deodoro Olympic Park Getty Images 30/41 Marathon Swim and Triathlon Aerial view of Fort Copacabana and Copacabana Beach Getty Images 31/41 Canoe Slalom Whitewater Stadium Getty Images 32/41 Canoe Sprint and Rowing Rodrigo de Freitas Lake Getty Images 33/41 Rowing Aerial view of Logoa Stadium, site of the rowing venue on Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas Getty Images 34/41 Canoe Sprint and Rowing Rodrigo de Freitas Lake Getty Images 35/41 Volleyball Carioca Arena 1 Getty Images 36/41 Volleyball Carioca Arena 1 Getty Images 37/41 Archery Sapucai Sambodrome Getty Images 38/41 Synchronized swimming Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre Getty Images 39/41 Rugby Deodoro Olympic Park 40/41 Judo Carioca Area 1 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Getty Images 41/41 Taekwondo Carioca Area 1 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Getty Images 1/41 The sun rises behind the Christ the Redeemer statue, above the Guanabara bay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazi Felipe Dana/AP 2/41 Olympic Park Aerial view of the Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazi Getty Images 3/41 Olympic Village Aerial view of the Olympic Village in Rio de Janeiro Leo Correa/AP 4/41 Olympic Village Aerial view of the Olympic Village in Rio de Janeiro Getty Images 5/41 Athletics Aerial view of the Joao Havelange Stadium, locally known as Engenhao in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Engenhao will host Track and Field events Getty Images 6/41 Athletics Olympic Stadium Getty Images 7/41 Swimming & Water Polo Olympic Aquatics Stadium Getty Images 8/41 Golf Aerial view of the Olympic Golf Course in Rio de Janeiro 9/41 Diving Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Getty Images 10/41 Cycling Olympic Velodrome at Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Getty Images 11/41 Beach Volleyball Olympic Beach Volleyball Arena on Copacabana beach |
ating themselves in preparation for Armageddon, preppers tend to have normal jobs, mingle with their communities and take a more relaxed view about looming disasters. Tom Martin, who began the American Preppers Network makes the distinction. "A survivalist is more a specific term," he says. "For me, a survivalist is someone who can go into any type of situation and live off the land. Me, I'm not like that. "People call themselves survivalists because they've got guns and MREs (military ready-to-eat meals). A prepper is a more generalised term. " Preppers prepare with tinned goods, not living off the land While most preppers tend to be politically to the right, or even libertarian in their views, their back-to-basics approach to food cultivation and preparation, as well as use of alternative energy sources, paradoxically means they have much in common with left-of-centre environmentalists. But according to Professor Michael K Lindell, editor of the International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Director of the Hazard Reduction and Recovery Centre at Texas A&M University, the recent growth in prepping is a sign of uncertain times. "There is a general feeling of greater personal responsibility that we've seen in a number of different surveys," says Professor Lindell. "Plus, people have the money and knowledge to invest in these different types of survival resources, as well as the feeling that they really are at risk. "It's all these different trends that are coming together that are leading to this kind of behaviour." Many preppers cite the American government's bungled response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 as a key motivator behind their approach to survival. The economic crisis of the past two years is also frequently mentioned. So are preppers paranoid? Chuck Izzo says not. "Having a couple of months' worth of food, some first aid training, potentially if you can afford it having a back-up power system to maintain the electrical systems in your house I don't think that's paranoia," he says. "I think that's just a degree of readiness. I think it improves our confidence and our quality of life."
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StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable versionDespite what some people think, hero is not a synonym for competent government-hired killer.
If Clint Eastwood's record-breaking movie, American Sniper, launches a frank public conversation about war and heroism, the great director will have performed a badly needed service for the country and the world.
This is neither a movie review nor a review of the late Chris Kyle's autobiographical book on which the movie is based. My interest is in the popular evaluation of Kyle, America's most prolific sniper, a title he earned through four tours in Iraq.
Let's recall some facts, which perhaps Eastwood thought were too obvious to need mention: Kyle was part of an invasion force: Americans went to Iraq. Iraq did not invade America or attack Americans. Dictator Saddam Hussein never even threatened to attack Americans. Contrary to what the George W. Bush administration suggested, Iraq had nothing to do with the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Before Americans invaded Iraq, al-Qaeda was not there. Nor was it in Syria, Yemen, and Libya.
The only reason Kyle went to Iraq was that Bush/Cheney & Co. launched a war of aggression against the Iraqi people. Wars of aggression, let's remember, are illegal under international law. Nazis were executed at Nuremberg for waging wars of aggression. With this perspective, we can ask if Kyle was a hero.
Defenders of Kyle and the Bush foreign policy will say, "Of course, he was a hero. He saved American lives."
What American lives? The lives of American military personnel who invaded other people's country, one that was no threat to them or their fellow Americans back home. If an invader kills someone who is trying to resist the invasion, that does not count as heroic self-defense. The invader is the aggressor. The "invadee" is the defender. If anyone's a hero, it's the latter.
In his book Kyle wrote he was fighting "savage, despicable evil" — and having "fun" doing it. Why did he think that about the Iraqis? Because Iraqi men — and women; his first kill was a woman — resisted the invasion and occupation he took part in.
That makes no sense. As I've established, resisting an invasion and occupation — yes, even when Arabs are resisting Americans — is simply not evil. If America had been invaded by Iraq (an Iraq with a powerful military, that is) would Iraqi snipers picking off American resisters be considered heroes by all those people who idolize Kyle? I don't think so, and I don't believe Americans would think so either. Rather, American resisters would be the heroes.
Eastwood's movie also features an Iraqi sniper. Why isn't he regarded as a hero for resisting an invasion of his homeland, like the Americans in my hypothetical example? (Eastwood should make a movie about the invasion from the Iraqis' point of view, just as he made a movie about Iwo Jima from the Japanese point of view to go with his earlier movie from the American side.)
No matter how often Kyle and his admirers referred to Iraqis as "the enemy," the basic facts did not change. They were "the enemy" — that is, they meant to do harm to Americans — only because American forces waged an unprovoked war against them. Kyle, like other Americans, never had to fear that an Iraqi sniper would kill him at home in the United States. He made the Iraqis his enemy by entering their country uninvited, armed with a sniper's rifle. No Iraqi asked to be killed by Kyle, but it sure looks as though Kyle was asking to be killed by an Iraqi. (Instead, another American vet did the job.)
Of course, Kyle's admirers would disagree with this analysis. Jeanine Pirro, a Fox News commentator, said, "Chris Kyle was clear as to who the enemy was. They were the ones his government sent him to kill."
Appalling! Kyle was a hero because he eagerly and expertly killed whomever the government told him to kill? Conservatives, supposed advocates of limited government, sure have an odd notion of heroism.
Excuse me, but I have trouble seeing an essential difference between what Kyle did in Iraq and what Adam Lanza did at Sandy Hook Elementary School. It certainly was not heroism.
This article originally appeared at the Future of Freedom FoundationAnother P2P milestone: it is now possible to order a peer-produced car, or carparts, with a peer-produced currency!
WIKISPEED is a project that has been highlighted in several occasions by the P2P Foundation for the powerful way in which it embodies the theory of Peer Production. That fact that there is a company developing more ecological cars using distributed collaborative practices confirms that Peer Production is real, and that it can go beyond immaterial, non-rival, goods like software or music.
WIKISPEED’s recent announcement about their move to enable Bitcoin payments (read the press release), should send a strong signal about the potential for convergence within the P2P universe. As the P2P world grows in depth and scope, increasingly complex feats will be possible without the need to rely on the conventional structures.
Transportation and currency are two key social functions that were not long ago P2P-unthinkable. Money and cars, we thought (or, rather, we were told), could only be handled by large hierarchical organisations. Now it is possible to produce cars and currency through P2P arrangements that mix social and computer protocols. At the P2P foundation we see this as a major milestone in the road to a P2P world.
Note: Joe Justice, founder of WIKISPEED will be answering Bitcoin-related questions (mainly) on Wednesday August 1 at 9am Pacific time (Seattle) on Reddit.com. To participate in this real-time distributed interview go to www.reddit.com/r/bitcoin around the time indicated above.
Disclaimer: Nicolás Mendoza, author of this post and researcher at the P2P Foundation, is also in charge of managing Bitcoin adoption for WIKISPEED. He is also the author of the WIKISPEED + Bitcoin press release. His involvement in both WIKISPEED and Bitcoin is on a non-paid voluntary basis.
PRESS RELEASE:
WIKISPEED, first car-maker in the world to accept Bitcoin
WIKISPEED is excited to announce that starting today, it is possible to purchase WIKISPEED cars and car parts or to support our projects with Bitcoin. We believe the decentralised, open and internet-native nature of Bitcoin resonates deeply with the essence of the WIKISPEED project.
Our name, WIKISPEED, not only reflects the network origin of our project but more importantly, how the network itself is the core of our methodology. Like a Wikipedia article, our cars are designed and built by teams of collaborative volunteer teams distributed around the world. Similarly, our design and knowledge is open and available for anyone to use and improve. The ‘Wiki’ approach to physical manufacturing allows WIKISPEED teams to perform complex tasks in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost of industry norms.
The networked and open nature of the Bitcoin monetary system allows its users to perform transactions at substantially cheaper cost and at substantially faster speed, worldwide. WIKISPEED and Bitcoin have in common that they enable freely-assembled teams and individuals to perform activities that previously required bureaucracies, companies, or even nations.
For the first time in history, it is now possible to purchase a car manufactured by a distributed, collaborative corporation using currency issued by no bank. We see this as a landmark in the maturation of the web: a step forward in the convergence of activities driven by networking logics in all fields of human life. This convergence of network culture, network manufacturing and network economics holds the promise to fundamentally change the world, bringing back power to the people. A world where an open source car can be purchased with open source money is already a new world with new and exciting potential.
Bitcoin can now be used to purchase the limited edition WIKISPEED SGT01, a replica of our X-Prize winning prototype for $25.000 USD. A comfortable commuter car, the WIKISPEED C3, is in development and will be Bitcoin-compatible at launch. We aim to deliver the C3 as a complete car for $17,995 USD and as a kit for $10,000 USD. All WIKISPEED cars are ultra-efficient, modular, safety-tested, and deliver 100mpg or more. He have also opened an online store where WIKISPEED car parts are available at http://wikispeed.com/Store. Because Bitcoin transfer fees are dramatically lower than those of conventional systems, we are offering a 3% discount in all our prices when payed in Bitcoin.
Funding for the development of the WIKISPEED C3 commuter car is currently being conducted through a crowdfunding campaing at Indiegogo.com. The costs the C3 development include crash test fees, fuel-efficiency testing, materials for prototyping and testing, expert reviews and fabrication, and additional tools. While the Indiegogo platform does not support Bitcoin contributions, these can be sent to the following Bitcoin address: 12JiynsQcfNLbeWnM7cdnYGo3axPXDcwCV
Support WIKISPEED and make the future of automotive transportation happen right now.
WIKISPEED, a Seattle, WA–based automotive-prototyping and manufacturing startup, is a registered automotive manufacturer able to sell complete vehicles in the United States and kit-built vehicles all over the world. WIKISPEED currently has collaborative operations in fifteen countries worldwide.
Our Bitcoin address for donations is 12JiynsQcfNLbeWnM7cdnYGo3axPXDcwCV
We are in the process of implementing an automated shopping cart solution. However, customers who wish to purchase from us using Bitcoin can contact us at [email protected] for detailed instructions.
Press Photos: http://www.wikispeed.com/press, http://www.jigsawrenaissance.org/.
Media Contact: WIKISPEED: [email protected], 425-312-3996
Jigsaw Renaissance: [email protected], 206-659-5260By Doug Newman – email me
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Posted at Blacklisted News.
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“Friends of Freedom” are being encouraged to attend the Western Conservative Summit in Denver from July 18-20.
Featured speakers include Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, whose name is being mentioned as a possible presidential contender in 2016.
America has the world’s highest incarceration rate. Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate of any state in America. Indeed, Louisiana has 5 times the incarceration rate of Iran! For the full article and chart, click here.
Remember this if Bobby Jindal runs for president. (Of course his supporters will be in total denial about this, just like everyone who actually thought Mitt Romney was going to repeal Obamacare.)
AdvertisementsSky Sports News HQ reporters check in from around the USA ahead of NFL 32 Live! Sky Sports News HQ reporters check in from around the USA ahead of NFL 32 Live!
On the eve of the new NFL season, Sky Sports News HQ will report live from across America bringing fans the latest news and behind-the-scenes access to all 32 teams in 12 hours.
Every NFL franchise will be visited as we become the first broadcaster to complete this whirlwind trip across the USA in one day on Wednesday, September 9. Presenter Jim White will begin '32 Live' by interviewing the NFL executive vice president, Troy Vincent, at the league headquarters in New York. He will get the big stories live from the city's home teams - the New York Giants and the New York Jets - as they prepare for the new season.
Jim will then pay a visit to the Pittsburgh Steelers during their final preparations at the team hotel in Rhode Island, followed by defending Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots. Both teams will face each other in the season-opening fixture the next day.
A team of 11 reporters will be in America to interview players, coaches, plus stadium and backroom staff - giving NFL fans in the UK and Ireland all the team news, updates and stories a day before the opening game of the season.
James Haddock takes a behind-the-scenes look at the Detroit Lions' preparation ahead of the start of the NFL season James Haddock takes a behind-the-scenes look at the Detroit Lions' preparation ahead of the start of the NFL season
'32 Live' is part of Sky's extensive NFL coverage with at least five games a week including Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football, which are new to Sky Sports this year. Viewers can now enjoy more than 100 live games a season including every playoff clash, the Pro Bowl and the Super Bowl.
Andy Cairns, executive editor for Sky Sports News HQ, said: "We are going to make history with 32 Live and it's a fantastic way to kick off the NFL season on Sky, which will be our most comprehensive to date. American football is going to get the Sky Sports News HQ treatment with Jim White leading our teams of reporters across America, giving UK and Ireland fans all the pre-season news and behind-the-scenes stories with every team just 24 hours before the first game. Whether you're a Viking, a Patriot, a Charger or a Cowboy, this day is for you."
Alistair Kirkwood, Managing Director of NFLUK, said: "This is an incredible way to launch the season and will really whet appetites for the opening games. To say this is an ambitious project is an understatement, but it indicates the Sky Sports commitment to bringing viewers as close to the NFL action as possible. We are very excited to see the day unfold."
As well as live games, Sky Sports will offer full coverage and analysis throughout the season online and across social media including all the news, previews and game reports. Sky Sports News HQ will continue to provide up to date NFL news, views and previews, plus highlights of all the action will be available for fans to catch up when they want On Demand.
All of the drama and scores from around the NFL will be available each Sunday of the regular season on RedZone, via the red button, Sky Sports iPad app and Sky Sports Xtra. The NFL and HBO produced series, NFL Hard Knocks can now be seen on Sky and On Demand, featuring the Houston Texans, plus other award winning NFL films programming.
As the new NFL season approaches, Sky Sports News HQ brings you behind-the-scenes access to all 32 teams. As the new NFL season approaches, Sky Sports News HQ brings you behind-the-scenes access to all 32 teams.
Fans will be able to watch the action live wherever they are on mobile, laptop and selected tablets via Sky Go. Non-subscribers can also see the matches without a contract through online TV streaming service NOW TV. By purchasing a Sky Sports Day Pass for £6.99 or Sky Sports Week Pass for £10.99, they can enjoy access to all seven Sky Sports channels and watch on a TV with a NOW TV Box or on a range of devices.I have been researching UFOs for many years, delving deep into the underbelly of UFO lore, and one name seems to frequently pop up. His name is Richard Doty, and in the 1980s he was a special agent for the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He claims that while he was there he was tasked with hoaxing documents and feeding false information to UFO researchers. The Air Force refuses to comment on whether they knew of his activities and whether his claims of partaking in this activity at the behest of his superiors is accurate.
It wouldn't be so bad if his stories of UFO crashes and secret UFO management groups, such as the fabled MJ-12, were not the subject of a large amount of books, movies, video games, television shows, and who knows what else. He says he even acted as a consultant for The X-Files, which is one of the very few tall tales of his that might actually be true.
Doty's story has changed over the years, and some of the details of the stories are conflicting. In frustration with this whole situation, I decided to send the Air Force Freedom of information Act (FOIA) requests to find out more. I also wanted an official response regarding whether he was ordered to create these hoaxed documents.
At first the AFOSI Public Affairs Chief was very helpful. She expedited my request, and I received some very interesting documents. I was told that when my FOIA request was fulfilled, she would help me find someone I could talk to for an official statement. However, once I got the documents, she would no longer talk to me.
What was in the documents was very interesting and corroborated some of the legend around the Doty affair. The story begins with a man named Paul Bennewitz, who owned a humidity equipment company with contracts with Kirtland AFB. His house and office were near Kirtland, and he believed he was seeing UFOs over a part of the base that housed nuclear weapons. He also believed he was receiving transmissions from the aliens that flew those UFOs. Surprisingly, the Air Force humored him. They sent out Doty and an officer to investigate, but AFOSI decided that further investigation was unwarranted.
A few days later, Bennewitz was allowed to present his evidence to some of the officers and scientists at the base. He wanted a grant to conduct more research, and one of the scientists said he would help Bennewitz fill out the paperwork for the grant.
The documents also state that two U.S. senators from New Mexico had called or shown up at Kirtland to check on AFOSI's investigation of Bennewitz and his E.T. contacts. Apparently, Bennewitz had sought their help. Both times the senators were told there was no investigation.
Doty claims what the senators were told was not true. Doty says he was told to make Bennewitz believe there was an impending alien invasion because Bennewitz was actually observing secret Air Force projects. According to Doty, the Air Force wanted to discredit Bennewitz so no one would figure that out. However, Doty claims that in doing so, he created hoaxed documents that were given to Bennewitz and other UFO researchers, and that he broke into Bennewitz's house and office, some if not all of which is illegal.
I have been able to confirm that Doty did give Bennewitz documents that would make him believe he was under investigation, even though Doty told both senators that this was not the case. Bennewitz eventually checked into a mental health facility due to paranoia. Doty was successful, and Bennewtiz was convinced of the immanent alien invasion. This entire affair is incredibly unscrupulous, and Doty claims he did it all under orders. Doty is now a sergeant with the New Mexico State Police in Grants.
I think the Air Force needs to respond to Doty's claims. I have drafted a letter that I sent to the Air Force asking for a response. I have yet to receive one. I have posted this letter online along with extensive references to my sources and the FOIA documents I received. Take a look and let me know if you agree that the Air Force needs to address this situation once and for all.In a tell-all interview, Khan speaks on the political to the personal, says parliament is coalition of crooks.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan said on Wednesday that liberals in Pakistan were the scum of the country who backed US policies.
In a tell-all interview with NDTV’s Barkha Dutt, who was visiting Pakistan recently, Khan shared his views ranging from the political to the personal, including martial laws, Memogate, corruption and allegations against him.
Talking about liberals, he said that liberals were the scum of this country and were fascists. Khan said that those liberals backed bombing of villages, drone attacks. He added that it was the liberals who backed US policies, including the War on Terror that had aggravated extremism in the country.
Answering a question on being called ‘Taliban Khan’, the PTI chief said that he was being labelled that since he encouraged dialogue with the Taliban instead of military action, a policy which the US eventually had to adopt too.
He also touched upon criticism against him about praying on stage during rallies, to which he said that he prayed five times a day and that praying on the stage was not an exception.
‘Age of martial law is over’
The PTI chairman told her that the age of martial law was over, adding that the people of Pakistan have moved on. Talking about Memogate, Khan said that the infamous case was enough for an army take over but had decided against it because it realised that the people were not going to accept military takeovers anymore.
Khan added that for the first time in the history of Pakistan, the Supreme Court had taken a stand against corruption. He praised the media as well for its vibrant role in creating political awareness amongst the public.
‘Parliament, a coalition of crooks’
Responding to a question on the contempt of court notice served to Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, Khan said that the current parliament was a “coalition of crooks” who were benefitting from this “corrupt system” and were simply protecting each other’s corruption. He said that democracy is strengthened by rule of law and that there were instead different laws for the rich and poor in Pakistan.
Speaking on early elections, Khan said that both his party and the country felt that the sooner the elections took place, the better, adding that the sooner the country got rid of these “crooks”, the rebuilding process of the country could start.
Establishment backing
On allegations that his party was backed by the establishment, Khan referred to various polls, including the Pew polls that ranked the PTI as the number one party in terms of popularity in Pakistan, adding that he could not have manipulated those polls.
Alliance with Musharraf
On a possible alliance with former president and All Pakistan Muslim League chief, Pervez Musharraf, Khan said that although it was kind of Musharraf wanting to be a part of his alliance, the party would not accept him. He added that it was the former general’s NRO that had brought President Asif Zardari and other “criminals” in power, also mentioning his involvement in the war on terror, exacerbating the situation in Balochistan by assassinating Nawab Akbar Bugti and the Lal Masjid case.
Khan also adviced Musharraf about not coming to Pakistan as his life was in danger from the Baloch, in particular Bugti’s son who had put a ransom on Musharraf’s head.
M&M: Memogate and Mansoor Ijaz
Regarding the Memogate case, the PTI chairman said that everyone in Pakistan considered the case to be akin to treason since it was the government asking the US to help them against the Pakistan army.
Speaking about Mansoor Ijaz, the US born Pakistani, who was one of the central characters in the case, Khan said that he did not think highly of Ijaz, adding that he was a ‘non-entity’.
Khan refused to comment further on the case, stating it was sub judice.
Relations with India
When asked on what Khan ascendency to power meant for India and Kashmir issue, he said that he believes in a political solution to the issue instead of a military one. He emphasised on having a roadmap to resolve the crisis in Kashmir.
Speaking on relations with India, he said that he believed in having normal ties with the neighbouring country, stating that this region was one of the fastest growing in the world and that the entire sub-continent should be working together to get rid of poverty. He emphasised on a relationship built on truth and no double games, which was free of blame game particulary about promoting terrorism in either countries.
Mumbai Attacks: 26/11
On Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed and his alleged involvement in the attack in Mumbai on 26/11, Khan said that the case was in Supreme Court and that he wanted the law to take its course.
On a question regarding his playboy image of the past, the even flamboyant Khan remarked that his spirituality had not made him an angel and that he was still a ‘humble sinner’.
Read full storyA mother’s love has been said to be “unbreakable.”
With this, I would agree.
Even though we reside in two separate spaces, you and I are eternally connected.
Our hearts and souls are forever entwined. Some may not understand our connection; they may wonder how it all works. Honestly, I’m not sure I could fully explain it either. All I know is it’s there, an invisible string that keeps us connected, and provides me an overwhelming sense of your presence in my life. You, my child, guiding me, showing me things I could not see before you, and introducing me to a world where love guides every step and peace resides in every heart.
Because of you, I’m finding myself closer to creating a life here on earth that resembles your world. You are helping me create my heaven on earth by leading me down a path where the peaceful feeling in my heart becomes everlasting.
I feel your presence every single day.
I see the world through your vision.
I live the joy you wish to spread.
I’ve been introduced to a way of being that I could not possibly have understood before you. I know it as intimately as I know you. You’ve showed me how to love in ways I never thought were possible—a love that transcends the boundaries of time and space, a love that will never cease.
I am so very grateful for your presence in my life, sweet Adeline.
Thank you, sweet baby girl. You are teaching momma more than any child could.
You inspire me.
Merry Christmas, baby girl… We miss you.
Love,
Momg-taire:
fandomsandfeminism:
Humans are a communal species that have banded together and cared for their sick, disabled, and elderly since before we were ever modern man. Resources were shared even as skills specialized. Capitalism isn’t natural. A community should not have members dying of starvation or exposure while there is an abundance of resources. That isn’t how it works. That isn’t how it’s supposed to work.
ok so my roommates are anthropology students and their favorite example for debunking the ‘survival of the fittest’ bs is shanidar 1. (x, x, x)
shanidar 1 is a neanderthal who, at a pretty young age, was hit in the head hard enough to blind him. this also led to that side of his brain shutting down and withering his right arm, and possibly crippling his entire right side. not only that but his skeleton also shows that at some point, he broke a bone in his foot and, in addition to the other factors, resulted in a noticeable limp. there are some sources which say he likely had degenerative diseases. (arthritis was really common in neanderthals)
going off of widespread ideas of “”primitive”” (no longer the word used in anthropology/academia to describe early-modern humans) societies, shanidar probably died really young, deliberately abandoned or killed. i mean, he was severely crippled, blind, etc., he couldn’t contribute anything, he would have been a “”burden to society””, right?
except he lived to be between 40 and 50 years old. (about ~80 in human years)
this means that his social group had to have taken care of him for a minimum of two or three decades without his ‘contributing’ anything significant to the group. this discovery (and Shanidar III’s) was huge because it basically proves that early humans had a concept of hospice. early modern humans cared for the sick and the elderly, greatly extending their lifespan, simply because they cared.
tl;dr: the concept of someone needing to be ‘’useful’’ or ‘’’productive’’’ in society in order to be valued and cared for is a very modern concept and our quasi-predecessors would be ashamedFriends fur-ever: Heart-melting photos capture unusual friendships at animal refuge
The Rocky Ridge Refuge in Midway is home to 60 animals - including a capybara, tortoise, zebra, miniature horse and piglet
It looks like a scene from a Disney movie - puppies, tortoises, fawns and zebras living together in harmony - but at the Rocky Ridge Refuge it's reality.
The non-profit organization in Midway, Arkansas is home to as many as 60 animals at a time - and the wide range of species have grown into one big, loving family.
Owner Janice Wolf set up the shelter 20 years ago to help wildlife and pets in need of medical care, allowing them to heal and find new homes - although some have moved in permanently.
Among her long-term residents are Cheesecake the capybara, Crouton the African Sulcata tortoise, Barcode the zebra, Butterbean the bull terrier and Bazinga the miniature horse.
Scroll down for video
So happy together: Cheesecake the capybara kisses hers puppy pals as he takes a dip at Rocky Ridge Rescue - an animal shelter in Midway, Arkansas where all the animals live together in harmony Helping each other through: Bazinga the miniature horse is comforted by Butterbean the bull terrier after undergoing surgery to correct her tendons
Cuddle buddies: Crouton the African Sulcata tortoise nuzzles one of the shelter's sleeping pups
Watermelon party time: Some of the animals share a watermelon during 4th July celebrations
Their play pals are puppies, deer, lambs and most recently, Brad the Meishan piglet - and he's fitting in pretty well so far.
'Brad has a crate in the kitchen to sleep in and the dogs have taught him how to use the the dog door - so he soon became one of the pack,' Wolf says.
'Butterbean my bull terrier and 'Chief Nanny', sleeps with him and stays very close otherwise.'
She added that the puppies have also taken to the new addition.
'When they met Brad, they decided he would be a fun playmate,' she said. 'They got him running through the house playing chase with them and the rest of us can only get out of the way because that pig has no traction on my tile floors!'
Not letting sleeping dogs lie: A clutch of chicks and a friendly skunk interrupt these dogs' nap times
Day out: Barcode the zebra and some of the other animals take a stroll in the snow
All smiles: Cheesecake the capybara cools off in her paddling pool with one of her canine friends Cute: Cheesecake spends time with another fluffy pup at the refuge, which finds new homes for animals
Wolf, who studied social work and counseling before working as a technician for a veterinarian, set up the shelter to rescue and raise wildlife and sick pets after long caring for animals.
Among her former residents, she has raised a one-eyed Llama, an orphaned Water Buffalo and a baby Nilgai Antelope with a fractured leg.
Most famously, she cared for Lurch the African watusi steer - who grew to be the Guinness World Record holder for largest horn circumference.
She launched a Facebook page three years ago and her adorable photos became so popular that every year she now sells Rocky Ridge Refuge calendars, which help raise funds.
'I am a small, one woman operation and always have been,' said Wolf, who is able to carry out many of the medical treatments on the animals herself.
Nuzzling in: The shelter's puppies show new addition Brad the Meishan Piglet, pictured, the ropes
Together: Barcode the zebra goes for a paddle with her fellow Rocky Ridge Refuge animals Inquisitive: Crouton the African Sulcata tortoise allows a new litter of puppies to introduce themselves Tucking in: Many of the animals, such as the puppies, are adopted but some animals, including the capybara and the tortoise, are long term residents at the sanctuary
'I will continue rescuing as long as I am able and hope to train someone to take my position when I can no longer operate as needed.'
She hopes to continue raising funds through her website.
'My mission has been to alleviate suffering more than anything,' she said. 'In a world with so much need, I know I can't save all and know the reality is that many die every day.
'It is sad, but living a life of misery, loneliness, neglect and abuse is far worse. Anything I can do to ease another's way is my goal.'
Fawning friends: Owner Janice Wolf opened the sanctuary 20 years ago and now has around 60 animals Devoted: Janice Wolf, a former vet's tech, set up the refuge 21 years ago and now relies on donationsIt's Nintendo Download time once again, North America, and this week we've got retro goodies for your newest console, some top-notch gaming for the 3DS and a lot of discounted dancing. Let's get right to it.
Wii U Virtual Console
Mega Man X (Capcom, $7.99) — The first of the "X" spin-off series to grace the Super NES, it takes the basics of the original franchise and adds enhancements to controls and the hero's move-set, while also featuring lush 16-bit visuals. This is regarded by many as a classic, and we'll be revisiting it on the Wii U for a fresh review; until then you can see what we loved about it in our Wii Virtual Console Mega Man X review.
Ghosts 'n Goblins (Capcom, $4.99) — The NES title that would eventually spawn last week's brilliant SNES arrival, Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts. It's classic 8-bit running, jumping and attacking, with a legendary level of difficulty to boot. We'll have someone take another look at the Wii U version soon, but until then you can check out our 3DS Virtual Console Ghosts 'n Goblins review, where we gave it a solid recommendation.
Wii U eShop Discounts
Ghosts 'n Goblins and Mega Man X — If you purchase one of the these titles, you get the other at a 50% discount. This is a peculiar offer as taking it up the wrong way round could, in theory, cost you money, so if you do this be sure to buy Ghosts 'n Goblins first, to get the more expensive Mega Man X at half price. The offer ends on 6th June.
Toki Tori 2 (Two Tribes, $11.24 until 6th June, normally $14.99)
Just Dance 4 (Ubisoft, $34.99 until 4th June, normally $49.99) — As well as a reduction of the Wii U eShop game price, the following songs are on sale for $2.10 until 4th June on both Wii and Wii U.
Part of Me - Katy Perry (Wii and Wii U)
You Make Me Feel... - Cobra Starship featuring Sabi (Wii and Wii U)
Gangnam Style - PSY (Wii and Wii U)
Funhouse - P!nk (Wii only)
Make the Party (Don't Stop)(N) - Bunny Beatz (Wii only)
One Thing - One Direction (Wii and Wii U)
Dagomba (2)/(3D) - Sorcerer (Wii and Wii U)
Heavy Cross - Gossip (Wii and Wii U)
Hit The Lights - Selena Gomez & The Scene (Wii and Wii U)
So Glamorous - Harlin James & Clav (Wii and Wii U)
Want U Back - Cher Lloyd featuring Astro (Wii only)
We R Who We R - Ke$ha (Wii and Wii U)
Oath - Cher Lloyd featuring Becky G (Wii and Wii U)
Boom (3) - MC Magico and Alex Wilson (Wii and Wii U)
The Lazy Song - Bruno Mars (Wii and Wii U)
Gold Dust - DJ Fresh (Wii and Wii U)
Professor Pumplestickle (2D)/(3D) - Nick Phoenix & Thomas J. Bergersen (Wii and Wii U)
Die Young - Ke$ha (Wii and Wii U)
Primadonna - Marina and the Diamonds (Wii and Wii U)
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The Denpa Men 2: Beyond the Waves (Genius |
the Zero Emission Business Unit for the alliance. “Are we going to wait for the infrastructure to be ready, or are we going to drive the speed of infrastructure by putting a product out there? Which is more proactive as a company?”
Renault’s Orsini said the car maker borrowed a strategy from Airbus, which worked with airlines and airports to ensure they were ready for its new A380 jumbo. Another executive likened it to car makers being in charge of deciding where to set up petrol stations.
When the top car makers in the U.S. market abandoned the EV experiment that had been ignited by California’s Zero Emission Vehicle mandate in the early 1990s, the main culprit was the cost and performance of the batteries. (Electric cars have come and gone in small numbers since the 19th century, but their limited range and power made them impractical. Nissan made its first EV, the lead acid battery-powered Tama, in 1947)
Storing and discharging energy at the rigorous pace and frequency required in a moving vehicle was a technically formidable task. Toyota knew that all too well. It had to recall all of its first-generation Prius hybrid cars for battery failure.
But with 18 years of advanced battery development behind it, Nissan had a long lead, engineers and executives said. Japan’s oldest car company had begun working on lithium-ion batteries, considered the best match for rechargeable cars today, before any other automaker, in 1992. It has also brought development of the electric motor and inverter, the two other key EV components, in-house.
OBJECTIVES ALIGNED
Once sold on Nissan’s technological readiness, many governments were swift to come on board.
“The main concern of the partners is, ‘Okay we would be ready to invest in infrastructure or whatever but tell us about the cars,’” said Thierry Koskas, head of Renault’s EV project.
Officials on both sides of Nissan and Portugal’s conversation in the spring of 2008 remember how quickly they saw eye-to-eye as they sat down to talk in the coastal Portuguese town of Cascais.
“I knew that the moment we had the chance to talk about this, something good would happen, because our objectives were so aligned,” Joao Dias, economic adviser for Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, told Reuters at Lisbon’s Electricity Museum overlooking the Tagus River during a test-drive event.
Socrates is an enthusiastic supporter of EVs. Italy’s Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi even teased him about it at a European Summit, joking that he would buy Socrates an electric Ferrari, Dias said. The Portuguese leader had the last laugh — the Italian sportscar maker displayed a hybrid model at the Geneva Auto Show in March.
Portugal gets more than 40 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, among the highest in the world. By 2020, it wants to raise that to 60 percent, and for that electricity to power one in every 10 cars on the road by that time. It plans to put up 1,300 normal charging points and 50 fast-speed ones in 25 cities in its pilot phase by next July.
The government will also offer a 5,000 euro subsidy for the first 5,000 buyers of electric cars, lowering the price for consumers to under 30,000 euros.
Using their combined global reach, Nissan and Renault went on to seal more such partnerships, building momentum with each handshake. By the end of 2008, the alliance had 10 agreements, from Israel to Oregon. The number doubled the next year, before ballooning to more than 80 today.
Ichiro Kawanabe, head of Tokyo’s biggest taxi operator, Nihon Kotsu, says running costs would be far lower with electric taxis and he would switch his entire fleet to EVs in a heartbeat if the conditions were right. Postal and parcel delivery services are starting to experiment with them, too.
Even if governments do drop their EV subsidies, they can still provide incentives such as preferential parking rights or use of car pool lanes, said Xavier Mosquet, a senior partner at Boston Consulting Group. At one point, a used Prius with a car pool sticker in California was worth $7,000 more than a new one, he said.
Nissan and Renault insist their problem won’t be a lack of demand, but meeting it. Mosquet said that even if EVs end up making up just a few percent of the global market, if Renault and Nissan could take 30 percent of that, it would still be a good business.
“When Toyota came with the hybrid, nobody believed there would be a market,” Mosquet said. “It’s not a huge market — 2.5 percent of the U.S. market — but it’s a market.”
TOM HANKS DRIVES ONE
Despite some snickering at the beginning about Ghosn’s vision for his EV, his rivals in the auto industry have nevertheless joined the race to make and market green cars.
Toyota is one. As its president, Akio Toyoda, announced a $50 million investment in Tesla Motors, he said the Roadster may be proof EVs can be more than just for urban commuters.
Last month, the Toyoda family scion proudly told reporters in Tokyo he had learned that Hollywood actor Tom Hanks was still driving a RAV4 EV crossover, clocking 50,000 miles on Toyota’s discontinued electric car. Toyota and Tesla are now developing a new electric RAV4 together for sale in the United States.
For now, with less than 50,000 Leafs available in the first year, Nissan is cherry-picking the cities, countries and customers that will get the shipments first, with priority placed on those with the most serious plans to support EVs.
The Leaf will be delivered to the first 6,000 customers in Japan and to 20,000 others from select U.S. states starting this month. Portugal will get the first Leafs in Europe in January, followed by Ireland, Britain and the Netherlands. Within four years, Renault and Nissan are planning to expand the EV range to four models each, including a commercial-use van and a compact under Nissan’s premium Infiniti brand.
Slideshow (10 Images)
Ghosn stresses that Nissan and Renault will continue to develop vehicle technologies across the spectrum, from more fuel-efficient gasoline and diesel cars to hybrids, plug-in hybrids and even fuel-cell vehicles.
“But we are betting that this alliance is going to be a technology leader in the future, and it’s going to rely on the success of zero-emission cars,” Ghosn said in Tokyo last year.
“There are some risks that other people are not ready to take. But if I have to take a risk, I’m glad to take this one.”The human race is living beyond its means. A report backed by 1,360 scientists from 95 countries - some of them world leaders in their fields - today warns that the almost two-thirds of the natural machinery that supports life on Earth is being degraded by human pressure.
The study contains what its authors call "a stark warning" for the entire world. The wetlands, forests, savannahs, estuaries, coastal fisheries and other habitats that recycle air, water and nutrients for all living creatures are being irretrievably damaged. In effect, one species is now a hazard to the other 10 million or so on the planet, and to itself.
"Human activity is putting such a strain on the natural functions of Earth that the ability of the planet's ecosystems to sustain future generations can no longer be taken for granted," it says.
The report, prepared in Washington under the supervision of a board chaired by Robert Watson, the British-born chief scientist at the World Bank and a former scientific adviser to the White House, will be launched today at the Royal Society in London. It warns that:
· Because of human demand for food, fresh water, timber, fibre and fuel, more land has been claimed for agriculture in the last 60 years than in the 18th and 19th centuries combined.
· An estimated 24% of the Earth's land surface is now cultivated.
· Water withdrawals from lakes and rivers has doubled in the last 40 years. Humans now use between 40% and 50% of all available freshwater running off the land.
· At least a quarter of all fish stocks are overharvested. In some areas, the catch is now less than a hundredth of that before industrial fishing.
· Since 1980, about 35% of mangroves have been lost, 20% of the world's coral reefs have been destroyed and another 20% badly degraded.
· Deforestation and other changes could increase the risks of malaria and cholera, and open the way for new and so far unknown disease to emerge.
In 1997, a team of biologists and economists tried to put a value on the "business services" provided by nature - the free pollination of crops, the air conditioning provided by wild plants, the recycling of nutrients by the oceans. They came up with an estimate of $33 trillion, almost twice the global gross national product for that year. But after what today's report, Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, calls "an unprecedented period of spending Earth's natural bounty" it was time to check the accounts.
"That is what this assessment has done, and it is a sobering statement with much more red than black on the balance sheet," the scientists warn. "In many cases, it is literally a matter of living on borrowed time. By using up supplies of fresh groundwater faster than they can be recharged, for example, we are depleting assets at the expense of our children."
Flow from rivers has been reduced dramatically. For parts of the year, the Yellow River in China, the Nile in Africa and the Colorado in North America dry up before they reach the ocean. An estimated 90% of the total weight of the ocean's large predators - tuna, swordfish and sharks - has disappeared in recent years. An estimated 12% of bird species, 25% of mammals and more than 30% of all amphibians are threatened with extinction within the next century. Some of them are threatened by invaders.
The Baltic Sea is now home to 100 creatures from other parts of the world, a third of them native to the Great Lakes of America. Conversely, a third of the 170 alien species in the Great Lakes are originally from the Baltic.
Invaders can make dramatic changes: the arrival of the American comb jellyfish in the Black Sea led to the destruction of 26 commercially important stocks of fish. Global warming and climate change, could make it increasingly difficult for surviving species to adapt.
A growing proportion of the world lives in cities, exploiting advanced technology. But nature, the scientists warn, is not something to be enjoyed at the weekend. Conservation of natural spaces is not just a luxury.
"These are dangerous illusions that ignore the vast benefits of nature to the lives of 6 billion people on the planet. We may have distanced ourselves from nature, but we rely completely on the services it delivers."Mashable Choice highlights the best of everything we cover, have experienced first-hand and would recommend to others.
It was only a matter of time before the fad for rose gold cellphones spread from the Apple store to the Android marketplace.
Chinese maker Oppo claims its R7S is the first rose gold Android on the market — although more will likely follow, given the media buzz that followed Apple debuting the color on its iPhone 6S and 6S Plus models.
"mashable.com/2015/08/24/oppo-r7-plus/" is not a valid see-also reference
Samsung sort of beat everyone to the punch with its Galaxy Note 3 — but that only had the merest bronze-pink trim that Samsung called rose gold. For the most part, it was a black and white leather-encased phone that had a pink border.
Like the iPhone 6S, the Oppo R7S has a full-on rose gold rear — which is much prized in Oppo's home market. When the iPhone came out in the hotly anticipated rose gold, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the color was designed especially for the Chinese market. Apple's gold products — iPhones, iPads and now the gold MacBook — were also targeted at Chinese consumers, who have shown a special liking for the luxurious hue.
Side-by-side with an iPhone, the Oppo is a much pinker shade, and less gold-looking than the iPhone. While the rose gold iPhone has proven popular with male consumers, it remains to be seen how many will consider the R7s the same shade as so-called "bros gold".
Side-by-side with a rose gold iPhone 6S Plus. Image: Victoria Ho/Mashable
Obvious Apple influence
Apple's influence clearly extended beyond just the rose gold veneer. ColorOS 2.1, Oppo's version of Android Lollipop, takes a page from Apple's iOS interface. While regular Android offers a separate list for all the apps on the phone, ColorOS goes the Apple route, showing all the apps on the homescreen.
Pressing on an app's icon will cause the apps on the page to wiggle, indicating that they can be rearranged. Apps that can be deleted will also display a little cross on their icons — just as on Apple devices.
The ColorOS camera app also apes the iOS camera. You swipe left and right to switch between camera and video modes. The placement of the square gallery button to the left, and the flash and selfie-mode icons on the border, are also very similar.
The Oppo R7s in camera mode. Image: Victoria Ho/Mashable
In selfie mode, you can use a front-facing flash, which illuminates the screen to light up your face in dark settings — a feature Apple introduced with the 6S.
The 6S measures the color temperature of the shot and adjusts the screen color to compensate, creating a more natural-looking shot. But in our tests, photos on the Oppo appeared to display the same pinkish hue regardless of light temperature.
Great finish and features on a mid-end device
The Oppo R7s will retail for S$599 (US$425), putting it in the mid-range of smartphones and toward the pricier end of comparable Chinese phones.
Despite the mid-range pricing, it comes with a number of hardware features typically found on high-end devices. For one, its unibody metal finishing feels solid and premium, and only weighs 155g despite its size.
Its 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display sits behind a layer of Gorilla Glass 4, a step up from the Gorilla Glass 3 found on Oppo's older models.
But it's the chip that puts the phone in the mid-range. Oppo used the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 chip in its older R7 and R7 Plus models, and the average-performing chip is also used for mid-range phones like the Xiaomi Mi 4i and Samsung Galaxy A7.
Oppo has put a generous 4 GB of RAM behind the chip, which helps the phone multi-task and load apps better than its processor specs would indicate.
It comes with 32 GB of storage, but this is expandable to 128 GB via an external microSD card, which you can put in the nano SIM slot of its dual-SIM tray.
Dual-SIM tray for a micro SIM and Nano SIM. Image: Victoria Ho/Mashable
The phone has a decent Samsung-made 13 megapixel, f/2.2 rear camera, and an 8 megapixel front shooter. The phase detection autofocus is what makes it impressive: In our tests, the phone managed to switch focal points quickly, and often avoided having to hunt for the subject by zooming in and out.
Big battery and super fast charging
With its big screen, it's no wonder Oppo had to put a large 3,070 mAh battery in the R7S. And when you run out of juice, Oppo's VOOC "flash charging" technology promises you'll be able to bring your phone back to a 75% charge in 30 minutes.
This competes with other fast charge battery tech, such as Qualcomm's Quick Charge, which HTC used to build its "Rapid Charger 2.0" plug.
Oppo claims it's been working on VOOC for the past three years, and is making the feature available in its car chargers and power banks as well.
The Oppo R7S hits the market in late December, with the gold version rolling out first. The device will be available to Australia and Asian countries such as Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, with the U.S. and European versions following later in December.BrainDead And One More Cancelled By CBS By Nick Venable Random Article Blend We're a month into the Fall 2016 TV season, and early ratings already indicate some obvious successes and some potential failures. But over at CBS, decisions still had to be made for some of the network's programming from the summer months, and those decisions are not positive ones for anyone involved with the oddball satire BrainDead and the mystery drama American Gothic, as both series have been cancelled after only one season each. BrainDead and American Gothic were the only two new series put into production for summer releases at CBS, so it is somewhat strange that both of them would get axed so quickly. CBS is a network known for bringing in massive audiences for stalwart hits like NCIS and The Big Bang Theory, so perhaps the lower turnouts for the freshman series were below even the minimum expectations, thus cementing their fates. That's almost certainly the case with BrainDead, the conspiratorial bugs-in-politics series from The Good Wife creators Robert and Michelle King. Its cancellation, as reported by TVLine, was basically assured not only by dwindling ratings - the viewership dropped from the premiere's 4.5 million to a late-season low of 1.7 million people - but also by the creators taking on the gig as showrunners for the upcoming Good Wife spinoff heading to CBS All Access. Though there was a four-season plan for BrainDead when it was conceived, it's hard to go anywhere without a creative team. Hopefully we get to see this talented cast land new jobs immediately. American Gothic did relatively better on the ratings front in that it wasn't a victim of such drastic viewership dips. Over the course of its 13-episode season, in which a family dealt with the realization that the patriarch may have been a serial killer, American Gothic saw its audience hover around the 2.5 million mark, which just isn't always big enough for a primetime series on a major network these days. Creator Corinne Brinkerhoff is currently busy with The CW's No Tomorrow, so at least we don't have to worry about her being absent from our TVs. Thankfully, both of those shows had basically tied up enough loose ends so that the cancellations aren't the most frustratingly debilitating things to accept. And anyway, CBS has more than enough new programming to serve as proper replacements, with Bull, MacGyver and Kevin Can Wait earning full season orders earlier today. Plus, we've got Joel McHale and Matt LeBlanc getting ready to debut their new shows, on top of the Jason Katims-created drama Pure Genius coming in two weeks. We won't know what'll be hitting CBS and the other networks in time for Summer 2017, but there are still shows left to debut this year, and you can find them in our fall premiere schedule. OK, the Celebrity Big Brother 2019 Cast is Insane Blended From Around The Web Facebook
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Preheat over to 350 Degrees F.
Line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment paper and spray with PAM or other non-stick spray
Dissolve yeast in warm water in large bowl or standing mixer with a dough hook, and let stand a few minutes before stirring to dissolve.
Add the milk, eggs, melted butter, sugar, salt, Nigella seed, and baking powder and blend well.
Stir in flour, a cup at a time, until a soft dough is formed. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead 3-4 minutes until smooth. If you use the mixer with dough hook, this process will take only about 2 minutes.
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning over to grease the top. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until double in bulk. (1 -2 hours depending on type of yeast used.)
Punch down cough and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Divide into 24 pieces and form into any shape you wish. (I usually roll each piece out into about a 12 inch rope.
Fold it in half.
Criss-cross or twist together a few times.
Then, I make it into a circle and pinch the ends under so the roll doesn't come apart.)
Carefully arrange rolls, 2 inches apart on parchment lined and greased baking sheet. (You will need 2 sheets.)
Cover and let rise 20-60 minutes - depending on yeast used.
Brush tops of rolls with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake at 350 degrees F about 20 minutes, or until a nice golden brown.
Cool on a rack.
These freeze very well and are traditionally served as a breakfast roll with hard boiled eggs, and are even better when sliced, toasted, and spread with butter. Some Armenians serve these with strong coffee, cheese and olives as an afternoon snack or light lunch.Introduction
In this tutorial you’ll see how to set up the local environment with KitchenCI using Vagrant as a driver, Chef-Solo as a provider andServerspec for integration tests under Mac OS X.
The idea behind this is that KitchenCI is flexible enough to add any types of tests (bash, rspec, etc) and Chef-Solo allows to try local changes without submitting to the source code repository or to the Chef Server.
KitchenCI also allows to pick other drivers like AWS. By testing the infrastructure under both Vagrant and AWS we can weed out configuration issues between the two types of instances instead of leaving the debugging for when CloudFormation is being developed.
Having a way to run new configurations and tests locally allows us to get feedback faster without having to push Chef changes to the CI environment (which might break the shared environments).
It also merges local configurations with all over environments making it visible to propagate changes and allowing the laptops to become just another test environment which results are reproducible.
Sometimes using this apparently more convoluted stack makes it more painful to develop locally if the configuration management is not healthy enough but this is only pushing forward all issues that would be apparent a few environments up. It is better to deal with broken instances locally than on other environments.
Stacks
The previous stack was made up of a mix of local installations and local vagrant configurations depending on each laptop, this was followed by an initial CI environment that would have its own chef instances over AWS using CloudFormation.
The new stack is made up of:
Local (laptop) that runs KitchenCI with Vagrant/Virtualbox — This allows to write tests, configure instances and be used to develop against.
CI agent that runs KitchenCI with Vagrant/Virtualbox — This allows to ensure a new local build will work and be tested and any commits are tested.
CI agent that runs KitchenCI with AWS- This is a copy of the previous one with EC2 instances. This allows us to find issues between Vagrant and AWS. Not used for application development.
AWS Development for CloudFormation — After ensuring the individual instances run we try the same environment with CloudFormation. This is for Cloudformation development, not used for application development.
AWS Development Integration — Now that we are certain that both AWS instances and Cloudformation are fully tested we can use a ‘releasable’ copy of it to bring up the Integration environment used for development.
AWS Development UAT, QA, Pre-Production, Production — Other environments are variations of the AWS Development Integration environment.
Mac OS X as a development environment
To set up all packages we’re currently using Homebrew — This managements installation of the most common tools and manages updates for those similar to Linux package managers Yum, Apt.
It is advised to have XCode command line installed and up to date to run Homebrew and other applications — not doing this might give you compilation errors and other problems in the future.
Some older versions of Mac OS X might not be able to run the following command in that case you’ll need to get it through Apple’s Development Portal.
% xcode-select —install
To install Homebrew just run.
Adding the current configuration development repository
You’ll need to have git installed. If you don’t you can use Homebrew to install it.
% brew install git
Setting up a local Ruby environment
KitchenCI and Chef run with Ruby — The following are some best practices to ensure you have the same Ruby and Gem (Ruby’s libraries) versions as your Chef Clients. This is done by using RbEnv to manage Ruby versions and Bundler to install Gems locally so any other Ruby applications or updates do not corrupt this setup.
Thanks to Homebrew we can install RBenv easily. Ruby build is used to extend rbenv’s features around installing and removing Ruby versions.
% brew install rbenv ruby-build
You can have a look on the local available ruby versions with.
% rbenv versions
* system
We can install more versions of Ruby with the install command. Bundler will have a header for the ruby version on its Gemfile, if the local version is not correct it will not run. In this case we’ll install Ruby 2.0.0.
% rbenv install 2.0.0-p451
Installing ruby-2.0.0-p451…
Installed ruby-2.0.0-p451 to […]2.0.0-p451
% rbenv versions
* system
2.0.0-p451
Using the local command we enforce that the current directory always runs the picked ruby version. Rehash updates RbEnv.
% rbenv local 2.0.0-p451
% rbenv rehash
% rbenv versions
system
* 2.0.0-p451 (set by […]/.ruby-version)
After that step we’ll need to install Bundler. This will be done on the system level Gem library but after this step we’ll be able to use it to manage Gems locally.
% gem install bundler
Any Ruby application will use the file Gemfile to let you know about dependencies. Gemfile.lock will tell you what versions to install or if it does not exist it will be created when Bundler has a valid run.
% cat Gemfile
ruby ‘2.0.0'
gem ‘nokogiri’, ‘~>1.6.2.1'
gem ‘json’
gem ‘hashie’
gem ‘chef’
gem ‘test-kitchen’
gem ‘kitchen-vagrant’
gem ‘kitchen-ec2'
gem ‘faraday’
gem ‘knife-ec2'
gem ‘knife-solo’
You can run Bundler with the following command. Which will install the required Gems on the vendor directory
% bundle install —path vendor
Due to some pains of setting this up on Mac OS X you can use this script instead.
% cat bundle_install
bundle config build.nokogiri —use-system-libraries
ARCHFLAGS=-Wno-error=unused-command-line-argument-hard-error-in-future bundle install —path vendor
Which should end with the following message.
Your bundle is complete!
It was installed into./vendor
Please run RbEnv rehash again to ensure that the changes applied.
% rbenv rehash
A common problem seems to be a failure around using libxml2. This can be fixed by installed it with Homebrew and re-linking the files.
% brew install libxml2 libxslt
% brew link libxml2 libxslt
Running the chosen Ruby version with the local gems is done by running the bundle exec command, for example.
% bundle exec ruby -v
ruby 2.0.0p451 (2014-02-24 revision 45167) [universal.x86_64-darwin13]
% bundle exec gem environment
RubyGems Environment:
— RUBYGEMS VERSION: 2.0.14
— RUBY VERSION: 2.0.0 (2014-02-24 patchlevel 451) [universal.x86_64-darwin13]
— INSTALLATION DIRECTORY: […]/vendor/ruby/2.0.0
— RUBY EXECUTABLE: /System/Library/Frameworks/Ruby.framework/Versions/2.0/usr/bin/ruby
— EXECUTABLE DIRECTORY: […]/vendor/ruby/2.0.0/bin
— RUBYGEMS PLATFORMS:
— ruby
— universal-darwin-13
— GEM PATHS:
— […]/vendor/ruby/2.0.0
— GEM CONFIGURATION:
— :update_sources => true
— :verbose => true
— :backtrace => false
— :bulk_threshold => 1000
— REMOTE SOURCES:
— https://rubygems.org/
Vagrant and VirtualBox
You’ll need to use both websites to install these applications.
VirtualBox for Mac OS X over https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
Vagrant for Mac OS X over https://www.vagrantup.com/downloads.html
Using Test Kitchen locally
With Bundler we can call Test Kitchen to do several things like list available instances.
% bundle exec kitchen list
The drivers will be Vagrant, AWS or others. The Provisioner will be ChefSolo, Puppet or another. The Last action will be.
Not Created — Instance does not exist
Set Up — Creation or update running or not completed.
Converged — Last update ran.
Verified — Tests ran.
You can Create or update an instance with the Converge command followed by a regex which will apply to one or more instances.
% bundle exec kitchen converge INSTANCE
Run the integration tests for the local environment with Verify.
% bundle exec kitchen verify INSTANCE
You can login into an instance by using a regex that will only result in one instance.
% bundle exec kitchen login INSTANCE
Delete them completely with Destroy.
% bundle exec kitchen destroy INSTANCEPresident Obama said Monday he’s “frustrated” by the disastrous launch of an online computer marketplace for Obamacare. Here are five reasons why frustration isn’t enough. He should be frightened.
1. It’s worse than his team has let on. The White House has tried to position the failed first days of Obamacare as mere hiccups caused by the site’s popularity. Obama called them “kinks.” An administration spokesman told the Washington Post on Sunday that the “main driver of the problem is volume.” This is intentionally misleading.
The White House has heard complaints from insurance companies, consumers, and health policy experts about issues embedded deeply in the online system. For example: inaccurate information provided to people about federal tax credits; low-income people erroneously told they don’t qualify for Medicaid; and insurance companies getting confusing information about who has signed up.
The administration refuses to say how many people have enrolled through the federal exchange, the key metric for determining how well the online service is working in states that didn’t set up their own exchanges. There are two possible explanations for the Obama administration’s unconscionable lack of transparency. Their process is so screwed up that they don’t have the data, which would be embarrassing. Or they have the data — and it’s embarrassing.
2. This is the easy part. Finding and motivating people to take action online is the founding strength of Team Obama. This is what they do best. Managing a complex law is a different matter, and it’s fair to question whether the president and his team are up to it.
How do you convince healthy young Americans to pay for insurance they may not need in order to fund the program? Do companies shed workers and working hours to avoid coming under the law? Are people with cheap catastrophic plans forced to pay more in the exchanges? Tricky questions likes these will soon make the hard art of website design look like fingerpainting. “The online federal health care exchange, the heart of the Obamacare project, is such a rolling catastrophe that it may end up creating a major policy fiasco immediately rather than eventually,” wrote Ross Douthat in a New York Times column titled, “Obamacare, Failing Ahead of Schedule.”
3. It reflects poorly on the president. Nobody expects the chief executive to be reviewing computer code or hosting East Room “hackathons.” But this falls on him. The CEO of a corporation or country is uniquely responsible for making sure the team is on task, and he or she is ultimately responsible if it’s not. In Obama’s case, did he demand thorough updates on the progress of the site? If so, did he ask the right questions? Did he put the right people on the job in the first place? Given the horrid first days of Obamacare, the answer to at least one of those questions must be “no.”
4. It reflects poorly on government. The public’s faith in government is at a record low, just as Obama is fighting Republicans on several fronts over the size and power of the federal bureaucracy. His administration needs to rapidly improve the online exchanges to stand any chance of convincing, say, young Americans to pay for insurance they don’t think they need. Beyond Obamacare, the Democratic Party’s reputation for competency is as stake. The cost of the site is already $394 million, a massive amount compared to private-sector CMS work, and sure to grow.
5. It could hurt Americans. For decades, politicians in both parties pledged to ease one of the leading causes of anxiety in the post-industrial age, the lack of affordable health care. Nearly 50 million Americans are uninsured, or about 15.4 percent of the population. Millions more are underinsured. Obamacare, enacted three years ago over the objections of Republicans, may or may not be the answer. But, as the White House likes to remind Republicans, it’s the law and it deserves a shot.
How sadly ironic it would be if Obamacare is denied a fair shake because of its namesake’s mismanagement.
“The Affordability Care Act is not just a website,” Obama said Monday, “it’s much more.” True to a point, but the website is critical to the law’s purpose: helping millions of Americans bargain for better health care. Dismissing the extent of the problem and reminding voters that Republicans fought the law — which is essentially all Obama did in his Rose Garden remarks — is a deflection, which shouldn’t be confused with implementation or governing.Leaders of Pakistan's Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party have reportedly told UK investigating authorities that they have received funding from the Indian government, a claim the Indian government has outrightly denied.
The news comes from a BBC report which quoted "a Pakistani official" who claims that India has trained hundreds of MQM militants in explosives, weapons and sabotage over the last 10 years in camps in north and north-east India, over the last ten years. This Pakistani official also appears to be the source of information on what MQM leaders allegedly told the UK authorities.
When asked about the claims, the Indian embassy in London told the BBC: "Shortcomings of governance cannot be rationalised by blaming neighbours."
The BBC report focuses on the investigation by UK authorities into the murder of MQM leader Imran Farooq as well as the unearthing of large sums of money in the UK office of the party as well as the residence of Farooq.
In its report, the BBC claims that the latest revelations confirms charges levelled in April this year by Karachi police official, SSP Malir Rao Anwar. He claimed that two MQM militants arrested in Pakistan were backed by the Indian government and RAW to destabilise Pakistan.
The BBC, however, fails to mention that the Pakistan government acted swiftly and dismissed the police official from his post, asking him to report to the Central Police Office following his terrorism remarks. The MQM, too, threatened to take the matter to court, Geo TV reported.
Further, while the BBC claims that "UK authorities investigating the MQM for alleged money laundering also found a list of weapons in an MQM property," it's sourcing is problematic. The report does not have a single quote from any UK official or investigative source, entirely relying on Pakistan politicians and officials who offer no basis for their supposed knowledge of the UK investigation and its findings.
There is also |
DaShawn said his middle school teachers were so busy breaking up fights among students that there was little time left for instruction. Now, he and roughly two dozen classmates must repeat some freshman year coursework at Bard — one of four new high schools opened last year in Newark — because they were not ready for the rigors of high school.
"At my old school, I was the smart kid," said Lorenzo Lloyd, 15, another Bard student who failed at least one course. "Those teachers cheated me out of a better education."
Bard is one of the ambitious new schools opened last year under Newark School Superintendent Cami Anderson and Dashawn’s experience could be seen as a microcosm of the school system she has started to remake her first year. There was a new boss in town and the change came fast.
Anderson, 41, appointed in May 2011, has closed schools, replaced nearly half of the city’s principals, extended the school day for thousands of students and opened new secondary schools such as Bard Early College High School, a rigorous program that allows students to graduate with a diploma and a two-year associate’s degree.
From interviews with teachers, students and school officials, it's clear that Anderson won a lot friends in her first year but she has also made some members of the community feel like there is a revolution going on — one they are not sure they like.
Even more change is coming this fall - for the first time, new, consolidated elementary and middle schools, with new leadership and updated technology, will open in place of the failed neighborhood schools Anderson shuttered.
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And she shows no signs of letting up.
"None of this work is easy because we all want results for our kids yesterday," Anderson said. "We will make some mistakes for sure, but if we learn from our missteps and follow the pathway my team has laid out, I’m hopeful we will end up in a good place for kids."
Critics of Anderson’s work say she has not done enough to earn respect from the families most affected by her changes. And, they warn that misstep could scuttle her efforts as the city schools move forward. This they say could be a tumultuous year.
"Cami Anderson does not listen to this community," said Lyndon Brown, PTA president at Thirteenth Avenue School, one of the schools Anderson closed in June. "Some parents raise questions that are never answered and others are left in the dark. How can you help but feel your children are being disenfranchised?"
Pedro Noguera, an urban education professor at New York University, backs many of Anderson’s policy decisions, but said change must be made through the community, not around it.
"Newark schools experienced a vigorous shakeup this past year, and Cami deserves praise for her urgency," Noguera said. "She must do more to engage parents as partners in this work. It’s vital to the long term success of her reforms."
Community engagement is a responsibility she takes seriously, said Anderson, who earns $247,000 a year as superintendent. For example, she created an office focused exclusively on parent outreach. Through it, small groups of moms, dads and grandparents toured schools affected by her policy changes.
Anderson also became part of the community she is trying to improve. She and her domestic partner, Jared Robinson, and their son, Sampson, 2 1/2, moved from Harlem to Newark shortly after her appointment.
One of Anderson’s most sweeping - and most controversial - reform initiatives was her decision to close a dozen schools with low test scores and dwindling enrollment and open eight schools with new principals, different teachers and more classroom resources.
Hundreds attended school board meetings to protest the closings because many of the affected schools had deep ties to their communities, such as Eighteenth Avenue School, which was built in the late 1800s.
Barbara Ervin has been an educator in Newark for 40 years and served as principal at Eighteenth Avenue for 9 of them. The office she recently packed up was covered in handmade cards and drawings from former students that she cared for like family.
"Dear Ms. E. You are a great principal. I love you," read one note.
Because some students there had troubled home lives, she said, many needed extra support from their teachers. Ervin said it was common for Eighteenth Avenue students who arrived at school without uniforms to get extra ones laundered by school staff.
"My staff was just like that. I don’t think twice about going into my own pocket to make sure students have what they need to do well in school," Ervin said. "You have to sweat the small stuff."
Unlike most administrators from the closed schools, Ervin has a new assignment this fall. She will become principal at Cleveland Avenue School, one of those Anderson is trying to remake.
Cleveland Avenue School will be outfitted with laptops, smartboards and wireless internet. The school day will be extended, health services will be offered for students and parents will have access to GED and financial literacy coursework.
Ervin said she is saddened by Anderson’s decision to close Eighteenth Avenue, but now has a rare opportunity to start fresh with teachers she selected.
"I’m looking for people who can demonstrate and articulate that kids come first," Ervin said. "I can teach you how to teach, I’ve done it before, but if that love of the children is not there among my new staff, this new school will never be a great school."
Boosting teacher quality in Newark is another priority for Anderson. Over the past year, she met more that 600 teachers at forums and brown-bag lunches, and plans to use their feedback to develop district policy.
Last year, for the first time, Anderson also allowed principals to select their teaching staff. Tenured teachers not picked were given temporary assignments at a cost to the district of $8 million because state law prevents Anderson from laying off the teachers who were not chosen.
Part of reason Anderson sought to close some schools and consolidate the district was to save money, she said. This past year, the district sent roughly one quarter of its $800 million budget to cover the education of students in Newark charter schools, and she said the district can no longer afford half-empty buildings.
To increase revenue by up to $700,000 a year, Anderson recently decided to lease space in district facilities to some of those charter schools, against the wishes of the district’s advisory school board.
This move smacks of disrespect for the community, said Joe Del Grosso, the president of Newark’s teachers union. "I understand Cami Anderson is working for the state of New Jersey because Newark is a state operated district, but sometimes I wish she’d just work for the people of Newark and take their wishes into account," Del Grosso said.
Anderson said she hopes her decisions will benefit the same objective — to have all Newark students graduate from high school ready to succeed in college without remediation. Currently, only half of Newark’s students graduate from high school, and only 40 percent of those students attend college.
Opening Bard Early College High School and three other secondary schools for Newark teens is part of the plan to increase the graduation rate, though general plans for new schools were initiated by her predecesor.
Bard High School’s mission reflects its name and offers junior and senior students the chance to earn associate degrees while working toward their high school diplomas. This year, juniors took a college-level sociology course on gender and history. Bard’s road to opening, however, was not easy. Newark’s advisory school board voted in April 2011 to block it’s approval before state education officials overruled the board, allowing the school to open as planned last fall.
Striking the appropriate balance between what the community says it wants and what district officials believe is best for the students is never easy, said Valerie Wilson, a longtime Newark resident and the district’s business administrator.
Newarkers, she said, have never been keen on change.
"This is a large system that you cannot stop on a dime and turn at will. You have to turn it gently as best you can," Wilson said.
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Related coverage:
• Newark schools boss Cami Anderson named to Time's 100 Most Influential People ListOriginally Posted by MacroHard Originally Posted by
We decided to expand what was previously a bug (which happened to a relatively small percentage) and apply it to all players as a feature. You will now receive an email confirmation ONLY if your specific ticket was referenced in the GM decision. I will update the FAQ accordingly.
Keep in mind that MOST tickets will still not receive a results email per the "long explanation" linked in the post above, even if your case is legitimate and found guilty. This is because the typical "high priority" suspect will have multiple open tickets against him, and the chances that your own private ticket was used will be small.
Remember that GMs will typically select the easiest ticket to review first. Therefore, to maximize your chances of receiving a "success!" email, please include as detailed and specific description as possible. "He fed twice in top lane about 7 minutes in" will be reviewed before "He fed top" will be reviewed before "feeder please ban".The Mexican side is yet to announce the former MLS forward as a signing but confirmed the 27-year-old is training with the club.
Former MLS forward Luis Silva is training with Mexican side Tigres, the team confirmed Friday.
"Luis Silva, who comes from MLS, joins training," Tigres' official account tweeted along with a photo of Silva doing a plyometric exercise. He is wearing the number 30 on his training top, which was expected to be the number of Chilean forward Hector Mancilla, who rejoined Tigres this winter.
Luis Silva, proveniente de la MLS, se incorpora a los entrenamientos. pic.twitter.com/triZMcUzMe — CLUB TIGRES OFICIAL (@TigresOficial) January 1, 2016
The reigning Liga MX champion is yet to announce Silva as a signing, but reports last month indicated the forward would join the Mexican side. The 27-year-old was out of contract after spending the last half of 2015 with Real Salt Lake. Silva was traded to the Western Conference club from D.C. United.
Can confirm @trongen_'s earlier tweet: former #DCU/#RSL forward Luis Silva headed to Tigres of Liga MX. Was out of contract. — Pablo Maurer (@MLSist) December 3, 2015
Tigres currently have no open spots for foreign players, but Monterrey media outlet Multimedios reported Silva is eligible for a Mexican passport and could join Tigres as a Mexican player.Media playback is not supported on this device Toure is African Footballer of the Year
Yaya Toure has been voted the BBC African Footballer of the Year 2015.
The 32-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder becomes only the third player, after Nigerians Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha, to receive the honour twice.
Football fans voted for Manchester City's Toure, who first won in 2013, ahead of Yacine Brahimi, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andre Ayew and Sadio Mane.
"I am very proud. To receive this dedication from the fans is unbelievable," Toure told BBC Sport.
"Also I want to pay tribute to the other nominees. African football is growing up, becoming much better and we have fantastic young players coming through now."
Toure described all five nominees as "champions".
He added: "I am delighted and very happy. And as an African player, I want to lead all my younger brothers to be successful in the future.
"When I was a kid I was always dreaming of being an important player. I have sacrificed a lot.
"I will continue to try to win a trophy every year, I will fight to win a personal trophy."
Two of the beaten nominees have won the award before, Algeria's Brahimi in 2014 and Ghanaian Ayew in 2011. Gabon's Aubameyang was on the shortlist for the third year running, while Senegalese Mane made it for the first time.
Toure has been nominated for the award seven times and his second win ensures his year ends with a trophy, just as it began when he led Ivory Coast to glory at the Africa Cup of Nations.
He captained the team in Equatorial Guinea and opened the scoring in the semi-final to put his side on course for a 3-1 victory over Democratic Republic of Congo.
Toure was a key influence as his country ended a 23-year wait for their second Nations Cup title, overcoming Ghana in a penalty shootout in the final.
It was Toure's first trophy with the national team in his sixth Nations Cup tournament, having lost in two finals - in 2006 and 2012.
There was less success for Toure with Manchester City, who failed to defend their English Premier League 2014 title and finished second to Chelsea.
But Toure remains a powerful presence in the heart of the midfield and contributed seven goals for City in the calendar year.
Vera Kwakofi, Current Affairs Editor, BBC Africa, said: "Yaya Toure's leadership for country and club offers an example for many young footballers aspiring to emulate his career.
"We are pleased that as the BBC we are here to celebrate and share in this moment with his fans around the world."HOLLYWOOD, Fla. - Abraham Sanchez said he was driving just fine on his way home from a morning doctor's appointment when he was pulled over by an undercover drug detective in an unmarked vehicle.
"I said, 'What seems to be the problem?'" Sanchez said he asked Hollywood police Detective Sergio Lopez. "He started laughing and said, 'What? Are you asking me?' I said, 'Yeah. Why are you stopping me?''
Sanchez said the veteran detective, wearing plainclothes with a badge dangling from his neck, began yelling at him. Lopez wrote in his report that Sanchez was driving dangerously on Park Road when he pulled him over.
"It appeared, due to my training and experience, that defendant Sanchez could be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol," Lopez wrote.
Lopez also claimed that after he pulled Sanchez over, he observed him "place something in his mouth that he removed from a clear plastic bag" and claimed Sanchez began yelling obscenities at him. He also said Sanchez refused to give hand over his driver's license and registration.
Sanchez, who said he had never been arrested in his life and doesn't abuse drugs or alcohol, told Local 10 News that none of those things alleged by Lopez actually happened. He said it was Lopez who was irate, prompting him to turn on his cellphone video shortly after he was pulled over.
Abraham Sanchez says he used his cellphone to record the moments before his arrest by Hollywood police Detective Sergio Lopez.
"He started yelling. He was in a rage already. I don't know what happened," Sanchez said. "I got very scared. I turned on my cellphone camera."
On the video, Sanchez is indeed calm, narrating each of his actions as he slowly gets out of the car. Sanchez's driver's license and what appears to be his registration are clearly in the detective's hand.
"This officer has stopped me and I'm gathering my things just to get out of the car," Sanchez says in the video.
Once out of the car, Lopez, who is silent during most of the video, wrenches the camera from his hand. Sanchez said the detective struck him in the face with the camera as he snatched it.
"You're smashing my property," Sanchez says in the video. "Still recording. Still recording."
After Lopez puts the phone down and briefly gets into his vehicle, Sanchez picks up the camera again. Lopez approaches again, this time with handcuffs.
"This is still recording," Sanchez says in the video. "This person is very upset, and he's going to handcuff me for no reason."
As he's being detained, Sanchez, who said he doesn't drink or do drugs, loudly yells for help.
"Why are you doing this?" Sanchez asks, getting no reply.
He then yells for help several more times before the video ends.
Abraham Sanchez shows Local 10 News investigative reporter Bob Norman the cellphone video he recorded of the encounter.
In his account of what occurred, Lopez claimed that he took Sanchez's phone and "advised him that, for my safety and his, I was placing him in handcuffs."
The video contradicts that account, as Lopez provides no explanation. Lopez also claims that Sanchez "refused to place his hand behind his back and began pushing and pulling away from me while yelling obscenities."
Again, the video contradicts the detective's account. Sanchez does not yell any obscenities while being handcuffed, only for help. The video also offers no indication that there was a physical struggle of any kind, as Sanchez appears to comply with the officer other than screaming for help.
"It was very, very scary," Sanchez said. "I felt threatened. I felt afraid. I've never been involved in a situation like this."
He said his first thought was to call for the police.
"And I think, 'Wait a minute. It's the police who are assaulting me,'" Sanchez said. "So I was helpless."
Sanchez said that when he was taken to jail, he still had no idea why he was being arrested. He would later learn the charges were disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
After being released from jail, Sanchez got another rude surprise. When he picked up his truck from the tow yard, he saw that the entire dashboard had been destroyed.
Sanchez hired attorney Jessica Mishali to represent him. The state attorney's office dropped the charges against him.
"A drug detective who works undercover pulling my client over for what he alleges is a traffic stop is a sham," Mishali said. "He then searched my client illegally, searched his vehicle illegally, and then went so far as to actually damage his property, to break apart his dashboard in a fit looking for drugs that weren't there."
She believes Sanchez, a Panama-born U.S. citizen, was misidentified as a drug suspect.
"I think there's no question the police department owes him for damage to his vehicle, having to bond out, having to pay for his car and pay for my legal fees … for crimes he never committed," Mishali said.
Jessica Mishali, who represents Abraham Sanchez, says her client was misidentified as a drug suspect.
Sanchez complained to internal affairs shortly after the January arrest, but he said investigators never followed up on his complaint despite several phone calls. When Local 10 contacted the Hollywood Police Department, spokeswoman Miranda Grossman wrote in an email that his complaint was related to missing property that had been returned. She said the investigation was closed for that reason.
"From what I can see, Mr. Sanchez was satisfied with the outcome," Grossman wrote.
Sanchez said that explanation is ridiculous since he wanted the traffic stop investigated, including viewing of his video, as well as compensation for his destroyed dashboard.
When Local 10 shared the video with Grossman, she wrote that, in light of the new information, the internal affairs investigation has been reopened.
"Internal Affairs will be inviting Mr. Sanchez in to further discuss the matter," Grossman wrote.
As of air time, Sanchez said that invitation had yet to be extended.
Hollywood police records reveal that Lopez has been the subject of nine internal affairs cases in the past, with allegations of excessive force, harassment and abuse of authority, but he was cleared in all cases.
A request for an interview with Lopez was declined by the Hollywood Police Department, which is now staying mum on the case since it has been reopened.
Sanchez said he just wants a complete investigation and hopes no one else is treated that way by an officer of the law again.
"Not a single law-abiding citizen should go through this," he said.
Copyright 2017 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.A study by chemists at the University of Connecticut offers new evidence that electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are potentially as harmful as tobacco cigarettes.
Using a new low-cost, 3-D printed testing device, UConn researchers found that e-cigarettes loaded with a nicotine-based liquid are potentially as harmful as unfiltered cigarettes when it comes to causing DNA damage.
The researchers also found that vapor from non-nicotine e-cigarettes caused as much DNA damage as filtered cigarettes, possibly due to the many chemical additives present in e-cigarette vapors. Cellular mutations caused by DNA damage can lead to cancer.
The findings appear in the journal ACS Sensors.
How much DNA damage e-cigarettes cause depends on the amount of vapor the user inhales, the other additives present, whether nicotine or non-nicotine liquid is used, and other factors, says Karteek Kadimisetty, a postdoctoral researcher in UConn's chemistry department and the study's lead author.
But one finding was clear.
"From the results of our study, we can conclude that e-cigarettes have as much potential to cause DNA damage as unfiltered regular cigarettes," Kadimisetty says.
Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat up liquid and turn it into an aerosol vapor that can be inhaled. Using e-cigarettes is also called 'vaping.' The contents of e-cigarettes, called e-liquid or e-juice, are usually made up of propylene glycol, glycerine, nicotine, and flavorings such as menthol, cherry, vanilla, or mint. Non-nicotine e-cigarettes are also available.
Frequently viewed as a less toxic alternative for people looking to break their habit of smoking tobacco cigarettes, modern e-cigarettes have steadily risen in popularity since they first appeared on the commercial market in 2004. How much e-cigarettes contribute to serious health problems and whether they serve as a gateway for future tobacco smokers remains the subject of much debate. Growing concerns about the potential health impact of electronic cigarettes, however, prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to tighten its regulation of e-cigarettes in 2016.
UConn's scientists decided to look into whether the chemicals in e-cigarettes could cause damage to human DNA while testing a new electro-optical screening device they developed in their lab. The small 3-D printed device is believed to be the first of its kind capable of quickly detecting DNA damage, or genotoxicity, in environmental samples in the field, the researchers say.
The device uses micropumps to push liquid samples across multiple'microwells' embedded in a small carbon chip. The wells are pre-loaded with reactive human metabolic enzymes and DNA. As the samples drop into the wells, new metabolites that have the potential to cause DNA damage are formed. Reactions between the metabolites and the DNA generate light that is captured by a camera. Within five minutes, users can see how much relative DNA damage a sample produces by the intensity of the light detected in each well.
The device is unique in that it converts chemicals into their metabolites during testing, which replicates what happens in the human body, Kadimisetty says.
Bioassays currently used to determine the genotoxicity of environmental samples may be more comprehensive, but they are often time-consuming and costly. Lab equipment alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The array developed at UConn provides an important initial screening tool for genotoxicity in just minutes. The chip central to the device is disposable and costs only a dollar to make, thanks to recent advances in 3-D printing.
"What we developed is very cheap to make, efficient, and can be used by almost anyone," says UConn chemistry professor James Rusling, the senior researcher on the study.
Affordable and efficient "labs on a chip" is a specialty of Rusling's lab, which has previously created miniature arrays that can detect antibodies to food allergens and cancer biomarker proteins. Rusling says similar arrays potentially could be used for quick genotoxic screening during drug development, for monitoring or testing fresh water supplies, and for the early detection of aggressive forms of cancer.
In the current study, the researchers extracted samples from e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes using an artificial inhalation technique. Cigarettes were connected to a tube that contained a cotton plug. The researchers then used a syringe at the other end of the tube to replicate inhalation. Samples came from the chemicals captured in the cotton.
The team set their test so that 20 puffs of an e-cigarette was roughly equivalent to smoking one tobacco cigarette, a ratio supported by other research. The team gathered samples at 20, 60, and 100 puffs. The potential DNA damage from e-cigarettes increased with the number of puffs, Kadimisetty says.
"Some people use e-cigarettes heavily because they think there is no harm," he says. "We wanted to see exactly what might be happening to DNA, and we had the resources in our lab to do that."
There are potentially hundreds of chemicals in e-cigarettes that could be contributing to DNA damage, Kadimisetty says. Rather than test for all of them, the UConn team targeted three known carcinogenic chemicals found in tobacco cigarettes. They then loaded their device's microwells with specific enzymes that would convert those chemicals into metabolites. If these chemicals were in the sample, the test gave them a reading for genotoxicity. If the chemicals were not present, there would be no reaction.In August, Mozilla was notified by security researcher Cody Crews that a malicious advertisement on a Russian news site was exploiting a vulnerability in Firefox’s PDF Viewer. The exploit payload searched for sensitive files on users’ local filesystem, and reportedly uploaded them to a server in Ukraine.
I am proud to say Firejail users were protected! The default Firejail configuration blocked access to.ssh,.gnupg and.filezilla in all directories present under /home, while more advanced configurations blocked everything else.
The main focus of Firejail project is GUI application sandboxing, with web browsers being one of the main targets. I will describe some of the new features available in Firejail, and how to use them to sandbox a web browser such as Mozilla Firefox.
A short note before we start. By default, Firefox browser uses a single process to handle multiple windows. When you start the browser, if another Firefox process is already running, the existing process opens a new tab or a new window. Make sure Firefox is not already running when you start it in Firejail sandbox.
High security browser setup
In this article, Mozilla developers try to make the case for multiple profile support in Firefox. They describe how different family members would benefit from having different bookmarks, addons, and different browsing histories, and how web developers need a different setup than QA people. With all due respect, I think we need to differentiate the profiles based on security. I would say we need a profile for accessing high security websites such as banks, and another one for everything else.
In the case of the bank we are concerned about the software running inside the browser. This software is installed as extensions or addons in Firefox, and it raises lots of privacy questions. In the words of Mozilla’s Jorge Villalobos:
Extensions that change the homepage and search settings without user consent have become very common, just like extensions that inject advertisements into Web pages or even inject malicious scripts into social media sites.
The second problem comes from inside our network. We all have these small routers connecting us to our Internet service provider. The routers are ridiculously insecure. All an attacker has to do is change the DNS setting in the router, and redirect our traffic to a fake bank website.
The solution to the first problem is to set the home directory in a partial chroot. Using –private option, Firejail mounts an empty, temporary filesystem as your home directory, basically running Firefox on factory defaults. The DNS problem is resolved using –dns option:
$ firejail --private --dns=8.8.8.8 firefox
In the example above I configure sandbox DNS to a well know server owned by Google. I do trust this server to give me the correct IP address for my bank. However, I need to mention that Google logs all your requests, and at least one national security agency has access to the data.
Everyday browser setup
For non-bank browsing, our addons and bookmarks are invaluable. The information is stored in ~/.mozilla directory, so we have to bring this directory in the partial chroot described above. We’ll also bring in ~/Downloads directory. We use it to download and upload files. As for Google DNS, it becomes a liability due to the aggressive tracking – we might be better off just using the DNS server supplied by our router!
$ firejail --whitelist=~/.mozilla --whitelist=~/Download firefox
Network namespace
Did you notice that every time people start a server in a container they always create a new network namespace? This is a new TCP/IP networking stack used only by their server. In the GUI world, we never use network namespaces. I don’t really know why, but the setup is pretty easy:
$ firejail --net=eth0 --whitelist=~/.mozilla --whitelist=~/Download firefox
Assuming eth0 is your main Ethernet interface, Firejail creates a new TCP/IP stack, connects it to the Ethernet network, and starts the browser as before.
To assign an IP address to the sandbox, Firejail ARP-scans the network and picks up a random address not already in use. Of course, we can be as explicit as we need to be:
$ firejail --net=eth0 --ip=192.168.1.155 [...]
or we can specify a range of IP addresses outside DHCP server scope:
$ firejail --net=eth0 --iprange=192.168.1.100,192.168.1.150 [...]
I use such an –iprange setup on my home network. Every browser/mail/BitTorrent application in the family is fighting for addresses in this range. It does require you to take a look at your router configuration, to see what addresses are covered by DHCP. If you are lazy you can go without a range, and use random addresses from across the network – DHCP servers are required to detect devices present on the network and not assign existing addresses.
Note: Ubuntu runs a local DNS server in the host network namespace. The server is not visible in the sandbox network namespace. Add –dns option to the command:
$ firejail --net=eth0 --dns=8.8.8.8 [...]
I think this is the easiest way to secure a browser. Try it out and let me know if you run into problems.
More InformationChild Rapists Chant Same Words In Court To Mock Judge, Judge Decides To Teach Them A Lesson
Individuals involved in a sex gang in Rotherham, England, reportedly yelled "Allahu Akbar" in court while they were given sentences for raping and impregnating a 12-year-old girl.
Six men were sentenced to between 10 and 20 years in prison -- a total of 80 years behind bars -- for sexually abusing two girls in South Yorkshire between 1999 and 2001. One of the victims was given alcohol and drugs and then forced to have sex with several men, and later became pregnant.
"There's evil and truly evil people in the world," the victim said in a statement that was read to the court. "I feel my child was the product of pure evil."
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The latest trial was the last in a series following the arrest of 18 people for sexual exploitation over a 16-year period.
Two of the most recent defendants reportedly shouted "Allahu Akbar" as they were escorted out of the courtroom, but a victim yelled back, "Justice is served."
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"I was drawn into a world of fear, rape and horrific abuse. I lost my childhood at the hands of those men," the victim's impact statement read. The woman said people in her community shunned her after her ordeal.
"No-one understood. No-one wanted to understand. I felt lost, isolated, trapped, ashamed and completely worthless," she said. "I was completely owned by these dirty old men who would do with me whatever [they] wanted, whenever they wanted."
The National Crime Agency is reportedly still looking at hundreds of potential suspects involved in the case.
"This is our third significant inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham and, with the lengthy jail terms handed down to these individuals today, we have now put 18 criminals behind bars for over 280 years," Detective Chief Inspector Martin Tate told the Daily Mail.
He gave a statement about the case:
Following the successes achieved, we will now continue to move forward using the learning and best practice we have acquired over the last few years, through work done with our brave victims, their families and partnership agencies, to apply this practice to future investigations. I'd encourage any victims and survivors out there who are yet to come forward to please get in touch or tell someone you trust. Officers and specialist support agencies are here to listen, to investigate and to bring perpetrators of this heinous crime before the courts.
Many readers expressed their outrage over the story.
"Castrate this bunch and place them in prison with General population to deal with," one Mad World News reader commented on the site's Facebook page. "They seem to hate child molesters."
"What will happen in 10-15 years when these scumbags are released?" another added. "I'd be waiting for each one so I could personally end their time on this planet."
Sources: Daily Mail, Mad World News/Facebook / Photo credit: Buffy May/Flickr, PA via Daily MailCar of the day – 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 6.4-liter V8 1920×1080 HD
Engine: 6.4-liter Hemi V8 470 hp (346 kW) at 6000 rpm and torque of 470 lbs-ft at 4200 rpm. The car hits 0-100 km/h or ~0-60 mph speed in under 5 seconds. Top speed is 293 km/h (182 mph) with the manual transmission and 282 km/h (175 mph) with the automatic transmission.
The new Dodge Challenger 392 comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the automatic has a 5-speed transmission. The manual features TR-6060 Tremec unit with a dial-disc high performance clutch which can be found in a 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10. Fuel economy is 14 mpg in city and 23 mpg in highway. Curb weight is 4170 lbs (1891 kg).
A base SRT8 model is available with 20×9 forged aluminum in a seven-spoke design wheels, or 20×9 forged aluminum wheels with satin black painted pockets. These wheels are wrapped in Goodyear RSA all-season tires. There is available optional Goodyear F1 Supercar three-season tires as well. Also, comes with more than 35 advanced safety and security features like Keyless Enter-N-Go and three-mode electronic stability control (ESC), standard full-length side-curtain air bags, standard front-row reactive head restraints, and the standard front seat-mounted side-thorax air bags which offers enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision.
The exterior features a new front spoiler, body-painted rear decklid spoiler, quad exhaust outlets and 392 Hemi badges.
The interior features heated bucket front seats, leather upholstery, 276-watt Boston Acoustics sound system, heated steering wheel, automatic climate control, Uconnect CD/HDD/DVD entertainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity. More additional features are available as well.
The price for a base 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 model starts from around 50,100 USD ($).
Car of The DayBOSTON — Three days after designating him for assignment, the Orioles placed outfielder Nolan Reimold on waivers Friday, according to an industry source.
It’s likely no coincidence that the club placed Reimold, who was on the 60-day disabled list and is returning from his second neck surgery, on waivers over the holiday weekend. Clubs have 48 hours to place a claim on him before he clears at 1 p.m. Sunday.
If another club claims Reimold, it must pick up what remains of his $1.025 million salary for this season, which is roughly $500,000. Reimold cannot reject a waiver claim.
If Reimold clears waivers, which seems unlikely, the Orioles can outright him to the minors. Reimold can’t reject an outright assignment, but there is a scenario in which he could elect for free agency, thereby forfeiting the remainder of his 2014 salary.
Reimold’s 20-day minor league rehabilitation assignment window ended Sunday — he hit.344/.439/.594 with two homers and seven RBIs in 17 games with Double-A Bowie — so the Orioles had to either find a place for him on the 25-man roster or designate him.
The club recalled him from his rehab assignment Monday and designated him for assignment Tuesday, giving the Orioles 10 days to either trade, release or ask waivers on the 30-year-old.
Reimold, who has been limited to 56 major league games since the beginning of the 2012 season, had no spot on the team’s 25-man roster, with the team’s right-handed left fielder-designated hitter spots filled by Nelson Cruz, Steve Pearce and Delmon Young.
MASNSports.com first reported that Reimold was placed on waivers.
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twitter.com/EddieInTheYardAP Brandon Flowers of The Killers (left) is more popular nationally than the Chiefs CB with the same name.
Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers has a problem.
It has nothing to do with his team, riding a four-game hot streak after Monday's crazy win against the Chargers. Nothing to do with his career, either. With four interceptions already this season, his rise toward elite status continues.
No, it's about his name. More appropriately, it's somebody else's name.
Remember the scene in Office Space when a bitter employee, Michael Bolton, explains how his name was perfectly fine until "that no-talent assclown became famous and started winning Grammys?"
Well, Flowers isn't suggesting The Killers (a Grammy-nominated band led by, you guessed it, Brandon Flowers) is a talentless band with a clown for a front man -- but the issue is the same. And it's all in the name.
"I'm in the shadow of Brandon Flowers of The Killers right now!" the Chiefs' version laughed Thursday during our phone conversation. "Every time I go onto Google to look for any action pictures of me, Brandon Flowers of The Killers pops up."
It's true. Try it. Type "Brandon Flowers" and click "Images" and you won't run across a photo of the cornerback until the 80th picture. And there's not another one until the 123rd. Instead, they're all of the musician, whose band has sold over 15 million albums worldwide.
"I get it all the time on Twitter, too," the Chief said. "I'll get tweets all the time saying I'm their favorite artist, telling me all about their favorite songs."
But we're not here to |
Street
Process Street lets you create checklist templates that you can run multiple times while tracking the progress of many checklists in parallel. This is perfect for podcasters who can create a “Podcast Publishing Checklist”, then run it each time they publish an episode, “Episode 1”, “Episode 2”, “Episode 3” etc…
You can invite your team or guests, comment, and @mention other members and attach files. Everything is tracked, shareable and accessible on any device anytime.
Watch the below demo to see it in action:
Step 1. Creating your Podcast Publishing Checklist
First thing you need to do is create your publishing checklist. You can do this easily in Process Street in our template creator, or you can just use the checklist we have provided below (you can customize it afterwards to fit your exact process). Simply hit the “Give me this Checklist” to get started.
Step 2. Running your Podcast Publishing Checklist
Now you have your checklist set up, all you have to do is hit the “Run Checklist” button every time you have a new episode. You can add your team to the process, communicate about different steps, attach files and so much more. It really is the easiest way to manage a podcast publishing schedule.
There you have it: the easiest way for you and your team to collaborate around podcast releases.
If you get a chance to test Process Street for your podcast, we would love to hear from you!Scarborough Shoal. ABS-CBN News
MANILA – China planned to undertake reclamation work in Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal) in the disputed South China Sea, but the United States apparently managed to talk Beijing out of it, the Philippines’ defense chief said Thursday.
“There was a plan by Chinese in June to reclaim Scarborough Shoal. In fact, we received reports that there were barges already loaded with soil and construction materials going to Scarborough. But the Americans told the Chinese ‘don’t do it’. For some reasons, the Chinese stopped,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a forum.
The shoal, located 230 miles from Luzon and prized by Filipino fishermen for its rich resources, was seized by China from the Philippines in 2012.
Chinese coast guard blocked Filipino fishermen from accessing the shoal, prompting Manila to bring Beijing to a United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal.
The tribunal last year ruled that the shoal is a common fishing ground and China may be violating the Philippines’ rights by blocking access to it.
Since assuming the presidency last year, President Rodrigo Duterte has sought to forge closer ties with China, choosing to downplay the arbitral ruling favoring the Philippines in exchange for reinvigorated economic ties between the two neighbors. China has since loosened its grip on the shoal and allowed Filipino fishermen access to it.
Lorenzana, meanwhile, said it is a misconception that Duterte is “setting aside” Manila’s victory, which was a result of the work of former President Benigno Aquino III.
“There is a misperception among us that the president really set aside the ruling. That’s not true. He said, 'in the meantime, huwag lang natin pag-usapan (let’s not talk about it). Let’s just manage the conflict with the Chinese',” he said.
Lorenzana said Chinese reclamation in Scarborough Shoal might prompt Duterte to change his stance.
“The president has also stated a red line. He said, once the Chinese starts exploring, putting rigs there, we’ll talk to them,” he said.
China has already built artificial islands in the Spratlys, and analysts say a reclamation in Scarborough would boost Beijing’s control of over that area.PHUKET: A total of 37 Phuket residents are currently taking part in the three-day lifeguard training course being conducted by the Royal Thai Navy which began yesterday (Oct 18).
tourismdeath
By Tanyaluk Sakoot
Thursday 19 October 2017, 03:44PM
A total of 37 Phuket residents are currently taking part in the three-day lifeguard training course being conducted by the Royal Thai Navy. Photo: Phuket PR Office
The course was organised in response to the recent dispute between the Phuket Lifeguard Service and the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO) which led to trained lifeguards ending their patrols of Phuket’s beaches and being replaced by an ad-hoc assemblage of untrained government personnel. (See stories here, here, here and here)
Despite the fact that the training course was clearly intended to train the personnel replacing Phuket’s experienced lifeguards, it appears that the 37 attendees are members of the public and that none of the government personnel now tasked with rescue and water safety on the island's beaches are taking part.
Prapan Kanprasang, Chief of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Phuket office (DDPM-Phuket), although not directly responsible for the provision of lifeguards on the island’s beaches, explained to The Phuket News that the course would equip participants with the basic skills needed to rescue people caught in dangerous surf conditions.
“After this course is finished, the participants will have the basic skills needed to begin patrolling the beaches immediately. We expect they will be on the beaches on Saturday (Oct 21),” he said.
The first day of course was held yesterday (Oct 18) at the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) Sports Centre and training today and tomorrow is taking place at Nai Yang Beach.
After observing the training sessions yesterday, Phuket Vice Governor Snith Sriwihok said, “I have seen that they are training well in both physical and mental aspects. Phuket is a tourism destination, so the lifeguards have to be ready. We have to show the tourists that they can be confident in their safety,” he said.
DDPM-Phuket Chief Prapan said that the relevant local OrBorTor administrations would be conducting their own safety traing courses.
“None of them [current training participants] were from Cherng Talay OrBorTor because Cherng Talay OrBorTor will train by themselves,” he said.
Prapan said he did not know how many lifeguard are currently at each beach – or will be at each beach.
“I just don’t know,” he said.
Following the two recent deaths of tourists at Karon Beach, the Karon Municipality have decided to provide their own lifeguards, Mr Prapan confirmed, but was unable to give any concrete figures for how many lifeguards would be patrolling and where. (See stories here and here)
“Karon Municipality will find their own budget to hire real lifeguards because tourists are getting into trouble in the water all the time,” said Mr Prapan.
He added that the Karon Municipality won’t wait for any approval or assitance from the PPAO and that they had formally notified Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong of their intentions yesterday (Oct 18).
“In my opinion, the PPAO must step back and give the budget to local municipalities so they can organise lifeguards without further delays,” added Mr Prapan.
But due to government budget scheduling, that cannot happen for another year as the Thai fiscal year has recently commenced and the year’s budget allocated.
“In the next rotation of the budget (in Sept, 2019), the PPAO should give the money for the lifeguard budget to the local municipalities so they can manage it directly,” he said.
“Then the PPAO should just support them for extra equipment such as jet-skis and other essential lifesaving equipment when it is needed.
“I support OrBorTor and local municipalities in taking this on by themselves – with the PPAO only providing some additional support for them.
“Protecting tourists’ lives is the top priority – we need lifeguards because we are a tourist destination,” Mr Prapan added.The birth control pill had a revolutionary impact on our nation when the FDA approved it for use more than 50 years ago. It gave women the opportunity to plan their family in a medically-safe way, which studies have linked to lower infant mortality and abortion rates. It also provided treatment for conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. Despite this clear and essential medical need, birth control pills were rarely treated like an important medication. Insurers often treated it like a luxury instead of basic health care, failing to cover it in insurance plans and leaving women to pay exorbitant out-of-pocket costs that sometimes totaled as much as 44 percent of their health care expenses.
This all changed when President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law. More than ten years after Viagra was first covered by insurance, insurers were finally required to cover birth control at no cost. This policy recommendation was made after an Institute of Medicine committee of 16 leading women’s health care experts embarked on a rigorous eight month process. I brought the ACA to the floor of the House as chairwoman of the House Committee on Rules, and it remains one of my proudest moments. The results have been striking.
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As a result, 62 million women now access contraception at no cost to them, which has helped drive down total prescription drug costs for all Americans by 63 percent nationwide. One study estimated that women saved more than $1.4 billion on birth control pills alone in just a single year. This is money that women are now free to spend on food, education, other medical or household expenses, or to improve the quality of life for her family and children.
The impacts go beyond just savings. With women free to plan for their future, the rate of unintended pregnancy is at a 30-year low, teen pregnancy is at an all-time low, and women are better able to avoid high-risk medical conditions like pre-eclampsia. In fact, the Guttmacher Institute found in January that the rate of abortions in the United States has fallen to its lowest level since the Supreme Court issued its landmark Roe v. Wade decision protecting a woman’s Constitutional right to choose in 1973.
Unfortunately, the Trump administration moved late last week to roll back this progress. This move would let anyone, from bosses to insurance executives, decide who gets access to contraception coverage. It’s not just employees that will be impacted, students attending a private college or university could also see the health care coverage they rely on ripped away.
Women won’t just have to pay slightly higher costs under this rule, they will have to pay for the full cost of their birth control if it is no longer covered. That’s no small thing. Birth control pills can cost more than $600 a year without insurance coverage, with some brand name and low estrogen pills costing much more. Longer-term methods like IUDs could cost up to $1,000 without insurance, with the up-front costs totaling the average month’s salary for a woman earning minimum wage. Meaning that women may make their health care decisions based on cost, not what is best for them.
Turning back the clock on contraception also means going back to the days when many women couldn’t decide if or when to start or grow their family. It means forcing women to choose between paying for their birth control or paying for their groceries. And it almost certainly will mean higher abortion rates and more unplanned pregnancies.
Watching Congressional Republicans as the president has announced this rule, I am reminded of what my former colleague, Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), once said. Speaking at Ford Hall back in 1981, he said, “The Moral Majority supports legislators who oppose abortions but also oppose child nutrition and day care. From their perspective, life begins at conception and ends at birth.”
His words are just as true now as they were then. That’s because the Republicans supporting President Trump’s new rule were unable to extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program before it expired on Sept. 30. More than 9 million children get their health insurance through this program. The Republican majority also routinely cuts funding for food stamps and other nutrition programs. Just last week, the House considered a budget resolution that cut funding for Medicaid, education, and housing, inevitably hurting children. Their hypocrisy is striking. Truly caring about children means caring for them long after they are born.
This is not a controversial issue, an estimated 77 percent of women and 64 percent of men support providing contraception care at no cost. It is outrageous that the president has moved unilaterally to take our country backwards, and far from what Congress intended with the Affordable Care Act. The Washington Post recently found that President Trump said more than 20 times since his campaign began that he respects women. There is not enough evidence to convict him of that. He should put his words into action by realizing that respecting women means trusting them to protect their health and safety and to plan their families.
Slaughter represents New York's 25th District and is co-chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus.Baseball Thu Jul 14 2011
The Cubs and White Sox are back at it Thursday after a quiet All-Star Game in which their primary contributions were Paul Konerko's 13-pitch walk and Starlin Castro's two steals as a pinch runner.
But unless things change in a quick hurry, most likely on the South Side, we're looking at another year without playoff baseball.
One huge reason is two inconsistent offenses loaded with hitters who will swing at just about anything. Watch Alfonso Soriano or Gordon Beckham for a weekend and you'll know what I mean, but the proof is in the numbers.
Cubs hitters walk in only 6.4 percent of plate appearances, worst in baseball. The Sox are fourth-worst at 7.5 percent.
Cubs hitters also swing at the most pitches outside the strike zone: 32.2 percent of them. The Sox are again fourth from the bottom at 31.8 percent.
Plate discipline is important, as evidenced by the patient, potent Red Sox, Yankees, Reds and Cardinals. All are in the top five in runs per game and the top eight in walk rate.
But here's a bubble graph of the Cubs this season, plotting walk rate vs. percentage of pitches outside the strike zone taken. Basically, the top right corner is where you want to be, and the larger the circle, the more plate appearances (i.e., more impact) a player has had. The red circle represents the 2010 major-league average.
From this we see:
Carlos Pena walks the most on the team, though Kosuke Fukudome is least likely to swing at a ball outside the zone.
Catching tandem Geovany Soto and Koyie Hill are the only other Cubs who have been more patient than the average hitter this season.
Alfonso Soriano will draw an occasional walk, but he swings at more bad pitches than any non-pitcher on the team.
The young middle infield of Starlin Castro and Darwin Barney needs work.
This is an epidemic. You don't expect bench players Reed Johnson, D.J. LeMahieu, Lou Montanez, Blake DeWitt and Jeff Baker to have top-level strike zone command, but they could maybe draw a walk once in a while.
Takeaways:
The Sox have far more players with average walk rates than do the Cubs.
Adam Dunn, as predicted, has a slight lead on Paul Konerko atop the Most Patient list. It's just what happens when Dunn hits the ball that has been a problem this year.
Juan Pierre is a bizarre case, because he swings at fewer bad pitches than any White Sox hitter, but walks relatively rarely. There's that "putting the ball in play" Ozzie loves so much. It's not always as helpful as he'd have you believe.
Plate discipline might well be Gordon Beckham's biggest problem. He should know this by now.
Like Pierre, A.J. Pierzynski rarely walks (or strikes out). But he also swings at everything. He just makes a lot of contact.
Lovable backup Ramon Castro and reviled backup Mark Teahen are your best bets to draw a pinch-hit walk.
Somebody throw Brent Morel a rope. He's drowning.
Here's all the data (sorted by walk rate), for you extra-super nerds. OSw% and OTake% are the percentages of pitches outside the zone a hitter swings at and takes, respectively.The American Medical Association (AMA) has issued a statement expressing concerns about the ethical implications of force-feeding hunger striking detainees at Guantanamo Bay, as Pentagon officials finally admitted to at least 100 people being involved in the ongoing strike.
The AMA letter reiterated its long-standing position that force-feeding mentally competent adults is unethical, but stopped short of calling on the Pentagon to stop their force-feedings of detainees, simply urging them to address the situation of asking doctors to violate their own ethical standards by participating.
The Pentagon announced another 40 medical personnel have been deployed to the island prison to deal with the growing health crisis that has over half of detainees refusing to eat.
The strikers include not only suspects but also people who have been cleared for release, with many believing that the US never intends to let them go under any circumstances and that their only way out is death.
Last 5 posts by Jason DitzCollege scholarships aren’t just for people with high GPAs and great SAT scores. Some scholarship awarding organizations have decided to buck the trend of rewarding academic achievement, and instead offer scholarships based on unique talents, unorthodox interests, creativity, or just unusual circumstances. These scholarships range from simply unique, to quirky, to downright bizarre, but all of them are worth applying for if you meet the requirements, because any scholarships you get now will decrease your college payments in the long term.
You can scroll through this list, or use the links below to jump to a specific section.
Update: We’ve added 10 more weird and unique scholarships to our list! Check them out in our Honorable Mention section!
The Boren Awards for International Study is awarded to students who wish to study abroad in areas typically underrepresented. The scholarships can be as large as $20,000 and are only for students attending school at an accredited university.
The Central Florida Orchid Society awards an annual scholarship to students to encourage the pursuit of careers in Horticulture and the Agricultural and Life Sciences. The scholarship is $3000 and reside in a central Florida county.
The Central Arizona Tall Society gives a scholarship to a girl of at least 5’10” and a boy at least 6’2″ in an award of $250. The student must live in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo awards numerous scholarships with varying requirements and sizes. Some requirements include a minimum of a 19 on the ACT, be a resident of Texas, and plan to go to college in Texas at a not-for-profit school. Most of the awards are $18,000 four year scholarships.
The Alaska Travel Industry Association awards a number of scholarships each year to various students around Alaska, in communities of all sizes. The goal is to better invest in citizens to preserve the Alaskan tourism industry. Scholarships are awarded in increments from as little as $500 and as much as $3000.
The CBC Spouses Heineken Performing Arts Scholarship is awarded to students interested in drama, dance, opera, marching bands, and other performing arts pursuits. Applicants must also meet the other requirements stipulated on the online application page.
The Friends of the NRA selects 45 outstanding high school sophomores and juniors from around the country to come to Washington D.C. for a week of educational seminars and activities stressing the importance of being active in civic affairs. Additionally, those selected for this Youth Education Summit then compete for a total of $30,000 in scholarships.
Scholarhips up to $5000 are awarded by the Music Publishers Association of the United States as part of their Copyright Awareness Scholarship. Students must submit a written essay, audio or video recording, or pictoral compilation expressing why they believe copyright is so important.
The American Association of Railroad Superintendents is open to any student in the United States or Canada. The student must be a full-time college student and have at least a 2.75 Grade Point Average. The scholarship is awarded is $1000 and preference is given to applicants enrolled in the transportation field.
The American Association of Candy Technologists awards a $5000 scholarship over two installments to a recipient who is a college sophomore, junior, or senior that has a demonstrated interest in confectionery technology. Evidence must be presented in the form of research projects, work experience, or formal study.
The International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association awards special scholarships to college students working at an IDDBA-member company at least 13 hours a week. The requirements include majoring in a food-related field, such as culinary arts, baking/pastry arts, or food science.
The Shaw-Worth Scholarship from the Humane Society of the United States awards $2,500 to selected high school seniors who have made significant contributions to animal protection over extended periods.
The Associated Male Choruses of America Scholarship awards candidates $1000-$1200 each for applicants enrolled in university music programs for the upcoming school year. Candidates must be sponsored by a member chorus of the Associated Male Choruses of America.
The North American International Auto Show High School Poster Contest awards 16 students prizes of varying amounts, from as little as $100, to as much as $1000. The only stipulation is that a 25” x 21” poster must be submitted.
The Archibald Rutledge Scholarship Program is for students involved in the arts and awards five scholarships at $2000 each in areas of Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. Students must submit an original piece, graduate high school in South Carolina, and go to college in South Carolina.
For students with artistic flair, scrapbooking acumen, or a love for design, the Annual Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship from The Gallery Collection is a great way to get $10,000 for college. Competitors must design the front of a greeting card to be designed for business and consumer use.
Only open to students in select Pennsylvania counties, the Northern Tier Hardwood Association Scholarship awards $500 to two high school students planning on pursuing a career in forest resources or a field in the wood industry.
The National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Assocations award a number of scholarships every year. The NCEA’s Esthetician Scholarship awards esthetician students a $1,000 incentive scholarship while attending esthetic school, but students must be currently enrolled and maintain at least 80% attendance and grade average.
The American Fire Sprinkler Association has scholarships totalling $20,000 that are awarded to students who submit the required documents, including an essay on automatic fire sprinklers.
The AMIA Scholarship Program is for those planning on graduate school with majors in moving image studies, library or information science, archival administration, museum studies, or a related field. Selected students will then be awarded scholarships from Sony Pictures, Rick Chace Foundation, or Universal Studios.
The Gertrude J. Deppen Scholarship Fund is designed for students who do not habitually use tobacco, alcohol, narcotics, and are not involved in strenuous athletic contests. The applicant must have lived in Mount Caramel for 10 years and graduate from Mount Caramel Public High School as well.
The Western Golf Association Evans Scholars Foundation Scholarship is designed for golf caddies around the country. The Western Golf Association who oversees the Evans Scholar Foundation also runs three large golf tournaments.
The Kerope Zildjian Scholarship is designed for students pursuing a four-year degree at an accredited university and awards a $5000 scholarship. Applicants also win a trip to Zildjian’s world headquarters and win completmentary cymbals. In order to qualify, students must send an audio recording playing a complex snare or four-mallet marimba solo.
Duck Brand products holds an annual contest to see who can make the best Prom outfit from Duck Tape. The winners receive a $5,000 scholarship.
Jif Peanut Butter holds the Jif Most Creative Sandwich Contest as a fun way to award students preparing to attend college. The award includes a scholarship worth $25,000, as well as a Jif Peanut Butter Basket worth $50.
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General CIEE Grant + Scholarship The CIEE Study Abroad Scholarships award over $3 Million each eyar to help students with the cost of studying abroad. They require students to fill out a form entailing their special circumstances, write an essay, and also a summary of their current financial aid situation. Apply : CIEE Study Abroad
Nordstrom Scholarship Program The Nordstrom Cares Scholarship selects 80 students in states with a Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack store and awards them a $10,000 scholarship. The requirements include past volunteer service, community service, or extracurricular activities and a minimum of a 2.7 GPA. Recipients must also plan on applying for financial assistance in order to attend college. Apply : Nordstrom
Marian A. Smith Costume Scholarship Award The Marian A. Smith Costume Scholarship Award from the Southeastern Theatre Conference awards $2,000 to a student entering graduate school for costume design and/or costume technology. The student must submit a portfolio of ten samples and three to five references to be considered. Apply : Southeastern Theatre Conference
Davidson Fellows Scholarships The Davidson Fellows Scholarships are considered to be among the most prestegious and largest in the world. They award $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000 to students who have completed a significant piece of work before 18 in areas such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy, or “Outside the Box.” Apply : Davidson Institute for Talent Development
Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest. Stuttgart, Arkansas awards scholarships at the Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest. First place wins a scholarship of $2000, second place wins $1000, 3rd receives $750, and 4th receives $500. Apply : Stuttgart
IDC Scholarship Program The IDC Scholarship Program from Ocean Divers awards 4 students per 3 month period to take, for free, a number of scuba diver classes and then work on environmental conservation and reef identification. Apply : Ocean Divers
Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation The Corinna Jeannine Schillings Foundation awards scholarships to help students study abroad. An award of $1000 is issued to a Silver or Gold Girl Scout who plans to study abroad and maintains at least a 3.0 GPA. Apply : Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation
The Alexia Grants The Alexia Foundation grants scholarships to students to help produce picture stories that promote the foundation’s views of world peace and cultural understanding. The undergraduate winner recieves full tuition payment for a study abroad program, along with various funds for equipment and expenses. Apply : Alexia Foundation
ESA Foundation Scholarship Program The Entertainment Software Association Foundation Scholarship Program gives up to 30 scholarships annually, 15 to graduating high school seniors and 15 to current college students. The award is for up to $3000 and the applicant must be a woman or minority student pursing a degree and career in computer and video game arts with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Apply : Entertainment Software Association Foundation
The Fountainhead Essay Contest Ayn Rand Novels, a site specializing in the writings of author and philosopher Ayn Rand, has an annual essay contest awarding between $50 and $10,000 to over 200 students who write essays on chosen topics about Rand’s well known work, The Fountainhead. While not strictly a scholarship, these contests are only open to 11th and 12th grade students, and the winnings could provide a great headstart toward paying for college. Apply : Ayn Rand Novels
Rome Prize The American Academy in Rome Scholarship, titled the Rome Prize, is designed for students specializing in a variety of studies, such as Architecture, Visual Arts, Ancient Studies, and other areas. Each winner is provided with a stipend, meals, a bedroom with a private bath, and a study or studio. The stipends are $15,000 for 6 months or $27,000 for 11 months. Apply : American Academy in Rome
United States Bowling Congress Scholarships The United States Bowling Congress offers scholarships to many young students who have shown a passion for bowling. Leagues and member organizations of the USBC offer scholarships as well, so anyone involved in USBC activities should look into the possibility of a college scholarship. Apply : United States Bowling Congress
Brett Ratner Tuition Grant The Brett Ratner Tuition Grant through the New York Film Academy offers 100 scholarships for grants of up to $15,000. Students must show evidence for need of financial assistance and a personal statement on why they would like to attend the New York Film Academy. Apply : New York Film Academy
Fund for Investigative Journalism Grants The Fund of Investigative Journalism meets almost quarterly to review grant applications for those wishing to pursue investigative endeavors focusing on domestic issues or issues focuses on the US government. Grants average $5000 and are issued in two parts, the latter when evidence of progress is submitted. Apply : Fund for Investigative Journalism
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship The Institute of International Education awards the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to students who have received a Pell Grant for the term they are applying for as well. Students are also not allowed to study in countries with a U.S. Department of State Travel Warning. Apply : Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Annual Glenn Miller Scholarship Competition The Glenn Miller Birthplace Society, based in Clarinda, Iowa, holds an annual scholarship competition in honor of Glenn Miller. The contest is in its 37th year and awards two scholarships of $4000, $2000, and $1000, each to a one vocalist and one instrumentalist. Audition CD’s or tapes must be submitted in order to qualify. Apply : Glenn Miller Birthplace Society
American Academy of Chefs Culinary Scholarships The American Culinary Federation awards culinary scholarships to high school students, college students, and professional chefs looking to further their education. Requirements vary based on the scholarship applied for, but a strong passion for culinary arts goes a long way. Apply : Aermican Culinary Federation
Robert J. Marriott’s Scholarship Grant The Robert J. Marriott Scholarship Grant from the International Federation of Fly Fishers awards $500 to an undergraduate or graduate student majoring in biology or a similar field, such as fishery management. Apply : International Federation of Fly Fishers
Fashion Scholarship Fund Scholarships The Fashion Scholarship Fund awards numerous scholarships in honor of Geoffrey Beene, Jim Edleman, and others. Required application materials include a case study and personal statement. Apply : Fashion Scholarship Fund
$2,500 “Advice to Your High School Self” Scholarship Campus Discovery has a scholarship for $2,500 called the “Advice to Your High School Self” Scholarship. Students approaching graduation from college or recent college grads who finished an Associates or Bachelor’s Degree are eligible. Apply : Campus Discovery
James “Rhio” O’Connor Memorial Scholarship Fund Cancer Monthly has scholarships honoring James O’Connor, with over $10,000 in awards. All that is required is an essay on how Mr. O’Connor’s story of surviving 5 years longer than predicted is so inspiring and what you would do if faced with similar challenges. Apply : Cancer Monthly
NDS/DMI Milk Marketing Scholarship The National Dairy Shrine awards one $1500 and six $1000 scholarships to encourage undergraduates to pursue careers in dairy product marketing. Students must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. Apply : National Dairy Shrine
Davis Law Group Scholar Athlete Program The Davis Law Group awards $100 scholarships to two high school seniors from January to March and then invites those students to enter a Sportsmanship Essay Contest for a chance to win an additional $1000 scholarship. Apply : Davis Law Group
Theodore Gordon Flyfishers, Inc. Founders Fund Scholarship Theodore Gordon Flyfishers is a non-profit angling organization that promotes environmental protection, conservation, and various activities attached to activism and education. A Founders Fund Scholarship is awarded for $3,500 annually and the applicant must be planning on majoring in environmental studies, in areas such as biology, natural resource management, zoology, and other relevant fields. Apply : Theodore Gordon Flyfishers, Inc.Time for a Run!
The King is proud to announce the Great Gnawnian Games of 2012! This summer sports event is host to the "100 Mouse Dash", a challenging run of 100 hunts (and mice!) over hurdles and obstacles. Race against your friends to the finish, catch as many mice as you can along the way, and win rewards!
Head to the Great Gnawnian Games, hunt mice to collect Runny Cheese, then compete against hunters in the race! Rewards are given based on performance, so hunt well, MouseHunters, and good luck!
The Great Gnawnian Games will end on Monday, August 13, 2012.
The King is proud to announce the Great Gnawnian Games of 2012! This summer sports event is host to the "100 Mouse Dash", a challenging run of 100 hunts (and mice!) over hurdles and obstacles. Race against your friends to the finish, catch as many mice as you can along the way, and win rewards!Head to the Great Gnawnian Games, hunt mice to collect Runny Cheese, then compete against hunters in the race! Rewards are given based on performance, so hunt well, MouseHunters, and good luck!
Go for a Jog
Hunt anywhere to find mice who drop Runny Cheese. When you have collected some, travel to the Great Gnawnian Games. While there, with Runny Cheese on your trap, you will make progress along the track toward the finish line!
While running, you will encounter athletic mice. Encounter a hurdle on the track, and a Hurdle Mouse will appear!
Having trouble with some of the tougher mice? Use Athlete Charms to gain a +10 luck bonus while in the Great Gnawnian Games!
Hunt anywhere to find mice who drop Runny Cheese. When you have collected some, travel to the Great Gnawnian Games. While there, with Runny Cheese on your trap, you will make progress along the track toward the finish line!While running, you will encounter athletic mice. Encounter a hurdle on the track, and a Hurdle Mouse will appear!Having trouble with some of the tougher mice? Use Athlete Charms to gain a +10 luck bonus while in the Great Gnawnian Games!
Competing Mice
Hurdle Mouse
Not satisfied with a simple race, this competitive mouse takes his sport to the next level by leaping over objects twice his size. He'll steal your cheese and jump over your trap before you can even finish sounding your horn! Luckily for hunters, he takes his training seriously and seems to be doing laps around the course. Worry not if you miss him; he'll be around again!
Not satisfied with a simple race, this competitive mouse takes his sport to the next level by leaping over objects twice his size. He'll steal your cheese and jump over your trap before you can even finish sounding your horn! Luckily for hunters, he takes his training seriously and seems to be doing laps around the course. Worry not if you miss him; he'll be around again!
Trampoline Mouse
Within the Great Gnawnian Games, the mice practice a variety of different sports. Unfortunately for the trampoline team, the allotted space given for their setup lands them right in the middle of some of the more precarious events.
Aside from focusing on their form, they often need to place a lot of effort in evading dangerous projectiles or even Robert, the lone Judo mouse who just really wants someone to practice on.
Within the Great Gnawnian Games, the mice practice a variety of different sports. Unfortunately for the trampoline team, the allotted space given for their setup lands them right in the middle of some of the more precarious events.Aside from focusing on their form, they often need to place a lot of effort in evading dangerous projectiles or even Robert, the lone Judo mouse who just really wants someone to practice on.
Extreme Everysports Mouse
The Extreme Everysports mouse doesn't know the meaning of the word erinaceous, but then again, you had to look it up too. He also doesn't know how to quit, or even what that means, and you DON'T have to look that one up.
This is one accomplished mouse. Training day and night is the only thing this mouse seems to know (along with a few words). Capable of dominating in nearly every sport known to mousekind, he is a fierce competitor in the Great Gnawnian Games.
The Extreme Everysports mouse doesn't know the meaning of the word erinaceous, but then again, you had to look it up too. He also doesn't know how to quit, or even what that means, and you DON'T have to look that one up.This is one accomplished mouse. Training day and night is the only thing this mouse seems to know (along with a few words). Capable of dominating in nearly every sport known to mousekind, he is a fierce competitor in the Great Gnawnian Games.
Training and Rewards
Athlete Charm
This charm has been training hard all season for this very moment. Hunters who equip this charm can expect a mighty +10 luck bonus while hunting at the Great Gnawnian Games. After the event, they retain some luck and power, and can be used anywhere!
Obtain this special charm as a reward at the end of the race, or get them from either the Training Gift Basket or the Athlete's Kit!
This charm has been training hard all season for this very moment. Hunters who equip this charm can expect a mightywhile hunting at the Great Gnawnian Games. After the event, they retain some luck and power, and can be used anywhere!Obtain this special charm as a reward at the end of the race, or get them from either theor the
King's Medallion
This ceremonial medallion represents excellent performance in the 100 Mouse Dash during the 2012 Great Gnawnian Games.
Hunters who catch at least 60 mice during the 100 Mouse Dash will be awarded one of these prestigious medallions!
This ceremonial medallion represents excellent performance in the 100 Mouse Dash during the 2012 Great Gnawnian Games.Hunters who catch at leastduring the 100 Mouse Dash will be awarded one of these prestigious medallions!
Athlete's Kit
This kit contains professional athletic gear for use in the Great Gnawnian Games "100 Mouse Dash" event! Inside you'll find 200 Runny Cheese and 50 Athlete Charms. Provides the Lucky Golden Shield for 1 month when opened.
This kit contains professional athletic gear for use in the Great Gnawnian Games "100 Mouse Dash" event! Inside you'll findand. Provides the Lucky Golden Shield for 1 month when opened.
Training Gift Basket
This gift basket contains training equipment to aid in the Great Gnawnian Games "100 Mouse Dash" event! Inside you'll find 15 Runny Cheese and 15 Athlete Charms. Provides the Lucky Golden Shield for 1 month when opened.
This gift basket contains training equipment to aid |
audience, Lopate, who also happens to be Jewish, pointed out that not everyone eats pig, which prompted the following exchange:
Pollan: I think, you know, that we need to rethink the kosher rules and I think there is a place for pork in the kosher rules…To the extent that the kosher rules are about eating ethically, I think eating pig can be a very ethical kind of eating. Lopate: Only two or three thousand years of tradition out the window.
Food, Culture, Religion, Health
Pollan’s breezy dismissal of kashrut as a set of arbitrary rules imposed for the sake of reinforcing an exclusive identity represents an unfortunate flaw in his vision for an ethical and rich food culture.
Pollan argues that the main problem of the contemporary American diet—that it’s unhealthy for both people and planet—is essentially a problem of culture. Yet his spot-on critique of the corporate “science” that deconstructs food in order to manufacture profitable “edible food-like substances”—isolating single ingredients, artificially overstimulating natural cravings—also applies to his own American, libertarian and bourgeois selection of isolated “dishes” from the cultural buffet table.
Pollan seeks to bring about a return to what industrialization and commercialization have nearly destroyed, namely “deeply rooted traditions surrounding food and eating.” He acknowledges that “as the sway of tradition in our eating decisions weakens”—by which he means “the cultural norms and rituals that used to allow people to eat meat without agonizing about it”—“habits we once took for granted are thrown up in the air.” But once again, while Pollan justifiably admires “indigenous” consumption patterns, he turns his back on the approaches of his own culture, Judaism.
The appearance of religious vocabulary in Pollan’s writing reveals that eating (right) is believing. Stories of conversion experiences are sprinkled throughout his books: non-cooks turned into cooks by eating a single, wondrous meal; white-flour bakers made whole-grain zealots from biting into a single loaf of great whole wheat bread, and so on. The first line of Cooked and its first section on pig barbecue evokes “The divine scent of wood smoke and roasting pig.” Pollan witnesses the innovative way Polyface Farms uses pigs to aerate the cow-barn bed of manure and other ingredients into rich compost—by placing corn among the mix so that the pigs delightedly root around for it, opening up and stirring the whole shebang—which he describes as “a miracle of transubstantiation.”
Likewise, the farm’s compost pile of unused chicken parts carries “redemptive promise”; monoculture is “the original sin from which almost every other problem of our food system flows”; and to brew your own beer every once in a while “becomes, among other things, a form of observance, a weekend ritual of remembrance” of interconnectedness. Such language rhetorically transforms sagacious farming and mindful eating into sacred wonder-working while more traditional religion sparks deep ambivalence, often arising as a negative counterpoint.
Pollan yearns for traditional food cultures, yet he reflects the collective repulsion of so many moderns toward tradition. With some justification Pollan lambasts the transcendentalist, utopian, anti-naturalist “Puritanism” of certain animal rights arguments that predation among living creatures in nature is an “intrinsic evil,” a view that goes back at least to Isaiah 11:6-7 (the lion and the lamb, etc).
So-called “nutritionism,” which obsesses about “invisible and therefore slightly mysterious” entities rather than food, “is a quasireligious idea, suggesting the visible world is not the one that really matters, which implies the need for a priesthood.” Pollan is “inclined to agree with the French, who gaze upon any personal dietary prohibition as bad manners.”
While lamenting repeatedly the decline of eaters’ gratitude and the saying of grace or similar blessings at meals, Pollan does not make blessings, even at the “perfect meal” with which Omnivore’s Dilemma culminates, which has been prepared with extreme arduousness and so laden with consciousness that he calls it a “ritual.”
Yet despite the liberal use of spiritual vocabulary, the potpourri of concerns that move foodies like Pollan often reveal a materialistic and scientistic orientation. Chef Dan Barber proclaimed in an interview: “I believe in something that, from A to Z, is rooted in Hedonism.” He resists the idea that the deep pleasures of conscious eating derive from anything called the “spiritual discipline” of conscious food preparation. Echoing this distaste for the spiritual, the founders of the Slow Food movement (who are not Jewish) dedicated their collective efforts to “a firm defense of quiet material pleasure” as “the only way to oppose the universal folly of Fast Life” (my emphasis). For his part, while Pollan concedes that “shared meals are about much more than fueling bodies,” he’s careful to exclude any spiritual element, writing that they’re “uniquely human institutions where our species developed language and this thing we call culture.”
However vital they may be, the social and ecological relationships built and strengthened through and around food still leave something missing. Almost every traditional cuisine that Pollan lauds developed as a strand within the holistic web of a traditional nature-culture that included supernature: mind, wisdom, spirit, cosmology. Practice emanated from this holism, yet Pollan and his peers have internalized the Western distaste for significant parts of it, a distaste that can, ironically, be read as itself part of the very process of modernization that Pollan decries.
Culture, Cosmos, Commandment and Resistance
Pollan may want his culture “rational,” but culture is not modern science—nor should it be. As Wittgenstein understood, meaning is made by people and cultures, rather than found through some kind of objective measurement. The various diets Pollan upholds as beneficial—Inuit, Samoan, etc.—arise out of, and are steeped in, complex and rich culturally specific worldviews, cosmologies, practices and beliefs, some of which may well seem “not rational.” This stew can be broken down into discrete elements, but at great cost precisely to the forces of cohesiveness that can make wisdom traditions powerful and beneficial in the first place.
Just as the frequent combination of eating tomatoes with olive oil has now been understood by science as a way to ease digestion of the lycopene-rich tomato because it is oil-soluble, as Pollan learned, cultures, too, come subtly and tightly interwoven in ways that “rationalism” continues to miss. “To make food choices more scientific is to empty them of their ethnic content and history,” he writes. But while Pollan wants us to eat more ethnically, learn our culinary history and erase the worst of modernist agricide, he proceeds as if one can extract the effective ingredients from a particular culture and not destroy its overall efficacy.
While acknowledging that “food cultures are embedded in societies and economies and ecologies,” and that “traditional diets are more than the sum of their food parts,” Pollan doesn’t appear to extend the same respect to cultures as a whole. He writes that American food corporations are “systematically and deliberately undermining traditional food cultures everywhere,” but misses the bigger picture that industrial capitalism in general undermines traditional cultures as a whole everywhere, and that this is why their food cultures collapse.
“How to Eat,” the final section of 2009’s Food Rules, would amuse or perhaps depress any observant Jew—or nearly any individual living in a traditional culture for that matter. Having informed readers of what and what not to eat Pollan offers suggestions regarding:
something a bit more elusive […] the set of manners, eating habits, taboos, and unspoken guidelines that together govern a person’s (and a culture’s) relationship to food and eating.
Some of his suggestions: eating only at a table, eating only with other people, taking a moment to meditate on where your food comes from before consuming it, or eating treats only on weekends. Writing for people he assumes are very much like himself—secular and disconnected from their backgrounds or any particular tradition—Pollan attempts to add a dash of mindfulness and ritualization to the materiality of their food.
One can only think of Pollan’s complaints about refined white flour, a nutritious natural product that’s been so heavily processed it’s not only non-nutritious but downright hazardous to the health. The industrial solution has been to toss back in a few of the eliminated nutrients on the production line, like iron and B vitamins, in a minimal gesture whose efficaciousness remains doubtful—which is essentially what Pollan does with culture.
Modernity has decimated traditional cultures, made them undesirable. Faced with the erosion of mindfulness and wisdom embodied in ritualizing practices or sacralized boundaries, Pollan tosses back in the cultural equivalent of some iron and B vitamins hoping this will somehow restore balance. He complains that to bake great bread with whole wheat flour in the face of the near-total monopoly of white flour and the industrial, commercial apparatus that supports it, he needs not just a “better recipe,” but “a whole different civilization.” How very true, but not merely in regard to material ingredients.
Fortunately, not all of those alternative civilizations have been starved out of existence. Some continue to exist, if tenuously and largely on the margins, and each of the traditional groups lauded by Pollan as living without the Western Diet and its diseases believed, and believes in, some version of what moderns consider a mythological cosmos: animated, divine. They haven’t succumbed (or have succumbed less) to rationalism, to the “logic” of industrialism and global markets.
While many factors determine the fate of a civilization and culture, likely there is a correlation between the cohesiveness, depth and vitality of a way of life based on some version of metaphysics and the ability to resist über-rationalist, corporate modernity; think about various Native Americans, the Amish, Hasidim, hippies—even the Zapatistas—and so many more. Of course, all these cannot be collapsed into some homogenous thing called “spirituality,” “metaphysics” or “religion”; as always, the assessment of religious traditions and metaphysical worldviews constitutes an essentially political determination.
As is the case in the wider environmental movement, many people and organizations concerned with agro-food questions understand metaphysical or spiritual matters to be part of the holism they address and in which they live.
In the United States the thinking of Wendell Berry and Wes Jackson make prime examples, while educator, chef and restauranteur Alice Waters includes the spiritual when describing her own discovery of good, healthy food and eating (while carefully distinguishing these sensual pleasures from mere hedonism), and biodynamic farmers, whose movement grew out of the explicitly spiritual work of Rudolph Steiner, are quite comfortable with spiritual, cosmological language.
Scholar Melissa Caldwell points out that in Russia, “‘natural foods’ philosophies represent the natural environment as a source of sociability and spirituality,” and Russians feel nature “not only produces but also nourishes and protects the Russian nation.” Personal gardening is considered “an activity done ‘for the soul.’”
In Nepal, conservation of nutritionally- and ecologically-beneficial native rice varieties, and therefore of rice diversity as a whole, is aided by the fact, as reported by Nepalese farmers, that some rice “landraces have identifiable socio-cultural and religious use values i.e., landraces used in make special dishes for offering to deities,” while modern varieties, the only kind promoted by the government, “are considered ‘impure’ for socio-cultural and religious ceremonies.”
Faced with a soaring rate of Diabetes caused by the abandonment of traditional foods for “white” food products, the Tohono O’odham of the Sonora Desert have organized through communal institutions to support a return to their nearly extinct thousand-year-old former diet, writes Marcello di Cintio in Gastronomica. This so-far successful process, an exemplary case study of the kind of resistance to the Western diet that Pollan would admire, inevitably includes a reclamation of their culture, which:
connects the emotional and spiritual lives of the O’odham with the landscape they maintain, the spirits they worship, and the foods they gather and grow. The [traditional way] teaches the songs O’odham sing to inspire their beans and corn to grow. It gives directions for the saguaro wine ceremony, the O’odham’s new-year ritual that “sings down the rain.”
I am not arguing that we must preserve every ritual or tradition. But a solely materialistic food movement that shares the modern proclivity to dispense with anything cultural it does not understand, likely does not understand what it is destroying.
Paradoxically, in being quick to eschew powerful imperatives like sacred prohibitions or ritual, it would also be ignoring the urgings of one of its own sources of inspiration, ecology, as in Aldo Leopold’s oft-quoted dictum: “To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering.” Italian sociologist and psychologist Alberto Melucci exhorts with greater explicitness against thinking that tinkering even offers much hope. Our global ecological crises, he maintains, show “that the key to survival is no longer the system of means founded on purposive rationality. Our salvation lies in the system of ends, that is, in the cultural models which orient our behavior.”
Wendell Berry often repeats the same, woefully ignored mantra, the very one I think Pollan believes he propounds: “The answers to the human problems of ecology are to be found in economy. And the answers to the problems of economy are to be found in culture and in character.”
Judaism is one of these surviving ancient cultures, even if many of its members have eschewed its traditionalist outlook in ways both minor and major. Pollan and his peers should know that, similar to many of the other traditional cultures they look to for wisdom, Judaism insists that we express thanks for all foods consumed; eat while sitting; turn meals with other people into more than just individual ingesting (by talking Torah); tithe all agricultural produce, directing a portion of it to the poor (the rest went to the levites when the temple stood in Jerusalem); remove a small portion of any bread dough to be burned up as a kind of home sacrificial offering; reserve special meals or feasts for special occasions, i.e., sabbath and festivals.
Hasidic masters recommended that you stop eating before you are full, just as Pollan learned from other cultures. In recent decades Western Jews have even been generating their own version of the food movement with back-to-the-land farmers, artisanal producers and a new approach to kashrut inspired by environmentalism known as eco-kashrut.
Back to Those Pesky Dietary Laws
But Pollan doesn’t appear to be familiar with the literature on kashrut. In his notes he cites a handful of sources, many of which actually contradict him. Numerous scholars offer sophisticated, creative and cogent interpretations, among them Marvin Harris, Mary Douglas, Jacob Milgrom, Jean Soler and Edward Greenstein. Yet Pollan concludes that, “[the] rules of barbecue […] are as arbitrary as the kashrut [sic], rules for the sake of rules, with no rational purpose except to define one’s community by underscoring its differences from another. We are the people who cook only shoulders over hickory wood and put mustard in our barbecue sauce.”
But a more generous reading would see that the pastoral, agricultural Israelites sacralized their natural environment and the limited set of mostly domesticated animals on which they depended. These creatures kashrut declared good to eat. Other animals were deemed to be out of place in the Hebraic cosmos and therefore unsuitable for consumption: most notably, those that fell afoul of inferred characterological norms for each ecological niche—for example, water-dwellers lacking the standard fins or scales of fish, land animals with more than four legs, airborne creatures that were not birds. This taxonomy ended up excluding predators, many wild animals, unusual and exotic beings, and creatures with “extreme” features. The edible Israelite cosmology reflected their idealized self-image: familiar, docile, well-ordered.
Mary Douglas first proposed such a reading of the Torah’s system of permitted and prohibited animals in her seminal work, Purity and Danger, following Durkheim’s insight that a society’s customs, rituals and taxonomies reflect its values. Many scholars took up and honed her theory.
Anthropologist Eugene N. Anderson, Jr., speculated that the animals prohibited by the Torah all consume either blood or excrement, both seen as morally reprehensible. Talmudic statements (BT Berakhot 15a and 25a) support this view when it comes to the pig, as do medieval commentators. Another common explanation of the ban on pig is that it was consumed and worshipped by those the Israelites/Judeans despised (though scholars such as Milgrom dispute this).
It’s easy, of course, to disparage much of the above as imposed identity boundary-creation and -maintenance, but it should be kept in mind that those erecting such boundaries considered, with some justification, Egypt to be a cruel and barbaric empire of hypocritical elites and abhorrent licentiousness, and Canaanite society thoroughly immoral from its forms of sexuality to child-sacrificing religiosity. We don’t have to share these perspectives, or the prohibitions derived from them, but as motivations for a culture they are hardly arbitrary or unique.
Pollan ignores what is perhaps the most common explanation for the prohibition of certain animals, one aimed not at distancing Israelites from others but rather at maintaining the relationship between the individual self and the divine. Rabbis of all eras insist that self-restraint is one of the most vital lessons of the laws of kashrut (of most of the commandments, in fact), regardless of the seemingly arbitrary forbidden entity in question.
Pollan no doubt does not want to offend too greatly by stating outright his repulsion by laws insisting on Jewish separateness from other peoples, though he obviously believes this and he would hardly be alone in so believing. But he also clearly has no use for a culture that places certain food sources off-limits for reasons that are not ecological, biological or chemical, but “only” for moral-pedagogical or spiritual purposes. He reaches the illogical and methodologically strange conclusion that because experts do not agree on a single reason for the prohibition of certain animals no such reason exists. Sophisticated scholars have long abandoned the idea that such a complex cultural phenomenon should have a unitary raison d’être.
Influenced by some of the above interpretations, progressive Jewish thinkers from all major denominations have seen kashrut as a worthy basis for ethical eating. Perhaps surprisingly, many of the authors of essays in the Reform movement’s 2011 anthology, The Sacred Table, while often sharing a distaste for the specific laws of kashrut, understand and acknowledge that their dense and interlaced cultural and spiritual significance should lead Reform Jews to rethink knee-jerk rejection.
All of the aforementioned sources on kashrut were available to Pollan, who is, in most areas, an assiduous researcher. My point is not to prove the superiority of kashrut (much less Judaism), but to suggest that, first, Pollan ought to provide substantive arguments for ignoring it and, second, that kashrut is hardly the only complex traditional dietary system—including Muslim ḥalal, and Hindu and Buddhist vegetarianism, to name some of the more obvious—ignored by Pollan and other Jewish foodies. Kashrut comes within a dense, rich, long-standing culture promoting, ideally, upright, prudent, modest living, including, reverence for and balanced coexistence with the natural world.
The final, and perhaps greatest irony to the dismissal of kashrut, is that Jews through the ages have adopted the local cuisines and food cultures of all of their homelands—whether Persia, Greece, Morocco, Poland, or India—and adapted them all quite adequately to function within the framework of kashrut. One wonders whether Pollan et al think the eco-culinary wisdom of these “traditional” cuisines is diminished when done within the parameters of kashrut?
When Eco-Kosher Pigs Fly: Omnivory as a Universal Ideal
One of the reasons we needed to contrive or rediscover a food culture in the first place is that most Westerners don’t take culture itself seriously. Some in the food movement continue to suffer from this same myopia, a common American antagonism toward history, tradition, family and anything that curtails our seemingly sacred autonomy. A utopian yearning for self-making, for psychic borderlessness, for absolute freedom leads Pollan, Barber et al to believe that in some respect food choices should only be personal, made in a socio-cultural vacuum. Hence the general inclination in the food movement toward omnivory, which would seem to parallel universalism.
But omnivory is a cultural choice, in this case Christian. Which is to say that although Pollan (or, indeed, the culture itself) may not recognize the dominant culture as a culture with its own particularist stances, this omnivory and universalism nevertheless do come from a Western culture shaped largely by Christianity and the secular-Christian movement of the Enlightenment, among other things. As Alan Henkin insightfully noted:
When it comes to eating, we are choosing within competing rule systems about food. […] The proper question is: Which community’s rules about eating do you wish to accept?
We grapple with this question when we consider whose foodways the food movement holds out to us.
Pollan provocatively suggests that pig’s unkosher status should be reconsidered. As far as I can tell he hasn’t fleshed out this recommendation but it’s not hard to tease out implicit arguments in favor: pigs eat just about anything, convert plant energy to animal comestibility with great efficiency, breed easily and rapidly, and require relatively little management. Raised the right way, they offer enormous benefits to small-scale farms as biological systems.
On one level, then, Pollan constructs human omnivory as an ideal; being willing to eat pig or any species, if ethically raised and killed, becomes the ethical path. Within the food movement a confusion thus reigns between theoretical omnivory and avoidance of specific foods based on concerns like personal health, seasonality, the environmental dangers of production, scarcity, etc.
Unfortunately, little sustained research has been done about the contexts, meanings and cost/benefits of omnivory in cultures past and present. Most investigations focus on the perhaps more easily-graspable and less-settled matter of individual dietary choices.
One thing that seems clear is that we participate in an endless dance between the universal and the particular, neither of which can exist without the other. Lines are always being drawn. Will we avoid factory-farmed meat? Pig? An overlap of the two? Neither? Whose mores should be followed and why? It remains unclear whether the food movement’s unwritten rules offer benefits and solutions better suited to contemporary agriculture-industry-health crises than ancient food norms. Only time will tell.
Obviously, many people over the centuries have sought to escape the constrictions of traditional life, of religion, which have their own problems, excesses and blind spots. The goal for the food movement must be how to make use of the best of rationalism and the best of traditional ways. Believing that tradition will “save us” is as deluded as believing that its elimination will.
Jewish tradition itself acknowledges anxieties over law and restricted behavior. One explanation is often cited to suggest that after the coming of the messiah the pig will change its nature—it will start to chew its cud—and become kosher. In a perfected world commandments, prohibitions and rituals may well not be needed, but for the rabbis, reality-based as they were, this utopia is endlessly, if disappointingly deferred. It could also be that this midrash slyly critiques what the builders of Christianity, after the coming of their messiah, had already decreed regarding pigs.
My point, again, is not to berate anyone for not being Jewish enough or in the “proper” way. I don’t give a fig if Jews choose not to keep kosher. But given that a leading intellectual of the food movement like Pollan has been named by Time as one of the world’s 100 most influential people, his views disseminate widely. During the Leonard Lopate interview mentioned earlier, he indicated that he recently gave “a little sermon on kosher” [sic] at New York’s Reform Central Synagogue in which he repeated his comparison of the many rules of barbecuing with those in Leviticus (still not knowing whether goat was kosher when later interviewed by Lopate).
Oy.
Those who otherwise stand for such commendable ideals and values should show more self-awareness and be more familiar with their own backgrounds, sure, but they should also be better informed about the contexts and consequences of their positions. Fabre-Vassas’s eye-opening and often stomach-turning book should be assigned reading for all pig meat lovers, whatever their religion. One might be able to eat it ethically, but that doesn’t make it kosher, and I have yet to hear a convincing argument about why it should be. Pollan and others sounds like they’re suggesting that members of religious cultures who choose not to eat pig sin against the omnivorous wisdom of the new food movement, a curiously intolerant position.New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday broke his silence on President Donald Trump’s immigration executive order, saying he thinks Trump’s advisors bungled the rollout.
Christie told reporters he doesn’t disagree with the motivation of the order, according to the Associated Press. He did say that the order was explained “unartfully” and that Trump had been poorly served by his advisers.
“[T]he roll-out of this executive order was terrible,” Christie told reporters, as quoted by the AP. “The way people were not involved or consulted, there was confusion in the enforcement that went on here.”
The New Jersey governor also said he believed green card holders already go through “extreme vetting,” according to a transcript posted by statehouse reporter Michael Symons.
Christie further cautioned Trump’s inner circle against formulating national security policy based on “generalizations.”
“Look, my view would be that this should be based upon intelligence that we gather about particular groups and countries,” he said, according to the transcript. “And the President deserved much better than the roll-out that he got of this plan. I think that’s what caused a lot of the mistakes that were made. And those mistakes are unacceptable.”
Trump’s executive order temporarily suspended the United States’ refugee program and indefinitely barred refugees from Syria. It also temporarily suspended immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries.The number of drownings across the state has nearly hit a 10-year high, according to a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources report.
So far this year, 25 people have drowned in non-boating incidents, compared with 16 during the same time period in 2011. That's the highest number of non-boating fatalities up to this point in summer since 2003.
There were also eight boating deaths, up from six in 2011.
Kim Elverum, Department of Natural Resources boat and water safety coordinator, said there are several factors that seem to be contributing to the increase in water deaths. One of the biggest reasons is the warm weather, he said, because it encourages more people to hit the beach or pool.
For the most part, however, the accidents were "all over the map." Although the majority of drownings happened in lakes, there were some incidents in which people fell through ice, or drowned in pools, ponds, hot tubs or bathtubs.
A lack of parental supervision for children is one of the foremost reasons for drownings, Elverum said. In addition, many people don't know their own swimming abilities and try to swim farther than they can. They might also swim in an area that's marked off because of a steep dropoff. As with boating accidents, alcohol consumption can also lead to injuries or death for swimmers.
The most recent fatality happened Tuesday in Chisago County. A 5-year-old boy from Rush City drowned in Round Lake and was found in 12 to 14 feet of water. He was told to wear a life jacket, but it was found on the dock.
On Thursday, the body of a Forest Lake boater was found, three days after police were notified of a dog swimming near an unoccupied pontoon boat.
Tod Alan Crawford, 51, was found floating on Forest Lake No. 1 at 11:25 a.m., about a half-mile from where he is believed to have fallen from his boat, police Capt. Greg Weiss said.
Crawford was an avid boater, Weiss said. Crawford is listed as having owned a business, Independent Abstracting Services of Coon Rapids.
Crawford had been reported missing about 3:45 p.m. Monday near the 6800 block of North Shore Trail when a witness saw the dog swimming.
For boating accidents, there were several deaths this spring that were caused by cold water.
About 80 percent of deaths could be prevented with a life jacket, Elverum said, citing national statistics. Unlike traffic fatalities that often involve some sort of collision, the vast majority of these accidents are single-boat incidents, where the boat turns over or capsizes, he said.
Masako Hirsch • 612-673-4263This article was taken from the August 2013 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
At the end of 2004, Nilang Patel had a problem.
The chief of Coca-Cola's research laboratory at the company's headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, Patel needed to find a way of bringing the soda fountain into the 21st century. Despite the place of the statuesque Coke bottle in the company iconography, the drink had reached its first customers, in the bars of Atlanta drugstores in 1886, as a thick syrup diluted into individual glasses with soda water.
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Even after the introduction of vending machines in the early 1920s, the method -- updated to use syrup dispensed at the push of a button from 19-litre plastic bags, mixed with water, carbon dioxide and high-fructose corn syrup -- remained the foundation of the company's business.
But by the time of the drink's 125th-birthday celebrations, Coca-Cola's customers demanded a dizzying amount of choice. When it fell to Patel to devise a vending machine capable of dispensing a larger sample of Coca-Cola's constellation of over 100 products -- from caffeine-free Coke Zero to Diet Coke with Lime -- he called Dean Kamen.
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Kamen was far from an obvious choice. In his 30-year career, the then 63-year-old engineer had become a multimillionaire from his patents on medical devices, yet remained best known as the inventor of the Segway Personal Transporter. But Patel knew that much of Kamen's most innovative medical work lay in the finely calibrated delivery of liquids; his expertise in engineering pumps and valves precise enough to dilute concentrated drugs for injection into human beings would surely be useful in building a machine to fill a paper cup with 475ml of Fanta.
Chris Crisman
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"That was a pretty straightforward project," Kamen says now. "I had [the technology] in my back pocket."
Yet Kamen was keen for the Coke Freestyle machine to impress his new corporate clients. Because, soon after he took the call from Patel, the inventor became convinced that Coca-Cola was the only company on Earth that could help him achieve a dream he had by then nursed for more than ten years -- to extinguish the world's biggest health problem, using a machine he had built to make pure drinking water out of anything wet.
Almost every project we do starts out with most people thinking we are nuts Dean Kamen
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As Kamen marches through the car park of a river-side Victorian mill complex in Manchester, New Hampshire, he admits with a smile: "Almost every project we do starts out with most people thinking we are nuts." Yet he's made an enviable career out of proving such doubters wrong. Gesturing down the long row of hulking brick buildings along the waterfront, he explains how he began to buy up these buildings 20 years ago, when they had been derelict since the Great Depression of the 1930s, and now owns them all. He currently has tenants including Texas Instruments, Autodesk and the University of New Hampshire's engineering school; with three of the buildings (and part of a fourth) taken up by his company DEKA Research & Development Corporation (the DE from Dean, the KA from Kamen) and its 400 employees, including engineers, physicists, mathematicians and the like, Kamen is dean and landlord of his own campus of high technology.
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He leads the way into a concrete-floored basement that echoes with a sucking of pumps and the clicking of solenoids, where the first of his water machines are undergoing final testing. "These units are just getting ready to go," he says; in the next few weeks, Kamen's device -- named the Slingshot -- will begin shipping to Paraguay, South Africa and Mexico. Kamen had promised Coke that by the end of this year, he'd have deployed the machines in no fewer than five countries. But then Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent surprised him at the end of last year by announcing that it was his intention to get Slingshots into 15 countries in 2013 -- and to make a billion litres of clean water. Kamen's eyes shine in anticipation of the challenge. "We're up for that," he says. "We'll do it."
The statistics of the global water problem are startling: 783 million people around the world don't have access to clean water, Kamen will tell you; diarrhoea is the second-largest killer of children worldwide, and lack of safe water is the primary reason that globally 3,000 children under the age of five die every day. Yet Kamen admits that he is an unlikely saviour. His background, he explains, is "at the other end of the spectrum, building exotic, sophisticated medical products for the world that can afford them."
His career began when he was still at school, tinkering with electronics in the basement of his parents' Long Island home. When the older of his two brothers -- at the time studying for a medical degree at Harvard -- described the difficulty of administering measured doses of chemotherapy drugs to babies, Dean set out to design a drug-infusion pump to do the job. The pump proved so successful that he dropped out of college to concentrate on the new company, AutoSyringe, and in 1982, aged just 30, he sold it to Baxter Healthcare for a sum rumoured to be around £20 million.
Today, he has patents on more than 150 devices, and medical products remain the core of Kamen's business.
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The most famous product of DEKA's in-house R&D may be the Segway, but it's also the least representative. Built in military secrecy and publicised as a miraculous device that would change the future of humanity, when it was finally launched, the electric scooter was met with ridicule, and is now remembered more as an example of the toxic confluence of hubris and hype than as a means of transport.
Yet from the moment he left college, Kamen has tried to focus his work on improving the lives of others. "Life is short," he says, "and when I look back, I don't want to think I wasted some of this life doing nonsense."
[pullquote source="Dean Kamen] [image id="gayOOzg7EZR"] His most transformative inventions since then have largely been medical devices. The one topic about which he's most passionate is FIRST, or For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, the charity and annual competition he devised to encourage students to be as excited about science as they are about athletics. Indeed, the Segway was only made possible by gyroscopic technology Kamen had developed to build the iBot, a wheelchair that can climb stairs and which makes it possible for users to conduct eye-to-eye conversations with others -- an invention he sold to Johnson & Johnson long before the Segway ever went into production. Kamen's water machine, too, began with medical engineering of the most advanced kind. In the late 80s, he and the engineers at DEKA had been approached by Baxter Healthcare to develop a portable device that would let kidney patients treat themselves at home, cleaning their blood using a technique called peritoneal dialysis. This involves flushing a sterile saline solution through the abdominal cavity, using the perineal membrane to filter the toxins out of the body by osmosis. Kamen came up with HomeChoice, a compact box housing a disposable cartridge of sterile plumbing connections, thrown away at the end of each treatment: "A little machine the size of a VCR -- it was beautiful," he says. When HomeChoice took off, Kamen began looking at ways of solving the problems caused by the dialysate liquid itself. Each daily treatment required the patient to flush between ten and 20 litres of saline solution through their bodies; they took delivery of the sterile bags of dialysate in bulk once a month. He wanted to know why it wasn't possible to modify the HomeChoice machine to purge and recycle each litre bag of solution during each treatment, so the patient would need only one or two litres. Kamen asked the biochemical scientists at Baxter if they could clean the solution of toxins using solvents and filters, but they told him it was impossible. "They pretty much said, 'Dean, you idiot, we're trying to pull out urea and ammonia -- it's not like we're pulling chicken soup out of somebody and straining it.'" [gallery id="oWKXXNrbE16"] Undiscouraged, Kamen spent a year or so looking for answers elsewhere, concluding, "I'll just build a distiller to boil water, How hard can that be?" But distillation also requires water to evaporate into steam before then condensing back into a liquid, and Kamen wanted to do it at a rate of ten litres an hour. "It turns out it would take 25kW of continuous input power," he says. "Your electric bill would be $50 a night." Instead, Kamen realised that, if he could recover the energy usually lost as radiated heat when the steam condensed back |
Spinderella, Turbo, Crazy Legz and Precious Moments discovered their passion for dance at an early age after watching their father, Henry, perform in old break-dance videos.” and he owns a bar called “Pint“ “Pint’s relaxing atmosphere, delicious meals, tasty beer selection and ‘old world’ charm will make you feel as comfortable and welcome as any public house in Chicago.”
Odd that his Modobag profile says he spent several years in the “technology space” and yet there’s not a single mention of technology anywhere on his bio.
Paul’s is truly the best… Modobag says “Currently he is Modobag’s copywriter as well as being involved in marketing and advertising. His experience in social media is second to none”
But his LinkedIn says… “General Manager At Pint”, so yes, he is the general manager of Kevin’s bar/restaurant! To be fair, it does list him as a proofreader at CompTIA, which is a trade publication. But I believe he’s far far from having that much social experience that they are claiming.
Oh wow there isn’t much on this guy, we tracked down his Facebook. He is the ONLY one on the team with any sort of technical experience, and sure enough, not enough technical experience to make an app to power this thing. His expertise is in being a competitive motorcyclist, motorcycle technician, Crew Chief and “built the motorcycle that won the 2014 Daytona 200”. We couldn’t find anything that said he actually built the motorcycle, we did find an article that seemed to infer that he was in charge of the rear axle though.
Tom Casey or Tommy Casey (Marketing Guy #2)
Modobag says “Tom is a talented and creative artist that produces and shoots commercial video and photography for advertising, merchandising, and product placement.” He was a little more difficult to research, but we found out he actually is Los Angeles based, and is the owner of the Box 24 Studio in Venice. And is the boss of, you guessed it, employee number 5 – their video editor, Ralph Guerrero (Video Editor).
Tim Ryan (Marketing Guy #3)
Seesh, how many marketing guys does a startup need? Here’s his LinkedIn.
“Tim is a marketing and communication entrepreneur adept at helping start-up and established companies market themselves in the New Economy.”
He currently runs, everywhichway marketing + communication, which appears to be just a really, really, outdated website.
Missed Ship Dates Already
While researching who Boyd Bruner was, we came across an old Facebook post of his in which they announced they were going to start taking pre-orders in December 2015, and start shipping in the beginning of 2016. But, looking at that indiegogo, don’t expect yours to show up until at least January 2017. That’s 1 full year of delays.
Their Kickstarter Failed the first time
Back in September of 2015, they attempted a KickStarter, where they only met $21,839 of their $160,000 goal. Curious how after hiring a few marketing guys, they realized that they could do the same thing with only a $50,000 goal. Odd.
If you read through their original KickStarter you’ll notice their team is only two members, Kevin & Boyd, I’m going to guess after they couldn’t raise funding the first time, they went out and hired all these marketing guys to make it happen.
Summary
Look, time and time again we see KickStarters/IndieGogo’s trying to do way to much with not enough skills or expertise. But this sets a new record for what they are trying to accomplish, 1 Bar Owner, 1 Motorcycle Engineer, 3 Marketing guys, and 1 video editor are trying to built a motor, battery, configure ABS plastic, build custom wheels, build circuits, source fabric and materials, build an app for iOS (suddenly they know Objective-C?).
Look, we’re not saying that it’s not possible, we’re just saying, it’s highly likely that they are outsourcing everything and hoping it all fits need and tidy into a little box. And that their bag will magically be able to ship to their customers in only a few short months.
We’ll just go with that it’s highly unlikely, this is a major buyer beware.The number of donations to Planned Parenthood in Vice President-Elect Mike Pence‘s name has more than doubled in the last six days.
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Planned Parenthood confirms to PEOPLE that they’ve now received 50,000 individual donations in the Indiana governor’s name, representing 25 percent of the 200,000 donations that came in since the election on Nov. 8.
“We’ve seen an unprecedented outpouring of support, with more than 200,000 people donating in the week following the election — a quarter of whom pledged to be monthly supporters, recognizing the long-term work that is needed,” Cecile Richards, the president of Planned Parenthood, said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “Tens of thousands more are pledging to make sure access to health care is protected. We are so grateful to this community across the country, and we will never stop fighting for them.”
“The truth is that the majority of Americans, including Trump’s own voters, support access to health care at Planned Parenthood and do not want to see women lose access to safe, legal abortion. We’ve stood defiant in the face of opposition for the last 100 years. We will never back down, and we will never stop providing the care our patients need. These doors stay open, no matter what.”
Back on Nov. 16, the non-profit organization reported a total of 20,000 contributions in honor of Pence.
The idea to send donations to Planned Parenthood in his name went viral on social media as a response to Pence and Donald Trump’s election win. Pence has fought throughout his political career to defund the organization.
Pence first introduced a bill to eliminate their funding as a member of Congress in 2007. The legislation did not pass, but he continued to fight Planned Parenthood because the organization provides abortions.
“If Planned Parenthood wants to be involved in providing counseling services and HIV testing, they ought not be in the business of providing abortions,” Pence told Politico in 2011. “As long as they aspire to do that, I’ll be after them.”
With every donation to Planned Parenthood in his name, Pence’s office receives a letter thanking him for his support.At the very center of Mustachianism Itself, lies the issue of What to Do With Your Time. Time is one of your greatest allies in getting rich, but it is also a constant foe, since we all have a limited supply of it. And because of the many competing demands for our time, there is naturally a wide range of strong opinions about what to do with it. Many of those are expressed right here on this blog, and they give rise to any number of questions and complaints that come up from advanced and beginner readers alike:
“You can’t count the ‘cost’ of the time I spend driving to work, because I have no way to get paid for those hours”
– person trying to defend a long car commute after reading The True Cost of Commuting “I’m so busy at work, that I’m glad to pay someone else to mow my lawn, freeing up my weekends to do things I enjoy”
– person with a busy job and many outside-of-work hobbies. “I’m an efficient IT consultant and I get paid a lot. Shouldn’t I pay somebody else to paint my walls, since I earn more than they do?”
– an efficient IT consultant currently stuck with pink bedroom walls. “If my time is really worth as much as Mr. Money Mustache says it is ($25, $50, or more per hour), should I really waste any of it doing things I don’t enjoy?”
– person who wants Mr. Money Mustache’s permission to skip out on all manual labor chores.
I can see the confusion, because at first glance, the Way of the Mustache might seem to have some contradictory rules. If a car commute is unacceptable because it wastes time, then surely we can justify buying free time in any other way possible too, right?
The answer lies in a hidden realm where numbers are sparse. The missing concept which ties together all of this is something called Fully Rounded Badassity. Let’s express some of the principles to see how they can answer our questions.
1. Self Improvement Time Pays CEO-level Wages
If you eliminate your car commute and free up two hours per day, those hours go directly to your evenings, doubling the amount of time you have to get things done. If you invest this time in things like furthering your education (at school or with nonfiction books), or building up your own side business, refinancing your mortgage or getting better deals on insurance, or even just learning about stress and happiness, you are making permanent improvements to yourself or your financial situation that will last a lifetime. An hour spent shopping for insurance can save hundreds of dollars per year. Learning to spend money more efficiently (the subject of this blog), can allow you to cut your living expenses in half for life. Learning to eliminate prolonged mental stress can actually save your life. Far from being unpaid time, the free time you get outside of work is the most valuable time you have.
2. Demanding Physical Activities Pay Double Time
Some people complain about the time it takes to ride a bike to work, or to mow their own lawn or create a garden. But they don’t realize that these things actually take no time at all, because they come with free exercise. One of my rules for life is that you need to average at least an hour per day of pretty hard physical exertion if you want to keep your life in balance. So if you aren’t already getting this much active time, you can schedule in any number of these physical tasks and collect double pay: Once for the tax-free savings of the cash you no longer need to fork over to a lawn contractor, and a second time for the physical fitness dividend that you receive. Compare this with the strategy of a “time-saving” car commuter where you drain your money with every mile, sitting idly on your ass while the machine carries you around in a supremely unhealthy display of inefficiency.
3. If you don’t like Maintaining a Luxury item, you Shouldn’t Own it
Suppose you accept my exercise argument above, but you’d really prefer to get your exercise riding your $2400 carbon fiber road bike around in the foothills instead of cutting your own lawn. That’s fair enough – but it means you shouldn’t have a lawn. Just as you shouldn’t have a motorboat if that requires you to hire a mechanic who services, tows, and stores it for you, or a private jet with a pilot and hangar staff. Sure, you may enjoy these things, but until you’re financially independent, you simply can’t yet afford to pay others to maintain your shit for you.
If you un-velcro those Pampers from your brain, you will surely be able to find activities that you enjoy both producing and consuming. And those will be the activities you prioritize. Cooking and eating fine food is one example, as is maintaining and riding a bike, and even hosting and attending parties. There will be plenty of time for hiring others to produce luxuries for you, once you’re not so damned poor.
4. Learning a Practical Physical Skill pays Quadruple Time
The Efficient IT consultant above had a sound argument based on the old ‘law of comparative advantage’ from the economics textbooks. But what he was missing is that painting a wall changes more than just the wall color. It counts towards your physical activity requirement. It teaches you a skill that is essential for any homeowner and will pay dividends for life. The end product is likely to be more satisfying, because it is a permanent symbol of your own accomplishment. AND it pays you a tax-free salary equal to what you’d otherwise have to pay the painter. Do-it-yourself activities are deceptively powerful, because you will quickly reach a skill level so high that you can complete a job for yourself with less time than you’d even spend hiring and supervising a contractor. The skill can also provide you with portable source of income at any future point in your life.
5. Insisting on Doing it Yourself Paces your Consumption
You’ve got a big to-do list, and only a limited amount of free time. Some house painting, a new garden, a bathroom renovation. You can hire them out right now, and have them done within a month. Or you can work your way through them individually, and get them done in the next year. Which option allows you to spend more of your salary?
By forcing yourself to proceed only as your own free time permits, you are producing a powerful vortex of joyful self discipline and wealth. Your spending is limited. Your costs for each project are drastically reduced. And your time-management skills are constantly honed, as you learn not to waste time on things like TV and websurfing, because the pepto-bismol-pink bedroom is a constant reminder that time management is important.
As explained in the old Classic “You Can’t Cure Obesity with Bigger Pants“, it is usually much more profitable to leave your problems around to stare you in the face, than to sweep them under the rug with a broom made of Franklins.
6. Remember Hedonic Adaptation – It’s Hard to Believe, but Buying Shit Doesn’t Make You Happier
This is one of the trickiest and most new-age concepts in Mustachianism. But it is one you must strive to understand, and make progress towards throughout your lifetime. The bottom line is that no matter what you buy, you’ll soon adapt to the new level of luxury and be no happier than where you were before. This applies to anything – even paying someone to repaint your pepto bismol bedroom to a nicer color. Even owning a vacation home in the mountains in which you get to throw great parties every weekend.
The thing is, even I have trouble believing this. Taken to the extreme, you would logically conclude that it is best to own virtually nothing, and live in monk-like simplicity in a commune. Sometimes it just feels so right to buy something. The justifications are so rich and intellectual-sounding. The purchase will allow you to express your creativity, or stay in better shape, or spend more time with your friends and family. How can buying things possibly not make me happy?
To resolve the discrepancy, I think of the journey away from materialism as a lifelong challenge. I acknowledge that I do still suck, and I still have weaknesses. That’s why I still have a very nice house filled with relatively fancy stuff. It’s why after two years of fighting the urge, I broke down this week and bought this shiny “Ultrabook” laptop on which I’m now typing to you. The weakness causes me to crave new things, and it is my job to work against materialism, and towards other forms of happiness.
The good news about all of this is you can simultaneously be sucking and succeeding. You don’t have to achieve perfect freedom from materialism to become rich these days. You just need to wipe out enough of it to be able to save 50-75% of your income. That’s relatively easy for households who make over $100,000 per year, because you just have to learn to be happy without some really high-end stuff that most people can’t afford anyway, like Mercedes Benz products. Most of my own wealth comes from the fact that I’ve eliminated all desire for fancier cars, houses, trips, or motorboats. At much lower levels of income, it takes more practice, because you may need to be happy living without more common amenities, like any sort of car at all. But as soon as you realize that the situation is entirely in your control, the scale moves rapidly away from sucking and in the direction of success. And you might find your income creeping upwards towards those higher ranges as a byproduct of this success.
In the grand scheme of things, the way to get the maximum rate of pay for your time comes from a balance of factors. Improving yourself through education and learning skills will increase the market value of your services. But trading too much of your time for money will decrease the value of your money itself, since you’ll be creating an unbalanced and unsatisfying life.
Thus, you will need to bust ass in a variety of areas, not just one, in order to maximize the value of your time. The $8.00 per hour Subway clerk needs to stay up late and study his math textbooks to get that business degree. But the $200 lawyer also needs to get her hands dirty mopping the floor and get some scratches while trimming the trees from the top of a ladder. Mr. Money Mustache still needs to set tiles and install new toilets into the homes of other people, even while he sets aside time to slave away over this backlit soft-touch keyboard in order to write to YOU. Even when he feels like just relaxing and watching movies instead. These balancing activities may or may not happen to generate income, but they are still essential parts of getting the maximum value from my time.
It’s all a bit counter-intuitive at first, but just remember this: the way to earn the most from your time, is to consider the many ways you can extract value from each moment of your life.With respect to size, the very longest and most massive extant species are the Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus) and Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus). Even bigger snakes existed in deep history. The fossil record of the Paleocene (Cerrejón Formation) showcases a boid species (Titanoboa cerrejonensis) from Colombia, South America that likely attained adult lengths up to 14 m (46 ft). All of these giants must be considered as apex predators. Just as impressive but at the other end of the size spectrum, the tiniest snakes (several Leptotyphlops species from the Lesser Antilles) are among the smallest of any terrestrial vertebrate. In both cases of extreme size, snakes have successfully pushed anatomical and physiological boundaries.
Snakes are widely dispersed both on land, occurring on every continent except Antarctica, and all oceans. They even occur north of the Arctic Circle. Along with the Norwegian Rat (Rattus norvegicus), the Brahminy Blind Snake (Indotyphlops braminus) is arguably one of the most widely distributed terrestrial vertebrates, largely by way of the activities of humans. Owing to its pelagic habits, the Yellow-bellied Sea Snake (Hydrophis platurus) has an enormous world-wide distribution which continues to expand, likely as a result of on-going climate change.
With over 3,500 extant species, snakes are among the most important vertebrates with respect to abundance and diversity. Despite certain so-called limitations, such as being limbless, they are a highly successful group.
Similar to passerine birds, many snakes are stunningly beautiful with respect to color and pattern. Who can argue that the Gaboon and Rhinoceros vipers are not worthy of any wildlife artists’ brush? Our honored guests are the world’s leaders in capturing this exquisite beauty.
Snakes have done it all.
It has been a long road, but scientists have come around to see that snakes are important models to study key question in ecology, behavior, physiology, and evolution. Even their medical importance is undergoing a Renaissance.
Finally, we need to pay attention to the conservation of snakes. Unfortunately, many activities of humans, both deliberate and inadvertent, have reduced populations of certain species to critically low levels or even to extinction. Any loss is entirely unacceptable. As we will learn at this conference, emergent diseases are another alarming threat to the well-being of many populations. We need to become much better at being good stewards. There are many ways to thread the needle.
To celebrate their importance, beauty, and conservation, the Chiricahua Desert Museum & Geronimo Event Center has organized the first Biology of Snakes Conference. Past conferences on snakes have emphasized certain lineages, predominately the viperids, but here we throw out the broadest net possible to inspect and discuss the entire group. This is a very tall order. Hopefully, we can accomplish much at this meeting, but we will need frequent reevaluation and adjustments. It is the intention of Chiricahua Desert Museum & Geronimo Event Center to sponsor this meeting every 4 years.
As the organizers of the Biology of Snakes Conference, it is our hope that you will find it educational, innovative, inspiring, and enjoyable. Thank you for your valued support and participation.
Dr. Gordon W. Schuett
Dr. Chuck Smith
Dr. Warren Booth
Bob Ashley
Sheri Ashley
Financial Supporters
JuJu Smith-Schuster is no ordinary rookie for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He joined the team with the expectation that, like most rookie receivers in the team's pipeline, he would essentially red shirt his rookie season. Instead, he has done something that no other Steelers rookie has ever done, breaking a record that has stood for almost six decades.
Jimmy Orr gained 910 receiving yards as a Steelers rookie in 1958. That record withstood assaults from Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress and even Antonio Brown. None of the incredible receivers in Steelers history had ever topped that in their first season. But after gaining 127 yards in the first half, Smith-Schuster finally made it over the top in the second with a 10-yard grab, putting him at 917 to this point.
Smith-Schuster has an incredibly bright future ahead of him, one filled with seasons far bigger than the one he just had. But for now, he can claim an incredible honor for himself, one that every member of his team would happily bestow upon him: greatest rookie receiver in Steelers history.
Keep up to date with the 6X Super Bowl champions! Click here to receive your FREE newsletter!The Dashcam Store is now accepting Bitcoin! What is Bitcoin? This quick video does a good job of explaining the basics:
For more information please visit http://bitcoin.org/ or http://www.weusecoins.com/.
To pay with Bitcoin, shop like normal, and then select Bitcoin as your payment method during checkout. You may use the Bips browser plugin for Firefox or Chrome to send your payment, or simple send the exact amount shown to the address that is generated on the checkout page. As soon as the transaction is verified by the blockchain, your order is complete and your dashcam is ready to be shipped.
We are focused on serving our customers in the best way possible, and we hope that offering yet another payment method is proof of this dedication. Shoot us an e-mail or leave a note below if you have any comments or questions.
As always, drive safe!
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Krisann Chasarik, of the California Department of Industrial Relations, told XBIZ the investigation into the company began last November in response to a complaint the agency received about possible safety violations at Treasure Island Media.
Chasarik said the five-month investigation was completed last March and a total of three citations were issued, totaling $21,470 in penalties.
Two serious citations were issued for $9,000 each. One citation said the employer has not developed procedures for:
Methods of compliance, including engineering controls and work practices;
Hepatitis B Vaccination, post-exposure evaluation and follow up;
Communication of hazards to employees; and
Recordkeeping.
“On Nov. 5, 2009, Treasure Island Media had failed to write or otherwise establish, implement and maintain an effective exposure control plan,” the 23-page investigation report said.
“Employees were exposed to semen and other potentially infectious materials, due to work activities during filming and set cleaning.”
The second serious citation said, “Treasure Island Media does not observe universal precautions during the production of their films. They have not instituted engineering and work practices controls to eliminate or minimize contact with blood and semen, including, but not limited to, the use of barrier protection such as condoms.”
Treasure Island Media's general manager Matt Mason told XBIZ that the company has cooperated with the Cal/OSHA investigation and administrative process.
"We have appealed the citations and participated in the informal conference process and expect to take the matter to a hearing in 2011 with an administrative law judge," Mason said.
Treasure Island Media has recently signed HIV-positive performer James Roscoe and has been promoting scenes with other HIV-positive performers.
Cal/OSHA senior safety engineer Deborah Gold said the agency issued citations to the company because of performers having unprotected sex and other technical issues, not because of scenes involving HIV-positive performers.
"Anybody may be infected, therefore you have to treat everybody's blood and other potential infectious materials [such as semen] as though it can be infectious,” Gold said.Media Contact
MassDOT Press Office: 857-368-8500
BOSTON - Due to construction about to begin on the site of the former Boston Garden, the existing MBTA head house will be closed on Jan 2. Commuters should be aware that covered ADA accessible walkways will be put in place for MBTA customers until the developer's project is completed in December 2018.
The head house closure and demolition is needed to allow for construction of a direct connection between the Orange and Green Line Stations and the east lobby of North Station Commuter Rail. Once built, it will have long-lasting benefits for T customers, who will never again have to walk outside in extreme weather, nor cross the street to get from one station to another (as is now the case).
The developers have coordinated with T personnel to ensure safe and convenient pedestrian flow between North Station and the Green and Orange Line stations. In the interim, pedestrians will be asked to use the other entrances/exits at the Orange/Green Line Station and cross Causeway Street at the designated crosswalks. Signs will be posted and as work zones change, the signage will change accordingly.
Pedestrian travel paths will remain the same for the majority of the project, except for some minor adjustments that will occur throughout the course of the project. The changes will be announced well in advance and appropriate sinage will be put in place. Entrances to North Station Commuter Rail station and waiting area will remain open throughout the duration of the project.
Extra MBTA Customer Service personnel will be on duty for the first month or more of the head house closure to help any customers who may need assistance.
When finished, there will be a covered, underground connection from the commuter rail to the subway and a new entrance to North Station via Causeway Street.
The overall development project includes 210,000 square feet of retail, 700,000 square feet of office space, 440 residential units and a 260-room hotel. Construction is being performed by John Moriarty & Associates (JMA).WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush vetoed an expansion of the federally funded, state-run health insurance program for poor children for a second time Wednesday, telling Congress the bill "moves our country's health care system in the wrong direction."
In his veto message, President Bush calls on Congress to extend funding for the current program.
In his veto message, Bush said the bill is almost a duplicate of the proposal he spiked in October.
"Because the Congress has chosen to send me an essentially identical bill that has the same problems as the flawed bill I previously vetoed, I must veto this legislation, too," he said in a statement released by the White House.
The bill would have expanded the State Children's Health Insurance Program by nearly $35 billion over five years, the same as the measure Bush vetoed October 3. Track recent and historical presidential vetoes »
The president had proposed adding $5 billion to the program and said the version he vetoed would have encouraged families to leave the private insurance market for the federally funded, state-run program.
Democratic leaders said the new version addressed Republican objections by tightening restrictions on illegal immigrants receiving SCHIP benefits, capping the income levels of families that qualify for the program and preventing adults from receiving benefits.
Though the measure had strong bipartisan support, it fell short of the two-thirds majorities needed to override a presidential veto in the House and Senate.
House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said Democrats were more interested in scoring political points with the veto than in reaching a compromise with Republicans.
"We could have resolved the differences in his program in 10 minutes, if the majority had wanted to resolve the differences," Boehner said. "This has become a partisan political game."
The program currently covers about 6 million children whose parents earn too much to qualify for Medicaid -- the federal health insurance program for the poor -- but who can't afford private insurance.
Democrats wanted to extend the program to another 4 million, paying for it with a 61-cent-per-pack increase in the federal tax on cigarettes.
"What a sad day that the president would say that rather than insuring [millions of] children, 'I don't want to raise the cigarette tax,' " said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
She called for a January 23 vote on whether to override the veto.
Meanwhile, Bush called on Congress to extend funding for the current program to keep the 6 million now covered on the rolls. E-mail to a friend
All About George W. Bush • MedicaidThe National Transportation Safety Board issued Tuesday its preliminary report for the investigation of a fatal May 7, 2016, highway crash on US Highway 27A, near Williston, Florida.
The preliminary report does not contain any analysis of data and does not state probable cause for the crash.
The preliminary report details the collision involving a 53-foot semitrailer in combination with a 2014 Freightliner Cascadia truck tractor and a 2015 Tesla Model S. The report states that according to system performance data downloaded from the car, the indicated vehicle speed was 74 mph just prior to impact, and the posted speed limit was 65 mph.
The car’s system performance data also revealed the driver was using the advanced driver assistance features Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer lane keeping assistance. The car was also equipped with automatic emergency braking that is designed to automatically apply the brakes to reduce the severity of or assist in avoiding frontal collisions.
A team of five NTSB investigators traveled to Williston to conduct the on-scene phase of the investigation. The team used three-dimensional laser scanning technology to document the crash location, the damaged trailer and the damaged car. NTSB investigators continue to collect and analyze performance data from the car’s multiple electronic systems. This data along with other information collected during the on-scene phase of the investigation will be used to evaluate the crash events.
All aspects of the crash remain under investigation. While no timeline has been established, final reports are generally published 12 months after the release of a preliminary report.John Wurdeman, now 37 years old, first came to the Republic of Georgia in 1995 as a young American artist collecting polyphonic folk music in villages across the mountainous country.
He felt welcome and soon became part of the social fabric of this tiny nation, co-founding businesses that include a boutique winery, a restaurant, two wine bars and a tourism company that organises wine tours mainly for foreigners.
"Georgians are very hospitable and received me well. I spoke Georgian and loved the local culture, which also assisted a lot," Wurdeman told Al Jazeera.
But Georgia, which welcomed Wurdeman with open arms, has become less hospitable to foreigners in recent years, as politicians and some farmers have protested against rising foreign land ownership.
In January 2013, hundreds of Georgian farmers demonstrated, calling for the preservation of "Georgian land for Georgians". Opposition politicians fretted about grave dangers to the country when Indian farmers began coming to Georgia to invest in agriculture.
Starting in 2012, about 2,000 Punjabi Indian farmers have settled in Georgia's rural Kakheti region to work the land and grow vegetables.
I don't want foreign citizens to settle down on Georgian soil. The time will come when Indians will buy up all of Georgia. - Givi Gzirishvili, farmer from Tsnori
Soon, "farmers from Punjab" became worrying words for Georgians who take the risk of losing its hard-won independence from Russia seriously, and are constantly reminded by politicians that the Russian enemy is just tens of kilometres away from the capital Tbilisi, occupying 20 percent of the country's territory.
"I don't want foreign citizens to settle down on Georgian soil. The time will come when Indians will buy up all of Georgia," Givi Gzirishvili, a farmer from the Tsnori region told the online publication Voice of Kakheti.
Decade of open arms
Starting with the Rose Revolution of 2003, the young, pro-Western government of President Mikhail Saakashvili began opening the country to foreign investments.
The country sold off or leased many strategic state assets to foreign companies, including mining company Madneuli (2005), water utility Tbilisi Water (2007), electricity provider Telasi (2003), and the ports of Batumi (2008) and Poti (2008).
Saakashvili enacted a series of laws to attract foreign investment, and in 2012 Georgia's Constitutional Court abolished all of the country's restrictions on foreigners wishing to buy plots of land.
The foreigner-friendly attitude, however, seems to have diminished soon after Saakashvili's government lost in October 2012 parliamentary elections and the Georgian Dream party - led by billionaire businessmen Bidzina Ivanishvili, now prime minister - came to power.
"Only a Georgian citizen should be an owner of the Georgian land and forests, and pasture lands should belong to self-governing institutions. This way neither Indian, nor Pakistani and Punjabi farmers will be able get hold of Georgian lands," Kakha Kukava, leader of the Free Georgian party, told Net Gazeti.
On June 28, the Georgian parliament passed a new law suspending the sale of agriculture land to foreign citizens or to entities established by foreign nationals until the end of 2014. The bill went into force on July 17 after it was signed into law by President Saakashvili.
Shalva Pipia, Georgia's agriculture minister, does not think foreign investment will dry up as a result of the new law. The number of major investors in Georgian agriculture is low, Pipia told Al Jazeera. He considers the more than 2,000 Indian farmers who bought hundreds of hectares of land in eastern Georgia to be ordinary farmers "who shouldn't be confused with real investors".
"The real problem in Georgian agriculture," Pipia said, "is the fact that 80 percent of lands are not registered, so owners are not able to sell, lease or loan their plots in a legal way. The period of moratorium needs to be used to measure and register these lands and to polish legislation that refers to agricultural lands."
However, the Tbilisi-based watchdog Transparency International Georgia considers the new law to be unconstitutional and intends to file a claim in the constitutional court, requesting the invalidation of the restrictions.
The real problem in Georgian agriculture is the fact that 80 percent of lands are not registered, so owners are not able to sell, lease or loan their plots in a legal way. - Shalva Pipia, Georgia's agriculture minister
"This legislative amendment places foreigners in a different legal regime and a discriminatory state, thus contradicting Article 21 of the Constitution of Georgia. Pursuant to this Article, the annulment of the universal right to property, of the right to acquire, inherit, or be transferred property, shall be impermissible," said TI Georgia in a statement released in July.
Along with its alleged unconstitutionality, the law is also considered to be ineffective. The founder and president of the Georgian Farmers' Union, Raul Babunashvili, insists that a moratorium on land sales will not have any effect and foreign nationals will still find a way to buy land from struggling Georgian farmers.
Foreign nationals interested in purchasing land can easily do so by simply taking Georgian citizenship, which is not a complicated procedure, he said. "We shouldn't be forbidding foreigners to come here and work the land. We should just support local farmers so that they become strong competitors to foreign ones, so that it becomes less profitable for them to buy land here," Babunashvili told Al Jazeera.
Small nation syndrome?
The reason why some Georgians panicked after foreigners showed strong interest in agricultural land may be because of the country's small size and the lack of arable land.
According to the National Statistics Office of Georgia, the country contains only 69,700 square kilometres and just 2.6 million hectares are usable for agricultural purposes. Moreover, almost 20 percent of Georgia's area lies in the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
"As of today, there is a real threat of the irrational privatisation of land, which may have negative consequences on the country's economic security, environmental protection and state security, and it may also significantly damage the local rural population," read an explanatory note accompanying the new law that restricted foreigners from purchasing land plots in Georgia.
There are no statistics available on what share of agricultural land is owned by Georgians or foreigners.
Despite the country's changing attitude towards foreign investments, Wurdeman, the American investor, remains confident that there is no threat to his businesses in the country. His faith in Georgian society remains strong.
"Georgians have made wine for more than 8,000 years. Everyone seeks good cuisine and good drinks," he said, regardless of their politics. "This transcends all politics: it was, is and will be," he said.
Follow Tamila Varshalomidze on Twitter: @tamila87vOver the last several years political actors worldwide have begun harnessing the digital power of social bots — software programs designed to mimic human social media users on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit. Increasingly, politicians, militaries, and government-contracted firms use these automated actors in online attempts to manipulate public opinion and disrupt organizational communication. Politicized social bots — here ‘political bots’ — are used to massively boost politicians’ follower levels on social media sites in attempts to generate false impressions of popularity. They are programmed to actively and automatically flood news streams with spam during political crises, elections, and conflicts in order to interrupt the efforts of activists and political dissidents who publicize and organize online. They are used by regimes to send out sophisticated computational propaganda. This paper conducts a content analysis of available media articles on political bots in order to build an event dataset of global political bot deployment that codes for usage, capability, and history. This information is then analyzed, generating a global outline of this phenomenon. This outline seeks to explain the variety of political bot-oriented strategies and presents details crucial to building understandings of these automated software actors in the humanities, social and computer sciences.
Contents
Introduction: Bots, social media, and politics
Literature review
Research questions
Methodology
Findings and analysis
Conclusion
Introduction: Bots, social media, and politics
In August |
, just two singularly wonderful works, the motet) and thefor Violin, Viola, and Orchestra, which are kind of orphans in Mozart's vast output, in that neither has an obvious "companion" work for (for example) disc-coupling purposes.In Friday night's preview we sampled the uniquely joyful concluding "" of this relatively early piece. Now I think we're ready to hear the whole thing. There's nothing really fancy about the form, which is basically your good old-fashioned fast-slow-fast sequence. The materials just happen to be crafted by one of the supreme musical geniuses. First we'll hear it broken down into its component parts. I think the appeal of the first and last movements is pretty obvious; the perky central Andante, by a good margin the work's longest movement, is a quintessentially Mozartean operatic aria that makes it sound as if the composer is on the brink of composingAnd in case you'd like to hear the whole thing put together:...The which we sampled last night, is basically a double concerto, for violin and viola, which seems like a straightforward and workable enough idea -- you let your two soloists have their own versions of your thematic material, or maybe contrasting materials, and periodically you put them. Doesn't sound all that daunting, and Mozart made it sound like a snap. Here he is at the height of his creative powers -- each of the three movements seems to me musical perfection of its assigned sort -- and the way he handles his two solo instruments, he makes it sound like anybody could do it. Goodness knows, lots of composers tried it, but really only Brahms produced a real masterpiece, in his Double Concerto in A minor for violin and cello. Beethoven actually pulled off a Triple Concerto (for violin, cello, and piano), but it's really a pretty specialized entry in B's catalog.These days theis often lumped together with Mozart's five violin concertos, as is the case with the recording from which we're going to hear the first movement of the. The violin concertos are wonderful works all, but they're from a significantly earlier era in the composer's life and really have little in common with the later work. Note the scale of this first movement as well as the way Mozart distributes the solo activity between the two soloists.I've had occasion before to express my admiration for Anne-Sophie Mutter's Mozart concerto cycle, which I continue to find a joy. As conductor, Mutter seems to have cast a spell over the London Philharmonic violins in particular, who really seem to be trying to emulate her phrasing. We've also had happy encounters with violist Yuri Bashmet (most recently in Berlioz').For this, one of the great Mozart slow movements, note that he has slipped into the minor. Note too how the character of the beautiful principal theme changes character as it's handed off from orchestra to the solo violin and then, most broodingly, to the solo viola -- played especially hauntingly here by Amadeus Quartet violist Peter Schidlof.It was Schidlof's death in 1987 that ended the remarkable 40-year run of the Amadeus. The quartet had never had a personnel change in its long history, and Schidlof's colleagues couldn't imagine replacing him. As I mentioned last night, when we heard the concluding Presto of thefrom this recording, it's the last of three recordings of the piece> made by Schidlof and his Amadeus colleague violinist Norbert Brainin. It's an exceptionally broad performance, and its ruminative quality is why I've picked its slow movement -- but if you listen to the complete performance down below, I think you'll notice a remarkable difference between Brainin and Schidlof's 1983 performance and our others.We have a pretty standard rondo finale, but one that's exceptionally vivacious even by Mozart's standards. It would be hard to imagine a lither or more buoyant performance than this one by Vladimir Spivakov (conducting as well as fiddling), Shlomo Mintz, and the Moscow chamber orchestra.You mean we need a Okay, okay. Once upon a time Columbia Masterworks took advantage of their relative orphan status to make an LP of them, in really lively, beautiful performances byand the Cleveland Orchestra -- with the orchestra's concertmaster and viola principal, Rafael Druian and Abraham Skernick, as soloists in theand the lovely American soprano Judith Raskin as soloist in. I really loved that LP, which had the bonus feature that the third movement of the, the Presto we heard in Friday night's preview, was pushed onto the start of the "B" side, before, making it a snap to listen just to that irresistible movement. Naturally with the coming of CD that sublimely improvised coupling was sundered. I already had the Raskin-Szellas a filler with the Szell-Cleveland Mahler Fourth Symphony -- in whichis again the soloist. Just recently, though, I stumbled across a CD on which Sony has coupled thatwith the Szell-Cleveland Mozart Clarinet Concerto (with the orchestra's clarinet principal, Robert Marcellus), a perfectly agreeable coupling that more importantly makes the old Columbia whole for me on CD.Just so you can hear these performances sort of the way I still hear them in my mind, here they are. (Don't forget to imagine the LP side break between the second and third movements of the.)[i. 0:00; ii. 5:25; iii. 6:19; iv. 13:04] We hear first the veteran soprano Eleanor Steber, bringing to the music a voice of considerably larger format, yet singing it with plenty of panache. Then we've got a simply lovely all-around performance in the Hendricks-Marriner.[i. 0:00; ii. 4:44; iii. 5:45; iv. 12:56][i. 0:00; ii. 4:58; iii. 5:54; iv. 13:08]Here are the complete performances from which we've heard individual movements of the. In addition, along with the 1983 Brainin-Schidlof recording I thought it might be fun to hear their (mostly) 1953 one.
Labels: George Szell, Mozart, Sunday Classics"I think of that Sid Meier as being a different person" Father of computer gaming speaks up about his name being on boxes, also says devs should take responsibility for the messages their games send
James Brightman Editor, North America Friday 26th February 2016 Share this article Share
Companies in this article Firaxis Games
For a man who's accomplished so much in his long career in games, Sid Meier, director of creative development at Firaxis, is actually rather humble and soft-spoken when you talk to him. It's with some irony then that Sid Meier's name appears prominently on so many game boxes, even ones where he wasn't the lead designer (Civilization 2 and 3, for example). I asked the creator of Civilization and Pirates! about this pattern during the recent DICE Summit, where he took part in a panel on Civ's 25th anniversary alongside fellow franchise designers Bruce Shelley, Brian Reynolds and Soren Johnson.
There was a feeling of uneasiness when I raised the issue. "I think games are definitely very much a team effort these days and they were even back in the day. It's a weird situation for me. I think of that Sid Meier as being a different person. We tried it. It worked. We keep doing it, but I'm not willing to believe that I'm that person," he told me.
"I rationalize it by saying it represents a certain approach to gaming. It represents a certain style of design. And those games, even though I wasn't the lead designer on Civ 2 or 3, are kind of based on some ideas that I created so I can rationalize that. XCOM, for example, which I had not much to do with, doesn't have my name on it. I think that's the way it should be. It's a weird situation, but I'm not complaining. It gets me invited to DICE conferences."
"I didn't ask to have my name on the box so I'm not going to take all the blame for that... I think that each game represents the full vision of each of the designers that took them on"
To be fair, Meier isn't the only famous developer to have a name printed on a game's box art. Will Wright, Tim Schafer, Hideo Kojima and John Romero have all at one time or another also had their names (whether in print or as a signature) placed on a game box. It wasn't an ego trip or Meier's idea at all either.
As the story goes, fellow Microprose co-founder Bill Stealey had been having dinner at a Software Publishers Association meeting, and the legendary comic Robin Williams was also there and suggested to Bill that Meier's name be featured on the box. It was a marketing effort, and it clearly worked, judging by the Civ franchise's more than 31 million copies sold around the world.
While Meier may have felt slightly uncomfortable, he said he's never received any blowback from team members because of the name issue. "Nothing has really come back to me. I'm sure there have been comments like, 'How much did he really have to do with this?'... Those are legitimate questions, but I think, at the end of the day, I didn't ask to have my name on the box so I'm not going to take all the blame for that. It's just kind of the way it is and it seems to have some value but I think anything you do some people will like it and some people won't but nothing really negative has come back to me, so I have no complaints," he added.
And part of the reason for the Civilization panel at DICE was perhaps to remind everyone that the franchise's enduring success isn't due to one man. Bruce Shelley, Brian Reynolds, Soren Johnson, Jeff Briggs and Jon Shafer all played vital roles of their own in advancing the series. "I think that each game represents the full vision of each of the designers that took them on. I think that's important that it represent that person's creativity and the full range of their ideas," Meier said.
One critical change early on was how Civilization embraced the modding community. "That was really the major leap forward between Civ 1 and Civ 2, the addition of modding and just how that changed players' experiences. As opposed to playing one game, you're now playing 20 and you can play the basic game, but you can also go and pick from this variety of mods that are out there. There's a satisfaction and pride in making one of those mods that's a different experience from playing the game and some of those people became known in their own right... There's a fairly significant gap between Civ 2 and Civ 3 and we weren't doing expansions and things like that. It was the modding community that kept the game fresh and alive during the time between Civ 2 and Civ 3," Meier acknowledged.
"I kind of think I retired about 20 years ago. I'm doing what I really love to do. I assume that's what retirement is about"
While modding is part and parcel with the PC gaming world today, Meier's team always saw the importance in community and getting feedback. More than two decades after the release of Civilization, much of the industry has recognized that involving a community in game design and getting that vital feedback can make a big difference in how successful a project ultimately is. That's certainly true of any games launched on Kickstarter where community is paramount. That being said, Meier noted that while "the player is always right," designers can't listen to literally every piece of feedback and place equal importance on all the ideas.
"So we do listen to the feedback, but perhaps their solution is not always the perfect one. A lot of times the players will say, 'You know, this is my issue with the game and here's how I would fix it.' So we separate those two ideas. This is the issue you have with the game. That's great, but perhaps the solution is different from the one the player suggested. Because we know the internals of the game, we know how we can project what would be a way of solving this problem without breaking something else because often if you change one thing it affects something else," Meier said.
"So we definitely listen to what the players are saying. It's a big part of the design process, but then applying your design insight to figure out what's the solution that's going to fix that problem and perhaps fix similar problems but not create a different problem. But the community, starting with modding and continuing on to the present, has played a gigantic role in the development of the game and bringing new people in. They're our evangelists. The players are going out there and talking to their friends, their kids now, and getting them to play the game. So that's an incredible part of the story of Civilization."
Meier just this week turned 62. You'd think that visions of retirement might be in his head, but he enjoys his career too much to think about that, he said: "I kind of think I retired about 20 years ago. I'm doing what I really love to do. I assume that's what retirement is about. I'm not sure, but I love making games. I'm so fortunate to be able to be in a position to do that and I look forward to coming into the office every day with a bunch of new ideas and trying new things out. There's no one certain game that I can't let go of and must do but it's kind of the fact that every day I get to experiment with new ideas or try out new things."
While Meier couldn't point to any one particular type of game that he'd have to make before he officially retires, I asked him if all the buzz around virtual reality in the industry right now is alluring to him. The veteran designer doesn't think about the technology first, however - it doesn't mean he's disinterested in VR but he would think of a new game first and then consider whether VR even applied.
"Civ has always been targeted towards the widest range of hardware platforms and has never required the bleeding edge technology to be able to play and I think whether it's VR or any really brand new technology, the strategy genre is probably not the first place where that will have an impact," he noted.
"I think we're all kind of responsible for the content we create. I'm not a fan of censorship but there has to be some responsibility"
"It's more like, what's the topic and then let's find the best technology to express it. It's not like I would say, 'well, I want to do something VR. Let me think of a topic that's cool.' It's more like, 'oh, I want to do a game about dinosaurs. Would that work with this technology or that technology?' So VR might be the right thing for a certain game idea, but it wouldn't be the starting point. It would be the best technology to implement whatever your game idea is."
Like fellow industry luminaries Will Wright and Shigeru Miyamoto, Meier has never focused on extreme violence or blood and gore in his games. Sim City, which Meier has talked about being an influence, made him realize "Wow, that's cool. We can make a game where things aren't exploding all the time."
Meier said that becoming a parent is what really changed his viewpoint on game content. "I was imagining my son playing these games and what's the message that you're conveying? Is what you are saying OK? I think we're all kind of responsible for the content we create. I'm not a fan of censorship but there has to be some responsibility. The way we look at games is... we're saying, this is what we think you should be enjoying and I think you can send different kinds of messages and we try to send messages that we're comfortable sending," he commented.
Looking ahead to the future game designers who will shape this industry, Meier would like to see them keep the innovative spirit alive. Don't be afraid to be creative, he said, because too many games have become derivative.
"I think when the idea of Civilization first came along it was pretty radical. Strategy games had a really bad reputation and the idea of trying to include 6,000 years of history in a game was pretty radical at the time. The lesson I would take away from that is give [your idea] a try. If you have an idea, don't be discouraged because there isn't a game like that already around. So much of what happens in game design today is based on what's happening in other games. We don't reach outside of games so much as we used to, to things like history and those kind of topics. If you've got a wild and crazy idea, give it a try!"This is the box that caused the suspension on Metro-North Service on Friday morning.
The suspicious package that suspended service on Metro-North this morning was a school project, the Associated Press reports.
Fairfield police say a child created the project at the nearby Tomlinson Middle School and inadvertently left it near the bridge, according to the AP.
The child intended to return to retrieve it and there was no malicious intent, according to police.
NBC 4 New York obtained a picture of the abandoned box that led to the police presence and delays (you can see it above.) It had clock hands and a face painted on it.
A bomb squad responded to the site and cleared the scene a short time later.
Service on Metro-North and Amtrak train service was suspended through Fairfield from around 6:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
There were also residual delays before service was back on schedule.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC ConnecticutMark Carney says first increase since height of financial crisis is becoming increasingly necessary as economic growth strengthens
Britain has been put on alert to expect its first interest rate rise since the global financial crash at around the turn of the year as the governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, warned that the long period of 0.5% borrowing costs was coming to an end.
Carney told businesses and consumers that Threadneedle Street would have to respond to the economy’s stronger growth by announcing the first tightening of policy since rates were increased to 5.75% in July 2007 – the month before the US subprime mortgage crisis erupted.
However, the governor added that after an extended period of what were expected to be emergency rates, borrowing costs were likely to peak at just over 2% – half their average historic norm since the Bank was founded in 1694.
“It would not seem unreasonable to me to expect that once normalisation begins, interest rate increases would proceed slowly and rise to a level in the medium term that is perhaps about half as high as historic averages. In my view, the decision as to when to start such a process of adjustment will likely come into sharper relief around the turn of this year.”
Carney said that since the Bank began to target inflation in 1992, the tendency during periods when interest rates were rising was for borrowing costs to increase by 0.5 percentage points every three months.
The warning to Britain to prepare for the first move in borrowing costs in either direction since March 2009 reflects the Bank’s concern that debt levels remain high and that many households have never seen their monthly mortgage payments rise.
Buy-to-let boom could jeopardise financial stability, says Bank of England Read more
Inflation is at 0%, well below the government’s 2% target, but Carney said price pressures would emerge over the coming months and become more evident when last year’s sharp fall in oil prices ceased to bear down on the cost of living.
“The MPC’s intention is to return inflation to target in a sustainable manner within two years. That means setting Bank rate to eliminate the remaining slack in the economy, bringing about the sustained increase in costs necessary to achieve overall inflation of 2%,” the governor said in a speech at Lincoln Cathedral.
“I expect that this will involve raising Bank rate over the next three years from its current all-time low of 0.5%. The need for Bank rate to rise reflects the momentum in the economy and a gradual firming of underlying inflationary pressures – a firming that will become more apparent as the effects of past commodity price falls drop out of the annual inflation rate around the end of the year.”
Carney said it would take time for the increase in interest rates to feed through into the economy, and that the peak impact would come around 18-24 months after the Bank’s nine-strong monetary policy committee made its move.
If the committee does move around the turn of the year, it will bring an end to a period when rates have been lower than at any time since the Bank was founded. The last time interest rates went unchanged for a longer period was between 1939 and 1951.
The governor said the path of interest rates was more important to the Bank than the precise timing of an increase, and left room for manoeuvre in the event that economic circumstances change.
Carney said shocks to the economy could easily affect the timing and scale of interest rate increases.
He also noted that the largest cumulative increase in interest rates in the era of inflation targeting had been 1.5 percentage points, half the average in the US over the same period.
“This likely reflects in part the greater sensitivity of UK household balances sheets in the medium term to floating interest rates, something that could be particularly relevant in our still heavily indebted post-crisis economy … We will learn more about the importance of these sensitivities as interest rates increase.”
The governor said the level of the pound might also be a factor, since the strengthening of sterling would tend to depress inflation by making imports cheaper and exports dearer. “This risk is particularly relevant at present when the monetary policy stance of our largest trading partner [the euro] is diverging with ours.”
He added that Britain was running the biggest current account deficit in the world of almost 6% of national incomes. This meant that the right policy mix leant towards tough budgetary policies from the Treasury, looser monetary policy and steps by the Bank to forestall boom-busts in the housing market.
“Given these considerations, the MPC will have to feel its way as it goes … There is, in fact, a wide distribution of possible outcomes around any expected path for Bank rate, reflecting the inevitability that the economy will be buffeted by shocks and that monetary policy will have to adjust accordingly.”The Russian government-affiliated hacking group Fancy Bear took advantage of the New York terror attacks on Halloween to lure new victims, according to a new report from McAfee.
The attack affixes a command to download malware to a word document about the attacks titled "IsisAttackInNewYork.docx."
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In late October, Fancy Bear used a similar tactic to hack people interested in military cyber security, using a document that appeared to contain information about the CyCon cybersecurity conference sponsored by West Point, currently ongoing in Washington, D.C. That attack was first identified by Cisco's Talos labs.
"Based on the telemetry we captured, we have observed targets in Europe, specifically France and Germany," said Ryan Sherstobitoff, senior analyst for major campaigns for McAfee Advanced Threat Research via email.
"Based on the document theme from the previous related campaign, it has a name SabreGuardian, which is in reference to the U.S. Army in Europe"
Fancy Bear is best known as one of the Russian hacker groups believed to have hacked the Democratic National Committee during the 2016 election.
The new attacks differ slightly from the CyCon attacks. The CyCon document used a feature in Microsoft Word known as a VBA script to download the Seduploader malware. The New York attack document takes advantage of a different feature, known as Microsoft Office Dynamic Data Exchange, to download Seduploader.
Dynamic Data Exchange is intended to share data between documents.
McAfee believes that the change in tactic may have come due to the surprisingly widespread attention garnered by the CyCon attack, which may have caused users to adapt.Roy Hodgson has indicated that Wayne Rooney will continue in England’s attack once he returns from injury despite Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy delivering a powerful case to change the order of merit with their goals in the 3-2 comeback win against Germany that has given the team a significant lift in advance of Euro 2016.
Hodgson, once again showing his loyalty to his captain, argued it was unfair to assume the Manchester United player might be “jettisoned in some way” when it was suggested to him that Kane and Vardy, the Premier League’s two leading scorers, had made it hard for Rooney to get back into the side.
Vardy, scorer of an outstanding goal as a second-half substitute in Berlin, will get the chance to lead England’s forward line when Holland visit Wembley on Tuesday. Daniel Sturridge will also be given a place in a new-look team and Hodgson, describing Kane’s performance as “excellent throughout”, believes he has more competition for forward places than at any time in his four-year tenure.
Joe Hart will be England’s No1 keeper at Euro 2016, says Roy Hodgson Read more
That places a question over Rooney’s suitability to start in this summer’s competition, on the back of another erratic season for him at club level, but Hodgson made it clear that England’s record scorer would still feature prominently in his plans.
“Wayne, I repeat, is our captain,” Hodgson said. “He has captained the team extremely well these past two years and taken us through a qualification campaign where we had complete success, 10 wins out of 10, so it doesn’t please me too much when it is suggested that the moment he gets injured and doesn’t play he deserves to be jettisoned in some way. He certainly doesn’t deserve that and when he comes back and is fit again he is going to be putting enormous pressure on these players, just as these players have been putting enormous pressure on him. That’s the situation we are looking forward to.”
Eric Dier: England’s Spurs contingent want to repay Mauricio Pochettino Read more
Hodgson’s plan is to field a vastly different team against the Dutch in which Danny Drinkwater will win his first cap. Fraser Forster will start in goal now Jack Butland is injured while Ross Barkley, Theo Walcott and James Milner will also return to the side. Danny Rose will continue at left-back unless Hodgson brings in a late call-up for a defence featuring John Stones, Phil Jagielka and Kyle Walker.
Stones has started only one league game since January after dropping out of the Everton side and Hodgson, though supportive of the 21-year-old, has his own concerns about the player’s habit of making defensive errors because of his desire to play out from the back.
“We believe in John Stones, there is no question,” Hodgson said. “We think he is the type of centre-half who can be good for England but to use him he has to play well enough to break into his club side as his first task and I can’t do anything about that.
England’s Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy confident of thriving at Euro 2016 Read more
“Not so long ago he was being touted around as the best centre-back in the country, and a centre-back all the other top teams would have. He was being touted because people were saying: ‘Look how comfortable he is on the ball, look how composed he is when he brings the ball out of defence.’ Then he makes a couple of mistakes and all of a sudden we want to throw all that back on his head.
“He will have to understand that when you are a centre-half at a top, top club you can’t afford to make a lot of mistakes in every game. You have to cut those out. That does not mean that all of a sudden you have to change your game completely and start booting the ball up the field every time. It just means you have to improve and cut out some of the mistakes.”
Having been 2-0 down with half an hour to play, England’s victory in the Olympiastadion represents the high point of Hodgson’s reign but the manager was keen to play down expectations. “I would be disappointed if people dismiss it and say Germany were not up for it because we were very close to their bench and they found it difficult to deal with our pressing. That gives us encouragement. We want keep going like that with this team. The team has pace, mobility, a lot of legs, enormous technique and a lot of heart, but we have to keep working on it.”Find further code and implementation here: https://github.com/browep/AndroidProguardTutorial
The following tutorial follows closely what’s in the code at https://github.com/browep/AndroidProguardTutorial. I suggest you clone that repo and follow along with it. It was created with the Android Studio IDE which is free and easy to use. It also uses Gradle to build the project which can be utilized without Android Studio.
What is Proguard?
Proguard minimizes your code by taking recurring method names, field names, and class names and renaming them with smaller names. It also removes any unused code from your APK.
Why use Proguard?
With names minimized and unused code removed your APK is much smaller. Users tend to like smaller APK sizes as they download quicker and eat up less data. Since proguard changes the names of your methods it is harder for someone to decompile your code to determine how it works and possibly find weaknesses. Change your code like this is called obsfuscation.
Where does it come in?
Since we only need these security features during distribution like in the Google Play store, proguard is only used for release builds. Luckily gradle takes care of this for us.
Using Proguard
This tutorial assumes you are using gradle to build your project. There are links to corresponding files in the sample project.
The first thing to do is tell gradle that we want to use proguard for our release buildType.
full file /app/build.gradle
android { buildTypes { release { minifyEnabled true } } }
You can run proguard now without any further configuration but lets tell proguard a little more about what we want. Proguard gets its configuration from a file in the project called proguard-rules.pro. Lets modify it to tell proguard we want to keep the line numbers in our stacktraces. Modify the contents to looks like this:
-keepattributes SourceFile,LineNumberTable
Now we are ready to build the sample project and see it run.
# in project base./gradlew build
in the output you should see :app:proguardRelease which happens after the Java is turned into.class files and before the.class files are turned into dex code.
Proguard has also created some text files for us. We will use these text files to turn the obsfuscated stacktraces into readable stacktraces. The created text files are found in app/build/outputs/mapping/release/.
$ ls app/build/outputs/mapping/release/ dump.txt mapping.txt seeds.txt usage.txt
Install this APK and click the “Cause Crash” button. You should see a stacktrace that looks similar to this in your ADB output:
java. lang. IllegalStateException : Could not execute method of the activity at android. view. View$1. onClick ( View. java : 3823 ) at android. view. View. performClick ( View. java : 4438 ) at android. view. View$PerformClick. run ( View. java : 18422 ) at android. os. Handler. handleCallback ( Handler. java : 733 ) at android. os. Handler. dispatchMessage ( Handler. java : 95 ) at android. os. Looper. loop ( Looper. java : 136 ) at android. app. ActivityThread. main ( ActivityThread. java : 5001 ) at java. lang. reflect. Method. invokeNative ( Native Method ) at java. lang. reflect. Method. invoke ( Method. java : 515 ) at com. android. internal. os. ZygoteInit$MethodAndArgsCaller. run ( ZygoteInit. java : 785 ) at com. android. internal. os. ZygoteInit. main ( ZygoteInit. java : 601 ) at dalvik. system. NativeStart. main ( Native Method ) Caused by: java. lang. reflect. InvocationTargetException at java. lang. reflect. Method. invokeNative ( Native Method ) at java. lang. reflect. Method. invoke ( Method. java : 515 ) at android. view. View$1. onClick ( View. java : 3818 ) at android. view. View. performClick ( View. java : 4438 ) at android. view. View$PerformClick. run ( View. java : 18422 ) at android. os. Handler. handleCallback ( Handler. java : 733 ) at android. os. Handler. dispatchMessage ( Handler. java : 95 ) at android. os. Looper. loop ( Looper. java : 136 ) at android. app. ActivityThread. main ( ActivityThread. java : 5001 ) at java. lang. reflect. Method. invokeNative ( Native Method ) at java. lang. reflect. Method. invoke ( Method. java : 515 ) at com. android. internal. os. ZygoteInit$MethodAndArgsCaller. run ( ZygoteInit. java : 785 ) at com. android. internal. os. ZygoteInit. main ( ZygoteInit. java : 601 ) at dalvik. system. NativeStart. main ( Native Method ) Caused by: java. lang. IndexOutOfBoundsException at java. util. LinkedList. get ( LinkedList. java : 519 ) at com. github. browep. proguard. MainActivity. j ( MainActivity. java : 56 ) at com. github. browep. proguard. MainActivity. i ( MainActivity. java : 50 ) at com. github. browep. proguard. MainActivity. onClick ( MainActivity. java : 46 ) at java. lang. reflect. Method. invokeNative ( Native Method ) at java. lang. reflect. Method. invoke ( Method. java : 515 ) at android. view. View$1. onClick ( View. java : 3818 ) at android. view. View. performClick ( View. java : 4438 ) at android. view. View$PerformClick. run ( View. java : 18422 ) at android. os. Handler. handleCallback ( Handler. java : 733 ) at android. os. Handler. dispatchMessage ( Handler. java : 95 ) at android. os. Looper. loop ( Looper. java : 136 ) at android. app. ActivityThread. main ( ActivityThread. java : 5001 ) at java. lang. reflect. Method. invokeNative ( Native Method ) at java. lang. reflect. Method. invoke ( Method. java : 515 ) at com. android. internal. os. ZygoteInit$MethodAndArgsCaller. run ( ZygoteInit. java : 785 ) at com. android. internal. os. ZygoteInit. main ( ZygoteInit. java : 601 ) at dalvik. system. NativeStart. main ( Native Method )
The interesting part is
Caused by: java. lang. IndexOutOfBoundsException at java. util. LinkedList. get ( LinkedList. java : 519 ) at com. github. browep. proguard. MainActivity. j ( MainActivity. java : 56 ) at com. github. browep. proguard. MainActivity. i ( MainActivity. java : 50 ) at com. github. browep. proguard. MainActivity. onClick ( MainActivity. java : 46 )
The methods have been renamed from subMethod & subSubMethod to i & j by proguard. See the full file here. The onClick method is called when the button is tapped.
So now lets de-obsfuscate this stacktrace. Take the text from ADB and save it to a file. I have used stacktrace.txt. The proguard tools are found in $ANDROID_HOME/tools/proguard/bin/. We will be using the mapping.txt file that proguard produced in the build.
$ retrace.sh mapping.txt stacktrace.txt
The outputted stacktrace will contain the de-obsfuscated stacktrace. In my example:
Caused by: java. lang. IndexOutOfBoundsException at java. util. LinkedList. get ( LinkedList. java : 519 ) at com. github. browep. proguard. MainActivity. void subSubMethod ()( MainActivity. java : 56 ) at com. github. browep. proguard. MainActivity. void subMethod ()( MainActivity. java : 50 ) at com. github. browep. proguard. MainActivity. void onClick ( android. view. View )( MainActivity. java : 46 ) at java. lang. reflect. Method. invokeNative ( Native Method )
We see that the method names have been filled in now.
Common pitfalls
One common mistake is that proguard doesn’t know about any reflection you are doing in the code so it may rename some methods that you are invoking programmatically. You can tell proguard to skip file by adding it to proguard-rules.pro
-keep class com.github.browep.MainActivity
Save the mapping.txt file for each release build. Without it you cannot de-obsfuscate your code. Consider adding to your source repository.
Taking it further
Proguard has lots of options and can be customized heavily, see http://developer.android.com/tools/help/proguard.html for Google’s take on it and http://proguard.sourceforge.net/ for full docs.
$39 $18) when you signup for the newsletter. We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Get the soon-to-be-released Responsive Android book at half off: ($18) when you signup for the newsletter.On August 6, José Altuve did something he’d never done before: He got ejected from a major league game.
In the seventh inning of a 3–2 loss to the Rangers, the Houston second baseman took strike three from Jeremy Jeffress, then turned around to argue the call with home plate umpire Alan Porter. Astros manager A.J. Hinch couldn’t quite get out of the dugout in time to stop Porter from sending the four-time All-Star to the showers.
“He knows the strike zone as well as anybody,” Hinch said, “and he didn’t appreciate the call. … He never argues unless he’s right, and he was right, in my opinion.”
The ejection came back to haunt the Astros when Altuve’s replacement, Marwin González, grounded out to end the game with the tying run on first base. But the thing that got Alt |
crumbs to some middle and lower-class folks, but many of them will ultimately either face a tax increase immediately or in the long-term. Many more are likely to see cuts to programs they rely on when Republicans come back and try to slash funding to pay for this bill.
The Democrats have, indeed, done a good job shaping the debate around the Republican tax plan – but they’re only using material given to them by the GOP, who have crafted a piece of legislation that will hurt millions of Americans.
If you’re ready to read more from the unbossed and unbought Politicus team, sign up for our newsletter here! Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human:Travis Kalanick, who coded and created Uber sitting or probably lying down at the serene beaches of Varkala in Kerala, is back in the southern part of India.
This time, he is in Hyderabad, the capital city of the most newly formed state in India—Telangana, where he launched Uber's bike (motorcycle) sharing service UberMOTO.
"I am excited to be in Hyderabad for the launch of UberMOTO. It is a quick, easy and affordable way to get around the city," Kalanick, founder and CEO of Uber, said in a statement. He further said: "And it's great to be working with a progressive, forward thinking government like Telangana on smart mobility solutions that can help reduce congestion in urban areas."
Kalanick is on a five-day visit to India. On Monday, he was in Mumbai for a "business review" meeting, as he tweeted "Hello Bombay! Good to be back."
For the next three days, he will be in Delhi where he will be conducting a drivers' appreciation session and will be attending a TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) event along with MakeMyTrip founder Deep Kalra.
The world's largest startup, in terms of valuation, also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd to help extend the reach of the metro using UberMOTO.
Amit Jain, president of India and south Asia at Uber, said in a statement, "The government of Telangana has once again shown its commitment to embracing technology-enabled solutions. By recognizing how we can transform urban mobility options in our cities through progressive regulations, Telangana is leading the way in bringing the change that our cities need."
An executive in the company told Techcircle that the US-based firm chose Telangana for its "ease of doing business". The source also added that "Karnataka doesn't have a favourable regulatory environment currently."
UberMOTO was launched in Bangalore in March this year, but had to wind up soon because of regulatory problems. Karnataka government cracked down on the two companies on the ground that as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, enforced in the state, a two-wheeler is considered to be a private means of transport and that bike taxis needed to be licensed for commercial use.
Like in Bangalore, Uber had to suspend UberMoto in Bangkok, Thailand, too, due to government intervention. UberMoto was launched in Bangkok in May for the first time, globally.
Uber had launched its bike-share service in Gurgaon in the National Capital Region in March and in Ahmedabad in May this year. In Ahmedabad, the pilot was launched at Rs 2 per kilometer but it didn't last long.
Globally, however, Uber is still losing money. A Bloomberg report in August said that the company lost more than $750 million last quarter, and $520 million the quarter before.
India happens to be the second largest market in terms of number of trips for Uber. Following its decision to sell its China operations to local rival Didi Chuxing, the company has shifted its focus to the Indian market where it is locked in an intense competition with homegrown taxi hailing company Ola.UPDATE: Commencement is now scheduled to be held on the UNC Asheville Quad, with Kimmel Arena as a rain location.
Wiley Cash, who graduated from UNC Asheville 15 years ago with a degree in literature and has gone on to become one of America’s most acclaimed young novelists, will return to his alma mater to address the Class of 2015 when UNC Asheville holds its commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, in Kimmel Arena.
Michell Hicks, principal chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, will be honored at the commencement along with Cash; both will receive honorary doctor of humane letters degrees.
Commencement will begin at 9 a.m. on May 9, and is open to the public. The ceremony, including Cash’s commencement address, will be streamed live on the commencement website, which also is the source for more information about the ceremony.
Wiley Cash
Wiley Cash is the author of two award-winning and best-selling novels that enmesh readers in the landscape and the culture of North Carolina. After growing up in Gastonia, Cash came to UNC Asheville where he became student body president, studied Appalachian history as well as literature, and fell in love with the rural mountain areas surrounding Asheville. He went on to earn a master’s degree at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Ph.D. at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, but carried with him reflections and images of Western North Carolina that pour forth in his writing.
Madison County provides the setting for his first novel, A Land More Kind than Home (William Morrow, 2012), a gripping story exploring the dark and beautiful sides of rural life, as isolation gives way to integration with modernity. The book was a hit with readers – reaching The New York Times best-seller list in hardcover, paperback and e-book – and with critics, winning the John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award from the UK Crime Writers’ Association and being named a finalist for the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize.
Cash’s second novel, This Dark Road to Mercy (William Morrow, 2014) was a national bestseller and is a finalist for the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Award. The novel, which has been optioned for film, also was an Indie Next Pick, an Okra Pick by the Southern Independent Bookseller Alliance, a LibraryReads selection and an Amazon Book of the Month.
Cash now lives in Wilmington with his wife and young daughter. He currently teaches writing at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hlll and in the Low-Residency MFA Program in Fiction and Nonfiction Writing at Southern New Hampshire University.
Michell Hicks
Principal Chief Michell Hicks, a native of the Qualla Boundary, has been a leading public servant of the 15,000-member Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for two decades. He was first elected principal chief in 2003 and has continued to serve in that capacity, having been reelected in 2007 and 2011. During his tenure as principal chief, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has used expanded revenues from its gaming resort to improve the quality of life for the Cherokee, including the opening of a new Cherokee language-based school, the New Kituwah Academy.
A certified public accountant with a background in finance, Hicks also served the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians as executive director of budget and finance for approximately seven years before being elected principal chief. He also offers his leadership and expertise as board member on many important Native American institutions and organizations, including the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, the National Congress of the American Indian, and the National Indian Gaming Association. Hicks lives in the Painttown Community of the Qualla Boundary.In 43 lectures, Dr. Vida Hull offers an introduction to the art of the Italian Renaissance. Packed with slides of great paintings, the lectures (all streamable above or available individually here), cover painters like Masaccio and Botticelli, Titian, da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo and more. Hull, who taught the course at East Tennessee State, earned her Ph.D. at Bryn Mawr College. Her course has been added to the Art History section of our collection, 1,300 Free Online Courses from Top Universities.
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The History of Western Architecture: From Ancient Greece to Rococo (A Free Online Course)Albertans will see their first NDP provincial budget Oct. 27, but Finance Minister Joe Ceci won’t say if it will include a carbon levy or any new taxes above the ones already brought in.
“You have to wait until Oct. 27,” Ceci said Monday during an update at the legislature. “Our budget will outline a plan for jobs and economic growth while stabilizing public services, and we will present a path to balance.”
The budget is widely expected to push the province into a deficit ranging from $5 billion to $6.5 billion. Ceci and Premier Rachel Notley have recently stepped back from their election promise to balance that budget by 2018, instead committing to invest in public services and shovel-ready infrastructure projects to boost jobs and the economy. During the last month, the government has been working with a report it commissioned from former Bank of Canada governor David Dodge to examine Alberta’s capital planning.
“Going forward, there will be smaller and smaller deficits,” Ceci said.
Wildrose finance critic Derek Fildebrandt once again called for the NDP to table the budget now rather than wait until after the Oct. 19 federal election. He said tax hikes aren’t the answer.
“No government has ever spent its way to a balanced budget, particularly in a time of economic uncertainty,” Fildebrandt said in a statement. “The NDP and the previous government have imposed huge tax hikes on Albertans and job creators. They should make clear now that they will not break their promise to Albertans by raising taxes beyond even those in their platform.”
Ceci called the fall budget responsible and affordable, with investments in education and health care, top priorities for his government and Albertans. He connected with 83,671 Albertans during two September telephone town hall sessions and asked them about their budget priorities in phone surveys.
During the northern Alberta session:
— 30 per cent said the province should raise taxes or service fees to help balance the budget, while 49 per cent said the province should delay new programming until the economy recovered. Another 20 per cent said the province should cut services and reduce spending.
— 31 per cent want the province to build new schools and infrastructure and 25 per cent said the NDP government should restore cuts made to health care by the PCs.
— 43 per cent voted to keep Alberta’s tax regime competitive, and voted “no” to a provincial sales tax.
The telephone sessions cost the province $59,244. Four similar telephone sessions under the former PCs, which linked 74,870 Albertans with former premier Jim Prentice in the spring, cost $60,000.
“We’ve been through economic ups and downs before,” Ceci said Monday. “There’s no question that people are feeling the stress of the drop of global oil prices. Oil prices affect everyone and every aspect of our lives in Alberta. Now is not the time to make things worse or knee-jerk reactions that would result in firing nurses or teachers during these tough economic times.”
[email protected]
twitter.com/jodiesinnemaHey everyone. Keits here, Lead Combat Designer on KI Seasons 2 and 3 at Iron Galaxy Studios. I know you are all starving for information about Shadow Jago, so we wanted to take a few minutes to give you an update on how things are going.
You may remember our presentation about Shadow Jago, “Real Boy Edition”, at EVO. We talked about what we’d be doing to upgrade his moveset to make him stand out even more, and we’re very happy with how excited everyone was. Today, we want to talk about a few of the things that have changed during development. Think of it as a bit of a progress report!
To recap from the EVO presentation on how Shadow Jago is different from Jago:
-The Laser Sword special move is no longer available -Wind Kick’s input triggers the Slide special instead, so Wind Kick isn’t available either. -B+HP Neckcutter and F+HK Double Roundhouse have both been replaced with new command normals. B+HK is an overhead kick. F+HK is a pushkick that you can cancel into his dash. -Shadow Jago can double tap attack buttons when performing special moves to spend a chunk of meter to enhance the attack into a “Surge” Special. -Shadow Jago can still throw Endokukens, including in the air! -Shadow Jago can still use his Uppercut special, but it is more vertical now. It doesn’t move forward at all. -QCF+K triggers a new Divekick move from the air or the ground, which also works as a linker. Both versions include a leap forward first, and both auto correct to face the opponent after the leap. -Shadow Jago’s forward and backward dashes are much longer in travel and duration than Jago’s, and he has a brief invulnerability window in the middle where he phases out and can pass through opponents. -Shadow Jago can cancel his dashes into Throw, Uppercut Special (tap any P), or Divekick Special (tap any K).
Wow, that’s a lot! So, what has changed or been added since then?
-Because his dash is such a big commitment compared to Jago’s, and he cannot perform up-close pressure quite as safely, we’ve increased his walk speed over Jago’s by 15%. -Slide is unsafe on block, but the Surge version which teleports behind now causes a launcher and is safe, but still negative, on block. -You can cancel into the B+HK Overhead Kick from any normal attack! -Shadow Jago’s slowest Endokuken is the same speed as Jago’s fastest Endokuken, and his Medium and Heavy versions are even faster. He can also throw another Endokuken while the 1st is still on the screen, making his zoning very different from Jago’s. -Shadow Endokuken throws 5 projectiles quickly instead of one larger projectile. -The Surged version of the Uppercut Special doesn’t deal huge extra damage, but it does set up a juggle! -The Shadow version of the Divekick special can recapture! -Standing LK has changed to a knee attack that also works as a fake out for his F+HK Pushkick command normal. -Crouching HP has changed to stab the sword out farther to cover a different space than his vertical uppercut. We know you wanted more sword. -Shadow Jago’s throw automatically transitions into the Laser Sword animation, giving him a launcher and juggle opportunity. More sword still.
And, because we know you wanted even more sword…
That’s right, Shadow Jago’s uppercuts unleash his deadly blade for cutting action!
We’ll continue to give you updates about Shadow Jago in the coming weeks as he gets ready to launch, but to leave you with something truly new, let’s talk about his Instinct Mode.
Shadow Jago Instinct: Shadow Symbiosis -During Instinct, Shadow Jago gets the same +2 on his frame data that Jago gets. -During Instinct, if Shadow Jago hits his opponent with an Endokuken or Dashes through them, he attaches the Dark Tether! -When the Dark Tetheris attached, all of Shadow Jago’s Shadow and Surge moves cost him half the usual amount… and he drains the remaining half from his opponent’s meter! -If Shadow Jago presses HP+HK while the tether is attached, he will strike a quick pose and build 1 full meter for himself instantly… but his opponent gains 1 full meter instantly as well! -Used in conjunction with his incredible Surge special moves, this Instinct can be extremely deadly. -If you hit Shadow Jago, the tether will break and he will have to reattach it with another Dash through or Endokuken.
We are so excited to show you more! Join the discussion about this post on the forums, and stay tuned to Ultra-Combo.com for more Killer Instinct development news and community information.
Discuss: http://forums.ultra-combo.com/t/shadow-jago-the-real-hollywood-story/1825Easthampton, MA, Dec. 22, 2016 — New England snow peppered the westward Masspike ride to Sonelab in Easthampton, MA, where Elder were working all week on their fourth album. Eight years ago, they made their self-titled debut (discussed here) as a youngling trio loaded with potential who’d already earned a reputation for blowing old dudes off stages. In less than a decade’s time and across the two follow-up records, 2011’s Dead Roots Stirring (review here) and 2015’s Lore (review here), they’ve traveled the world over and become arguably the most pivotal act in the American heavy underground. Released through Stickman Records and Armageddon Shop, Lore was nothing short of a landmark for Elder, as the three-piece of guitarist/vocalist Nick DiSalvo, bassist Jack Donovan and drummer Matt Couto found a way to be heavy and progressive without sacrificing the impact of the one for the nuance of the other, or vice versa. Their cake, had and eaten.
They’d been at Sonelab all week putting pieces together for a crucial follow-up to Lore that, when released in 2017, will also mark their fastest turnaround between albums. The bulk of the recording was done. I pulled into the parking lot outside the studio, which is in a big warehouse space by the American Legion Hall with an independent brewery on either side — Easthampton is a big college area and looks to be gentrifying — and followed the low-end hum into the live room, where Elder were mid-jam. Sonelab engineer Justin Pizzoferrato and graphic artist Adrian Dexter were in the control room, further down the hallway, but in the live room the band was well dug in. A space longer than it was wide, with high ceilings — Pizzoferrato‘s recordings have a distinct snare drum sound, and with the space in question I immediately recognized its origin as Couto played — rooms off to the right for guitar and bass cabinets, painted concrete floors with the requisite rugs, amps and cabinets and organs and pianos and other assorted instrumentation lining the walls and otherwise scattered about. Old couches here and there. I took a seat on a piano bench and watched the jam unfold.
One does not necessarily think of Elder as a band given to improvisation. Particularly as time has gone on, their work has been clean, meticulous in its arrangements, and from what I heard of their impending fourth LP, that remains true, but these jams — and there were over 80 minutes of them recorded, ultimately — were being tracked with the intent of adding ambience to the record and building more of a sense of atmosphere. Interludes, maybe, or at very least complements to the structured songs. Joining the core lineup of the band were Mike Samos on a slide steel guitar setup and electric mandolin and keyboardist/guitarist Mike Risberg (a bandmate of DiSalvo‘s in the Gold & Silver side-project) on a Wurlitzer, who indeed fleshed out the effects wash bring proffered by the guitar as various jams built, established themselves, were held together by Donovan and pushed ahead by Couto‘s inimitable swing, and finally receded one by one. At times spacious and hypnotic and at times more active, this five-piece version of Elder was genuinely attempting to offer something different than anything the band has done before, and depending on which pieces actually make it onto the finished product, they just might get there.
Some meandering, some blending of progressive fuzzadelia and space rock, and some vital crash, the jams built from nothing into full-fledged explorations, each with their own personality. Arranged in a circle with a barrier setup behind Couto, they reveled in the process of creating this swirl, and though the going wasn’t always smooth — nor should it be — they held pieces together for as long as they wanted before letting them drift to a conclusion. The room was cold and bright, but the vibe warm and intimate, and standing outside some minutes later with the band and Dexter, whose designs for Elder have become an essential part of their presentation and whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting several times over the years despite his being based in Denmark, the same chemistry could be found in their ease of conversation, laughing and tossing off stories about rest stops on the sides of mountains in Sweden and, with ski-worthy Massachusetts Appalachians in the distance, remarking about the relative altitudes in places like the Netherlands, Denmark, and so on. This is a band who have traveled continents together, who’ve created together for a decade now, and their bond — even with Samos and Risberg, who are clearly close friends — is familial. One imagines that when DiSalvo, who’s been living in Berlin for the last year-plus, returned to hit the studio, the transition back into this mode of working was no less fluid than the jams I was fortunate enough to watch unfold in the live room.
Following the break, it was time to hear a new track. Pizzoferrato had been setting up rough mixes in the control room, so the band, Dexter and I made our way there to listen. No title yet, but DiSalvo informed that the sweeping nine-minute cut would be one of five included (plus whatever they got out of the jams), and as its quick start got underway, I could immediately hear progression not only in his vocals but in the arrangements from where Elder left off with Lore. Parts swept through over careening rhythms, winding basslines, stellar lead guitar work, sung harmonies and other flourish. It was clear they were building out arrangements, and with the layers working on top of each other as they were, I understood why prior to hitting the studio they’d played several shows with a four-piece, two-guitar lineup. One key distinction? The title-track of Lore had a part in its middle where DiSalvo‘s guitar emulated a Mellotron sound. This time the Mellotrons are real. Featured in both pieces I’d ultimately hear, they added their particular progressive theatricality to the proceedings, and helped further a lush melodicism that, once again, was complemented by considerable heft. I took notes as quickly as I could to keep up with the transitions — a direct quote from them: “It’s amazing how identifiable their sound has become” — as the Mellotron led through a break into the next movement of the song that, when the band kicked back in, made me hope Donovan would be high in the final mix. One of several guitar solos propelled the gallop to a cold finish circa 9:40, and as sudden as it had started, it was over.
Dexter, while the song played, showed me some of the progress for the cover and inside-the-LP artwork on his laptop, which at least as of now moves away from the deep blue tones of Lore and into darker browns and earthy, forest-feeling colors. Still elemental, but land, not sea. It was, of course, beautiful. When the track was finished, the band decided to do some more jamming, so it was back into the live room with DiSalvo, Donovan, Couto, Risberg and Samos. They’d discussed a few beginnings and ends for where interludes might make sense, decided they needed something in ‘G’ and something in ‘C,’ and set to it. It was a little more business-like than the first portion of the session had been with that set goal in mind, but each of the two movements conjured — one more droning and trance-inducing (I swear I lost time), the other led by Couto‘s toms, which was a departure in itself — seemed like it would give them something to work from. When the second one was finished, it kind of devolved into a heavy metal Xmas song, Donovan picking up sleigh bells and growling carol lyrics, laughing all the way and so on. He’d been taking direction from Risberg and the line of communication seemed to come apart toward the end, but again, that became part of the process of feeling the way through what the jam turned out to be. There were more slide guitar overdubs for Samos to add to other finished tracks, so his gear was moved into the control room and set up so he’d be able to see the specific places within the songs where his parts would go.
I don’t know how familiar Samos had been previously with the material prior to playing on it, but by the third time through each of the two songs I watched him play on, he’d nailed it. The first take, was a listen, the second a feeling out, the third — done. A fourth shot on the second song seemed more perfunctory than necessary, but didn’t hurt anything either. Still, they’d decided the jamming was done and the afternoon was getting on. It had been a two-hour trip for me to the studio, which meant two hours back, but before I left, I asked if I could hear another full track, just to get a better sense of the course of the record overall to go with the pieces, snippets, jams, and song I’d already heard. The band and Pizzoferrato were kind enough to oblige with the cut on which Samos had just played. DiSalvo set it up by calling it an “outlier” on the album, and I wouldn’t have the chance to ask him in what way he meant that, but I could hear their prog leanings coming to the forefront, another quick start of a winding motion met with his lead guitar. Some almost peak-era Porcupine Tree-style swirl crashed into deeper low end, leading to an open verse marked by harmonies at the ends of lines, and the song moved into a chorus that would cycle through and into a solo before taking off on an instrumental stretch that would be where the slide featured. Tempo shifted, the chorus returned, the Mellotron appeared, the crunch came back at the end, and trying to keep “outlier” in mind, I was nonetheless taken by the depths of layering at work, the sense of arrangement at play and, again, the growth that has marked each of Elder‘s records to-date and which seems to be fully intact going into this one as well.
Up next for the band was to continue with mixing on a song Pizzoferrato referred to as “Staving,” and to comb through the improvised material and see what fit where. No doubt that would be as much of a creative process in editing as was the making of those jams in the first place, but if Elder have shown anything over the course of their career, it’s a burgeoning sense of mastery in their sound. Lore may prove over the longer term to have been a moment of arrival for them, and I won’t speak to this follow-up as a whole without having heard the entire thing, but it was obvious to me sitting in the control room that their interest in stagnation is nil. Rather, Elder are evolving willfully, expanding their palette and broadening their approach in the same way that they’ve become closer as people over the years. How that will ultimately manifest in their next album remains to be seen as the holidays and New Year take hold, but one consistent factor in Elder‘s tenure has been that the potential they showed on barroom stages when they were still too young to buy beer has remained and blossomed with them, and as they’ve realized a catalog on which to look back, they’ve never lost sight that the most fundamental direction must always be forward.
My deepest thanks to the band, to Dexter and Pizzoferrato for having me to Sonelab. Elder‘s fourth album will be released in 2017. Please find more pictures from the studio after the jump, and thanks for reading.Nevada cattle rancher Cliven Bundy knows how to start a stampede.
After Bundy, who became a right-wing hero for his refusal to acknowledge the authority of the federal government, wondered aloud about whether “Negro” people were “better off as slaves,” conservative figures who had celebrated his cause rushed to distance themselves from him.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who had condemned the federal government’s attempt to enforce court orders against Bundy: “Offensive.”
Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.), who had declared Bundy’s followers “patriots”: “Appalling and racist.”
And Sean Hannity, who had led a Fox News campaign that made a hero of Bundy: “Beyond repugnant.”
Bundy boosters are right to be appalled, but they should not be shocked.
The anti-government strain of thought that Bundy advanced has been intertwined with racist and anti-Semitic views over several decades. Not all people who resist the authority of the federal government are motivated by race, of course, and not all racists are anti-government. But there is a long symbiosis between the two.
Among those who rallied to Bundy’s defense in Bunkerville, Nev. — the supporters Heller labeled patriots — was Wiley Drake, an Internet preacher affiliated with the “Oath Keepers” movement. According to reports from the scene, Drake told a crowd of Bundy supporters that they shouldn’t bow to the “half-breed” President Obama.
In general terms, Bundy’s notion of state supremacy — “I don’t recognize the United States government as even existing” — is a variant of states’-rights claims that go back to the Civil War and were revived in the segregationists’ opposition to civil rights laws. Because the federal government has been the protector of minority rights, states’ rights have long been used to justify discrimination.
Specifically, the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks anti-government and hate groups, says that Bundy’s sentiments align closely with those of the “Posse Comitatus” movement, founded by William Potter Gale in the 1970s. That movement based its anti-tax position — and its belief in the primacy of county and state authority over the federal government — on a belief that the levers of national power were controlled by Jewish bankers. “Most of the ideas that bolster positions like Cliven’s that the federal government doesn’t exist come from Posse Comitatus ideology,” the SPLC’s Ryan Lenz argues. And that ideology is rooted in bigotry.
The SPLC puts “patriot” groups in a separate category from white supremacists and others organized around hate. The patriots make a constitutional argument to justify antipathy toward the federal government; this can be seen in the noise about secession, nullification, “state sovereignty” and the primacy of the 10th Amendment. But the two categories have some overlap — and that’s why politicians and commentators who try to harness the energy of the “patriot” movement got burned this week. If you flirt with extremists, you’re eventually going to end up with strange bedfellows.
Chris McDaniel, opposing Sen. Thad Cochran in Mississippi’s Republican primary, withdrew from being the keynote speaker at next month’s “Firearm Freedom Day/Tea Party Music Fest” conference when it was reported that the same conference was also touting the participation of a seller of “white pride” merchandise. Likewise, Greg Abbott, the GOP gubernatorial candidate in Texas, campaigned with Ted Nugent and got caught in an uproar over the rock musician labeling Obama a “subhuman mongrel.”
In Florida, Rep. Ted Yoho (R) had to backtrack after telling constituents that he couldn’t say with “100 percent” certainty that the Civil Rights Act is constitutional because “a lot of things that were passed are not constitutional.” Yoho later issued a statement saying the act “is one of the most significant, and constitutional, pieces of legislation in the past 100 years.” Yoho’s flap was reminiscent of Paul’s 2010 questioning of the act’s constitutionality and subsequent climb-down.
Paul, as it happens, was among those undermined by Bundy when the New York Times’s Adam Nagourney reported the rancher’s racist monologue Wednesday night. Paul had sided with Bundy in the standoff, saying “the federal government shouldn’t violate the law, nor should we have 48 federal agencies carrying weapons and having SWAT teams.”
Various others, including Nevada’s Republican governor, Brian Sandoval, had been similarly critical of the federal government. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) on Tuesday said the federal government was “using the jackboot of authoritarianism to come against the citizens.”
By Thursday, Cruz’s office was calling Bundy’s racism “completely unacceptable.”
And yet completely unsurprising.
Twitter: @Milbank
Read more from Dana Milbank’s archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.If you are a gay man looking to go out in Chicago on a Saturday night, a spider web of events spin out from Boystown. Lakeview has Sidetrack and Spin. Rogers Park offers Mayne Stage and Jackhammer. Edgewater boasts Big Chicks and the Granville Anvil. If you’re downtown, check out Second Story and the aptly named Downtown Bar. The South Side offers Jeffery Pub, Club Escape and InnExile.
But where are the lesbian spaces? In recent years, many queer and lesbi-friendly bars have closed up shop in Chicago, including T’s, which abruptly announced closure in March. Many Andersonville residents were shocked, as the bar was one of the last remnants of " Girls’ Town," the neighborhood carved out during the late '80s and '90s.
Chicago’s last full-time lesbian bar went under in 2009. Last month, West Hollywood’s The Palms shut down after 50 years of business and the West Village’s Rubyfruit Bar and Grille closed in 2008. When Michigan’s The Chrome Cat settled its tabs one last time, it was one of the last lesbian bars in the whole state. The site Lost Womyn’s Space tracks the disappearance of lesbian spaces across the country, a graveyard of empty buildings and lost histories.
T’s closure forced AfterEllen editor Trish Bendix to ask what many were thinking, “Is this the end of an era?”
There is certainly a “ gaping hole ” where the scene used to be. Like many formerly lesbian-centric neighborhoods, Andersonville is increasingly gay male and yuppie-dominated.
Formerly lady friendly bars The Closet and Big Chicks have seen an influx of male clientele crowd out the womenfolk, although Big Chicks offers nights to give feminine and queer-identified folks an inclusive space to dance and feel safe.
Doll House and Joie de Vine offer lady-centric events for queer Chicagoans, and inclusive events like Slo Mo and Chances Dances create programming for folks across gender expressions and sexualities.
Rogers Park’s Parlour may go the furthest, The queer bar offers events ranging from hip-hop nights to events for lipstick femmes.
In an interview with The L Stop, Parlour co-owner Jennifer Murphy stated that her goal is to “impact [not just] the lesbian community but the GLBT community as a whole.”
As a response to the transphobia and marginalization reported in spaces like the Michigan Womyn’s Festival, Murphy hopes to rethink female space.
“It has been our intention not to create boundaries within genders and sexuality,” Murphy said. “Parlour is here to explore and open minds to new and exciting experiences.”
Slo Mo’s Kristen Kaza argued that roller derby leagues, meetup events and concerts have taken the place of the traditional bar scene. Kaza told Time Out Chicago that bars aren’t as “relevant” for modern women as they were their queer predecessors or the same way they are men.
“Gay male bars receive significantly higher traffic because the men are usually there for the main purpose of meeting and possibly hooking up, and gay women often need an additional, or just alternative, motivation,” she said.
Cassandra Avenatti, an influential organizer cited as one of The L Stop’s “ lesbians to watch out for,” argued that changing views on LGBT folks might be a factor in lesbian bars’ relevance too.
“With the increased acceptance of queerness in mainstream culture, some queer folks might feel less compelled to frequent gay social spaces,” Avenatti said. “There may be less of a feeling of necessity or urgency around queer bars.”
In a piece published last month on The L Stop, Avenatti argued that while queer women have been more active in the public sphere as organizers and activists, the lack of community spaces for women has moved female sex into the margins.
Avenatti said, “I can’t count how many times I’ve been asked [...], “What do women do in bed?’”
Avenatti said terms like “lesbian bed death” give folks the mistaken impression that women “hold hands and talk about puppies."
She worries that even health providers have a profound lack of knowledge when it comes to lesbian intercourse, often feeling they don’t have to address safer sex practices with queer female patients.
“If health care providers have little to no knowledge about the ways in which queer women have sex, they cannot appropriately counsel women on risk reduction,” she said.
Women who have sex with women (WSW) are at risk of STDs, and although some resources exist, there isn’t the same community solidarity around sexual health issues there is for gay men. According to Avenatti, questions on “women’s sexual health practices have remained largely unaddressed.”
Avenatti argues more sex websites or bathhouses in the community could improve the conversation on female sex.
For gay men, websites like Grindr and Scruff allow users to connect with each other in a space that allows them to express their sexuality. But among queer women, Avenatti said “the pervading idea [is] that if you are interested in casual or anonymous sex, you are that kind of girl.”
“Many women are socialized to view their sexual desire (and bodies) as negative or dangerous, and are instructed to keep their longing private, suppressed,” Avenatti said. “We are not allowed space to unapologetically explore our needs and claim sexual liberty, and many of us have internalized a degree of shame about our sexuality and our bodies.”
A first step to change that? Avenatti believes women need a bathhouse for public sex.
For the past two decades, a bathhouse for queer women and transfolks has operated in Toronto’s gayborhood, known as the “bathhouse capital of the world.” Called the Pleasure Palace (or “Pussy Palace”), organizers saw the event as a way to address the dearth of opportunities for “women to develop |
’t an option.
Maintaining the status quo would only make the problems worse for a high-priced, star-laden team that is seven points out of first place in the Eastern Conference and five ahead of 14th.
As for the questions, no one has an easy answer.
Determining the precise moment a coach has “lost the room” is far from an exact science. Less than a week after becoming the fastest coach in NHL history to 200 wins, Boudreau’s body language on the bench at First Niagara Center, as well as his comments after the game, seemed to indicate that he’s frustrated and perhaps beginning to question his own methods.
“You like to think that they’re trying their hardest, but at the same time when we’re not winning a lot of the battles, you’ve gotta believe that there’s more to give,” Boudreau said after his team was held to one goal for the fourth time in seven games.
Asked how he can help the Capitals become mentally tough, he said: “It’s got to come from within, I’ve got to believe. I’m hoping that’s got to come from within because if I’ve got to teach them how to be tough, then I don’t know quite how to do that.”
Not exactly comforting words if you’re McPhee or owner Ted Leonsis.
On the ice, meanwhile, the Capitals again received subpar play in net — Tomas Vokoun’s.905 save percentage is significantly worse than his career average and Michal Neuvirth’s.868 is last among ranked goaltenders — and the skaters got outhustled and outsmarted by an undermanned Sabres squad they should have blown out.
It’s not so much that the Capitals are losing. It’s how they are losing. Including the 4-1 loss in Winnipeg on Nov. 17, they’ve been outworked in four of the past six games. Overall, they’ve lost eight of the past 11, yielding four goals per game during that wretched stretch. The team’s 3.27 goals against per game is 29th.
And this week figures to be particularly challenging. The Capitals host a Blues team that is 7-1-2 since Ken Hitchcock took over behind the bench and, on Thursday, Sidney Crosby and the rival Penguins.
After the loss in Buffalo, Boudreau did not single out anyone. But it doesn’t take much imagination to figure out that Ovechkin is one of the players who has a lot more to give. Leonsis has often said it’s critical for a team’s highest-paid player to also be its best.
Right now, Ovechkin, with his $9 million salary, has fewer goals than checking-line winger Jason Chimera, and the only reason his minus-7 rating isn’t rock bottom is because defenseman Roman Hamrlik has been more of a liability with a minus-10.
Ovechkin has one goal and two assists in the past eight games and a total of eight goals in 22 games. His magical 65-goal campaign was in 2007-08, but it seems like decades ago.
The numbers are damning, of course. But so are the optics. On Luke Adam’s second goal Saturday, Ovechkin, standing between the circles, did not move as the Sabres rookie raced into the slot and made it 4-1. Ovechkin was there, but he wasn’t really there.
Diagnosing a locker room divide also can be difficult. But if the coach and the captain aren’t on the same page, as it appears, how can anyone reasonably expect the other 22 players to be? There will always be factions loyal to one side, and by definition, working against the other.
The only cure for that — other than a coaching change — would be stirring the dressing room’s chemistry with a significant trade of the magnitude of dealing a player such as Alexander Semin. But in a salary cap world, discussing potential swaps is easy. Completing them is hard.
There are 60 games left for the Capitals to figure this mess out and, at some point, No. 1 defenseman Mike Green will return from his latest injury.
But something’s got to change. And it must go deeper than rearranging the forward combinations and defensive pairs.
Your move, McPhee.The answer is yes, but not as fast. In the U.S. for example, we know that new businesses start small, and if they survive, grow fast as they age. An average 40 year old US plant employs over seven times as many workers as the typical plant five years or younger. In a new paper, my co-authors Meghana Ayyagari, Vojislav Maksimovic and I focus on developing countries and look at what happens to firms in the formal sector as they age. We focus on formal firms because informal firms look very different from formal firms in terms of size, productivity and education level of managers and there is little evidence that growth occurs by informal firms eventually becoming large formal establishments. We see that there the average 40 year old plant employs almost five times as many workers as the average plant that is five years or younger.
First we use survey data from 120 developing countries to examine the life cycle of plants (see figure 1). The upward sloping size-age profile is pervasive in our sample of countries and the results are very robust. In only less than 10 percent of the countries a plant that is 40 years or older is not at least as big as a plant that is younger than five years old.
Figure 1: Establishment Employment by Age — Sample Estimates in 120 Developing Countries
Second, we look at a developing country, India, more carefully. Existing research by Hsieh and Klenow (2013) suggests that instead of growing, on average the surviving manufacturing plants in India shrink in size between ages 5 and 35 years. While their study does not look at formal and informal firms separately, in their paper Hsieh and Klenow also mention that these results hold even if they look at only the formal sector firms. In contrast, when we study the life cycles of Indian plants, we still find that the average 40 year old plant in the formal sector in India is two to four times the size of plants less than five years of age, both when comparing contemporaneously and when comparing older and younger firms within the same cohort (see Figure 2). It is only when we look at the informal sector (or the full sample firms since it is dominated by informal firms) we see that firms do not grow as they age. This is consistent with the “dual economy view” where most firms in the informal sector are engaged in subsistence activities and growth occurs through the growth of formal firms.
Figure 2: Firm Size and Age in India — Sample Estimates
Source: ASI Data for following individual census years: 1983/84, 1989/90, 1994/95, 2000/01, 2004/05
So, Indian firms grow as they age as well, but just not as fast as US firms. Why not? Institutional differences come to mind – differences in legal frameworks, financial institutions, labor and other regulations… But when we try to explain the significant variation in Indian firm life-cycle patterns over time by state-level differences in financial development, we don’t have much success. This is true even after controlling for differences in labor regulations across states, capital intensity, and firms born before and after major reforms. We are continuing to work on this question, so stay tuned for more.
Further reading:
Ayyagari, Meghana, Asli Demirguc-Kunt and Vojislav Maksimovic, 2013, “Size and Age of Establishments: Evidence from Developing Countries,” World Bank Policy Research Working Paper, No.6718.
Hsieh, Chang-Tai and Peter J. Klenow (2013), "The Lifecycle of plants in India and Mexico,” Quarterly Journal of Economics, forthcoming."The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down" Song by Mel Blanc/Charles Fleischer/Bob Hoskins Published Harms Inc. (1937) Songwriter(s) Cliff Friend
Dave Franklin
"The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down" is a song written in 1937 by Cliff Friend and Dave Franklin and published by Harms Inc., New York. It is best known as the theme tune for the Looney Tunes cartoon series and Merrie Melodies reissued cartoon series produced by Warner Bros. Cartoons, used from 1937 to 1969.
The original version contains an introductory verse that leads up to the main part of the song, as a young man tells of his date with a young woman, in which they go to an amusement park and find time to "spark" while riding the malfunctioning carousel. The name was a play on "breakdown" and the tune is similar to the traditional "Chinese Breakdown" as well as the children's rhyme "Miss Susie had a steamboat".
Looney Tunes [ edit ]
An adapted instrumental version of the song's main tune became the staple opening and closing credits theme for the Looney Tunes series, most memorably featuring Porky Pig stuttering "Th-th-th-that's all, folks!" over the tune at each cartoon's end. A different vocal version, sung by Daffy Duck (voice of Mel Blanc), was heard in Daffy Duck and Egghead, a 1938 entry in the Merrie Melodies series, a sister series to the Looney Tunes, at about five minutes into the cartoon. Daffy also sang a specially-modified version of the song in the 1950 Looney Tunes short Boobs in the Woods. The tune also made appearances in the Merrie Melodies shorts Sweet Sioux, Jungle Jitters and Aviation Vacation. The Three Stooges recorded a version in 1959 for their musical album The Nonsense Songbook.
In 1963, a new atonal variation of the theme was arranged by William Lava for use with the updated opening sequences of new Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies shorts. In 1967, a remix of the Lava version was used in the opening sequences of new Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies shorts.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit [ edit ]
The song was revived for the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), an animation/live-action blend based upon the cartoons of the 1940s. "The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down" is performed twice in the film: first by cartoon character Roger Rabbit (voice of Charles Fleischer), as he's being assisted by his human partner Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) in hiding out from Judge Doom's weasel henchmen, and later by Valiant himself in Marvin Acme's gag factory, as he's trying to force the same cartoon weasels (after they capture Roger and Jessica) to laugh themselves to death. The lyrics in both sequences were written specifically for the film. An instrumental version of the tune also appears in Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990), which opens and closes with Looney Tunes cartoons characters interacting with each other, and at the end of Space Jam (1996) and Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003). It is also used as the main theme to The Looney Tunes Show, as well as New Looney Tunes.
Other usage [ edit ]
The song made a rare appearance in a live-action film, A Slight Case of Murder (Warner Bros., 1938), in which party guests sing a verse while standing around a piano.
(Warner Bros., 1938), in which party guests sing a verse while standing around a piano. In a 1963 episode of 77 Sunset Strip titled "By His Own Verdict," the tune can be heard playing on a carousel in a scene set in a park.
titled "By His Own Verdict," the tune can be heard playing on a carousel in a scene set in a park. During the late 1960s and early 70s, The Grateful Dead—signed to Warner Bros. Records during that time—occasionally used this piece as filler material while one or several members of the band were tuning up. On the expanded edition of Wake of the Flood, the track "China Doll" concludes with a brief jam on the piece.
, the track "China Doll" concludes with a brief jam on the piece. The song appeared as amusement park music in the 1979 Wonder Woman episode "Phantom of the Roller Coaster".
episode "Phantom of the Roller Coaster". In 1983, the song was recorded by the British folk band Pyewackett with vocal by Rosie Cross, on the LP The Man in the Moon Drinks Claret. The liner notes read, "Finding love for only a dime" and describe the song as "A 'Looney Tune' based on a Roy Fox recording from the 1930s".
See also [ edit ]
References [ edit ]Pooja Nagpal was teaching self-defense classes to sex-trafficking victims in India this summer when she saw headlines about dozens of girls in the northern city of Bareilly quitting school because of harassment.
The 18-year-old Manhattan Beach resident traveled eight hours to meet with the girls, who told her that their dreams of becoming doctors and software engineers were stifled by daily fear of intimidation, stalking and threats on the way to school.
The stories stayed with Nagpal when she began her freshman year at UC Berkeley last month, and she started to notice something: harassment getting in the way of education is not just a Third World problem.
“I know some people that don’t want to go to the library at 11 at night because they’re scared, but they have to because they have a project due,” she said.
Nagpal, who has trained more than 1,000 disadvantaged women in India and Los Angeles in self-defense in the past three years, was recently named a 2016 winner of the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.
Only 25 students from across North America earned the distinction and only 15 of them earned a $5,000 scholarship from fantasy author T.A. Barron for their efforts to make positive change in the world.
It’s the latest accolade for Nagpal, who gave a TEDx Talk in Manhattan Beach and was one of 10 National Young Women of Distinction recognized by the Girl Scouts last year.
Today, the electrical engineering and computer science major has less time for taekwondo than she did back home at Mira Costa High School, but she’s still working toward a third-degree black belt.
College life is already informing her activism.
“Sexual assault is an issue a lot of colleges are trying to avoid because it decreases their reputation and alumni donations,” Nagpal said. “It’s horrible that so many cases are swept under the rug.”
She’s working on a smartphone app sharing her instructional self-defense videos that should debut on Google Play in coming months, and she wants to start a program for trainers.
“My dream is to have something on almost every campus in America,” said Nagpal, whose twin sister, Meera, also attends UC Berkeley. They’re not roommates, but live nearby.
Meera taught her sister’s self-defense students English the first time they spent the summer in India in 2013.
Nagpal doesn’t know if she’ll be able to make it back every summer, but she’s still raising funds to send supplies to the Indian schoolgirls through her nonprofit, For a Change, Defend.
“When anyone has to live their life in fear, whether a girl or guy,” she said, “it’s an impediment to education and empowerment.”
For more information about Nagpal’s nonprofit, visit www.forachangedefend.com.After 10 years of racing professional supercross and motocross—in which he was able to capture a 250SX East Region Championship and a 250MX National Championship, and several 450SX and MX race wins—Trey Canard is calling it a career. Canard said, "I’ve had many injuries throughout my career and have always done my best to heal and bounce back. However, I feel I am not able to push myself to the level I need to in order to be competitive at the highest level of racing. I am sad to say goodbye, but also extremely grateful and thankful for the last 10 years of my life."
In the end, Canard battled and beat some of the best in the sport such as Ryan Villopoto, James Stewart, Chad Reed, and Ryan Dungey, and will always be remembered for his amazingly aggressive style, lighthearted humor, and the smile he seemed to have glued to his face in the pits. You can read the complete press release from KTM below.
MURRIETA, Calif. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team rider Trey Canard announced today his retirement from professional racing after a decade of competing at the sport’s highest level.
At 26-years-old, Canard has accomplished many milestones throughout his racing career. The Oklahoma native had a successful amateur career before joining the professional ranks in 2007. From there, Canard went on to capture the 2008 AMA Supercross Lites East Championship and the 2010 AMA Motocross Lites Championship. Additionally, Canard captured a total of five overall wins in the 450 division and 11 wins in the 250 division. Canard also represented the U.S. Team at the Motocross des Nations in 2010 where he contributed to the team’s incredible championship-winning performance.
Canard: “I love racing and my passion for doing so has not changed, but there comes a time in every racer’s career where you come to the realization that although the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak, and I know in my heart it’s time to call it a day. I’ve had many injuries throughout my career and have always done my best to heal and bounce back. However, I feel I am not able to push myself to the level I need to in order to be competitive at the highest level of racing. I am sad to say goodbye but also extremely grateful and thankful for the last 10 years of my life. I never could have dreamed I'd do the things I’ve been able to do, to live out a childhood dream and meet and become close with so many wonderful fans and industry people.”
Canard added, “I'm extremely grateful to KTM for the opportunity to work alongside everyone at the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team this last year and I am happy to end my career with the full support of the team. I’ve raced for top manufacturers and teams throughout my career and I’m honored that they chose me to race for them at the highest level of racing and represent their brands. I can't say thank you enough to my family and close friends who have been with me since day one and I hope to see everyone at the races for many years to come. This will always be a community that I cherish and feel connected to on so many levels.”
Canard joined the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team in 2017, where he lined up for a total of six AMA Supercross Championship rounds and two Pro Motocross events.
Ian Harrison: “Trey is one of those riders who has always been great to have around. He’s such a nice guy and we have enjoyed his positivity and passion. Unfortunately things didn’t go the way we planned from both sides but we wish Trey nothing but the best, we know he will be successful in whatever he decides to do next.”
Canard is widely known as a fierce competitor on the racetrack and a positive role model to fans and competitors alike. While he battled a plague of injuries throughout his ten-year racing career, Canard never gave up on his quest to be at the top of the sport. Canard’s tenacity has provided inspiration to many and the entire racing community will continue to cherish his positive contributions to the sport.
KTM North America, Inc. and the entire Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team would like to thank Trey for his dedication to the sport and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavors.When Republican leaders seized control of the Senate, they quickly targeted must-pass appropriations bills — not shutdown showdowns — as their best tool for reining in the Obama White House.
Two months into the 114th Congress, they have run smack into the limits of that strategy.
The immigration fight that has stalemated the fiscal 2015 Homeland Security spending bill, leaving the department days away from a possible shutdown, makes clear the high hurdles that remain for getting bills to President Barack Obama's desk.
Even worse for Republicans, Senate Democrats found a strategy that has left the GOP feuding with itself over who needs to make the next move.
This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. Late last year, incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell explained his plan to CQ Roll Call in an interview.
“If you believe one of the biggest problems confronting the country is over-regulation by this administration, the single most effective way to begin to rein in the aggressive regulators, who in my view have done great damage to this economy, is in the bills that fund the regulators,” the Kentucky Republican said.
McConnell has encouraged GOP senators to use the 12 must-pass spending bills to impose limits on the president’s signature policies, from EPA greenhouse gas regulations to the Dodd-Frank financial regulatory overhaul, and his junior colleagues appear to be taking that message to heart.
"I say we put not dozens, not hundreds, but thousands of instructions to the president on how it should be spent," Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., told a local radio audience late last year.
But other Republicans on both sides of the Dome say GOP lawmakers need to temper their expectations given the threat of Democratic filibusters.
Quietly, they are trying to make the case to colleagues that there’s a sweet spot between attacking the Obama administration agenda and crafting legislation that can actually make it to the president.
"Part of our challenge right now as Republicans is to try to tamp down expectations,” said Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho, a senior GOP appropriator. “It's nice to have Republican chairmen of committees that we're working with to negotiate bills out and stuff, but the general public thinks we're in total control and can do anything now. The rules of the Senate don't allow that."
At a briefing with reporters early this month, Sen. Lisa Murkowski made much the same case.
“We are going to be working aggressively every step of the way to put together a bill that is responsive and is something that we can gain support for passage — not a messaging bill, but support for passage,” the Alaska Republican said of the perennially contentious Interior-Environment measure she’ll be in charge of crafting this year.
The current stalemate over the House-passed fiscal 2015 Homeland Security spending bill (HR 240) proves the point, demonstrating the Senate's minority of Democrats is willing and able to filibuster to keep particularly unwanted GOP policy restrictions from reaching the floor. Part of the reason Democrats have been able to unite so firmly is that the House bill went so far in trying to reverse several years of the administration’s immigration policies.
The standoff puts Senate Republicans in a particularly sticky position, given that McConnell, upon beginning his tenure as majority leader, said he would rule out government shutdowns.
Democratic Filibusters Democrats held together last week after a federal judge in Texas issued an injunction blocking the president’s most recent batch of immigration actions.
“It’s perfectly appropriate to take this issue to court, but it is completely unacceptable for Republicans to hold up funding for the Department of Homeland Security while the case wends its way through the legal system,” Sen. Charles E. Schumer said in a statement in response.
The New York Democrat has been saying that allowing the Senate to proceed to debate the bill would be akin to negotiating with a gun to the head, even as DHS funding is set to expire on Feb. 27.
Adam Jentleson, a spokesman for Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said McConnell should not try to take appropriations bills hostage.
"Senator McConnell's hostage-taking strategy does not jibe with his claim of a mandate for the Republican agenda," he said in an email on Feb. 20. "If Republicans truly believe they have a mandate, why not bring the policies they want to enact to the Senate floor and let them be debated on their own merits, in full view of the American people, instead of trying to jam them through on must-pass spending bills?"
Democrats could face considerably more blowback if they block debate on other spending bills when there’s no imminent deadline — or if the policy riders were crafted more subtly.
When in the majority, Democrats would regularly lambaste their GOP counterparts for blocking debate on bills by filibustering motions to proceed, particularly on issues that became politically charged.
“Because there are a handful of issues on which the Republicans cooperated, let's not come down to the floor and say everything is perfect and Republicans are not blocking us, when, in fact, they are blocking us,” Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Ill., said in 2012, a line that referred to a debate about student loan interest rates but was repeated nearly verbatim on numerous occasions.
But Democrats aren't strangers to filibustering spending bills to block riders; they successfully filibustered the fiscal 2006 Defense appropriations bill in December 2005 after then-Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, tucked language into the conference report that would open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling.
That led to a tense floor standoff between Stevens and fellow senior appropriator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., and Democrats ultimately prevailed.
New GOP Approach? It is unclear whether their experience with the Homeland Security bill will moderate the GOP’s approach to crafting fiscal 2016 spending bills, a move that would make it more difficult for Senate Democrats to justify a blockade.
Their best strategy might be to try drafting bills that are as conservative as possible while still attracting the six Democratic votes needed in the Senate to get to the president’s desk — if not the 67 in the Senate and 291 in the House needed for a veto-proof majority.
“I don’t think we compromise our point of view, but recognize the limitations that we have,” said Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., chairman of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee.
Simpson said a critical lesson coming out of the current standoff will be the need to educate newer members about what is to achieve through the appropriations process.
“We need to bring in these people, not to convince them that we’re right, but to help them understand how the process works and that the biggest compromise you’re ever going to see on any given bill is an appropriations bill,” he said.
House Appropriations Chairman Harold Rogers, R-Ky., kicked off an outreach project last spring to fold rank-and-file Republicans into the appropriations process early to avoid so-called poison-pill amendments on the floor that could ultimately jeopardize support for final passage, while also maintaining openness on the floor. That effort is expected to be replicated this year with fiscal 2016 bills.
“The reality is that at some point in time you’ve got to put on your big boy pants and say, ‘What’s possible and what can we do?'" Simpson said.
Lauren Gardner and Steven T. Dennis contributed to this report. The 114th: CQ Roll Call's Guide to the New Congress Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.GREENLEAF TOWNSHIP, MI -- Police executed a search warrant and removed 28 puppies and six adult female dogs from a home in Michigan's Thumb after investigating a complaint of possible animal neglect.
No charges have been filed related to the warrant that was executed Thursday, Nov. 5, on Huron east of Ivanhoe in Sanilac County's Greenleaf Township.
Warrant requests are being forwarded to the Sanilac County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, police said.
The investigation started Monday, Nov. 2, when detectives from the Sanilac County Sheriff's Department met with citizens concerned about possible animal neglect going on at a residence.
The sheriff's department and animal control officers, acting on the information and professional veterinary evaluation, executed a search warrant at the address on Thursday, police said.
The 34 dogs are being held at the Sanilac County Humane Society.
Police did not immediately provide details of the conditions the dogs were living in and the investigation continues.Today, filming begun on Series 7 of Doctor Who and already some details are coming in.
Shooting has been taking place inside a house on Church Road in Penarth (Amy and Rory’s street) with Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill both on location. Eagle onlookers have already caught pics of the pair, which can be seen below.
Actor and comedian and Mark Williams (pictured, right) has also been spotted on the set. Williams is probably best known as Arthur Weasley in the Harry Potter movies and for several roles in comedy The Fast Show. He has also recently done a stint on Being Human as vampire Regus.
There is some speculation that Williams could be playing Rory’s dad.
A few pics of Arthur Darvill, Karen Gillan follow.
UPDATE: The Almost Doctor also got a couple of great close-up pics with the Ponds.
Thanks to Ryan Farrell and Grace Jenkins.So-called survivor advocates often explain away contradictory claims by rape accusers by saying the trauma of rape interferes with their ability to tell a consistent narrative.
Sometimes, however, an accuser is simply inventing crimes – and only a thorough and time-consuming police investigation can determine that.
MLive reports that a 21-year-old student at Michigan’s Delta College has been charged with falsely reporting a felony, which carries up to four years in prison and a $2,000 fine.
Her claim that she was raped in a parking lot Feb. 22 at the college sparked a monthslong police investigation that uncovered evidence she had made rape claims set in multiple places, all seemingly invented to get her out of financial trouble.
Mary Zolkowski had detailed memories about certain features of her parking-lot rapist – he didn’t wear a condom and she only saw his hands – but she drew a blank on details that could have led police to a suspect, including the color or plates of the vehicle in which he escaped.
A coach whose team was practicing near the parking lot said they didn’t see anything, and a “parolee with sexual assault convictions” that was on campus at the time passed a polygraph test, MLive said.
Zolkowski refused a physical examination or visit from investigators to her house, and bore no bruising despite claiming “her neck and back were sore” from the alleged rape.
She falsely told public safety and Title IX officials she dropped her courses after the alleged rape, when she had actually dropped them before.
A month later, Zolkowski told investigators she was raped earlier in the day Feb. 22 because she was too intoxicated to consent, but she drove her alleged rapist to campus and didn’t want him prosecuted – seemingly confirming she invented the parking-lot rape.
That man said they didn’t go to campus and showed investigators texts from Zolkowski claiming she was “raped by a stranger at Walmart” after they parted ways – and also telling him not to cooperate with police:
The man went on to tell police Zolkowski had told him she was trying to get a refund from Delta.
It gets worse. Read the MLive story.
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IMAGE: ShutterstockAndre Heimgartner remains in the race to secure a seat at Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport but admits time is running out to put a deal together.
The New Zealander has been working to reach an agreement with the Melbourne-based operation, who is the only squad yet-to confirm its driver line-up for the new season.
Heimgartner joined LDM last year where he finished 25th in the championship standings following a part-season driving for Super Black Racing in 2015.
Facing an uncertain future in the main game, the 21-year-old has endured a challenging off-season but is continuing his push to remain on the grid this year.
The Auckland-born driver is hoping his 2017 plans will become clear in the next two weeks and is confident he is close to securing the backing required.
Teams will head to Sydney Motorsport Park for an official test on February 21 with the season set to begin on the Adelaide streets from March 2-5.
“There are certainly some options out there and things we can do but in Supercars there is only the drive left at Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport and we are trying our hardest to get that done,” Heimgartner told Speedcafe.com.
“It is a pretty challenging time.
“I think we are getting close and we are in the ball park of where we need to be (in regard to backing). We are not too far away. It is just a case of putting all the backing together.
“Unfortunately it is getting late and the window of opportunity is closing.”
Fully aware his Supercars future is far from certain, Heimgartner says he is considering moves into other categories outside of Australia’s premier series.
“There are always some options in other categories but once again it is getting late now,” he added.
“I hope to be racing something of some description whatever happens but hopefully we will be back in Supercars again.”
Virgin Australia Supercars 2017 Grid to date
Triple Eight
Shane van Gisbergen
Jamie Whincup
Craig Lowndes
Prodrive Racing Australia
Mark Winterbottom
Cam Waters
Chaz Mostert
Jason Bright
DJR Team Penske
Scott McLaughlin
Fabian Coulthard
Garry Rogers Motorsport
Garth Tander
James Moffat
Walkinshaw Racing
James Courtney
Scott Pye
Nissan Motorsport
Rick Kelly
Todd Kelly
Michael Caruso
Simona de Silvestro
Brad Jones Racing
Tim Slade
Nick Percat
Tim Blanchard
Tekno Autosports
Will Davison
Team 18
Lee Holdsworth
Erebus Motorsport
David Reynolds
Dale Wood
Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport
TBA
TBAEnjoy the gracious hospitality and delicious food of a classic bed and breakfast in beautiful Shepherdstown, WV.
Shepherdstown, in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, rests amid the beauty of the lower Shenandoah Valley and the Potomac River. This historic town is home to a vibrant community surrounded by attractions and activities to meet most any taste. The Thomas Shepherd Inn would be honored to assist you in exploring the riches of Shepherdstown and its surrounding areas.
[Read Details…]
After spending the night in cozy, tastefully decorated rooms, waken to the smell of freshly brewed, locally roasted coffee followed by a full breakfast that will have you ready to start your day. You may be tempted to spend your day snuggled in your feather-topped bed, reading in the library or relaxing on the upstairs porch but the adventure of Shepherdstown and beyond awaits. Walk down German Street for but a moment and you will be surrounded by unique shops, historic sites, theater, classic movies, music and excellent restaurants. Venture a bit further to explore America’s past at Antietam Battlefield or Harper’s Ferry. Plan a hike on the Appalachian Trail or take a bike ride on the C&O Canal Path, enjoy some water fun on the Potomac River or go on a tour of nearby vineyards. The choices are almost endless.
And at the end of the day you are called back to that airy back porch to rest and recall the events of the day and finally to that cozy and comforting bed and sleep.
INNKEEPER’S CORNER:
The nights are nippy and the days cool and breezy. The Holidays will soon be upon us. We would like to thank each and every guest we have been privileged to serve this year. Shepherdstown still has lots happening throughout the winter. As a thank you to our great guests and to make it a little easier to come and visit our town we are offering a week day Stay 2 and your Third Night is Free special rate November through March. To take advantage of this offer call us or book online from our website and enter the promotion code “BOGO3”. We are also offering a Winter Weekend special rate from now until the end of March. Stay Friday and Saturday night and Saturday is half off! Call us or book online from our website and enter the promotion code “WINTER”. See you soon!
Our own Thomas Shepherd Inn Gift Certificates can now be purchased on-line as well as by phone or in person. The perfect gift for any occasion!A Wolfeboro woman accused of animal cruelty says she treated her 75 European Great Danes like they were her own children, and deserves to have them returned to her.
In June, Wolfeboro Police seized the animals from the home of Christina Fay, eventually charging her with 12 counts of animal cruelty. Police allege the dogs were living in filthy conditions, with limited ventilation, and that some of the animals were underfed and lacking necessary medical care.
For the past three and a half months, the animals, which are considered evidence in the ongoing criminal case, have been under the care of the Humane Society.
During a hearing on Tuesday in Ossipee District Court, attorneys for Fay worked to paint a different picture of Fay. They described her dog breeding business as a labor of love.
“It was a lot of work. I miss it more than I can tell you,” said Fay.
Fay testified that she has training as a veterinarian technician and worked for the Bronx Zoo earlier in her career, and says she maintained a strict feeding, watering and exercise regimen for the dogs. Her lawyers argued that photos of her Wolfeboro mansion, which were released to the media by Wolfeboro Police, were intentionally framed to make the home’s condition look worse than it actually was.
“It was a large number, and not one went without excellent care, water, food, and being loved every day,” Fay told the courtroom.
Fay also accused the Humane Society of using the animals as fundraising ploys, including bringing puppies to a public event attended by Governor Chris Sununu.
Prosecutors countered that under state statute, authorities have the legal right to maintain possession of the animals in cruelty cases. They also questioned how Fay could successfully care for 75 animals during weekends, when Fay says she doesn’t have staff on hand to assist her.
The presiding judge didn’t immediately rule on the request. A trial on the cruelty charges is slated to begin later this month.The following is a statement from Edward Snowden provided to the American Civil Liberties Union, which is coordinating his legal advice and representation:
"I believed that if the NSA's unconstitutional mass surveillance of Americans was known, it would not survive the scrutiny of the courts, the Congress, and the people.
"The very first open and adversarial court to ever judge these programs has now declared them 'Orwellian' and 'likely unconstitutional.' In the USA FREEDOM Act, Congress is considering historic, albeit incomplete reforms. And President Obama has now confirmed that these mass surveillance programs, kept secret from the public and defended out of reflex rather than reason, are in fact unnecessary and should be ended.
"This is a turning point, and it marks the beginning of a new effort to reclaim our rights from the NSA and restore |
married Themetta Suggs, who stayed by his side despite some of his well-publicized indiscretions. Berry then started sitting in with local bands. By 1950, he had graduated to a six-string electric guitar and was making his own crude recordings on a reel to reel machine.
On New Year's Eve 1952 at The Cosmopolitan club in East St. Louis, Illinois, Johnson called Berry to fill in for an ailing saxophonist in his Sir John Trio.
"He gave me a break" and his first commercial gig, for $4, Berry later recalled. "I was excited. My best turned into a mess. I stole the group from Johnnie."
"If you had to give Rock 'n' Roll another name, you might call it Chuck Berry"
John Lennon (with Chuck Berry)
Mike Douglas TV Show, 1972 pic.twitter.com/ViJtLblEwt — John Lennon (@johnlennon) March 18, 2017
Influenced by bandleader Louis Jourdan, blues guitarist T-Bone Walker and jazz man Charlie Christian, but also hip to country music, novelty songs and the emerging teen audiences of the post-World War II era, Berry signed with Chicago's Chess Records in 1955. "Maybellene" reworked the country song "Ida Red" and rose into the top 10 of the national pop charts, a rare achievement for a black artist at that time. According to Berry, label owner Leonard Chess was taken by the novelty of a "hillbilly song sung by a black man," an inversion of Presley's covers of blues songs.
Several hits followed, including "Roll Over Beethoven," ''School Day" and "Sweet Little Sixteen." Among his other songs: "Too Much Monkey Business," ''Nadine," ''No Particular Place To Go," ''Almost Grown" and the racy novelty number "My Ding-A-Ling," which topped the charts in 1972.
Berry also appeared in a dozen movies, doing his distinctive bent-legged "duck-walk" in several teen exploitation flicks of the '50s. Richards organized the well-received 1987 documentary "Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll," a concert at St. Louis' Fox Theatre to celebrate Berry's 60th birthday. It featured Eric Clapton, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, who recalled being told by his own mother that Berry, not he, was the true king of rock 'n' roll.
Without this man, his songs & his guitar, rock 'n' roll would not be the same. Hail hail Chuck Berry. #Rockinpeace pic.twitter.com/6gd6HlkGAd — Michael Des Barres (@MDesbarres) March 18, 2017
Country, pop and rock artists have recorded Berry songs, including the Beatles ("Roll Over Beethoven"), Emmylou Harris ("You Never Can Tell"), Buck Owens ("Johnny B. Goode") and AC/DC ("School Days"). The Rolling Stones' first single was a cover of Berry's "Come On" and they went on to perform and record "Around and Around," ''Let it Rock" and others. Berry riffs pop up in countless songs, from the Stones' ravenous "Brown Sugar" to the Eagles' mellow country-rock ballad "Peaceful Easy Feeling."
Some stars covered him too well. The Beach Boys borrowed the melody of "Sweet Little Sixteen" for their surf anthem "Surfin' U.S.A." without initially crediting Berry. The Beatles' "Come Together," written by John Lennon, was close enough to Berry's "You Can't Catch Me" to inspire a lawsuit by music publisher Morris Levy. In an out of court settlement, Lennon agreed to record "You Can't Catch Me" for his 1975 "Rock n' Roll" album.
Berry himself was accused of theft. In 2000, Johnson sued Berry over royalties and credit he believed he was due for the songs they composed together over more than 20 years of collaboration. The lawsuit was dismissed two years later, but Richards was among those who believed Johnson had been cheated, writing in his memoir "Life" that Johnson set up the arrangements for Berry and was so essential to the music that many of Berry's songs were recorded in keys more suited for the piano.
Openly money-minded, Berry was an entrepreneur with a St. Louis nightclub and, in a small town west of there, property he dubbed Berry Park, which included a home, guitar-shaped swimming pool, restaurant, cottages and concert venue. He declined to have a regular band and instead used local musicians, willing to work cheap. Springsteen was among those who had an early gig backing Berry.
Burned by an industry that demanded a share of his songwriting credits, Berry was deeply suspicious of even his admirers, as anybody could tell from watching him give Richards the business in "Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll." For the movie's concerts, he confounded Richards by playing songs in different keys and tempos than they had been in rehearsal. Richards would recall turning to his fellow musicians and shrugging, "Wing it, boys."
Sad to hear about the passing of the legend #ChuckBerry. He influenced The Beatles, Stones & Beach Boys to name a few. Bless his family. RIP — Carson Daly (@CarsonDaly) March 18, 2017
His career nearly ended decades earlier, when he was indicted for violating the Mann Act, which barred transportation of a minor across state lines for "immoral purposes." An all-white jury found him guilty in 1960, but the charges were vacated after the judge made racist comments. A trial in 1961 led to his serving 1 1/2 years of a three-year term. Berry continued to record after getting out, and his legacy was duly honored by the Beatles and the Stones, but his hit-making days were essentially over.
"Down from stardom/then I fell/to this lowly prison cell," Berry wrote as his jail time began.
Tax charges came in 1979, and another three-year prison sentence, all but 120 days of which was suspended. Some former female employees later sued him for allegedly videotaping them in the bathroom of his restaurant. The cases were settled in 1994, after Berry paid $1.3 million.
"Every 15 years, in fact, it seems I make a big mistake," Berry acknowledged in his memoir.
Still, echoing the lyrics of "Back in the U.S.A.," he said: "There's no other place I would rather live, including Africa, than America. I believe in the system."
Berry announced on his 90th birthday in late 2016 that he would soon be releasing his first new album in 38 years. The album “Chuck” is set to contain new songs performed by Berry’s longtime backing group, including his kids Charles Berry, Jr. and Ingrid Berry. Its release date had not yet been announced at the time of his death.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.One of the hallmarks of DC’s long-running Hellblazer comics was the trope that whatever gets close to protagonist John Constantine tends to come to a dismal end, whether those are friends, lovers, or NBC shows bearing his name. This is partly because Constantine is not really a good guy. Sure, he (largely) fights for good, but rarely at the expense of self-preservation. At his core, Hellblazer’s John Constantine was a complicated, bisexual, chain-smoking magic addict–qualities that double as strong reasons why that version of the character would never make it to network television undiluted.
Luckily for fans of Hellblazer’s “magnificent bastard” Constantine, there’s John Constantine: Hellblazer - The Soul Play, a short fan film “made for a fraction of the cost of a single FX shot of the Constantine TV show” by Waking Dream Studios in Mansfield, England. Structured like a classic Hellblazer one-shot, it sees Constantine gambling with his soul and the souls of his friends in the company of a group of low-level demons. It’s a low-budget affair and the acting is stilted in spots, but it screams “labor of love,” and more importantly, captures the essence of the classic comics in a way the show seems incapable of replicating. Forewarning: The language is very not safe for work.
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[via io9]By SentinelOne -
In 2016, there were over 4,000 ransomware attacks every day. This was a 300% increase over 2015, when there were 1,000 attacks every day, and it’s likely to get worse in 2017.
In the first quarter of 2016, cyber criminals used ransomware to steal $209 million from US businesses with an expected $1B for the entire year. Crypto ransomware has grown in popularity since it started with Cryptolocker in 2013, and we can expect to see more clever ransomware as cyber criminals try to make money in 2017.
Ransomware: No Skills Required
When ransomware first came out, it required some skill in order to create an attack. Now, with the growth of ransomware as a service (RaaS), it has become a business model that makes it easy for cyber criminals to attack without requiring technical knowledge of how to create ransomware.
To launch an attack on a group of victims, the cyber thief simply needs a credit card and a mailing list of targets that they want to attack. The user-friendly service allows criminals to download a ransomware tool for a small fee, set the ransom, and enter a deadline for the payment. For every victim that pays a ransom, the service provider gets a cut and the rest goes to the attacker. Some of the RaaS companies even provide training and support.
Ransomware Gets More Personal
“Ransomware is unique among cybercrime because in order for the attack to be successful, it requires the victim to become a willing accomplice after the fact.” – James Scott, Sr. Fellow, Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology
In the past, many ransomware attacks were blasted to huge lists in hopes that someone would open the email. You can expect more targeted, personalized attacks in 2017. With newer versions of ransomware, once it identifies whether it is attacking a business or personal machine, it will adapt its ransom demands to match the victim.
For example, it may choose different types of files to encrypt based upon whether it is a personal or business machine. In addition to encrypting these files, it may post your confidential data to social media or a file space if you don’t pay the ransom.
Ransomworm: Ransomware That Spreads Across Your Network
In 2017, it’s likely to get worse as more ransomware is augmented with code from traditional network worms like SQL Slammer, CodeRed, and Conficker to create new ransomware that is able to spread across a network. This will effectively increase the amount of damage that can be done with ransomware.
Using this method, after infecting one computer, the malware will be able to spread to additional computers on the network. It will allow an initial machine to become infected, have a ransom paid, and then wait on other machines undetected until it is ready to attack again. This means you may end up paying ransoms multiple times to the same criminals.
Ransomworms that can infect multiple machines on a network already exist. A good example is ZCryptor. This malware does not require an email in order to infect machines. It takes advantage of attack vectors that were created by other malware and then self propagates to the network from the compromised machine.
SamSam is another example. It is spread via unpatched vulnerabilities on servers, allowing it to infect a machine and then go undetected, causing more damage on their internal network.
Preventing A Ransomware Attack
“Ransomware is more about manipulating vulnerabilities in human psychology than the adversary’s technological sophistication.” – James Scott
Becoming a victim of a ransomware attack can be time-consuming, costly, and damaging to a company’s reputation. Here are some tips to thwart the next ransomware attack:
Educate your users: According to a Verizon 2015 Breach Investigation Report, 11% of users will open an attachment from someone they don’t know. Infections are often caused by end-users. They open an infected attachment, or click on a link that takes them to an infected site.
Offer security awareness training for your end users. If they receive an unsolicited or unexpected email with an attachment from the sender, have them call the sender to verify they sent it. If they receive an email with a link they were not expecting, they should never click on it.
Backup your data: There will never be a 100% guarantee that malware like ransomworm will not successfully infiltrate your network. Backing up your data and keeping it off site and disconnected from your network is the safest way to ensure you can recover after a ransomware attack. Consider using a service like Amazon Glacier Cloud Storage for off-site backups.
Keep your software patches up-to-date: Once your users are trained to avoid opening email attachments or clicking on links, exploiting software flaws is another common way for malware to spread over your network. Keeping your software patches up to date will help prevent the spread of ransomworms that exploit a network or software flaws.
Enforce the principle of least privilege: The principle of least privilege gives programs and users access to the programs they need, but no more. Combining least privilege management with application controls can allow you to revoke local administrator rights on workstations in many cases. This will minimize the spread of unwanted software.
Use endpoint security software: Some people assume that if they keep security and software patches up-to-date and enforce least privilege, they will have things adequately locked down. This is not the case.
Don’t think you have to worry about security because of your company’s size? After all, only large companies are in the news saying they’ve been breached, right? Don’t fall victim to this fallacy.
In the case of the Target breach, it was a small HVAC contractor that opened the email that allowed them to get hacked. Companies of all sizes need to have endpoint security like SentinelOne regardless of their size.
Keeping New Malware Threats At Bay
Expect several new malware threats in 2017 as cyber thieves try to increase their revenues by improving ransomware. Following these tips will help reduce the risk for your business and check out this guide to protecting virtualized environments and cloud infrastructure to minimize damage from cyber threats.
Is your business ready for the next new malware threat?The GOP cannot let go of the Planned Parenthood issue. It has now established its fifth committee to investigate the organization.
As AllGov.com reports:
House Republicans on Wednesday created a special committee whose job will be to take over the investigation. They say the new panel, an Energy and Commerce subcommittee, will replace the work of the other four. Congressional Republicans have searched futilely for evidence that Planned Parenthood is illegally selling fetal tissue ever since an anti-abortion group started releasing deceptively edited videos purporting to show that.
Some members of Congress are highly critical of the continuing pressure on Planned Parenthood.
“We know that fetal tissue procurement … provides life-saving research for diseases like Parkinson’s, ALS and others,” said Representative Gwen Moore (D-Wisconsin). “No, Mr. Speaker, you are not trying to find the facts. This is just another pathway to deny a woman a right to a safe and legal abortion.”
Even Republicans have trouble explaining why the new committee is needed and what good the other four committees have done.
“Did we find any wrongdoing? The answer was no,” said Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah). “Did I look at the finances and have a hearing specifically as to how they spend? Yes. Was there any wrongdoing? I didn’t find any.”
For more on this, read the article from AllGov.com titled: “Move over Benghazi – Planned Parenthood Now Has 5 Committees Investigating It in Congress.“In August this year I was fortunate enough to land a three-month contract working with the awesome people at Rapid7. The job: make Meterpreter more awesome on Windows. That’s right more awesome than it already is. Tough gig, but what an amazing opportunity!
Those three months have already come and gone, and what a ride it has been. In this post I would like to detail some of the work that has gone into Meterpreter, and Metasploit too, with a goal of helping others understand what it does and how it works. Ultimately, I’d love to start seeing some contributions from the community now that it’s substantially easier to build.
So, in a semi-chronological-semi-ad-hoc order, here’s how Meterpreter has evolved.
TL;DR
This post is long. So if you’re keen to see a nice summary, you should go and read the wicked post over at Security Street which gives a great summary of what’s in this post. Thanks to the rather classy Tod Beardsley for serving this baby up!
A Whole New Build Environment
Getting contributions from the Open Source community can be tricky enough, even when your build is clean and your development environment is very easy to get up and running. In the case of Meterpreter, neither of these things were true and hence anyone looking to contribute had to first negotiate the gauntlet of getting a functioning build environment configured.
My first task was to fix these problems. The immediate goal was to update the source so that it could be built with Visual C++ Express edition. The Express editions of Microsoft’s tools are free to download and use, and hence it would enable those who don’t have a paid version of Visual Studio to build Meterpreter.
With that I embarked on the relatively simple job of updating projects, solutions and some areas of the source code. When I started this work, Visual Studio 2012 was the current version and hence that was the target to support. One of my first pull requests to the Meterpreter repository was this upgrade, and thankfully it was very well received.
Then in typical fashion, just a couple of weeks after this work, Microsoft decides to release Visual Studio 2013! At first I didn’t consider going through the upgrade process, but soon after I thought it best that the effort was made to bring our toolset up to the bleeding edge and the rest of the team agreed. So no long after, a new pull request was submitted that brought things up to the latest and greatest.
Clean Command Line Builds
When I first tackled the Meterpreter build I saw two things that were just a little off-putting:
There was one component, ext_server_sniffer, which wouldn’t build out of the box because of a missing dependency. This dependency, the packet sniffer SDK, is one that’s available to Rapid7 employees only, due to licensing restrictions on the code. With this dependency missing, the build would finish with errors. There were lots of warnings generated by the C++ compiler even when the build succeeded without errors. This was particularly bad in the case of the 64-bit build, for obvious reasons. There was no way of building everything from the command line; it had to be built from within Visual Studio. This meant that having the build run under the context of something like Jenkins wasn’t possible.
I wanted to see these things go away so that all future contributors would see 0 errors and 0 warnings when the build completed. Needless to say, removing all the warnings wasn’t a task that could be done overnight, but the error was definitely one that could be done.
I decided to solve the problem of the missing component by having different configurations baked into the projects. Meterpreter’s solution contains the usual Release and Debug configurations that everyone is used to. It now also contains two new configurations called r7_released and r7_debug. The former two build all the projects except for the ext_server_sniffer extension, while the latter two include it. Anyone who works for Rapid7, that has access to the proprietary packet sniffer SDK, would be able to use the configurations prefixed with r7_. All other contributors would be able to use the configurations they’re used to using. This does come with a little bit of confusion for the developer as they need to build with the correct configuration, but this is a small issue that can (and has) been fixed with documentation.
On the plus side, the command line build script is in the fortunate position of being able to detect the presence of the dependencies and choose which configuration to run. This means that it never results in an error.
So after a few weeks and lots of commits, I took the plunge and finalised the last of the issues with warnings, passed on a pull request which the legendary Juan landed, resulting in this …
Clean builds make for a happy OJ. And with that locked in, it was decided by the team that “Treat warnings as errors” would be turned on for each of the projetcs so that any future warnings would result in failed builds. This now helps us keep the build clean.
With all this in place, we’re also able to constantly run CI builds for Meterpreter when commits are made to master and when pull requests come in. This is really helping us keep things clean and gives us much quicker feedback on what might be wrong with the source base.
Bug Fixes
There are a few worthy mentions from the bug fix department that I’d like to share with you.
64-bit Pointer Truncation
In some scenarios, on a 64-bit version of Windows, migration of Meterpreter would sometimes result in the session terminating unexpectedly. This rather intimidating bug was the first I attempted to fix when I joined the project, and I documented the analysis and resolution in a previous blog post, so if you’re interested in the detail please have a read of that article. If you’re too lazy, the TL;DR version is that 64-bit pointers were being truncated to 32-bit as a result of a bad function pointer type declaration. This wasn’t an issue until recently because it appears that new versions of ASLR have just started allocating above the 4GB boundary.
Crashy Meterpreter with MS08-067
Penetration testers all around the world have fallen in love with MS08-067, and rightly so. It has proved to be a very reliable exploit and has served the industry well. So imagine the dismay that some testers experienced when using the Meterpreter payload with this exploit on Windows XP (without any service packs) and seeing their session crash on startup. Horrible. The reason for this was due to Meterpreter attempting to enumerate NICs on the target box when first setting itself up. In Windows XP SP1 and onwards, certain parts of the Windows API had changed to allow for easier gathering of certain bits of information. Prior to this, it wasn’t so easy. Bear in mind that Meterpreter doesn’t really know anything about the system that it’s running on so it attempts to figure it out as it goes. In this particular case it failed to properly detect the host operating system’s capabilities and attempted to read invalid areas of memory. After much investigation, and a great deal of help from Juan (again, who is legendary, I’m not sure if I mentioned that), we landed a fix for the problem, and there was much rejoicing.
Multi-call Railgun failures
The glory of Railgun was slightly tarnished by a not-so-stable multi-call function which was causing crashes in Meterpreter sessions. A slight tweak of the code on both the Meterpreter side and the Metasploit side resulted in this problem going away and allowing other modules to make better use of Railgun through a lower number of calls. Less chatty comms can only be a good thing.
Sniffer Extension Fixes
The ext_server_sniffer extension suffered from a bit of 64-bit hate. It had on a number of occasions crashed sessions under 64-bit and failed to run completely on newer versions of Windows. Some rework of the packet sniffer SDK, along with rebuilding binaries using the new toolchain, resulted in both of these problems disappearing.
Deadly Webcam Snapshots
A much-loved feature of Meterpreter is it’s ability to take a snapshots from an attached webcam and download them to the attacker’s machine. This nifty feature could sometimes result in crashy sessions, and nobody likes crashy sessions.
The reason this was happening was because of the way that webcam capture was implemented combined with the mechanism that Meterpreter uses to manage command execution. Each command that is executed in the context of Meterpreter is run on a separate thread. There are a few reasons for this which we won’t go into now, but bear this mind while we dive into the webcam snapshot implementation.
Webcam interaction is controlled using three functions:
Starting the webcam using stdapi.webcam.webcam_start. Capturing a frame from the webcam using stdapi.webcam.webcam_get_frame. Stopping the webcam using stdapi.webcam.webcam_stop.
When the camera is “started”, Meterpreter fires up COM and uses a set of interfaces to manage camera initialisation and interaction. When the camera is stopped, these interface instances are destroyed and COM is shut down. The problem here is that COM needs to be initialised and shutdown on the same thread, and given that each command is executed on separate threads, COM got upset and sometimes died. The problem wasn’t consistent, in that it worked on quite a few platforms and cameras, but not on others. I was only able to reproduce the problem with one camera on Vista x86.
The solution was simple: we now have a separate thread of execution that we use to do all the webcam-related work on. Since this fix has been put in place we haven’t seen any more webcam-related crashes on Windows!
Meterpreter not Shutting Down
When Meterpreter is launched from an executable generated using msfpayload, the exit command would fail to actually terminate the process. This is obviously a bad thing as far as forensics goes, as leaving running processes behind leaves evidence of exploitation.
This bug has been half fixed. That is, the reverse_tcp and bind_tcp payloads now exit cleanly, but the reverse_http and reverse_https payloads still need work (we will get them fixed though). Lots of work had to go into finding a cleaner shutdown process from within Meterpreter, and that is covered in the “Engine Room Improvements” section of this post. The rest falls under the category of “how do we fix the payloads”, which will have to come in a later post once we’ve solved the issue.
Unstable Channels
You might not know this, but every time you type shell into a Meterpreter prompt, you’re opening a channel. When you download a file, you open a channel. Almost everything you do when you interact with Meterpreter results in a channel being opened. In some cases, such as when using shell, the channel persists for an extended period of time. Pressing CTRL+Z allows you to put such a channel into the background so that you can continue working with other Meterpreter features, after which you can bring the channel back into the foreground using the channels command.
Well, that’s how it was supposed to work, but this was broken on both Windows and POSIX builds of Metepreter. The work required to fix this was quite in-depth, and hence is covered in the “Engine Room Improvements” section of this post.
Engine Room Improvements
Changes have come through in many forms from cosmetic to major heart surgery. This section covers some of the more gory details from the latter of these two categories.
Improved Security
The last thing that we’d like to have happen to a Meterpreter use is for them to be owned by the victim during an attack. While this might be rather implausible, we decided to run through the source and make a point of addressing any potentially risky function calls. Prime candidates for refactoring include functions such as strcpy, the Honey Badger of the C standard library. We cleaned up a great deal of those in a single pull request and on the whole Meterpreter became much more trustworthy.
Command Dispatcher Surgery
The notion of a “command” won’t be new to anyone who has used Meterpreter before. Simply, a command is the context of a single instance of execution. It can wrap up a simple request/response call, such as getpid, which allows for execution of commands on the victim’s machine. No rocket science there.
However, the implementation of the command mechanism had one limitation that forced a couple of issues to bubble to the surface:
Every single command invoked in Meterpreter is executed on a separate thread. For the most part this is OK, and is what you want to have happen behind the scenes so that the main dispatcher thread doesn’t block while waiting for potentially long-running commands to execute. However, there are times when the main dispatcher thread should be used instead. There was no clean way to tell the main dispatcher thread to stop processing commands, and so shutting down cleanly wasn’t as simple job. Instead it required signalling of events across threads which caused some interesting bugs to appear, particularly in POSIX.
Instead of attempting to debug the problems that we were seeing, I decided to get the scalpel out and rework the command handling so that there were two modes of operation instead of just the one. At first I thought this change would be quick, but I soon realised there was a bit more to it.
The first thing I needed to do was to come up with a way of allowing individual commants to indicate whether they were to be executed on separate threads or not. At first I thought it’d be useful to allow the attacker to tell Meterpreter on the fly, but I follow through with this idea because there’s no only room for abuse, but the attacker isn’t always the best judge of what should happen and on what thread it should happen on.
Commands already have two pointers to functions which perform the handling of requests and responses. These pointers of a type called DISPATCH_ROUTINE which is declared as follows:
``` cpp Definition of DISPATCH_ROUTINE https://github.com/rapid7/meterpreter/blob/master/source/common/base.h#L12 typedef DWORD (*DISPATCH_ROUTINE)(Remote *remote, Packet *packet);
At first I felt that this would be easy to reuse for inline processing. However, after some thought, I went instead with the idea of an `INLINE_DISPATCH_ROUTINE` which has the following prototype: ``` cpp Definition of INLINE_DISPATCH_ROUTINE https://github.com/rapid7/meterpreter/blob/master/source/common/base.h#L13 typedef BOOL (*INLINE_DISPATCH_ROUTINE)(Remote *remote, Packet *packet, DWORD* result);
The reasons I decided to do this are:
It provides a definitive semantic separation of intent between something that’s inline and something that is not. I wanted the prototype to be reflective of the difference in meaning to the caller. The inline dispatch routine needed to have a way of indicating to the calling thread that processing should cease or continue.
The return value of the INLINE_DISPATCH_ROUTINE is a simple BOOL which says “continue processing” in the case of TRUE and “stop processing” in the case of FALSE. This simple return value makes it easy for the main dispatcher thread to check to see if a particular command has requested termination, as you can see from the updated body of the command dispatcher thread. Having this in place meant that none of the commands required references to the server’s state in order to have it terminated via a signal, and this itself preventing POSIX from segfaulting when exiting the process.
Of course, this change wasn’t something that could be added in easily due to the nature of Command declarations. Instead of making a point of changing each and every command so that it catered for this new INLINE_DISPATCH_ROUTINE, I thought it best to take a semi-MFC-style approach and produce some macros which better indicate the intent of commands when they are declared. This was made more important by the fact that each command was getting another member, and hence the declaration of each would have to change.
Full details of these macros can be found in the source code, but to demonstrate the difference these make take a look at the difference between this:
``` cpp Old command declarations Command custom_commands[] = { { “core_loadlib”, { request_core_loadlib, { 0 }, 0 }, { EMPTY_DISPATCH_HANDLER }, },
// Terminator { NULL, { EMPTY_DISPATCH_HANDLER }, { EMPTY_DISPATCH_HANDLER }, },
};
and this: ``` cpp New command declarations Command customCommands[] = { COMMAND_REQ("core_loadlib", request_core_loadlib), COMMAND_TERMINATOR };
I hope you agree this does a better job of indicating intent and it also makes it harder to make mistakes, and it also hides the detail of implementation.
With these changes in place, I was then able to change the two main shutdown functions so that they use this new functionality. The two commands that close Meterpreter sessions down are exit and migrate, so those were both changed:
``` cpp Inline Request Declaration https://github.com/rapid7/meterpreter/blob/master/source/common/base.c#L75 Command base_commands[] = { // … snip … // Migration COMMAND_INLINE_REQ(“core_migrate”, remote_request_core_migrate), // Shutdown COMMAND_INLINE_REQ(“core_shutdown”, remote_request_core_shutdown), // … snip … };
At this point Meterpreter shutdowns were more deterministic... at least for `reverse_tcp` payloads! If you're interested in taking a look at the guts of the rework you can see it in [this pull request][command_dispatch_pr]. ### Channel Surgery The core communication mechanism used by the internals of Meterpreter are called _channels_. A channel is a bit of an abstract concept, but effectively it's hard to do anything with Meterpreter without using one. If you execute a command from MSF to Meterpreter running on a victim's machine, you're using channels. As you can imagine, the thought of mucking with this beauties strikes fear into any sane person. It should, however, be obvious that I lost all my sanity thanks to years of enterprise software development, and so the thought of tweaking the innards of channels didn't faze me at all. A bug had been submitted to Redmine which indicated that in both Windows and POSIX Meterpreter was suffering from issues where channels were behaving incorrectly in various scenarios, including when put in the background. For the uninitiated, you can execute the `shell` command from within Meterpreter and end up with a native system shell; `/bin/bash` for POSIX and `cmd.exe` for Windows. You are then able to press `CTRL+Z` and MSF asks if you wish to background the channel, effectively putting it on ice while you do other things with Meterpreter (via other channels, HA!). To bring this channel back into the foreground, the `channels` command can be used with the `-i` switch. Another issue with this was that the processes running behind the backgrounded channels were left hanging, even when Meterpreter was closed. This obviously doesn't look good forensically. At least, that's how it was supposed to happen. But the fact of the matter was that backgrounded channels were broken. Bringing them back into the foreground never worked. Best case, the channel would close, and you'd end up back at the Meterpreter shell. Worst case, the entire Meterpreter session would crash, which was what happened most of the time on POSIX. This was the issue that I was aiming to fix when I first started, and it turned out there were a few fundamental things that had to change to support it. To understand the problem, we need to take a look at the `scheduler` (cue the scary music). The `scheduler` is a bit of code that is responsible for managing the lifetime of channels (and a few other things) and for some reason the implementation for Windows was very different to POSIX, which to a point explained the differences we were seeing when testing. For this discussion, we'll stick to Windows and to the interactive channels which are responsible for dealing with shells. When an interactive channel is created that is tied to a background shell process a bunch of things happen: 1. A process is created which contains the shell, in this case `cmd.exe`. 1. Handles to `stdin` and `stdout` are acquired and stored alongside the channel. 1. A thread is created and the work for that channel is tied to the thread. 1. The scheduler is handed the detail of the channel so that the lifetime of the channel can be managed. A noteworthy exclusion to the captured metadata is the handle to the process being managed. As soon as the thread made it to the scheduler, the reference to the newly-created process was lost. At this point Meterpreter had no chance of correctly terminating processes automatically because it had no idea of which process to close. It might be able to be inferred in some cases, but it was impossible to infer in the general case. The first thing I did was fix this small issue so that at any time, Meterpreter knew which process was being managed by which thread and which channel. This made it possible to close down any associated process at the correct time, such as Meterpreter shutting down or when the user terminates a channel via the `channels -c` command. I then looked deeper into the scheduler's code and found that the management thread wasn't behaving as expected. Here's a summary of what it was doing: 1. Extracting references to channel handles (which in our case would be the read handle for `stdout` and the thread's `sigterm` handle for when an external entity wanted to signal the closing of the channel). 1. Waiting on each of those handles until a system event indicated that one of them has had some activity. Think [WaitForMultipleObjects][] in the Win32 API. 1. When an event signal is received, the code would handle it, and either exit the loop if told to do so, or read data from the process's `stdout`. 1. Rinse and repeat until close. 1. On close, clean up all the thread context, the channel context, etc. In case it's not clear, there was something missing from this: there was no way to _suspend_ the channel. When was happening when a channel was put in the background was that the loop was exited, and all the context was destroyed/closed. At this point it was not possible to bring it back. To fix this problem, I changed a bunch of things: * Channel's had more _stuff_ added to their context: * An event handle for _suspension_ requests. * An event handle for _resumption_ requests. * The scheduler thread loop waited on the suspension object as well as the original two. * When channels were backgrounded, the calling code signalled the _suspenction_ event and continued on it's merry way. The scheduler would simply block and wait on the _resumption_ event **only**. No channel context is destroyed at this point like it was before. * When the channel is to be brought into the foreground, the caller signals the _resumption_ event and carries on as it did before. The scheduler receives this signal and then continues to wait, process and loop like it did before. * If a channel is terminated while suspended, the caller signals resumption prior to termination, so this means that the channel's scheduler thread doesn't hang. * When a channel is terminated, the process that is associated with the channel is also terminated. Once this work was done, I completely removed the old POSIX implementation and replaced it with this new one. It wasn't a smooth transition as I |
popular release but garnered much critical acclaim.
Bonus link at the end of the interview.
Name?
Jesse Venbrux.
Age?
24.
Current location?
Sydney, Australia.
Where were you born and where else have you lived?
I’m from the Netherlands and used to live in Kyoto, Japan.
Development tool(s) of choice?
What do you do?
Nothing at the moment! I’m enjoying my free time and getting back into independent development (currently iOS games). I want to try some different work as well, unrelated to games.
Tell me about how you become interested in and got involved with game development?
As a kid I enjoyed making my own stories, comics, board games and more. Interest in game development came through games with editors such as Rayman and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (and likely others that I can’t remember). Big inspirations were Mario, Sonic and some obscure PC games such as “Supaplex”.
What are your goals and aspirations as a game developer?
I hope to provide people with experiences that are different enough to make them feel like they experienced something worthwhile.
What inspires you or keeps you motivated enough to keep making games?
It used to be the reactions from online communities and seeing how a game got popular that motivated me. I wanted to make the best games. Right now, I’m not so sure.. maybe not having any money (soon) will motivate me.
You’ve gone from developing popular freeware games to working at Q-Games, which you recently quit. Why the decision to quit?
One reason is my girlfriend, who moved to Australia to study. In general, I wasn’t enjoying the work much (a lot of programming). I figured that doing something like a working holiday (which I’m doing now) would be something that I won’t be able to do anymore once I get older. I hope to try some different kinds of work and get some more life experience. I can not currently say for sure whether I want to do the work I did for the rest of my life.
Karoshi has been your most enduring and popular set of videogames to date. What elements of Karoshi do you think made the series so popular?
The Karoshi games have a simple goal that is different and counter-intuitive: you must find a way to die. I think the games provide a lot of fresh puzzles that are often different from the last puzzle, instead of relying on a defined set of mechanics and spreading them out over the course of the game.
Is there still any life left within the Karoshi concept or are you done with it?
I think there is life left but I’m also a little done with it. I never really made use of the iPhone’s unique capabilities, so I have some ideas left that I could use. For example, you could solve a level by shaking the device and making some TNT explode, or by touching the screen in a certain spot until it cracks (visually) or holding it upside down so that the guy falls from the floor onto the ceiling (which is full of spikes). Or there’s an object hanging from the ceiling and you have to swipe to cut-the-rope so it falls and crushes the guy.
Which parts of the development process do you find the most rewarding?
I enjoy it when I get something to work and it works as intended and thus “feels good”. I enjoy seeing a product develop and change, and I enjoy receiving feedback from players.
And the most tedious?
Programming maths and physics when I need to create complex systems. However it can also be very rewarding once it actually works.
Has working at a professional videogame company been beneficial to your growth as a developer - what did you learn from your time there?
I learned about company culture and gained experience working in such a setting. I worked together with programmers and artists, and my boss, and I think it has been a valuable experience in several ways. More concretely, I learned a lot of ActionScript 3.0 and a little bit about the social network gaming landscape.
Having learnt ActionScript, have you thought about dipping your toes into Flixel or FlashPunk?
I have tried FlashPunk before, when I didn’t know as much about ActionScript. If I make another Flash game, I will most likely use it.
What sorts of things give you ideas for game concepts - so you have any unusual examples?
My inspiration comes from the happenings in my personal life and just small stuff that I notice at times. It also comes from previous games that I’ve made or unfinished ideas, and other games. My grandfather had a big ship, which he transferred stuff like sand and grains with, over the rivers in the Netherlands. My mother was born on it and it was their home for years. I remember controlling the ship with a big steering wheel. It was fun, because you had to anticipate and guess how much force you needed to apply. You would go back and forth between turning left and right to keep the ship going in the correct direction, until you got a feel for it. I’ve been trying to recreate this experience on the iPad with a touchable steering wheel and a top down view of the ship. I like the feeling of mastering the indirect control.
No more PC releases planned?
At the moment I’m prototyping on iPhone and iPad. I really like them as you can play anywhere and easily play with together with others. I’ll probably do PC releases again some time in the future.
Now that you want to get back into independent development, which direction are you looking to take your work?
I have gotten a lot of ideas over the last year. I’ve prototyped some of them, and several could be turned into neat little games. However, I’m starting to figure out that none of them hold my interest! I could probably make them into something if I had to, but somehow that’s not how it works. I’m working on something new and different in the past week and I hope it fulfills my vision for it.
I want to make something that makes you laugh, feel stimulated, or just feel good. I also have ideas for board games (like iPad apps that are to be played together). For the most part, I’m as yet unsure about the direction I want to take my work in but it’ll probably take one by itself.
Bonus Page: prototype pictures.Issa premiere date! Issa Rae took to Twitter to answer some burning questions about Insecure’s second season. But the only burning question that really matters is, when will the second season air?
Mark your calendars for July 23, 2017, because Issa and friends are heading back to HBO.
Just a week ago, it was announced that Amanda Seales (formerly known as Amanda Diva) will become a series regular for the second season, so there’s no telling what’s going to happen this summer on the show.
Last season ended with Issa curled up on her “bouch” contemplating her relationship with Lawrence (Jay Ellis), so hopefully the start of the second season will include some closure.
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A trailer for the second season hasn’t been released yet, but when it is, we’ll be sure to post it.Jupiter has been whacked again. An amateur astronomer in Australia peering at the giant gas planet Thursday reported witnessing a bright flash from an object hitting the Jovian surface and apparently burning up in the atmosphere.
Anthony Wesley, a computer programmer with a good reputation among professional astronomers, reported the cosmic collision to professional and amateur sky-gazers. The discovery was later confirmed by another amateur astronomer in the Philippines.
"When I saw the flash, I couldn't believe it," said Wesley. "The fireball lasted about two seconds and was very bright."
Wesley gained fame last year when he spotted a scar the size of the Pacific Ocean near Jupiter's south pole, believed to have been caused by an asteroid smacking into the planet. Using an infrared telescope on Hawaii, NASA scientists found evidence that Jupiter was apparently struck near its south pole.
The latest hit near the equator has not left any visible mark so far, but astronomers are on the lookout.
The absence of a detectable gash and the short impact time have led scientists to believe Jupiter was likely struck by a meteor.
"We've never seen a meteor slam into Jupiter," said Glenn Orton of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The latest collision should give astronomers a better idea of the size of debris floating in the outer solar system. In 1994, Jupiter was bombarded by pieces of the comet Shoemaker-Levy 9.Donald Trump has one policy toward Russia. His vice-presidential nominee, Mike Pence, seems to have another.
At least, that was the case during Tuesday’s vice-presidential debate.
While Trump has repeatedly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin—and, at times, pushed a foreign-policy agenda that sounds like it came straight out of the Kremlin—during Tuesday’s vice-presidential debate, Pence refused to adopt Trump’s embrace of Putin. Rather, he said the U.S. would meet Russian aggression with “strength.”
Then he called Putin a “small and bullying leader.”
In August, Trump was pushing an alliance with Russia to stop ISIS in Syria. On Tuesday, Pence suggested the U.S. should be prepared to deploy its military to stop Russian aggression there. Russian airstrikes on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which began Sept. 30, have allowed the regime to not only survive the five-year civil war, but in recent weeks, fight to wrest parts of Syria’s largest city, Aleppo, from opposition control.
“The United States of America should be prepared to use military force to strike military targets of the Assad regime,” Pence said.
Pence’s unwillingness to defend a keystone of Trump’s foreign policy was a notable break in the platform Tuesday, which some watchers interpreted as a politician eyeing the 2020 election, not the one slated for next month.
It was a change in Pence’s position from just a few weeks ago when Pence said, “It’s inarguable that Vladimir Putin has been a stronger leader in his country than Barack Obama has been in this country.” Trump also has repeatedly called Putin a better leader than Obama.
But during the debate, Pence promised a stronger response to Russian aggressions in Syria and condemned Russia aggression into Ukraine.
“I mean, the situation we’re watching hour by hour in Syria today is the result of the failed foreign policy and the weak foreign policy that Hillary Clinton helped lead in this administration and create. The newly emboldened—the aggression of Russia, whether it was in Ukraine or now they’re heavy-handed approach…,” Pence said.
“You guys love Russia,” an apparently surprised Tim Kaine, the Democratic vice-presidential candidate responded.
“Heavy-handed,” Pence interjected.
Pence also criticized the Obama administration’s failed attempt to reset relations with Russia even as Trump has repeatedly called for a reset of sorts, improving relations with Putin.
Pence’s campaign performance reflected an apparent tension between the two candidates at the top of the Republican ticket.
Pence has walked back his praise of Putin last month, saying he doesn’t “doesn’t particularly like the system” of governance operating under Putin.
And even during the debate, On Tuesday, Pence noted that his praise of Putin “is not an endorsement of Vladimir Putin. That is an indictment of the weak leadership of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.”
Meanwhile, Trump, at one point, suggested the Russians hack into the U.S. to retrieve Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton’s missing emails from her time as secretary of State. (He later walked back the remark, saying it was just a joke.)
And earlier Tuesday, Trump blamed both Russia and the Obama administration for the Sept. 19 collapse of the cease-fire in Syria. Russia, Trump said, “broke the deal” because it doesn’t respect America’s leaders.By By Darren Weir Aug 17, 2012 in Environment When the Toronto Star published results of an investigation into Marineland this week, people responded with shock and disgust, but how did conditions become so bad? Blame should be laid with those charged with ensuring the animals are protected. The Star posted a John Holer, owner of Marineland for more than 50 years, denies all the charges, saying, "We take care of the animals, better than I would take care of myself.” Diebel Now the Ontario Society for the Protection of Animals is stepping in to investigate. Madeleine Meilleur, the provincial minister in charge of the OSPCA tells the Connie Mallory, chief licensing inspector for the OSPCA tells the But how did the situation become so bad, without the provincial government, the OSPCA or the governing body responsible for overseeing the park knowing what was going on until a Toronto Star reporter broke the story? It's an indictment on everyone charged with the job of protecting these animals, and it's an indictment of Ontario's ongoing neglect of aquariums and "private" zoos in the province. Blogger The same holds true for aquariums. Five years ago, in August 2007, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty's government working with animal experts across Ontario to develop some of the toughest animal safety standards in the country." Five years later, Dalton McGuinty is still in charge and Ontarians are still waiting while the animals continue to suffer. If this latest case of neglect isn't enough to inspire the politicians to act, there is little hope for the future of animals kept captive and being forced to perform for the enjoyment of the masses who choose to ignore the reality of the animals plight. Digital Journal reported on the results of the Star's expose, with details about how the marine animals at the popular park were suffering because of neglect and unsafe water conditions. Reporter Linda Diebel talked with 8 former employees who described how the animals had become sick, suffered fur loss, skin damage and even blindness because of a continuing problem of unhealthy water.The Star posted a video about the investigation, featuring first-hand accounts of what the situation was like along with photos of the suffering animals.John Holer, owner of Marineland for more than 50 years, denies all the charges, saying, "We take care of the animals, better than I would take care of myself.”Diebel reported that The Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums renewed Marineland's license in 2007 and that National Director Bill Peters says there haven't been any complaints.Now the Ontario Society for the Protection of Animals is stepping in to investigate. Madeleine Meilleur, the provincial minister in charge of the OSPCA tells the Toronto Star that when she read the article, “I was in tears.” She adds that she “would have preferred” to know about the situation before it was reported in the newspaper and is now asking staff to monitor the situation and follow up.Connie Mallory, chief licensing inspector for the OSPCA tells the Star, “We’ve got to do what’s best for the animals’ welfare.” “As soon as the concerns came forward, we started to move the wheels.”But how did the situation become so bad, without the provincial government, the OSPCA or the governing body responsible for overseeing the park knowing what was going on until a Toronto Star reporter broke the story?It's an indictment on everyone charged with the job of protecting these animals, and it's an indictment of Ontario's ongoing neglect of aquariums and "private" zoos in the province. Zoocheck has been raising the issue for year, lobbying the province "to establish laws that would force all zoos and wildlife displays to operate at an acceptable, professional standard. While acknowledging that the problem exists, the government has not yet delivered a comprehensive zoo licensing regime."Blogger Kimberly Gerson writes,"It turns out that here, while it is illegal to own a pit bull, it is perfectly legal to own a tiger, lion, camel, ostrich, chimpanzee, zebra, or any other exotic animal. You don’t need a license or any special training. You don’t have to register your animal and your site does not have to be pre-approved. You don’t need a security system, permission from your neighbors, to be financially secure, or to hold liability insurance. There are also no rules around buying, selling, or breeding these animals."The same holds true for aquariums.Five years ago, in August 2007, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty's government promised it was going to bring in new laws to better protect animals by "cracking down" on those who abuse them. Then Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Monte Kwinter announced, "Ontarians expect better protection for animals against mistreatment and acts of cruelty." "The McGuinty government is committed toworking with animal experts across Ontario to develop some of the toughest animal safety standards in the country."Five years later, Dalton McGuinty is still in charge and Ontarians are still waiting while the animals continue to suffer. If this latest case of neglect isn't enough to inspire the politicians to act, there is little hope for the future of animals kept captive and being forced to perform for the enjoyment of the masses who choose to ignore the reality of the animals plight. This opinion article was written by an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily intended to reflect those of DigitalJournal.com More about marineland, Niagara falls, Toronto Star, Walruses, Dolphins More news from marineland Niagara falls Toronto Star Walruses DolphinsFollowing the U.S. failure to veto a United Nation Security Council vote condemning Israel for settlements in Palestinian territories, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed President Obama, accusing him of “colluding” against the Jewish nation.
Now, a Netanyahu spokesman says Israel has “ironclad information” to prove it.
“Well, we have ironclad information, frankly, that the Obama administration really helped push this resolution and helped craft it, from sources internationally and from sources in the Arab world, and it’s really an unfortunate legacy, kind of last minute jab at Israel that actually distances peace.”
Spokesman David Keyes made the accusation during an interview on CNN.
Keyes, of course, refused to reveal any information Israel may have, but said he believes the peace process has been damaged as a result of it.
“We have full confidence that the information is accurate. This resolution is shameful and actually pushes peace farther away.”
The White House admits that Obama personally made the decision to abstain, rather than veto, but denies that he or his administration was involved in crafting it.
In related news, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz warned on Saturday that U.S. funding of the United Nations was in jeopardy if the vote is not reversed–echoing a similar threat from South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham on Friday.For the arcade game of the same name, see Super Punch-Out!! (arcade game)
Super Punch-Out!![a] is a boxing video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It was released on September 14, 1994 in North America and again in the same region in 1996. It was released in Europe on January 26, 1995 for the same console and in Japan in 1998 for the Nintendo Power flash RAM cartridge series and the Super Famicom. The game is also included in the GameCube version of Fight Night Round 2 as an extra game due to the inclusion of Little Mac in the game. The game was released for the Wii's Virtual Console in Europe on March 20, 2009, in North America on March 30, 2009, and in Japan on July 7, 2009. The game was also released on the New Nintendo 3DS eShop on May 5, 2016. Nintendo re-released Super Punch-Out!! in the United States in September 2017 as part of the company's Super NES Classic Edition.[2] It is the fourth game in the Punch-Out!! series, taking place after the Punch-Out!! game for the NES.
In Super Punch-Out!! the player controls Little Mac, as he fights his way to become the World Video Boxing Association champion. Players, fighting from a "behind the back" perspective, must knockout their opponent in three minutes to win. Players can launch jabs, hooks, and uppercuts against their opponents as well as block, dodge, and duck opponents' attacks. Nintendo Integrated Research and Development, led by Genyo Takeda, Minoru Arakawa and Makoto Wada, developed the game. It also featured voice acting by Charles Martinet.
The game received praise from reviewers for its cartoon-like style, its colorful, outlandish opponents, simple gameplay controls, and replay value. The game also featured colorful, detailed graphics, which included the usage of transparency that facilitates the game's "behind the back" perspective. Other reviewers had said that this game lacked the overall appeal, gameplay, or audience of its predecessor.
Gameplay [ edit ]
The gameplay in Super Punch-Out!! is similar to that of its arcade and NES/FC predecessors. The player controls a nameable boxer as he fights his way to become W.V.B.A. Champion.[3][4][5] The player controls the boxer from a third-person perspective, with him being translucent on the screen.[6] Players can attack their opponents with jabs to the face or with body blows from either hand.[7] The opponent can deflect punches, so players must aim at the opponent's open spot (where the gloves are not) to connect. Depending on the opponents' stances, they will guard themselves differently, so players need to use the correct punches.[8]
As in the first two arcade games of the series, players have a power meter, located on the bottom of the screen.[7] The meter fills up as the player lands punches against the opponent, and it goes down as the player gets hit.[9] When the power meter fills up completely, the player will be able to launch knockout punches such as uppercuts, hooks, and rapid punches. These punches have a slight delay in execution, but they cause more damage to the opponent.[7][8] Players can also build power as the match progresses, as indicated by the background color behind the player's face on the upper left corner of the screen, which goes from blue to green to yellow to red. The player reaches "Power-Up" status when the background color reaches red. During this status, the player's punch speed and power increase. They lose their Power-Up status if they are knocked down.[9]
The player fights Dragon Chan, who is attempting to kick the player. The player dodges to the right to avoid the kick.
Players can avoid attacks from their opponents by dodging to the left or right or by ducking,[7] but players cannot punch while dodging or ducking, nor can they duck body blows.[10] They can also block attacks to either the head or the body,[7] but they cannot block strong punches; strong punches must be avoided by dodging or ducking. Depending on the situation, the player must strategically block, dodge, or duck in order to avoid an opponent's attack.[10] Players can capitalize on the opponent's attacks by launching counter-punches immediately after avoiding an attack.[3]
Both the player and the opponent have stamina meters, both displayed on the top of the screen. The meters decrease when either boxer gets hit by a punch. Boxers will get knocked down if their stamina meter runs out. Faster knockdowns will cause that boxer to recover less stamina upon getting up; the same happens if a boxer is knocked down by a knockout punch.[9] Either boxer will lose if they cannot stand up before the count of ten after being knocked down (resulting in a knockout or KO) or if they are knocked down three times in the match (resulting in a technical knockout or TKO).[11] The player can also recover some stamina while the opponent is down by pressing the buttons on the controller.[9]
A meter not displayed on screen is what many skilled players refer to as a "dizzy threshold". This means that if a player manages to land a given number of consecutive punches, it will put the opponent into a brief "dizzy" or "stunned" animation. A "dizzied" or "stunned" opponent will appear shaken for a short period of time (in which the match timer freezes temporarily), and the player has a small margin of opportunity to achieve an instant knockdown with a well-timed knockout punch. Each of the 16 opponents varies in how much match time it takes to become "dizzied", some more quickly than others. There are two opponents who can be knocked out upon the first knockdown, however, a knockdown during a "dizzy" animation is critical in making this possible. There are eight opponents who can be knocked out in two knockdowns, however, the player must achieve the second knockdown within four seconds of the first knockdown. Finally, there are six opponents who the player must defeat via a TKO as the aforementioned four seconds between the first two knockdowns does not apply.
The player has three minutes to knock out the opponent. After three minutes, the match ends, and the player loses; the player cannot win by a decision.[9] After losing, the player can use a continue and fight a rematch. The game ends after all continues have been used; the player must fight all opponents in the current circuit again.[9] The game consists of four circuits in which the player must become the champion. The player can retry any circuit that has already been beaten.[12] The game has a battery–backed memory in which players can save their data and records for future play.[6]
Development [ edit ]
Super Punch-Out!! was released in North America October 1994 and in Europe on January 26, 1995 ( ). It was rereleased in North America in 1996, and it was released in Japan as part of the Nintendo Power flash RAM cartridge series on March 1, 1998.[13][14] In addition, Electronic Arts included the game as an unlockable bonus item along with its protagonist as an unlockable boxer in the Nintendo GameCube version of Fight Night Round 2 as part of Nintendo's deal of featuring Nintendo characters in the Nintendo GameCube versions of some EA Sports titles.[15] The game was later released for the Wii's Virtual Console service in Europe and Australia on March 20, 2009 ( ), in North America on March 30, 2009 ( )[16] and in Japan on March 30, 2009 ( ).[17] Super Punch-Out!! is the fourth game in the Punch-Out!! series and was developed by Nintendo Integrated Research and Development and was produced by Minoru Arakawa, Genyo Takeda and Makoto Wada.[1][18] Voice actor Charles Martinet was credited for providing the voices of the boxers, the referee and the announcer.[1][not in citation given] Nintendo IRD was developing this game simultaneously with Zoda's Revenge: StarTropics II.[19] The game is the closest arcade-to-home console translation of the Punch-Out!! and Super Punch-Out!! arcades; however, like the NES titles, the SNES title is not a direct port. Shortly before the game was finished and released, some screenshots and video footage of the prototype were shown in a video preview of the game, as well as in an issue of Nintendo Power magazine[20][21] and two official television commercials, which all showed the protagonist of the game with a different look as well as the announcer having a different voice compared to the ones in the final version seen in the finished and released version.[22][23]
Reception [ edit ]
Super Punch-Out!! received a rave review in GamePro. The reviewer praised the game's good controls, "deceptive challenge", sprite layouts, animations, and sounds which "juice the game's intensity level". He stated the game's one flaw was "the lack of an easy-to-use two-player mode." The magazine ran alternate reviews by Fred Doughty and Mark Guinane, winners of the 1994 Blockbuster Video World Game Championship. They also gave the game positive assessments, praising the easy-to-learn controls, high challenge level, and artistic design of the characters.[28] Electronic Gaming Monthly's two sports game reviewers criticized the game's unrealistic style, but nonetheless acknowledged that "it still has fantastic game play."[26] Next Generation reviewed the game, and stated that most everything in the game was "done to perfection", making the game "a great tribute to the original classic."[31]
Several reviewers praised Super Punch-Out!! overall for not trying to be realistic, for the originality of its different opponents, and for its simple controls. Chris Scullion from Official Nintendo Magazine praises the game for its outlandish characters, addictive gameplay, and simple controls. He adds that Super Punch-Out!! is "superb way to prepare for the upcoming Wii [Punch-Out!!] title". Scullion states that "the thing that makes Super Punch-Out!! interesting (along with the rest of the games in the series) is that it's not a realistic boxing game". He adds that the opponents in the game are "the real stars of the show", with each opponent having a unique personality, traits, and boxing styles.[3] Skyler Miller from Allgame, like Scullion, praised the game for its simple, responsive controls, for its colorful, detailed opponents, and for its usage of the Super NES's transparent color palette for the fighter, which facilitates the "behind the back" perspective. He also appreciates the game's sound and music, in particular the usage of real voice for the announcer.[25] Game Players magazine applauded the game's "large, colorful graphics and easy-to-learn controls".[30]
Reviewers have praised Super Punch-Out!! for its other unique features and for its rewarding difficulty. Game Informer magazine praised the game for its time attack mode, which recorded and kept track of the fastest knockouts for each opponent. Miller also commended the time attack mode, adding to the game's replay value. Another review from VideoGames & Computer Entertainment magazine lauded the game for a fair difficulty curve, stating that it "is a really tough game, but it's one in which repeated playing (and you will be playing it a lot) really pays off".[29] Lucas Thomas from IGN, while praising the game overall, says that the game lacks the overall appeal that the NES version had and that he recommends the NES version over this version. He notes that the sound is "Not as memorable as the music from the NES game, but [is] more varied". He says that many people who are familiar with the NES version have to relearn new attack patterns from different opponents. Thomas also notes that the game did not have as large an audience as the NES version enjoyed.[7]
Notes [ edit ]Description: RIP in Peace F
Sweden has made a breakthrough along the northern front.
In the south, they pillaged a farm
and are advancing towards Munich.
They are at the northern city border between Berlin and Munich,
and in the east, they have two musketmen and a pikeman.
We have a trebuchet in Munich.
We can bring it under control.
My Führer...
The trebuchet...
The trebuchet does not have enough strength to take down a musketman.
It will not be able to carry out an assault.
The following people will stay here: Military Advisor, Economic Advisor, Foreign Advisor, and Science Advisor.
That is bullshit!
This entire war is bullshit!
Who does Adolfus think he is to take over central Europe?
So this is what it has come to?
One outdated siege unit?
Siege units are useless against land units!
Our Great Generals were just a bunch of
contemptible, disloyal cowards!
I can't permit you to insult our soldier...
They are cowards, traitors and failures!
My Führer, this is unacceptable!
Our military is the downfall of the German people!
Not a single policy of honor!
They call themselves Great Generals
because they spent years on the border
just to stare down Polish spearmen!
For millennia, the military did nothing but argue with Poles
They had chances to take Lodz again and again and did nothing!
They couldn't even keep Cologne!
But now we could even be defeated by Stalin!
I've never seen war...
And even I could have at least held on to Berlin,
and at least stayed inside Europe!
Trebuchets...
We've probably had that since the very beginning!
Even a warrior could have done a better job of defending the German people!
But now all my people will pay.
They will pay with their own blood!
They will drown in their own blood!
Don't worry. We're better off than Byzantium.
My cities have fallen to Swedes.
They started off second last in the power rankings.
But now...
The game is lost.
But gentlemen, if you believe I am going to die in Munich, you are mistaken.
I would sooner become a civilian unit.
Pack up a donkey.In 2004, the EA Spouse controversy exposed a culture of unpaid overtime throughout the games industry. In this special report we investigate how much, if anything, has changed
My significant other works for Electronic Arts and I’m what you might call a disgruntled spouse.
It was with these words 10 years ago that Erin Hoffman began an online journal detailing her husband’s gruelling experience working at an EA game development studio. For months on end he worked 12-hour days, six days a week, and when the game’s final deadline loomed, it got worse. “The current mandatory hours are 9am to 10pm – seven days a week,” she wrote, “with the occasional Saturday evening off for good behavior (at 6:30pm).”
For many gamers, the EA Spouse web post, as it was known at the time (Hoffman had to remain anonymous to protect her husband’s job) offered a first glimpse into the video game industry’s secret world of “crunch” – vast periods of mandatory, but often unpaid, overtime that would often kick in during the months leading to a release date.
The article went viral, spreading across forums and news sites, and provoking a wave of controversy and condemnation. Very quickly it became clear that the most shocking thing about the EA Spouse story was that, within the industry, it wasn’t shocking at all. It was just how things worked. Game development surveys conducted by the International Game Developers Association in 2004 showed that only 2.4% of respondents worked in no-crunch environments and 46.8% received no compensation for their overtime.
Thanks to EA Spouse, however, it looked like change was coming – and, as usual, it would begin with a court case. A class action suit, filed against EA for failure to pay overtime to its employees, was eventually settled for $15.6m (£10m). A second suit followed in 2006, this time settling for $14.9m. In both cases, EA relied on vagaries of American law that classify some IT professionals as exempt from overtime pay. The settlement in the second case featured a quid pro quo: employees would be reclassified in order to get overtime but would give up their stock options.
For industry insiders, the lid was supposed to be off; if one employee could speak openly about labour issues (Hoffman herself worked in the industry at the time), then surely everyone could? And if that happened, the problem would surely go away?
Work late, come home, sleep in between stressing about bugs and end up dreaming about code, go back into work and repeat Anonymous programmer
Endless crunch
But, a decade after EA Spouse, it’s questionable how much has actually changed. Statistically, things appear better. In 2004, the IGDA – the only large organisation advocating for labour rights in the US games industry – started a regular “quality of life” survey in response to the EA controversy, polling staff on working standards and practices. Its latest numbers from the 2014 report show a decline in intensity.
“Over the last decade, the average amount of crunch time worked has dropped, with 19% of 2014 respondents indicating they haven’t crunched in at least two years compared to 2.4% of 2004 respondents,” says Kate Edwards, the IGDA’s executive director. “Also, 38% of the 2014 respondents reported typical crunch times of 50-69 hours per week compared to 35% of 2004 respondents reporting crunch times of 65-80 hours per week.”
But the take from Edwards is of the glass-half-full variety. Despite the drop in intensity, the industry baseline is that only one-fifth of industry workers don’t crunch at all, and nearly two-fifths still crunch more than 50 hours a week. Furthermore, current and former industry workers interviewed for this feature revealed deep dissatisfaction with crunch and a sense that, even if it’s not as acute as it was a decade ago, it’s still worse than they can tolerate.
“This year is my first experience with long stretches of crunch, and my girlfriend, who I live with, feels like she hardly sees me,” relates one programmer at a leading games studio who, like almost everyone else we spoke to, asks to remain anonymous. “It’s a common source of tension. My generally much higher level of stress takes its toll on my mood outside work so it bleeds into everything. Work late, come home for a few hours of food and exhausted conversation, go to bed, sleep in between stressing about bugs and end up dreaming about code, get up feeling half dead then go back into work and repeat.”
Studio managers have realised that EA-Spouse-type situations mean bad PR, so soft pressure is widely taking the place of mandatory overtime. This may be as simple as encouraging a culture of peer pressure: quietly exploiting the natural desire to do well is a method that many of the staff we spoke to had encountered. However, we were also told of managers who noted which staff had put in the most hours when making a potential layoff list.
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Game design is a dream job for many people. Photograph: Michael Nelson/EPA
‘Teams become addicted to crunch’
“Most workers are in the industry because of a passion for games,” says one engineer formerly with Turbine Inc, a studio best known for fantasy adventures Lords of the Ring Online and Asheron’s Call. “Even if management sets unrealistic goals for a release, the workers usually want to try to meet those goals because it may very likely make a better game”.
“Sometimes it seems like managers and producers almost get addicted to crunch. If they’re able to get their team to go above and beyond to finish an important project on time or early, it can make the team and manager look better. That success leads to more responsibility, more projects and more political capital, which can require more crunch time to complete. I’ve had to fight pretty hard with managers and directors to reject work so that co-workers and I don’t burn out.”
Students and young new entrants to the industry see crunch and unpaid overtime as price of admission Marie-Josee Legault
The pressure comes from consumer expectations, as well. With development budgets ballooning, failure can be catastrophic, so the temptation can be to pack in more features – more cool stuff – to appease the demanding audience. This leads to the twin spectres of crunch and layoffs, as studios grow to accommodate ambitious ideas, then downsize or collapse when the resulting game fails to make a profit.
“Generally I feel crunch most often results from the conflict between manpower, consumer expectations and |
.
Police are investigating whether Brady, 74, gave details about Keith's grave to his mental health advocate, Jackie Powell, from Carmarthenshire.
Analysis Saddleworth Moor straddles the boundary between Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire. Its terrain is vast and stark. Saturday's bright weather has brought walkers and cyclists out, but often this moorland is bleak and unforgiving. It has also gained notoriety as the location chosen by murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, who brought children up here to be killed in the 1960s and then hid their bodies. Winnie Johnson lived her life in Manchester, nearly 30 miles away. But she's associated with these moors. She used to come up here to look for her son's remains and on Saturday night some of her friends have made the journey here to lay flowers in her memory. They remember her courage, they say, and there are some who see her as an extra victim of Brady and Hindley. Now her family say they will carry on her fight on her behalf.
Mrs Johnson's solicitor John Ainley told the BBC she did not know about the latest development as "she wasn't capable of accepting it".
Mr Ainley, who described Mrs Johnson as a "really marvellous" lady, said she had been suffering from cancer for a number of years and passed away peacefully at a hospice with her family present.
A statement by her son Alan Bennett said: "She was a much loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and is survived by one younger brother.
"Winnie fought tirelessly for decades to find Keith and give him a Christian burial.
"Although this was not possible during her lifetime, we, her family, intend to continue this fight now for her and for Keith. We hope that the authorities and the public will support us in this."
Mr Ainley, who had represented Mrs Johnson's legal interests in the past few years, reaffirmed her beliefs that Brady still held the key to Keith's burial spot.
"Over the years and in all our personal meetings, Winnie has insisted Brady is the only person who could put her mind to rest and give her the chance to give Keith a decent burial before she passed away," he said.
'Cruel twist'
Mr Ainley added that Brady had persistently ignored appeals she had made to him.
"She has died without knowing Keith's whereabouts and without the opportunity to finally put him at rest in a decent grave," he said.
"It is a truly heartbreaking situation that this opportunity has now been irrevocably lost."
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption John Ainley: "Winnie never gave up the hope that Keith would be found"
The solicitor said he was sceptical about the latest development, saying: "I live on the edge of Saddleworth Moor and unless you have definite information, it is a needle in a haystack."
Martin Bottomley, Head of Investigative Review of Greater Manchester Police's Major and Cold Case Crime Unit, called on Brady to "do the decent thing and tell us where he [Keith] is."
He described Mrs Johnson as a "tenacious and courageous woman" who was "now at peace with the little boy she missed so much".
Mrs Johnson's former solicitor, David Kirwan, said her death was a "cruel and ironic twist".
He added: "She never gave up... She was Keith's mother."YouTube v11.45 began its rollout to users yesterday. There aren't any obvious changes within the app, but there are a few things to see outside of it if you're running on a device that sees either round launcher icons or app shortcuts. But that's not all there is to check out. A teardown of the APK lends some new details about a couple of previously discussed features coming to YouTube in the future.
What's New
Unofficial Changelog: Restores the round icon and app shortcuts for Android 7.1
App shortcuts and a round icon
Note: Plenty of people have had the round icon and app shortcuts all along. This isn't unexpected, but may not have come across properly in the text above. Sorry for the confusion, but this section was meant to be a side node, not the main point of the post.
The app shortcuts and round launcher icon are here for YouTube – or maybe it's better to say they're back, depending on your situation. If you owned a Pixel (which shipped with YouTube v11.29) or installed one of the right versions on a device supporting app shortcuts, then you've already seen these before.
We've seen quite a few apps including the app shortcuts, and there's nothing too out of the ordinary about these. Two of them are links that go directly to tabs on the main YouTube interface: Trending and Subscriptions. There's not much value to those specific shortcuts unless you want to tear one off and place it on your homescreen, which makes plenty of sense if you're already going to one of those tabs more frequently than the regular landing screen. The third shortcut immediately opens the search interface in YouTube. Again, it's not really saving any taps, but it might be useful if you want to avoid even the possibility of being distracted by another video listing.
Teardown
Disclaimer: Teardowns are based on evidence found inside of apks (Android's application package) and are necessarily speculative and usually based on incomplete information. It's possible that the guesses made here are totally and completely wrong. Even when predictions are correct, there is always a chance that plans could change or may be canceled entirely. Much like rumors, nothing is certain until it's officially announced and released. Disclaimer: Teardowns are based on evidence found inside of apks (Android's application package) and are necessarily speculative and usually based on incomplete information. It's possible that the guesses made here are totally and completely wrong. Even when predictions are correct, there is always a chance that plans could change or may be canceled entirely. Much like rumors, nothing is certain until it's officially announced and released. The features discussed below are probably not live yet, or may only be live for a small percentage of users. Unless stated otherwise, don't expect to see these features if you install the apk.
Fast-Forward and rewind.... again
Anybody feeling déjà vu with this topic? For more than a year, we've seen evidence the YouTube developers have been experimenting with different interfaces for quickly moving through videos with some precision, something that can't be done very well with the seek bar. A small percentage of users have been fortunate enough to be part of test groups that get to try out the new functions, either the swipe-to-seek version we've seen in Play Movies or a pair of forward and reverse buttons for skipping. None of the variants have ever gone into a wide rollout. However, it's starting to look like there might be a winner.
There's no certainty that this particular interface will go any differently, but the evidence has been growing since v11.41 and even includes a tutorial overlay to explain some of how the feature works for users. We've seen tutorials created for features that were later removed, but that's relatively rare.
Referred to as "quick seek" in the code, this implementation appears fairly normal. Users are instructed to double tap either left or right arrows to jump 10 seconds back or forward, respectively. It's not clear if there are any other ways to do shorter or larger jumps, or maybe activate a high-speed playback.
code YouTube 11.41
<string name="user_education_quick_seek">Double tap left or right to skip 10 seconds</string> Youtube 11.43
<string name="quick_seek_10_second">10 seconds</string> excerpt from youtube_controls_overlay.xml for the tutorial overlay <TextView android:textSize="14.0sp" android:textColor="#eeffffff" android:gravity="center" android:layout_gravity="center" android:id="@id/fast_forward_rewind_hint_text" android:paddingTop="32.0dip" android:visibility="gone" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="wrap_content" android:text="@string/quick_seek_10_second" android:fontFamily="sans-serif" />
<TextView android:textSize="14.0sp" android:textColor="#eeffffff" android:gravity="center" android:layout_gravity="center_horizontal" android:id="@id/user_education_text_view" android:paddingTop="12.0dip" android:visibility="gone" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="wrap_content" android:text="@string/user_education_quick_seek" android:drawableLeft="@drawable/ic_doubletap" android:drawablePadding="6.0dip" android:drawableStart="@drawable/ic_doubletap" android:fontFamily="sans-serif" />
Left: image used with tutorial text. Right: image is named ic_ffr_triangle.png.
Gray backgrounds added for visibility
It's not like the details are particularly special or interesting, but the fact that there's some activity is a reason to think YouTube is ready to commit to launching quick seek sometime in the near future. I know I'm more than a little eager to see it.
Dance Party video filter
I'm not going to say anything special about this one, I just saw no reason not to include it. There's a new filter named 'Dance Party' coming to the video upload screen. It doesn't appear to be live yet, at least not for me.
<string name="edit_filter_dance_party">Dance Party</string>
So, yeah, that'll be a thing eventually.
Rotten Tomatoes
It looks like the Rotten Tomatoes ratings will be appearing in YouTube soon. For those that don't know, YouTube hosts its own movie rental service that is technically separate from that of the Play Store, except you can also watch your Play Store purchases and rentals through YouTube. (This is actually a good idea on the web since the controls are a bit better in my opinion.)
Quite simply, if you land on a movie, you'll soon see the Rotten Tomato scores floating somewhere on the screen. Right now it's unclear if the images will only appear for the movies themselves, or if they may also turn up on movie trailers or possibly even references to movies.
More on live broadcasting
If you've been patiently waiting for YouTube to launch its live broadcasting feature to compete with Periscope...
Oh, you thought that already happened? Or maybe even forgot it was supposed to? It was announced at the end of June with a timeline of "soon." About a week later, a teardown showed that work had at least begun. Since then, there hasn't been a peep about live broadcasting from the YouTube app. It certainly seems like the announcement may have been premature, or perhaps the switch from Hangouts-On-Air to YouTube Live set the timeline back a bit.
Bear in mind, YouTube Gaming has even had live screencasting (with a camera view of the player) for more than a year, though it's obviously not designed to target the same social element.
Whatever the reason(s) may be for the later-than-expected launch, it seems work has resumed.
Permission Request
Right from the start, the permission request for camera and microphone access mention going live.
<string name="lc_permission_allow_access_description">To go live, allow access to Camera and Microphone</string>
<string name="lc_permission_open_settings_description">To go live, go to <b>Settings > Permissions</b> and allow access to Camera and Microphone</string>
Flashlight
Of course, if you're going to go live, you might not be doing it in the best-lit environments. Whether you're closing out Disneyland or lurking through a haunted house, you'll be able to light up whatever the camera points at with the LED on your phone.
<string name="lc_flashlight_off">Flash off</string>
<string name="lc_flashlight_on">Flash on</string>
Bitrate management
If your viewers are complaining about bad video quality and compression artifacts, you'll be able to turn on the'stats for nerds' display and check out your current bitrate, frame rate, and resolution.
<string name="lc_stats_toggle_text">Show stats for nerds</string> <string name="lc_stats_current_bitrate_label">Current bitrate</string>
<string name="lc_stats_current_frame_rate_label">Current frame rate</string>
<string name="lc_stats_current_resolution_label">Resolution</string>
While you might not be able to control the quality of your connection, you will have the option to manually set your bitrate and frame rate, or even flip on a setting to allow the bitrate to change as needed. These options should make it possible to choose where to make sacrifices to keep your stream playing correctly.
<string name="lc_abr_toggle_text">Enable adaptive bitrate</string>
<string name="lc_stats_target_bitrate_label">Target bitrate</string>
<string name="lc_stats_target_frame_rate_label">Target frame rate</string>
None of these give any indication of how much longer it will be until YouTube launches live broadcasting through mobile devices, but again, the activity is what matters.
Download
The APK is signed by Google and upgrades your existing app. The cryptographic signature guarantees that the file is safe to install and was not tampered with in any way. Rather than wait for Google to push this download to your devices, which can take days, download and install it just like any other APK.
Version: 11.45.55
Alternate Title: The Google Finally team writes a to-do list for YouTube, challenges Android Police to avoid using the word "finally"When Doctor Who recently said goodbye to companion Clara played by Jenna Coleman, thoughts immediately turned to who should take her place. And the Doctor himself, Peter Capaldi, has now revealed how the search for a a new companion is going.
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Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party, he said: “We’ve just had some brief talks about it, we haven’t actually chosen someone yet — that I know of. Perhaps someone has been chosen but I would expect that I would meet them before we finalised all that.
“So we’re looking for someone different,” he added with a mysterious smile, lingering on that last word…
But while Capaldi is clearly excited by the prospect of a new and “different” companion, he also revealed that one of his favourite — and most taxing — episodes to film was Heaven Sent, where he acted entirely alone.
“The one where I was on my own was quite challenging because I thought people would get tired of my face and all my tricks. But in a way it was great to do an episode — I mean this in the nicest possible way —with no other actors because it meant I became very much closer with the crew.
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The crew are fantastic and I have a great relationship with them anyway, but to be with them all the time was lovely.”Hi, and almost welcome to New York.
No, this ain’t Minneapolis so don’t expect anyone to greet you with open arms, care where you came from, have time to chat with you when you’re buying coffee, or spend more than 30 seconds helping you pick out something nice for the folks back home.
Nobody cares what you buy — unless of course, you’re laying big money on more than your Super Bowl bet — like an Hermes bag.
An iron fence lines the perimeter of Rao's restaurant in East Harlem. (Verena Dobnik/AP)
This is New York City (that means FIVE boroughs, not just Manhattan) so don’t waste your time in Times Square with all the other confused tourists sitting on those insane risers, which New Yorkers avoid like STDs.
For the most part we hate the new Times Square. So go there to see it, but don’t stay any longer than you need to.
Kalustyans is on Lexington and 28th St. (Rosamilio, Robert)
But one thing to pick up while you’re there (it’s free!) is “The Five Borough Playbook” at the New York Visitors and Convention Bureau booth, between the outsized Lombardi Trophy and the Super Bowl XLVIII number.
It’s filled with things your mother never told you to do in New York City, which I can’t fit into one article (or you can just go to the website NYCGO.com and avoid Times Square altogether).
New Yorkers relax outside of Rao's Resturant on E.114th St. and Plaeasant Ave. (Corkery, Richard)
Equally important to avoid are the giant furry creatures stalking around Times Square and Rock Center. No, I’m not talking about our infamous rats, I’m talking about the ones that look like friendly Elmos, are unlicensed, pose for pictures with you and then demand you pay up. One Cookie Monster got so ticked at parents who wouldn’t pay that he shoved a kid. Don’t screw with the fake furry guys. Seriously.
You should also avoid our costly cabs if you can, and pedicabs b ecause you must (they charge what they want). Do take a corny carriage ride through Central Park though — you can tell your grandchildren about it someday, since the new mayor is determined to get rid of them. So stupid.
Someone looks through the goods at Kalustyans store on Lexington Avenue. (Naso, Jon)
It is just better to walk everywhere, but for God’s sake, speed it up. We don’t stroll here. Get out of our way or go home.
Where should you walk (very) fast? Of course, you’ll walk to Little Italy, but how about Little India on Lexington Avenue in the 20s — or hopping a train (the subway) to Little India in Jackson Heights, Queens?
Kalustyan's, at 123 Lexington Av, provides spices, herbs, rice and nuts. (Keivom, James)
Other neighborhoods you should check out: For music and food, Little Brazil (between Fifth and Sixth Aves.) and Spanish Harlem and El Barrio (which starts at 96th St., east of Fifth Ave.).
For karaoke and BBQ, make your way to Koreatown (W. 32nd St. between Fifth and Sixth Aves.). For fresh grilled fish, it’s the other Greece in Astoria, Queens.
Katz's deli is a New York staple.
Then there’s the “real” Little Italy at Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, but also be sure to check out what’s left of the real Lower East Side for Jewish deli food (Katz’s) and knishes (Yonah Shimmel), and discount underwear on Orchard Street.
Don’t forget Harlem, which is so trendy now, you can’t afford it, but if you can get into the Red Rooster for dinner (good luck with that pal) or Sunday gospel brunch (Oh my God the mac & greens), run — do not walk — or somebody will get there before you. Not hard to get into any spot in Manhattan’s Chinatown, (there are now six Chinatown neighborhoods scattered in the five boroughs) for dim sum Sunday morning, and if you don’t mind being shoved and yelled at, do dim su m for sure.
Customers are getting some grub to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Katz's deli on Houston st. (David Handschuh/New York Daily News)
Take the Staten Island Ferry for fun and get off and eat at every pizza place you can because they are one b etter than the next.
Finally, whether you’re in or out of the closet, for everything gay, it’s “Cupcake Alley” (and I’m not talking about the kind with frosting) in Manhattan’s Chelsea.
Marcus Samuellson is the head chef of Red Rooster at 310 Lenox Avenue in Harlem. (Smith, Bryan, Freelance NYDN)
While in Chelsea, you’ll probably want to stroll the High Line. Yes, you can stroll with all your sweet time here. But me? I’d rather walk fast on the Brooklyn Bridge.
If you do the High Line, make sure to get off and walk through Chelsea Market (W. 15th St. and 9th Ave.). It’s the wondrous, cavernous, wholesale/retail food market that even has a clothing shop and a flea market. It’s the closest thing you’ll find to a souk in New York.
Parkside in Corona, Queens, has lobster night on Friday. (Pace, Bryan Freelance NYDN)
What? You want to go Eataly because your cousin told you you have to? Well, I’m telling you that you don’t.
Go inst ead to either one of the Little Italys where you can get the same stuff at half the price. Tell your cousin that you took a train to Ferdinando’s Foccaceria in Red Hook for panelle (chick pea cakes) and past a con sarde.
Don’t miss the glorious Parkside in Corona, Queens (Friday night is lobster night), either. After dinner you should walk (fast) across the park, where the guys play bocce in every weather, to the Lemon Ice King of Corona. Don’t ask to mix ice flavors or you’ll get thrown off the line.
Visitors in town for Super Bowl XLVIII might want to try out Cull & Pistol in Chelsea Market. (Craig Warga/New York Daily News)
Meeting relatives in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn? They’ll probably take you to Elia or Ponte Vecchio.
My personal favorite joints? Kalustyan’s on Lex for thousands of spices, coffees, teas, you name it at a third of the price you’d pay anywhere else; Bukhara Grill, which is the best Indian restaurant in all of New York City (clay oven, not curry), 49th St. between Second and Third Aves.
For fresh fish and Greek? It’s only Elias Corner in Astoria.
The best Italian? Are you kidding? This is New York City, it’s all the best Italian. But the best best Italian in Manhattan? Rao’s in East Harlem (you won't get in) and Fresco By Scotto in midtown — use my name and you might get in.
If you do, you’ll have great food, and great views of movie and TV stars at the next table. But for God’s sake, don’t bother them, all right? They’re eating!
Remember, it’s New York City so enjoy yourself!
But make it quick.
[email protected]
Sign up for BREAKING NEWS Emails privacy policy Thanks for subscribing!Fate/Grand Order is a popular mobile RPG game (for Android and iOS) made by DelightWorks and featuring characters and Servants from TYPE-MOON‘s expansive Fate universe. It’s main gameplay involve going through a visual-novel-style storyline that lead to turn-based combat against enemy NPCs using Servant cards that you can collect. Finishing battles and defeating enemies give item rewards, which can help you level up your Servants to make them stronger.
As a simple mobile game designed for commuters, much of the time spent in-game is spamming repeatable battles, also known as grinding. When grinding for a specific item/reward, the term to use is farming. In Fate/Grand Order, one of the most end-game activities is farming for ascension items needed to ascend your Servant. But farming is tedious, especially when you own servants such as Gilgamesh, whose 4th tier ascension requires item that have single-digit drop rate percentages and only drop from bosses that appear on certain days of the week. You could be spending hours upon hours mindlessly grinding battles and come out with nothing in return; nothing feels worse than finally killing that last boss only to have it not drop the item you wanted. Isn’t there a faster way?
Thankfully, there is! And today, you will learn how with the help of packet sniffing!
Note 1: This is a very technical guide. If you aren’t familiar with networking/how games work, you may easily find yourself lost on the first read-through. Take your time.
Note 2: In this guide, you will be doing a lot of battle skipping. This means you will be sacrificing normal battle rewards (QP, master EXP, bond EXP, random small items) in exchange for speed and efficiency. AP always gets consumed whether you decide to complete the battle or not. This is only recommended for those who don’t mind burning quartz or those who prefer to be time-efficient with their farming.
If you want to squeeze the absolute most out of your AP, stop right here.
If you want to ascend your waifu as fast as possible, continue reading.
Before we get started…
…lets get some common questions/concerns out of the way.
What is packet sniffing?
Packet sniffing is the act of using a software program (packet sniffer/analyzer) to monitor and inspect network packets (i.e. your internet traffic) between two computers/end-points. In this case, you will be inspecting the traffic between the Fate/Grand Order app running on your phone and the DelightWorks game servers.
Is it like hacking?
No. You are doing a read-only inspection of network traffic. You are not tampering with or modifying anything, be it the game client’s code or network data itself. For a better understanding of how game hacks work, see this article (which also applies to Fate/Grand Order, but we won’t be going over that here).
Is it legal?
It depends. There are plenty of articles online that will debate this or that, but it ultimately comes down to what traffic you’re sniffing and for what intent. In this case, you are sniffing unencrypted traffic between you and someone else from a device that you own. I’m not a lawyer, but I’m 99.9% sure that the answer in this case is yes, it is legal in the usage described in this guide.
Will I get banned?
Packet sniffing is inspection and monitoring, not tampering. As long as you are only looking at the data and not modifying it, there is no way for the DelightWorks servers to know that the traffic is being monitored. So no, you will most likely not get banned. Not to mention they probably don’t even care, since you’ve already bought their quartz and spent the AP (more into this in the next section).
Can I choose what loots drop?
No, the loot rolls (as well as quartz rolls and FP rolls) are done entirely server-sided. You only get a read-only copy of the result. Even if you make client-sided changes to try to trick your game into thinking you got a different drop, the game will auto-correct itself the next time it syncs with the server. There is no known way to modify the server’s content right now (if there existed one, it would be called an “exploit” and likely be patched very, very fast). This guide will help improve your farming speed, but it won’t change your RNG luck.
How It Works
To understand how packet sniffing can help you farm faster, you need to first understand how the Fate/Grand Order combat system works.
There are 3 battle-related network calls that happen between your game client and the DelightWorks game servers. These network calls are made as regular unencrypted HTTP POST requests that return with an unencrypted JSON response.
Setup
Resume
Result
The Setup network call happens when you initiate the battle. It happens the moment you press the “Next” button after choosing your support Servant and confirming the party. When this call gets made, all the details of the battle gets returned to you, including the full loot table (what we are most interested in here). This network call’s response contains all the information needed by the game to render out the entirety of your 1-3 round battle, which takes place entirely client-sided (there is no communication between you and the DW servers during the battle, except when you use Command Seals). Note that the moment this network call is made, your AP is consumed (AP is tracked server-sided, your client just shows the estimated value) and your FP has already been rewarded (to both you and your Support friend).
The Resume network call only happens if you are resuming the battle after a game restart (e.g. game quit, app crash, force kill, etc.). It gets called right after the login step (when you go past the splash screen) and only if there was a previous battle that did not complete (according to the server). This network call’s response contains more or less the exact same battle information that you got in the Setup response, but with a bunch of non-battle-related info. Of note is that the RNG seed value does not change for that battle ID, so don’t expect to see different results if you keep killing and relaunching the app and doing the exact same sequence of actions.
The Result network call happens either when you finish the battle (through victory or through defeat) or when you decide to quit the battle early. It’s pretty much a verification call telling the server that the battle ended and the response returns more or less what you previously already knew but with some additional info such as the QP reward amount, etc. (the loot table always matches as far as I’ve seen). Of note is that the network request contains in it a log of the sequence of actions you took in the battle. This is probably used for cheat detection/post verification, though as far as I know, that server-sided logic currently doesn’t exist/is enabled (it will probably be enabled when PvP get implemented though, I hope).
JSON API Details
Of the three network calls, the one we are most interested in is the first, the Setup network call, as it contains the loot info (i.e. what items will drop, on what round will it drop, and from which enemy NPC it will drop). So lets take a closer look at the details of the network call (e.g. JSON API)…
HTTP POST request:
URL: http://game.fate-go.jp/battle/setup?_userId=id
Host: game.fate-go.jp
API: /battle/setup
Query: _userId
Body key-values: activeDeckId, followerId, userId, authKey, appVer, lastAccessTime, questPhase, dataVer, authCode
Most of the body content is straightforward and not of much interest. The only thing of note is that followerId is your support’s userId I believe, and activeDeckId would map to which party slots you choose.
Abridged JSON response: cache
--replaced
----battle
------{}
--------battleInfo
----------enemyDeck
------------{svts}
--------------{}
----------------dropInfos
------------------{}
--------------------limitCount = #
--------------------mstGiftId = id
--------------------num = #
--------------------objectId = id
--------------------rarity = enum
--------------------type = enum
----------------id = #
----------------name = string
----------------npcId = id
----------------roleType = enum
----------------uniqueId = id
----------------userSvtId = id
----------myDeck
------------svts
--------------{}
----------------id = #
----------------isFollowerSvt = bool
----------------name = string
----------------uniqueId = id
----------------userSvtId = id
----------userSvt
------------{}
--------------atk = #
--------------hp = #
--------------id = id
--------------lv = #
--------------npcSvtType = enum
--------------svtId = id
--------------tdRate = #
--------id = id
--------seed = #
--------userId = id
Full JSON response:
Spoiler: cache
--replaced
----battle
------{}
--------battleInfo
----------appVer = string
----------dataVer = #
----------enemyDeck
------------{svts}
--------------{}
----------------dropInfos
------------------{}
--------------------limitCount = #
--------------------mstGiftId = id
--------------------num = #
--------------------objectId = id
--------------------rarity = enum
--------------------type = enum
----------------enemyScript
----------------id = #
----------------isFollowerSvt = bool
----------------name = string
----------------npcId = id
----------------roleType = enum
----------------uniqueId = id
----------------userSvtId = id
----------enemyUserSvt
----------myDeck
------------svts
--------------{}
----------------id = #
----------------isFollowerSvt = bool
----------------name = string
----------------npcId = id
----------------uniqueId = id
----------------userSvtId = id
----------myUserSvt
----------myUserSvtEquip
----------userEquipId = id
----------userSvt
------------{}
--------------actPriority = #
--------------aiId = #
--------------atk = #
--------------chargeRate = #
--------------criticalRate = #
--------------deathRate = #
--------------displayType = enum
--------------equipTargetId1 = id
--------------exp = #
--------------hp = #
--------------hpGaugeType = enum
--------------id = id
--------------individuality
----------------{# array}
--------------limitCount = #
--------------lv = #
--------------maxActNum = #
--------------npcSvtType = enum
--------------skillId1 = id
--------------skillId2 = id
--------------skillId3 = id
--------------skillLv1 = #
--------------skillLv2 = #
--------------skillLv3 = #
--------------starRate = #
--------------svtId = id
--------------tdRate = #
--------------treasureDeviceId = id
--------------treasureDeviceLv = #
--------battleType = enum
--------followerId = id
--------followerType = enum
--------id = id
--------questId = id
--------questPhase = enum
--------rankingEventId = id
--------result = enum
--------seed = #
--------status = enum
--------userId = id
--serverTime = timestamp
--updated
----tblUserGame
------{}
--------createdAt = timestamp
--------friendPoint = #
--------updatedAt = timestamp
--------userId = id
----userGame
------{}
--------activeDeckId = id
--------actMax = #
--------accountRecoverAt = timestamp
--------birthDay = date
--------carryOverActPoint = #
--------chargeStone = #
--------commandSpellRecoverAt = timestamp
--------costMax = #
--------createdAt = timestamp
--------exp = #
--------favoriteUserSvtId = id
--------freeStone = #
--------friendCode = id
--------friendKeep = #
--------genderType = enum
--------lv = #
--------mainDeckId = id
--------mana = #
--------name = string
--------qp = #
--------stone = #
--------svtEquipKeep = #
--------tutorial1 = bitmask
--------tutorial2 = bitmask
--------updatedAt = timestamp
--------userEquipId = id
--------userId = id
response
--{}
----fail
----nid = battle_setup
----resCode = #
----success
So there’s tons and tons of info in the /battle/setup response (as to be expected). A lot of the info is not of interest/relevance (much of it is to just update the client’s game state) and there’s even a few currently empty/unused fields that are probably meant for future game features (such as rankingEventId, myUserSvtEquip, etc.), so lets just instead take a look at the abridged JSON response.
The userSvt section contains entries for each Servant/enemy and includes details such as level, attack value, max HP, etc. Each enemyDeck/svts/userSvtId and myDeck/svts/userSvtId maps to a userSvt/id. Note that Servants and enemy NPCs have some slightly different fields, e.g. enemy NPCs will have additional fields such as aiId, hpGaugeType, npcSvtType, etc. For farming purposes, you probably don’t care about these values, but they’re nice to look at if you’re curious on what enemy NPCs’ stats look like.
The myDeck/svts section contains entries for every of your Servants in your party and includes only basic metadata, mainly only the userSvtId map and the isFollowerSvt boolean. I find it amusing that the name and npcId fields are included in the response even though they are blank (name gets loaded from game data and npcId is irrelevant here). That said, if you take a look at all the JSON responses, you’ll notice quite a lot of redundancy/useless bytes taking up network bandwidth (DW, please learn to sanitize your output!), but I digress.
The enemyDeck/svts section is the section you care most about. It contains entries for every of your enemies, separated into up to 3 svts arrays. Along with the actually-populated name field and userSvtId map (as well as some other information you probably don’t care about for farming, such as enemyScript) is the sub-section that is the focus of this guide: enemyDeck/svts/dropInfos. Lets take a look at the values here and what they mean:
Drop Infos
Here’s the breakdown of what each field in the dropInfos subsection means. Note that even though it is an array, I’ve never seen any enemy drop more than 1 item.
limitCount – Ascension rank for Servant/CE cards (non-cards are 0, lvl 1 CEs are 1)
– Ascension rank for Servant/CE cards (non-cards are 0, lvl 1 CEs are 1) mstGiftId – Server-sided drop table entry ID indicating a unique objectId+num combination
– Server-sided drop table entry ID indicating a unique objectId+num combination num – For item drops, this is always 1; for QP, this is the QP amount
– For item drops, this is always 1; for QP, this is the QP amount objectId – This is the item’s object ID
– This is the item’s object ID rarity – This is used to help determine the loot item graphic, i.e. the orb/chest colour
– This is used to help determine the loot item graphic, i.e. the orb/chest colour type – This is used to help determine the loot item graphic, i.e. whether it’s a orb or a chest
The most up-to-date dropInfo mapping with specific item details can be found on the Drop Infos wikia page. Please help keep the table updated each time new item drops are introduced (e.g. from special events). See here and here for where to find each item.
The Guide
Now that I’ve dropped all this background information on you, are you finally ready for the guide?
Well here’s the general steps:
Proxy your game traffic through Fiddler2/Fiddler4 (or the packet analyzer of your choice) Filter for /battle/setup API calls Convert the network response to JSON Inspect the dropInfo section and check the objectIds for the item you want Decide whether to finish the battle and collect your reward, or abandon and save your time
1) Proxy your game traffic through Fiddler2
The first step is setting up your game to proxy all its network traffic through a packet sniffer/analyzer. My tool of choice is Fiddler2 (download here), which has a built-in JSON format viewer. Wireshark will probably work but I’m not familiar with it. ngrep if you’re a masochist. Either way, this guide will use Fiddler2, so get downloading and installing. Note that it is recommended that you instead install Fiddler4 if you are running Windows 7 or higher.
Once you’ve downloaded and installed Fiddler, configure the program to allow itself to act as a proxy for your device. See here for the Android instructions or here for the iOS instructions |
dienst Guard Battalion as one assisting in the suppression of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.[54]
John Demjanjuk, a former Soviet POW, allegedly worked as a watchguard at Sobibór. He was temporarily convicted by a German lower court as an accessory to the murder of 28,060 Jews and sentenced to five years in prison on 12 May 2011.[55][56][57] He was released pending appeal and died in a German nursing home on 17 March 2012, aged 91, while awaiting the hearing. Because he died before the German Appellate Court could try his case, the German Munich District Court declared that Demjanjuk was "presumed innocent," that the previous interim conviction was invalidated and that he had no criminal record.[58][58][59]
Chain of command [ edit ]
Timeline of Sobibór, March 1942 – October 1943 March 1942 Under the supervision of Richard Thomalla, SS and police authorities construct Sobibór extermination camp in the spring of 1942 in an isolated area not far from the local Chelm-Wlodawa rail line.[19] April 1942 The first test subjects for the gas chambers at Sobibór: The SS deports 2,400 Jews from Rejowiec, Lublin Voivodeship in early April 1942, the first deportation to Sobibór, and murders almost all of them upon arrival.[19] 28 April 1942 Franz Stangl arrives in Sobibór to take up the position of camp commandant. Stangl had been the deputy supervisor of the "euthanasia" institution at Hartheim, near Linz, Austria. As the purpose of the "euthanasia" operation was to murder institutionalised persons with physical and mental disabilities in gas chambers at facilities like Hartheim, Stangl was familiar with using carbon monoxide gas for killing large numbers of people.[19] 3 May 1942 Regular transports to Sobibór begin. The first transport consists of 200 Jews from Zamość. The camp staff conducts gassing operations in three gas chambers located in one brick building. Some 400 prisoners are selected to survive, temporarily, to supply manual labour necessary to support the mass murder function of the killing centre. During this first phase of deportations, from early May until the end of July 1942, the Sobibór killing centre authorities kill at least 61,400 Jews. Many of them were deported from cities and towns in the north and east of Lublin District; the majority were Jews deported from the German Reich, the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia and Slovakia either directly or via the transit camp-ghetto in Izbica.[19] July/August 1942 The SS halts deportations to Sobibór in order to modernise the railway spur into the camp.[19] 8 October 1942 Camp authorities resume mass murder operations in the gas chambers of Sobibór with the arrival of more than 24,000 Slovak Jews between 8 and 20 October from the transit camp-ghetto Izbica in the Lublin District of the General Government. The camp authorities kill virtually all of the deportees upon arrival in reconstructed and newly added gas chambers, completed during the two-month lull in transports to Sobibór. The improvements in capacity enable the camp authorities to kill up to 1,300 people at a time. Newly constructed as well was a narrow railway trolley from the reception platform to the burial pits in order to facilitate the transfer of the sick, the dead and those unable to walk directly to the open ovens. Those still alive after this journey are shot by the SS staff or the Trawniki-trained guards.[19] 12 February 1943 Heinrich Himmler visits Sobibór to inspect operations. Several SS officers at the camp are promoted as a result. 5 March 1943 Deportations from the Netherlands. German SS and Police authorities begin deportations of Dutch Jews from transit camp Westerbork to Sobibór. In 19 transports from this date until July 1943, SS authorities in Westerbork deport over 34,000 Jews to Sobibór. Camp staff and guards kill almost all of them in the gas chambers or by shooting on arrival in the camp.[19] April 1943 Deportations from France. Two transports containing a total of 2,000 Jews from France arrive at Sobibór from the police transit camp Drancy, outside Paris. Deportations from France to camps in the east, primarily Auschwitz, began in March 1942 and continue until August 1944.[19] July/October 1943 Deportations from the Soviet Union. Following Himmler's order of July 1943 to liquidate the ghettos in Reichskommissariat Ostland, SS and police units liquidate ghettos in Minsk, Lida and Wilno (Vilnius, Vilne) and deport those who survived to Sobibór. The first transports from Minsk and Lida leave for Sobibór on 18 September. Included in the first deportation from Minsk (arrived 22 September) is Alexander "Sasha" Pechersky, a Soviet-Jewish prisoner of war, who, because of his military training, came to play a central role in the resistance movement in Sobibór. In September 1943 alone, SS and police authorities transported at least 13,700 Jews from ghettos in the occupied Soviet Union to Sobibór. The camp authorities gas or shoot most of them upon arrival.[19] 14 October 1943 Sobibór revolt. Prisoners carry out a revolt in Sobibór, killing close to a dozen German staff and Trawniki-trained guards. Of 600 prisoners left in Sobibór on this day, roughly 300 escape during the uprising.[2] Among the survivors is Alexander Pechersky, the Soviet prisoner-of-war who played a key role in planning the revolt. Of those who escape, the SS and police personnel from Lublin district recapture and shoot some 140. Some of the prisoners selected for temporary survival in Sobibór organised an underground resistance organisation in early summer of 1943 as it became apparent that gassing operations at Sobibór were slowing. Once the gassing operations were finished, the SS planned to dismantle the killing centre and reconfigure the facility first as a holding pen for women and children deported from villages in Belarus, which had been destroyed in the course of so-called anti-partisan operations, and, later, as an ammunition depot. Though no further prisoners arrived after the killing centre was remodelled, the facility was guarded by a small Trawniki-trained detachment until at least the end of March 1944. During the year and a half in which the Sobibór killing centre operated, camp authorities and the Trawniki-trained guards murdered at least 167,000 people. Virtually all of the victims were Jews.[19] 17 October 1943 Heinrich Himmler orders that Sobibór be closed and all evidence of the camp's existence be removed.[2]
Death toll [ edit ]
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum states that at least 167,000 people were murdered at Sobibór. Other estimates range from 200,000 (Raul Hilberg) to 250,000 (Dr. Aharon Weiss, and Czesław Madajczyk).[65] The Dutch Sobibor Foundation lists a total of 170,165 people based on the arrival schedule cited in the Höfle Telegram as the source. For practical reasons it is not possible to list all the people murdered at the camp. The Nazi regime not only robbed Jews of their earthly possessions and their lives but attempted to eradicate all traces of their existence.[19][66]
I estimate that the number of Jews gassed at Sobibor was about 350,000. In the canteen at Sobibor I once overheard a conversation between Karl Frenzel, Franz Stangl and Gustav Wagner. They were discussing the number of victims in the extermination camps of Belzec, Treblinka and Sobibor and expressed their regret that Sobibor "came last" in the competition. Erich Bauer, Gasmeister [51]
Commemoration [ edit ]
The first monument to Sobibór victims was erected on the historic site in 1965.[67] The Włodawa Museum, which was responsible for the monument, established a separate Sobibór branch on 14 October 1993, on the 50th anniversary of the armed uprising of Jewish prisoners there.[68] Following the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the revolt in 2003, the grounds of the former death camp received a grant largely funded by the Dutch government to improve the exhibits. New walkways were introduced with signs indicating points of interest, but close to the burial pits, bone fragments still litter the area.[2] In the forest outside the camp is a statue honoring the fighters of Sobibór.[2]
Memorial at Sobibór Museum entrance
Sobibór railway yard
Memorial inside the camp
Dramatisations and testimonies [ edit ]
The mechanics of Sobibor death camp were the subject of interviews filmed on location for the 1985 documentary film Shoah by Claude Lanzmann. In 2001, due to Lanzmann's belief in the importance of the additional footage regarding Sobibor, as stated in the film's introduction, Lanzmann utilized unused interviews shot during the making of Shoah (along with new footage) to tell the story of the revolt and escape in his followup documentary Sobibor, 14 Octobre 1943, 16 Heures (Sobibor, 14 October 1943, 4 p.m.).[69]
In the 1978 American TV miniseries Holocaust broadcast in four parts, one of the principal characters, Rudi Weiss, a German Jew, is captured by the Nazis during a partisan attack upon a German convoy. Knocked unconscious, he wakes up in Sobibór, where he meets the Russian prisoners of war. The Sonderkommando are initially suspicious of him as a possible German spy planted within their midst, but he wins their trust and becomes part of the group that kills German SS officers as part of the uprising. Weiss and his new POW comrades successfully escape Sobibór during the mass break-out. The revolt was dramatised in the 1987 British TV film Escape from Sobibor, directed by Jack Gold and in the 2018 Russian movie "Sobibor", directed by Konstantin Khabensky.
One of the survivors, Regina Zielinski, has recorded her memories of the camp, and the escape in a conversation with Phillip Adams together with Elliot Perlman, in 2013 broadcast of Late Night Live by ABC.[70]
See also [ edit ]
Notes [ edit ]
References [ edit ]
German extermination camp located near Sobibór, Poland in World War IIA robust estimate of the current badger population in England and Wales is not yet available because assessment of variation in the number of individual badgers in social groups is ongoing. However, there was no primary assessment of social group size in either of the previous surveys12,13. Therefore, while we can infer change in the abundance of social groups, we cannot ever know whether social group sizes have increased, remained constant or declined between surveys. A measure of social group abundance may nonetheless be at least as useful as a total population estimate, despite the intuitive appeal of the latter, because a) it is less likely to vary at fine temporal scales, i.e. numbers per group may vary between years but numbers of social groups may be more stable20, b) it is epidemiologically informative because of the importance of social structure to TB transmission in badgers7 and c) because assessments of conservation and other management actions are often made at a social group level9.
Although our protocol was similar to previous surveys in most respects, a large proportion of squares in the earlier studies were surveyed by experienced volunteers (73% in 1985–88 and 68% in 1994–97) as opposed to trained professional surveyors, as in our survey. Clearly, we cannot retrospectively assess the quality of earlier surveys, but both the 1980s and 1990s surveys also used professionals to conduct a proportion of their surveys and so they were able to test surveyor reliability in identifying sett types. They found that fewest problems arose with the classification of main setts from other sett types. They also found no consistent patterns in sett encounter rates among volunteers and professionals and so were content to pool data from all surveyors for analysis12,13. While we are confident in our professional estimates of current main sett abundance, it remains a possibility that previous, partly amateur, surveys did not identify setts with the same success or classify setts in the same way as this survey, potentially leading to some additional error in our estimates of change between surveys. Nonetheless, our survey represents a robust, national-scale assessment of badger social group abundance in 2013. It is comparable in approach to those based on sett surveys conducted in 1985–88 and 1994–97 and so is the best, and probably only, basis on which to assess badger population change at the national scale.
This survey highlights a general increase in estimates of badger social group density/abundance, with some regional variation. The marked increase in estimated main sett density in LCG Arable 1, which is found across much of south central England, is particularly noteworthy because density in this landscape did not appear to have changed between the 1980s and 1990s13. The difference in the estimated magnitude of change in England and Wales suggests that in addition to landscape effects, there are further regional effects on population change.
At the landscape scale, there is a general association between the density of badgers and the density of setts18. The long term increase in the estimated abundance of badger main setts reported here is likely to indicate an increase in badger numbers though the magnitude of that increase cannot be determined, as the general relationship between social group abundance and population size has not been established. Long term badger population monitoring at a ~7 km2 site at Woodchester Park in Gloucestershire, where the density of social groups has varied from 3–4 km−2, showed that the number of groups remained relatively constant over time, while badger population size more than doubled from 1982 to a peak in 1999, and subsequently declined to 200520. In a 22 km2 study area in Sussex the number of main setts more than doubled within a 20 year period, though a proportion of this increase was due to large territories being subdivided21,22. At Wytham Woods in Oxfordshire, a long-term study of an undisturbed population showed doubling in population size between 1987 and 1996, followed by a decline in the late 1990s and further increases thereafter23. Thus, there is ample scope for badger populations to vary over time, because of changes in both the abundance and size of social groups. Furthermore, owing to the long intervals between the national sett surveys, we cannot use these data to predict whether the increase in estimated social group abundance observed here is ongoing.
We cannot ascribe the observed changes in estimated badger social group abundance over the ~25 years to 2013 to specific factors with any degree of certainty. However, in common with the conclusions of the previous badger survey13, it seems likely to be the ongoing result of species protection and changes in habitat quality. Further analyses may reveal correlations between land management and change in social group density, but cause and effect is not likely to be firmly established.
Other carnivores living in Britain have increased their populations over similar periods. Increases in the numbers of red foxes Vulpes vulpes shot by gamekeepers are apparent from the National Gamebag Census24, which indicates an increase of 97% in England and 67% in Wales between 1984–2009, with particularly marked increases of 112% in what that scheme refers to as the “easterly lowlands” of England and Wales and 86% in the “westerly lowlands” of England and Wales. Polecat Mustela putorius gamebag records exhibited a 72% increase from 1984–2009 in the easterly lowlands but a 39% decrease in the westerly lowlands24, though the utility of these records may be compromised by species protection and consequent underreporting of captures. Otter Lutra lutra surveys in England in 1977–79 recorded their presence in 170 of 2940 sites (5.8%) but this had increased 10-fold to 58.8% by 2009–1025.
The implications of increasing badger populations are numerous. Badgers are the largest terrestrial carnivore in the British Isles. They feed across numerous trophic levels, and largely eat soil invertebrates, but will also prey upon ground nesting birds, hedgehogs and other vertebrates8,22. Evaluation of the ecological impact of badger culling during the Randomised Badger Culling Trial identified an increase in fox abundance associated with reductions in badger density26 while reciprocal relationships between hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus and badger distributions suggest that increasing badger numbers might have had a negative impact on hedgehogs27. In terms of tuberculosis epidemiology, at a local level, disease prevalence and incidence appears to vary with mobility among groups28 and prevalence has been shown to be higher in smaller social groups29. Consequently, despite a broad landscape scale correlation between the incidence of TB in cattle and the distribution of badgers30, badger social group density alone may not predict patterns of TB infection in badgers or cattle.Hackerspaces are the digital-age equivalent of English Enlightenment coffee houses. They are places open to all, indifferent to social status, and where ideas and knowledge hold primary value. In 17th-century England, the social equality and merit-ocracy of coffee houses was so deeply troubling to those in power that King Charles II tried to suppress them for being "places where the disaffected met, and spread scandalous reports concerning the conduct of His Majesty and his Ministers". It was in the coffee houses that information previously held in secret and by elites was shared with an emerging middle class. They were held responsible for many of the social reforms of the 18th century, when English public life was transformed.
Hackerspaces could prove to be as important for reform in the digital age. While collectives of rogue hackers such as Anonymous and Lulzsec have grabbed headlines with their mischievous hacks of personal information from Sony, News International and governments, hackerspaces have quietly focused on creating alternatives to the things they see wrong in society: secretive government, unfettered corporate power, invasion of privacy. Bradley Manning, the US Army intelligence analyst accused of leaking files to WikiLeaks, attended the launch of BUILDS, a hackerspace at Boston University last year. In Sweden the hacker collective Telecomix has been involved in keeping lines of communication open in middle eastern countries when political leaders shut down networks.
As part of the research for my book, The Revolution Will Be Digitised, I travelled to Berlin to meet the group of hackers known as the Chaos Computer Club (CCC). The Club was so named not because it set out to cause chaos but rather because one of the founders, Wau Holland, felt chaos theory offered the best explanation for how the world actually worked. Dutch hacker and entrepreneur Rop Gonggrijp says the club is about "adapting to a world which is (and always has been) much more chaotic and non-deterministic than is often believed".
In Berlin, just after Christmas last year, more than 2,000 hackers and information activists gathered at the CCC's annual conference to discuss technology and the future. Gonggrijp gave the keynote speech, which was startlingly prescient in light of subsequent uprisings, revolutions and riots. "Most of today's politicians realise that nobody in their ministries, or any of their expensive consultants, can tell them what is going on any more. They have a steering wheel in their hands without a clue what – if anything – it is connected to. Our leaders are reassuring us that the ship will certainly survive the growing storm. But on closer inspection they are either quietly pocketing the silverware or discreetly making their way to the lifeboats."
The hacker community may be small but it possesses the skills that are driving the global economies of the future. So what is a hacker? Hackers often describe what they do as playfully creative problem solving. It's much easier to attack than to defend a system, so the best hackers are those who build things. The ones who break them are known as "crackers". The world wide web, and free software operating systems such as the GNU Project and the Linux kernel, could all be considered hacker creations. Even Facebook began as a hack. That is not to say hackers don't attack systems and take things apart. They do, with a compulsive glee, and the more adolescent hackers use their skills as much to show off to each other and rebel against authority than for any greater good. There are good hackers and bad hackers. Some of the best hackers say the line between hacker/cracker or white hat/black hat (ie, good/bad) is of little relevance. Some are amoral, interested only in the intellectual challenge, while others think the ethics behind hacking are all-important. A hacker could use his skill to protect a system he knows is used to track down and kill protesters. He's not "cracking" but how can he be considered a white-hat hacker? The ethics of hacking, like life, are slightly more complicated than a 1950s western movie.
Some who have hacking skills want nothing to do with a community they see as comprised of "alpha geeks" – macho, misogynistic thugs and vandals. "A lot of them are just selfish teenage assholes," says Benjamin Mako Hill, a student at MIT's media lab specialising in sociology and online communities. "Most grow out of it, others go on to do computer security." Certainly that is the impression one gets from reading the chat logs of some Anonymous members. Even within the hacker scene there are divisions. An older hacker known as Virus recently described the younger hackers of Anonymous as "nothing but a bunch of fat, pimply basement dwelling losers who masturbate 3+ times a day".
If Anonymous and Lulzsec are the id of hacking, then physical hackerspaces are the heart of the higher-minded hacking ideals: freedom of information, meritocracy of ideas, a joy of learning and anti-authoritarianism. The CCC is Europe's largest hacker organisation and also one of the oldest worldwide, having been set up in 1981 by Wau Holland and others who predicted the rising importance digital technology would have in people's lives. CCC's hackers are often older and run their own businesses. They hold conferences and even consult with the German government. The CCC is famous for exposing the security flaws of major technologies, from chip and PIN to smartphones. Want to know how to listen in on GSM mobile phone traffic? Here's the place to learn (within legal constraints, of course). Among some of their more noteworthy "hacks" is pulling the fingerprints of the German interior minister from a water glass and putting them on a transparent film that could be used to fool fingerprint readers. The Club also worked with activists for voting transparency to expose flaws in computerised voting machines. These were later ruled unconstitutional in Germany and abolished in Holland.
The CCC isn't just about technical hacking, it is a hub of political activism based around a few common goals: transparency of governments, privacy for private people and the removal of excessive restrictions on sharing information. Many of these hacks are demonstrated at the annual conference at the Berlin Congress Centre, and it was here that Julian Assange presented WikiLeaks to an enthusiastic crowd in 2008.
The CCC has its own permanent base on Marienstraße in Berlin. It's not a secret and you'll find "Chaos Computer Club" listed on the bell push of the neo-classical building. You pass through a stone walkway to an inner courtyard and on the far right side is the entrance to the CCC. Inside, there's a collection of desks pushed together, well-worn office chairs and sofas and coils of wires strewn across most surfaces. Crates of Club-Mate, a soft drink beloved by hackers for its high caffeine content, are piled at the back and dispensed from a defaced Coke machine. Someone has drawn a noughts and crosses board in the dusty screen of an old video game, Ideal Twinline, and underneath, the words, "How about a nice game of chess?" There are posters on the walls: "Liberty waits on your fingers" and "Keep on blogging".
Hackerspaces aren't just about hacking with computers. The ideals can be applied to every aspect of life including politics – which is considered just another "system" by which humans live together. Like any other system, it can therefore be hacked and these spaces offer a real-time experiment in political hacking. They often contain power tools, industrial cutting machines, sewing machines and sometimes even kitchens for "culinary hacking". At the tiny hackerspace HACK (the Hungarian Autonomous Center for Knowledge) in Budapest, members have built an electronic plantwatering system, and at Sprout in Cambridge, Massachusetts, I saw an MIT student building a jet propeller. In large spaces such as Noisebridge in San Francisco members have created an active space-exploration programme sending weather-balloon probes up to 70,000ft in the sky to collect images and data using GPS smartphones and digital cameras. Access to and membership of the spaces is usually governed by commonly agreed norms, but notably there is a lack of formal rules. Asking permission is frowned upon as it implies a power imbalance. The chosen way is to observe the culture and then seek agreement.
"What we've done at Noisebridge is not to say how bad everything is but to create a viable alternative," says Jacob Appelbaum, one of its founders. "I wanted a space where we could make things come true. Almost like a magical environment where we could decide one day we wanted to have a space programme and then... we did. That's not going to happen in a cafe. There currently isn't a public place where you can have a lathe or a table saw or computer access or couches where you can sit, where no one feels entitled to throw you out. The closest thing is the university lab where I work now but there we're beholden to university administrators. In this place we are beholden to no one but ourselves."
I caught up with Appelbaum in Seattle, where he's now a staff research scientist at the University of Washington. He explained that the political ideology of the hackerspace is probably nearest to libertarian, "in the liberty sense". Anyone who wants to contribute something, whether time, money or ideas, is welcome. The ability to do things is dependent on being accepted by the group, and that comes when one's actions have merit. Appelbaum says that Noisebridge is run along anarchist principles of mutual aid, solidarity and respect. He is keen to stress that this is not anarchy in the sense of chaos but as author Emma Goldman describes it: the liberation of the human mind from religion, property and government, "a social order based on the free grouping of individuals for the purpose of producing real social wealth".
The group makes decisions based on consensus. "It can take a while," he admits, but the advantages outweigh the costs. "In our society people don't have a lot of agency to change things. And when I say 'our society' I mean 'the world'. Sometimes in our discussions it will be the first time that someone has ever felt listened to in their entire lives. That's actually incredibly sad but I'm happy we can give them that opportunity. I think there are a lot of us who don't think the world is as we would like to see it. And anyone who is not a utopianist is a schmuck."
Even in the world of hackers and web revolutionaries, Appelbaum's dedication to the internet is startling (it is "the only reason I'm alive today", he once told Rolling Stone magazine). He found in computers an escape from a chaotic upbringing and credits his skill in technology for moving him out of America's underclass and into the middle class. As well as working at the university he is also a spokesman for Tor, a free internet-anonymising software that helps people defend themselves against surveillance, and he is spent five years teaching activists how to install and use the service to avoid being monitored by repressive governments. Now he himself is frequently targeted by the US government as a result of his relationship with WikiLeaks, which used Tor software.
Sometimes, though, hackers don't realise they are no longer outsiders but have their hands on the levers of power. Tech writer Danny O'Brien points to Bill Gates, who continued to believe right up until the anti-trust lawsuits of the 1990s that Microsoft would be destroyed by big powerful companies such as IBM – despite the fact that he was, by then, one of the world's richest men and Microsoft the world's biggest IT company. Furthermore, it can prove difficult to reconcile the subversive hacker mindset with the demands of running a multinational firm. A robust disregard for intellectual property in youth, for example, is often replaced with a cadre of lawyers enforcing draconian copyright law once the requisite information has been hacked, the product built and the company made profitable.
O'Brien is himself an embodiment of the transformation. This once-shabby Londoner, who wrote a tech newsletter called Need To Know, meets me in a swish cocktail bar in Palo Alto, California. "When we wrote [NTK] originally, geeks were under-represented; an unconnected group of outsiders who were excited about technology. But now the story is how much ridiculous power we have and how we're misusing that power or unaware of it."
• The Revolution Will Be Digitised is published by Heinemann at £12.99. To order a copy for £10.39 with free UK p&p go to theguardian.com/bookshop or call 0330 333 6846.You may be familiar with some of the research on the power of diversity in driving company performance: that more gender diverse leadership teams can lead to higher returns on equity, lower risk, greater customer focus, increased employee engagement and greater innovation.
And you may be able to see the logic behind the power of diversity: bringing together people who have different skillsets, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives enriches a team and can lead to better decision-making. (Put another way, it’s hard to build a national championship team if your players are all point guards.)
In my new book, Own It: The Power of Women at Work, I walk through some of the qualities that women bring to the workplace: qualities such as risk-awareness, relationship focus, ability to see problems holistically, learning orientation, long-term perspective, and focus on meaning and purpose. Pretty good characteristics, right? Ones that can make companies better, right? Ones that, I would argue, are becoming even more important as the pace of change in business increases.
So, why is so much of the business advice for women out there to…..well…..act like a man? Why have so many performance reviews that I have received over the course of my career pushed me in that direction?
Take a seat at the table. Project confidence. Get rid of the up-speak. Take on p&l roles instead of support functions. Raise your hand for jobs you don’t think you’re fully prepared for, because you know the guys are. Be more forceful.
In other words, conform to how the guys are acting.
This is despite the fact that the power of diversity in driving business results is……wait for it……diversity. It’s not bringing together a bunch of people of difference and training them to behave the same way.
So why the heck do we do this?
I believe it’s because we’ve been socialized on what leadership looks like: strong, certain, confident……male. I believe it’s because it’s easier (so, so much easier) for managers to manage everyone in one way and direct them to act in one way, rather than manage them as individuals. I believe it’s because the benefits that we hear about from diversity are so amorphous (“If I have more diverse individuals acting in diverse ways, my business’ ROE will be higher, in theory….Mmmmmmm….Never mind.”)
But the costs to this approach are real:
First is the cost for us as women. It’s just plain exhausting to act like something you’re not, day after day after day after day. (And, newsflash, there’s no guarantee that it even works; there’s an entire body of research that points to the backlash women professionals receive when we act too much like a man.) There’s no doubt that this pressure for women to act like something we’re not has driven any number of us out of business; I can’t tell you how many conversations I’ve had over the years with women who were throwing in the towel because they found it simply too exhausting.
Second is the cost to businesses. Yes, it’s a cost of not achieving the returns based on having that diversity. But it’s also the very real costs of having to find and train women’s replacements; these costs are calculated at up to 200% of her annual salary. Those are real dollars out the door.
Third is the opportunity cost of missing women as a market. You need go no further than my old industry, Wall Street and the investing industry, to see the impact. 86% of the industry’s financial advisors are male; the industry is built around the concepts of “outperforming,” “beating the market,” “picking winners;” and its brand symbol is a bull. All very male. The result? Women don’t invest as much as men do, and the industry is thus missing a significant source of business. (Even more importantly, this has had a negative financial impact on women in the past, since they haven’t been as fully invested as men and thus haven’t earned the historically greater returns in the markets.)
Fourth: At an extreme, homogeneity can lead to group think, which can cause industry “accidents.” Case in point: the financial crisis. Anyone really think it would have been as bad had the industry had more women and more people with different backgrounds??
I’ve worked at companies at which I felt like I couldn’t be myself, and I’ve worked at ones at which I could; and boy what a difference it made. At one company, I never “got” the politics; I felt like there was a secret code in which certain opinions were welcome and others (typically ones that dissented from the CEO….but not always…) were not. But I didn’t have the code book and so would come home at the end of the day drained.
In contrast, when I worked at Sanford Bernstein, that company celebrated intellectual diversity, and the management team relished a good debate. Everyone was allowed to be their full quirky selves. Is it a coincidence that it was there that we identified that equity research and investment banking were in fundamental conflict? As a result, we took ourselves out of the investment banking business before the early 2000s, when the industry became embroiled in the scandal for providing conflicted advice to research clients. I believe we were able to come to a better decision in this case because we were a diverse team intellectually, and the culture we had built meant that we didn’t need to edit our personalities and opinions.
(And before you decide that making a decision to exit a conflicted business is the luxury of smaller companies, it might be worth asking who earned a greater profit from 1998 to 2008: Bernstein or Merrill Lynch? The answer is Bernstein – because it didn’t’ suffer the big losses in the downturn. So it depends on how you define size.)
Ok, you may be saying, the idea of allowing people to act like themselves sounds like a good one. But what will make this happen now? The research has been around for awhile, and there have been plenty of opportunities to draw these conclusions. But not much has changed.
Here’s what is different going forward: women increasingly have other career options. We can tap into more information than ever before about the cultures and policies of companies at which we may want to work (or, for that matter, from which we may want to buy or in which we might want to invest). Additionally we are entering what I think could be the great age of female entrepreneurialism. As the costs of starting businesses come down, the support systems around entrepreneurs grows and an increasing number of successful female role models emerges, this career path moves from “nice to dream about” to a real option for more people.
As a result, women have more freedom and more options than we’ve ever had. Add to that that we control $5 trillion in investable assets in the US, jointly control another $6 trillion, direct half of consumer spending and make up half the workforce…..and that the existing power structure brought us the financial crisis…..given all that…..remind why we women are being told to act like men?
Going forward, we won’t. And it will be good for all of us.
Sallie Krawcheck is the CEO and Co-Founder of Ellevest, an innovative digital platform for women. She is Chair of Ellevate Network and the Pax Ellevate Global Women’s Index Fund. She is former CEO of Smith Barney and Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.Coming Soon
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Loyalties are tested when five former special forces operatives reunite to steal a drug lord's fortune, unleashing a chain of unintended consequences.
Mixtape
This romantic musical drama follows the love stories connecting an eclectic group of people in modern-day Los Angeles.
Go! Go! Cory Carson
Join kid car Cory Carson on his adventures around the winding roads of childhood in Bumperton Hills! Based on the hit toy line Go! Go! Smart Wheels.Watching the news this morning you’d have thought we were actually labelling migrants and asylum seekers in the United Kingdom with big yellow stars, then prodding them off to the gas chambers. Wristband Macht Frei – the new slogan of the UK Home Office, if the one-sided media reports are to be believed.
People – and I say |
kplr2w4/blueback.jpg') repeat; width: 600px; padding: 10px; position: relative; border: 1px solid #18283e; -moz-border-radius: 12px; -webkit-border-radius: 12px; border-radius: 12px; -moz-box-shadow: inset 0 0 30px #000000; -webkit-box-shadow: inset 0 0 30px #000000; box-shadow: inset 0 0 30px #000000; }.photocredit { font-size: 6pt; color: #444; }.photocredit a { color: #555!important; }.photocredit a:hover { color: #666!important; } a.single_image img {border:1px solid #000;margin:2px } Photo: Daily eSports (데일리e스포츠) Welcome to the second half of this week's Teamliquid Writeup, containing a short summary of the second Quarterfinal between CJ Entus Frost and Najin White Shield and a preview for the last Quarterfinal of OGN Summer.Will we see an upset can CTU beat the Champions of OGN Spring or will Ozone crush them and face SKT T1 in the Semifinals? Let us know what you think. Signing off, Table of Contents The Eulogy Corner Frost/Shield Summary By: Chexx Rapidstar returned from his break with a perfect start on Ahri, receiving First Blood at level 1. From that point on he dictated the tempo of his middle lane, helping Frost take an early lead into the mid game. However, Najin White Shield turtled at their second turrets to stall for late game, where they would have the superior team composition. Initially this plan seemed to work, as for some time no one overextended, until NoFe tried to clean out wards. CJ Frost caught NoFein the following teamfight was able to get a big enough lead to break the turtle stance of Najin White Shield and win the first game. CJ Entus Frost 1 : 0 Najin White Shield
Game 2
In the beginning of the second game Frost exhibited another pinpoint play by having Rapidstar move up into the top lane right as the ward expired, resulting in two kills including First Blood. Frost set the pace of the match, taking many additional kills and Dragons in the early game. Shield managed to come back a little with a good teamfight, but in the transition from mid game to late game Frost showed once again that they are the more skilled and experienced team and won the second game.
In the beginning of the second game Frost exhibited another pinpoint play by having Rapidstar move up into the top lane right as the ward expired, resulting in two kills including First Blood. Frost set the pace of the match, taking many additional kills and Dragons in the early game. Shield managed to come back a little with a good teamfight, but in the transition from mid game to late game Frost showed once again that they are the more skilled and experienced team and won the second game. Najin White Shield 0 : 2 CJ Entus Frost
Game 3
The third game was almost identical to game one and game two. only this time CJ Entus Frost's team composition was odd. They picked Gragas in a composition with Twitch, Sona, Ryze and Amumu who all benefit from a enemy team who huddles together. Used in the right and exact sequence the ultimates would be extremely powerful, but a single misplay could destroy the engage. Despite the potential for a mistake CJ Frost still won without breaking a sweat. Rapidstar finished his first match of the season with a ridiculous accumulated KDA of 40.
The third game was almost identical to game one and game two. only this time CJ Entus Frost's team composition was odd. They picked Gragas in a composition with Twitch, Sona, Ryze and Amumu who all benefit from a enemy team who huddles together. Used in the right and exact sequence the ultimates would be extremely powerful, but a single misplay could destroy the engage. Despite the potential for a mistake CJ Frost still won without breaking a sweat. Rapidstar finished his first match of the season with a ridiculous accumulated KDA of 40. CJ Entus Frost 3 : 0 Najin White Shield
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<div class="LOLsuperheader" id="parthree"><span style="color: #dde8e9;">Eulogy Corner</span>
<h2>By: Fionn</h2></div><div class="LOLsuperfeature">
Jin Air Falcons
This picture was sadly taken a few hours before SK Telecom T1 brutally murdered both Reapered and Miso This picture was sadly taken a few hours before SK Telecom T1 brutally murdered both Reapered and Miso
Ah, welcome to the eulogy of the Jin Air Falcons, a team thought they could soar to the sun, but got shot before they could even get off the ground. They came into the quarterfinals with so much hope and pride going up against their former brother team, SK Telecom T1, but not even they could see the massacre that took place. While some would call the three hours the two teams played a quarterfinal match, most would consider it a massacre -- a one-sided, bloody and R-rated slaughter that no one under the age of eighteen should ever be allowed to watch again.
Summing up the Falcons this summer, you would have to say their greatest strength was also their greatest weakness. They had no fear. No matter how big or small their opponents were, they would go all out from the very get go, wanting to snowball early and get quick kills on their carry champions. Against weaker teams, such as Xenics Blast and Storm, this strategy worked out, Reapered starting with his trusted Doran's items and getting an early advantage against his opposing Jungler. When facing stronger teams and Junglers, like SKT's bengi or Ozone's Dandy, the brashness of the Falcons worked against them, going down early and transitioning into games that were already over before the first dragon was even taken.
Comparing them to a boxer, the Falcons heard the opening bell ring, rushed into the middle of the ring and started throwing bombs against their opponent -- no mater if they were more or less skilled than they were. They go for broke early and if they can outright win in the early stages or at least connect with a few of their shots, they're in a good position for the rest of the match. Against Ozone and SKT, Falcons ran into the center of the ring, launched their hardest shot at a superior opponent and got easily countered. This would lead to the stronger teams pummeling on the Falcons for the rest of the fight until they mercifully ended it with a knockout shot.
Usually when a weaker team or an underdog goes up against one of the best teams in a tournament, they try to counter-punch. They play passive, try to farm and hope, eventually, if they can get into the mid-game with a small disadvantage or an even score, they can start playing more aggressive or hope that the other team will make a mistake. The opposite of that, some teams who just aren't mechanically as good or lack the coordination of the other team, will go for out of the box strategies, using weird team compositions or rarely seen champions to try and get a jump on the favored team.
The Falcons didn't do either of these strategies. They went for early ganks and kills, hoping that they could outplay SKT in the early game and go into the later stages with a lead. While they were able to get a few kills in the first game, SKT simply outplayed them, rotating across the map, taking global objectives and never letting the Falcons get a grasp on the game. This would continue until the Falcons surrendered a little after the twenty minute mark, looking at a 21 to 5 loss in kills.
In the five games that the Falcons played against top level teams -- Ozone and SK Telecom T1 -- they lost by a combined score of 98 to 21 in kills. As you can see their bull rush, out of the gate punching strategy didn't work at all in any of the games they played against Ozone or SKT, getting punched right back in the face and not being able to keep up skill or coordination wise with their opponents.
Let us remember Miso, the poor man's version of Maknoon. He died a lot. He wasn't afraid of any player put up against him in lane, but he probably should have been. A prospect from the CJ Entus organization, having been a practice partner with Flame and Shy, he did show some potential at times, but was much too green and aggressive to make any impact on the Falcons roster. As with Flame and Shy, I'm sure he will improve with another season under his belt and more time with an established team, but we'll always look back at this season and remember when Miso was an extremely inexperienced rookie, getting killed every other minute in lane.
Let us remember Reapered, the man who thought going from a carry Top Lane role to a carry Jungler role would be much easier than it actually was. If Reapered got fed early or got off to a good start, then the Falcons won. If he was facing a better Jungler like bengi or Dandy, he got his ass kicked and so did his team. Reapered is a good player, but the move from the top lane to jungle wasn't as easy as he thought it would be, not being able to carry his team as easily in his new position. People will bring up InSec's successful transition from jungle to the top, but you have to remember that InSec was a carry Jungler moving to the Top Lane position, wanting to carry in a more appropriate position. As you can see, the opposite of that doesn't really work out nearly as well. We'll see if this Jungler Reapered experiment will continue, or if he'll decide that playing AD Carry is an easy transition as well.
Let us remember Roar, who said that Faker had a very wide, but shallow champion pool. Faker responded by beating the Falcons Mid in lane, helping his team advance easily to the semifinals, and leaving Roar with a disappointing 4/12/3 overall stats line for the night. As with most of the Falcons, Roar was inexperienced in not only Champions, but in his position, being an AD Carry that had been transformed into a Mid Laner. As you can tell from how he plays, he still isn't comfortable in his new position, playing a lot of Ezreal in the Mid Lane and not being the heavy carry player that most Mid Lane players are at the top of the Korean scene. Compared to the rest of this jumbled, thrown together team, he actually might be the player who showed the most promise this season. Another season in the Mid Lane, and like Miso, he might last a few more minutes in lane before Faker kills him.
Let us remember Raven and StarLast, who got torn apart all season long. Be it in 2v2 or 2v1 situations, they never really had any success, Raven dying more than killing and putting his team in a hole early in games. Unlike the rest of the team, these two are neither rookies or players going to a new position. They've played together their entire careers, never playing a game without each other. After having a decent rookie season, the Falcons bot lane dropped off the map this season, dragging their team down with them. That's not to say that all the blame should be on the bot lane for their massacre against Ozone and SKT, but they have no excuses for their excessive faults. This is their second season together and they only got worst, ending up with a combined score of 2/21/18 against SK Telecom T1. The conundrum for the Falcons now is this -- do they roll the dice and hope that the third season is a charm for Raven and StarLast, or do they cut their losses and look for a new bot lane that doesn't only get two kills in a three game series?
Finally, putting the Falcons to rest this season, you can categorize them in two ways. They are either the best bad team in Korea, or they are the worst good team in Korea. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, Falcons, you're dead to us ('till next season).
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<div class="LOLsuperheader" id="partthree"><span style="color: #dde8e9;">Kings against the Royal Roaders</span>
<h2>By: Manisier</h2></div><div class="LOLsuperfeature">
On the surface, the final quarter-final match between MVP Ozone and Chunnam Techno University looks to be the least interesting – a dull, one-sided match-up that will leave the aspiring rookie team dead in the water and straight to the NLB for a shot at winning a tournament during the summer season of Korean League of Legends. Judging by the curbstomps that were CJ Entus Frost vs. Najin White Shield and SK Telecom T1 vs. Jin Air Falcons, one could be forgiven for dismissing Chunnam Techno University and expecting another one-sided domination. Though the chances of a CTU victory are indeed slim, the storyline that underlies this otherwise unimpressive match is one that could have an explosive ending.
Looking at the other quarter-final matches, it's not hard to see their significance outside of Champions Summer. KT Rolster Bullets continued their winning streak against CJ Entus Blaze and likely forced Blaze to rethink their split-push strategy (which Najin Black Sword encouraged after wiping out the former 2nd place team 2:0 in NLB), while CJ Entus Frost won Korea's 'LoL Classico' against Najin White Shield. SK Telecom T1 dispatched their previous teammates Jin Air Falcons in three easy games. The three matches played thus far have fueled rivalries, but no such rivalry exists between MVP Ozone and CTU (the latter of which is the only debuting team to make the round of 8).
Closer examination, however, reveals that MVP Ozone and CTU may have more in common than is first apparent. When KT Rolster B deliberately placed themselves against MVP Ozone in Champions Spring's round of 8, most people shared their belief that MVP Ozone was an easy win. However, Ozone humiliated KTB and stunned audiences as they won 3:1. While MVP Ozone has not thrown any games to play against CTU (OnGameNet actually made the teams draw lots this time around to prevent such a situation), CTU is the underdog in this match by quite a large degree. Though no one is really claiming that CTU will win over MVP Ozone, the stage is completely set for another Cinderella story.
However, for CTU to beat MVP Ozone would require a greater miracle than the one that Ozone called upon to defeat KTB in Champions Spring. KTB lost due to being nerve-wracked from mountains upon mountains of hateful messages on Inven and similar websites regarding their perceived throws against CJ Entus Frost, as well as sorely underestimating their opposition. MVP Ozone won, fueled by a desire to show up the team that had shown great disrespect to them. CTU lack that emotional drive – and indeed, if any emotions are present in the CTU camp at this point in time, fear and anxiety would be on top of the list. Riris appeared to be on the verge of tears when he drew the cursed ball that matched his young team against Ozone, coming off a crushing loss to Blaze in the group tiebreaker, and objectively speaking, he can't really be blamed for being emotional. There is no plainer way to say it – MVP Ozone is incredibly good.
The reigning champions have dropped one game all season to Xenics Storm, though this statistic should be taken with a grain of salt as it occurred when they had already secured their spot in the round of 8. By all accounts, Ozone have only gotten better since defeating Blaze in Champions Spring's final. Homme was a point of worry for the MVP organization as concerns about his age and ability arose, but so far it seems he has retained the same level of expertise that he magically acquired in Spring's playoffs. DanDy, finally unchained from his past, has performed miracles on Lee Sin and is now laying claim to the throne of best jungler in the world. imp has not carried to the extent of last season, nor has he needed to. dade, last season's MVP, has continued to amaze with his airtight teamplay and monstrous mechanics. Mata has only improved as he seems to be the first support in the world who can legitimately lay claim to MadLife's throne.
CTU, while not flawless, have definitely been one of the most refreshing teams of the season along with Najin White Shield. In their debut match, they tied 1:1 against season favorites Najin Black Sword, before routing the Jin Air Stealths 2:0 and tying 1:1 against CJ Entus Blaze. The mere fact that a Champions debut was able to not only take games off the titans that are Sword and Blaze, but also qualify for the round of 8 ahead of the favorites to win the tournament speaks monuments to CTU's ability. While NonameD and Raccoon seem to be fairly middle-of-the-pack in ability, they hide trump cards that must be pulled out against MVP Ozone, the team currently considered Korea's #1. If these trump cards exist, they could be the saving grace of CTU. Mima and Wolf find themselves in the round of 8 with a revitalized outlook on League of Legends, as well as improved play. Riris, however, is CTU's most interesting player. Though he looked like a mechanical god against Jin Air Stealths, he fumbled poorly in the tiebreaker game against Blaze. Nailing down his consistency will be key.
Top Lane
Homme vs. NonameD
NonameD (left) thinking about his secret champion
Although Homme and NonameD share a similar champion pool, their contributions to their team's strategies are distinctly different. Unless the MVP coaching staff is even better than previously envisioned, there are no real secrets about Homme – he will pick team-oriented champions, he will be difficult to kill, and he won't lose lane. Shen and Kennen make their triumphant return in Homme's hands, greatly assisting Ozone with their defensive ultimates and hard crowd control for both peeling and initiating. Shen and Kennen are difficult to kill in lane, and difficult to chase when caught split pushing, as effective ninja must be. However, one of the more interesting pick-ups by Homme this season has been Yorick. In retrospect, Yorick is perhaps the ultimate Homme champion – incredibly durable, resilient in lane, and a great support for imp. Omen of Death has been vital in keeping MVP Ozone's two-threat compositions high in damage, and with Yorick's monstrous strength in lane, we may see the gravedigger draw a ban.
NonameD has also been favoring Shen and Kennen, piloting the ninja to victory against Sword and Stealths. When viewed through CTU's eyes, however, Shen and Kennen become a sort of 'pocket threat' against their opponents. None can deny that Riris is the star of CTU (and where have we heard similar words last season?), but NonameD's performance on Jax in their second game against the Stealths showed that he has a capability for carrying too. In NonameD, we've witnessed growth similar to that of SKT's Impact, who was regarded as a team player above all, but came into his own as a strong top laner capable of bringing the team to victory. However, in NonameD we also have an element of volatility. His secret, yet to be unrevealed champion may indeed make waves, but it is too easy to envision him ramming his head into the wall that is Homme over and over without success.
On any other day, taking a bet on Homme to beat out the younger NonameD would not be a risky choice. However, the pressure of an elimination match can make or break a rookie, and how NonameD responds to the pressure of the crowd will determine his performance against the constant that is Homme. Though a lot of hype has been brought up around his pocket champion, it remains to be seen if CTU will take such a risk against Ozone. At any rate, it will be difficult for NonameD to stop the cog that is Homme from turning and fueling the Ozone engine.
Eulogy Corner By: Fionn Ah, welcome to the eulogy of the Jin Air Falcons, a team thought they could soar to the sun, but got shot before they could even get off the ground. They came into the quarterfinals with so much hope and pride going up against their former brother team, SK Telecom T1, but not even they could see the massacre that took place. While some would call the three hours the two teams played a quarterfinal match, most would consider it a massacre -- a one-sided, bloody and R-rated slaughter that no one under the age of eighteen should ever be allowed to watch again.Summing up the Falcons this summer, you would have to say their greatest strength was also their greatest weakness. They had no fear. No matter how big or small their opponents were, they would go all out from the very get go, wanting to snowball early and get quick kills on their carry champions. Against weaker teams, such as Xenics Blast and Storm, this strategy worked out, Reapered starting with his trusted Doran's items and getting an early advantage against his opposing Jungler. When facing stronger teams and Junglers, like SKT's bengi or Ozone's Dandy, the brashness of the Falcons worked against them, going down early and transitioning into games that were already over before the first dragon was even taken.Comparing them to a boxer, the Falcons heard the opening bell ring, rushed into the middle of the ring and started throwing bombs against their opponent -- no mater if they were more or less skilled than they were. They go for broke early and if they can outright win in the early stages or at least connect with a few of their shots, they're in a good position for the rest of the match. Against Ozone and SKT, Falcons ran into the center of the ring, launched their hardest shot at a superior opponent and got easily countered. This would lead to the stronger teams pummeling on the Falcons for the rest of the fight until they mercifully ended it with a knockout shot.Usually when a weaker team or an underdog goes up against one of the best teams in a tournament, they try to counter-punch. They play passive, try to farm and hope, eventually, if they can get into the mid-game with a small disadvantage or an even score, they can start playing more aggressive or hope that the other team will make a mistake. The opposite of that, some teams who just aren't mechanically as good or lack the coordination of the other team, will go for out of the box strategies, using weird team compositions or rarely seen champions to try and get a jump on the favored team.The Falcons didn't do either of these strategies. They went for early ganks and kills, hoping that they could outplay SKT in the early game and go into the later stages with a lead. While they were able to get a few kills in the first game, SKT simply outplayed them, rotating across the map, taking global objectives and never letting the Falcons get a grasp on the game. This would continue until the Falcons surrendered a little after the twenty minute mark, looking at a 21 to 5 loss in kills.In the five games that the Falcons played against top level teams -- Ozone and SK Telecom T1 -- they lost by a combined score of. As you can see their bull rush, out of the gate punching strategy didn't work at all in any of the games they played against Ozone or SKT, getting punched right back in the face and not being able to keep up skill or coordination wise with their opponents.Let us remember Miso, the poor man's version of Maknoon. He died a lot. He wasn't afraid of any player put up against him in lane, but he probably should have been. A prospect from the CJ Entus organization, having been a practice partner with Flame and Shy, he did show some potential at times, but was much too green and aggressive to make any impact on the Falcons roster. As with Flame and Shy, I'm sure he will improve with another season under his belt and more time with an established team, but we'll always look back at this season and remember when Miso was an extremely inexperienced rookie, getting killed every other minute in lane.Let us remember Reapered, the man who thought going from a carry Top Lane role to a carry Jungler role would be much easier than it actually was. If Reapered got fed early or got off to a good start, then the Falcons won. If he was facing a better Jungler like bengi or Dandy, he got his ass kicked and so did his team. Reapered is a good player, but the move from the top lane to jungle wasn't as easy as he thought it would be, not being able to carry his team as easily in his new position. People will bring up InSec's successful transition from jungle to the top, but you have to remember that InSec was a carry Jungler moving to the Top Lane position, wanting to carry in a more appropriate position. As you can see, the opposite of that doesn't really work out nearly as well. We'll see if this Jungler Reapered experiment will continue, or if he'll decide that playing AD Carry is an easy transition as well.Let us remember Roar, who said that Faker had a very wide, but shallow champion pool. Faker responded by beating the Falcons Mid in lane, helping his team advance easily to the semifinals, and leaving Roar with a disappointing 4/12/3 overall stats line for the night. As with most of the Falcons, Roar was inexperienced in not only Champions, but in his position, being an AD Carry that had been transformed into a Mid Laner. As you can tell from how he plays, he still isn't comfortable in his new position, playing a lot of Ezreal in the Mid Lane and not being the heavy carry player that most Mid Lane players are at the top of the Korean scene. Compared to the rest of this jumbled, thrown together team, he actually might be the player who showed the most promise this season. Another season in the Mid Lane, and like Miso, he might last a few more minutes in lane before Faker kills him.Let us remember Raven and StarLast, who got torn apart all season long. Be it in 2v2 or 2v1 situations, they never really had any success, Raven dying more than killing and putting his team in a hole early in games. Unlike the rest of the team, these two are neither rookies or players going to a new position. They've played together their entire careers, never playing a game without each other. After having a decent rookie season, the Falcons bot lane dropped off the map this season, dragging their team down with them. That's not to say that all the blame should be on the bot lane for their massacre against Ozone and SKT, but they have no excuses for their excessive faults. This is their second season together and they only got worst, ending up with a combined score of 2/21/18 against SK Telecom T1. The conundrum for the Falcons now is this -- do they roll the dice and hope that the third season is a charm for Raven and StarLast, or do they cut their losses and look for a new bot lane that doesn't only get two kills in a three game series?Finally, putting the Falcons to rest this season, you can categorize them in two ways. They are either the best bad team in Korea, or they are the worst good team in Korea. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, Falcons, you're dead to us ('till next season). Kings against the Royal Roaders By: Manisier On the surface, the final quarter-final match between MVP Ozone and Chunnam Techno University looks to be the least interesting – a dull, one-sided match-up that will leave the aspiring rookie team dead in the water and straight to the NLB for a shot at winning a tournament during the summer season of Korean League of Legends. Judging by the curbstomps that were CJ Entus Frost vs. Najin White Shield and SK Telecom T1 vs. Jin Air Falcons, one could be forgiven for dismissing Chunnam Techno University and expecting another one-sided domination. Though the chances of a CTU victory are indeed slim, the storyline that underlies this otherwise unimpressive match is one that could have an explosive ending.Looking at the other quarter-final matches, it's not hard to see their significance outside of Champions Summer. KT Rolster Bullets continued their winning streak against CJ Entus Blaze and likely forced Blaze to rethink their split-push strategy (which Najin Black Sword encouraged after wiping out the former 2nd place team 2:0 in NLB), while CJ Entus Frost won Korea's 'LoL Classico' against Najin White Shield. SK Telecom T1 dispatched their previous teammates Jin Air Falcons in three easy games. The three matches played thus far have fueled rivalries, but no such rivalry exists between MVP Ozone and CTU (the latter of which is the only debuting team to make the round of 8).Closer examination, however, reveals that MVP Ozone and CTU may have more in common than is first apparent. When KT Rolster B deliberately placed themselves against MVP Ozone in Champions Spring's round of 8, most people shared their belief that MVP Ozone was an easy win. However, Ozone humiliated KTB and stunned audiences as they won 3:1. While MVP Ozone has not thrown any games to play against CTU (OnGameNet actually made the teams draw lots this time around to prevent such a situation), CTU is the underdog in this match by quite a large degree. Though no one is really claiming that CTU will win over MVP Ozone, the stage is completely set for another Cinderella story.However, for CTU to beat MVP Ozone would require a greater miracle than the one that Ozone called upon to defeat KTB in Champions Spring. KTB lost due to being nerve-wracked from mountains upon mountains of hateful messages on Inven and similar websites regarding their perceived throws against CJ Entus Frost, as well as sorely underestimating their opposition. MVP Ozone won, fueled by a desire to show up the team that had shown great disrespect to them. CTU lack that emotional drive – and indeed, if any emotions are present in the CTU camp at this point in time, fear and anxiety would be on top of the list. Riris appeared to be on the verge of tears when he drew the cursed ball that matched his young team against Ozone, coming off a crushing loss to Blaze in the group tiebreaker, and objectively speaking, he can't really be blamed for being emotional. There is no plainer way to say it – MVP Ozone is incredibly good.The reigning champions have dropped one game all season to Xenics Storm, though this statistic should be taken with a grain of salt as it occurred when they had already secured their spot in the round of 8. By all accounts, Ozone have only gotten better since defeating Blaze in Champions Spring's final. Homme was a point of worry for the MVP organization as concerns about his age and ability arose, but so far it seems he has retained the same level of expertise that he magically acquired in Spring's playoffs. DanDy, finally unchained from his past, has performed miracles on Lee Sin and is now laying claim to the throne of best jungler in the world. imp has not carried to the extent of last season, nor has he needed to. dade, last season's MVP, has continued to amaze with his airtight teamplay and monstrous mechanics. Mata has only improved as he seems to be the first support in the world who can legitimately lay claim to MadLife's throne.CTU, while not flawless, have definitely been one of the most refreshing teams of the season along with Najin White Shield. In their debut match, they tied 1:1 against season favorites Najin Black Sword, before routing the Jin Air Stealths 2:0 and tying 1:1 against CJ Entus Blaze. The mere fact that a Champions debut was able to not only take games off the titans that are Sword and Blaze, but also qualify for the round of 8 ahead of the favorites to win the tournament speaks monuments to CTU's ability. While NonameD and Raccoon seem to be fairly middle-of-the-pack in ability, they hide trump cards that must be pulled out against MVP Ozone, the team currently considered Korea's #1. If these trump cards exist, they could be the saving grace of CTU. Mima and Wolf find themselves in the round of 8 with a revitalized outlook on League of Legends, as well as improved play. Riris, however, is CTU's most interesting player. Though he looked like a mechanical god against Jin Air Stealths, he fumbled poorly in the tiebreaker game against Blaze. Nailing down his consistency will be key.Although Homme and NonameD share a similar champion pool, their contributions to their team's strategies are distinctly different. Unless the MVP coaching staff is even better than previously envisioned, there are no real secrets about Homme – he will pick team-oriented champions, he will be difficult to kill, and he won't lose lane. Shen and Kennen make their triumphant return in Homme's hands, greatly assisting Ozone with their defensive ultimates and hard crowd control for both peeling and initiating. Shen and Kennen are difficult to kill in lane, and difficult to chase when caught split pushing, as effective ninja must be. However, one of the more interesting pick-ups by Homme this season has been Yorick. In retrospect, Yorick is perhaps the ultimate Homme champion – incredibly durable, resilient in lane, and a great support for imp. Omen of Death has been vital in keeping MVP Ozone's two-threat compositions high in damage, and with Yorick's monstrous strength in lane, we may see the gravedigger draw a ban.NonameD has also been favoring Shen and Kennen, piloting the ninja to victory against Sword and Stealths. When viewed through CTU's eyes, however, Shen and Kennen become a sort of 'pocket threat' against their opponents. None can deny that Riris is the star of CTU (and where have we heard similar words last season?), but NonameD's performance on Jax in their second game against the Stealths showed that he has a capability for carrying too. In NonameD, we've witnessed growth similar to that of SKT's Impact, who was regarded as a team player above all, but came into his own as a strong top laner capable of bringing the team to victory. However, in NonameD we also have an element of volatility. His secret, yet to be unrevealed champion may indeed make waves, but it is too easy to envision him ramming his head into the wall that is Homme over and over without success.On any other day, taking a bet on Homme to beat out the younger NonameD would not be a risky choice. However, the pressure of an elimination match can make or break a rookie, and how NonameD responds to the pressure of the crowd will determine his performance against the constant that is Homme. Though a lot of hype has been brought up around his pocket champion, it remains to be seen if CTU will take such a risk against Ozone. At any rate, it will be difficult for NonameD to stop the cog that is Homme from turning and fueling the Ozone engine. Jungle
DanDy vs. Raccoon
Hard to spot him in the jungle, but that's DanDy
If the goal of CTU coming into Champions Summer was to have their best go at it and to learn and improve, then Raccoon could not possibly find a better teacher than DanDy. As has been repeated in the past, DanDy is the kind of jungler who rarely makes explicit contributions to his team. Rather, he seeks to gain an advantage for his team by obtaining vision and stopping the other jungler while his team farms up. His choice in champions reflects this well – DanDy has almost exclusively picked Elise and Lee Sin in Champions Summer, picking up Nunu when both were banned out and Evelynn in what was admittedly a throwaway game against Xenics Storm. While DanDy might not be able to claim to be the king of the jungle just yet, few would deny that he is the king of the counterjungle. With the aid of his team, DanDy acquires vision of the enemy jungler, allowing him to respond to ganks or pushes and utilize the element of surprise to snowball. Though a jungler is not just present in the early game, DanDy's favouring of carnivores has yet to see him suffer, as he does not allow his opponents to reach the late-game.
Raccoon has shown immense talent on Zac, but Zac is just the kind of playmaking champion that DanDy delights in shutting down. Lee Sin, Jarvan IV, Elise and Nocturne round out the roster that he has revealed so far with no particular preferences. Raccoon is the kind of jungler that most Koreans would love to have on their team – versatile, consistent and a team player. The young jungler has a bright career ahead of him, as he looks to walk the same path that Helios and Watch walked before him. His match-up against DanDy will be his most enlightening, as he is either put in his place and taught a lesson, or unchained from any hinderances, much like his opponent was last season.
To DanDy, Raccoon may just be another roadblock on the way to the World Championship. But if a giant slays enough people, the people will get smart and fight back. This is the first Champions best of 5 that MVP Ozone have played since defeating Blaze in three games, and it should be a wealth of knowledge for all those who are looking for a chink in DanDy's armor. If Raccoon taps into his vast potential, he may uncover the key to beating MVP Ozone sooner than expected. However, DanDy is not a jungler that will allow his team to be toyed with, and indeed, his playstyle revolves entirely around giving his team the freedom to do what they want. This match-up's significance lies in |
rave reviews so far from all the major review sites/magazines.
IGN 9/10
GameInformer 9/10
GamesRadar 4.5/5
MetaCritic 87/100
GameTrailer 8.5
GameSpot 8/10
NBA vice president, global merchandising, Matt Holt congratulated 2K Sports on the achievement.
“Congratulations to 2K Sports on their early record-breaking success with NBA 2K16,” “Each year, 2K has continued to raise their commitment to innovation, authenticity and gameplay – bringing fans the very best with the NBA 2K franchise.”
Here are some of my first impressions of the game.Read Me! I want to preface this post by saying that I am not speaking out against any political parties or the United States. I have tried very diligently to remain staunchly apolitical, both here and on other social media. I do so because I don’t want any of my personal opinions to dissuade you from the Gospel. Meaning I will never endorse any candidates or political parties, simply because politics will never matter in the context of this blog or my ministry. I’m not trying to change your political views or say that they’re wrong, so please do not take what I’m writing the wrong way. That being said, I’m bringing up a topic that might ruffle some feathers, and that’s OK. I hope that whoever is reading this will receive it in the spirit that it is written, as an exercise in exploring the intersection of our faith and culture, to God be the glory. I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject, so please feel free to leave a comment at the end. And if you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends. I believe this is a conversation that is worth having. Pax, Christopher
I’ve lived in Metro Atlanta for over a decade. Moving here from the Midwest, it has been interesting to live in a culture where faith is so freely worn on people’s sleeves. Here you’ll find framed prayers on desks, ichthus badges on the minivan (next to the Christian school magnet,) and devotion to all things Chick-fil-a. With the exception of a few pockets in the state, Georgia is unashamedly conservative, the most recent evidence being an approximate eight point spread between Obama and Romney in the 2012 presidential election. And it is no surprise that as a dominantly conservative state, patriotism is equally represented. We love America. We love our soldiers; we love what they stand for. We love taking our patriotism, sticking it in a blender with our NIV bible, Chick-fil-a sandwich, and Chris Tomlin CD, hitting frappe, and pouring out our smoothie into a church-shaped glass. If you think that’s an overstatement, consider the statistics.
As reported by USA Today, according to a survey conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute in partnership with Religion News Service, “When it comes to God and country, white evangelicals report the most intense patriotic feelings... with more than two-thirds (68 percent) saying they are extremely proud to be an American.” That same group is “more likely than any other religious group surveyed to believe that God has granted the U.S. a special role in history (84 percent).” Those same evangelicals will likely also hold equally strong views on topics such as immigration, gun, and drug laws. I’m not suggesting that the conservative opinions on these views are inherently wrong. In fact I’m not passing judgment on them at all. But there is a bit of a theological quandary that needs to be discussed.
There’s a sort of “chicken or the egg” problem when it comes to our faith. On one hand we have a fully developed political preference. I believe what I believe; there is no truth but the ________ Party, my political beliefs will not be shaken, and America is the ________ country ever. On the other hand we have the Gospel, the Good News. We have salvation by grace through faith. We have freedom in Christ, for “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” (Gal 5:1-15.) I wonder, and what I would like you to honestly ask yourself, is which one of these comes first? Which one influences the other; do your politics influence your understanding of the Gospel, or does the Gospel compel you to hold a certain political belief.
N.T. Wright begins the chapter on Worship in his book, Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense, with the idea that “when we begin to glimpse the reality of God, the natural reaction is to worship him. Not to have that reaction is a fairly sure sign that we haven’t yet really understood who he is or what he’s done.” I think we are drawn to what we are devoted to, which is fine. My concern is what gets top billing. And if we choose to steep our faith through the fabric of a flag rather than savoring the full flavor of the Gospel, we shortchange the message we both receive and distribute. Meaning we run the risk of misrepresenting (and misinterpreting) God’s Word. And if the good Bishop is correct in saying that our worship (a word which I will hijack to include devotion and interpretation of scripture) is colored by something as subjective as our political opinion, then perhaps we don’t really understand what it is God has done for us, and more to the point, how God wants us to respond.
The older I get, the more I realize that narrow though the path to salvation is, there’s a big tent we’re all hanging out under. And inside that tent you’re going to find an abundance of ideas, opinions, and ideologies that you probably won’t agree with. That’s just how things go. Obviously the Church has been fractured by schisms and rifts over the past two millennia, resulting in divided congregations and new denominations. And sometimes those ideas are damaging, despite their overwhelming popularity. But our responsibility lies not in our opinions but in the Gospel. And if we are filtering our understanding of how God works through our personal bias, are you really left with the Gospel, or just a shallow husk of what God intended? And what does that communicate to the world?
AdvertisementsAbout half an hour southwest of downtown Nashville, in the bucolic outskirts of Franklin, Tennessee, amid horse farms and split-rail fences, you’ll find Rock Falcon Studios. It’s here that Atlanta’s prog-metal behemoths Mastodon have been holed up to track their forthcoming sixth studio album with noted rock producer Nick Raskulinecz, known for his work with Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, Deftones and Rush, among others. And according to drummer Brann Dailor, who shares vocal and songwriting duties with his bandmates, Mastodon has spent more time creating this album than any prior record — and therein lies the record’s theme.
“It’s not necessarily a concept,” he says, “but the concept deals with things that have transpired throughout this past year.” With 2011’s The Hunter, Mastodon broke away from the concept-album approach they’d mined so intensively on their first four records. This time out, it seems, they’ll split the difference. “It’s a year, it’s a repetition around the sun and everything that’s transpired. Some big things have happened to us.”
Dailor declines to elaborate, citing the personal nature of those “big things.” But this wouldn’t be the first time a Mastodon record found at least partial inspiration in very personal events — The Hunter dealt with the accidental death of guitarist Brent Hinds’ brother, and 2009’s Crack the Skye took its name from Dailor’s younger sister Skye, who took her life at age 14.
“I feel like this record is a return to the more visceral exploration of, I don’t know, exorcising demons,” says Dailor. “It’s dark and it’s creepy. It’s that tool that we’re able to use to somewhat better ourselves and make sure that we don’t lose it.”
Regarding the creative headspace he and his bandmates have occupied in making this record, Dailor refers to Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Shining as well as Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby. (When recording 2006’s Blood Mountain, he points out, Mastodon was all about Alejandro Jodorowsky’s El Topo and Santa Sangre.)
But this record isn’t all Kubrickian darkness and pastoral isolation. “It’s gonna be a summer release, so I feel like it needs to be amped,” Dailor says. “I don’t feel like it needs to be slow, and doom and gloom. That’s a winter album. We were actually talking about that earlier, like, ‘Why don’t we take some of the stuff that’s really moody and slow and do, like, a winter EP?'”
With 15 tracks in the can — Dailor says they’ll trim two or three of those, or as many as it takes to get the album down to roughly an hour — the band hopes to offer a little of everything from the Mastodon wheelhouse.
“We have a few really kickass rock’n’roll songs on here,” Dailor says. “We have the metal, the heavy-heavy. We have the totally whacked-out and bizarre. And then we have the super-hooky, big-chorus stuff that’s still bizarre and still Mastodon — but it’s super catchy. It’s wild, all over the place. There’s a lot of variety.”
Sitting in the driver’s seat of Mastodon’s touring van, which is parked in the gravel drive that snakes behind Rock Falcon, Dailor previews three rough mixes in the van’s CD player: “Tread Lightly,” which is replete with familiar shredding; “Buzzard’s Guts” (a working title, says Dailor), with a chorus that promises, “This time, things’ll work out just fine,” before sliding into a proggy breakdown; and “Scent of Bitter Almonds,” a dreamier and more disjointed exploration. Dailor also says that “Aunt Lisa,” “the craziest song on the record,” was inspired by the drummer’s own “wild” aunt and features a “crazy robot vocal” from bassist Troy Sanders.
Taking a full year to make this record and tracking it in such a distraction-free setting, says Dailor, has allowed Mastodon to give each song the attention it deserves. “It just takes sitting down with it and giving it the proper attention. Each song has received the royal treatment.”A neighborhood organization is protesting the liquor-license renewal of The Museum, the establishment now occupying what was once the Brass Elephant in Mount Vernon.
According to Baltimore City Liquor License Board documents, the Mount Vernon Belvedere Improvement Association is asking the board not to renew the property's Class B restaurant license for the following reasons: 1) licensees leasing their license or otherwise permitting a non-licensee, Walter Webb, to operate an establishment primarily promoting and serving alcoholic beverages; 2) licensees permitting the operation of a live establishment without a license; 3) licensees permitting the operation of a nightclub, primarily promoting and serving alcoholic beverages, rather than a restaurant, in a B-4-2 district; 4) licensees permitting the operation of an After-Hours Establishment, in violation of [city code]; and 5) to promote the peace and safety of the community.
The Museum opened last June at 924 N. Charles St. The property's license, which had been dormant since the Brass Elephant's 2009 closing, was reactivated by the board in May 2012.
All holders of alcoholic beverage licenses in Baltimore City must file a renewal application between March 1 and March 31 every year, at which point protests may be filed. Fifty-five people signed the petition seeking the revocation of the license. A hearing is scheduled for April 18.We’re going to start taking a look at everything new coming to Netflix in March 2017. Fans of Marvel series rejoice, as the first season of Iron Fist will be coming to Netflix in March 2017. We’ve also got a new Netflix Original movie on the way on the 10th, Burning Sands, an American drama film based around an all black fictional University and the ‘frat hazing’ that occurs there. It’s already been shown at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and has been said to be extremely ‘raw’.
As of right now, the list is very small as it’s very early days, however we will be updating our March list as and when we find out about any new releases. The full list usually gets released by Netflix around the last week of the month. The full list is now out! Keep this page bookmarked or download our Android app so there’s no risk of you missing out.
Anyway, let’s get down to it. Here’s the list of everything we know coming to Netflix in March 2017.
New Releases on Netflix March 2017
MARCH 1
Angry Birds: Season 2 (2013)
Blazing Saddles (1974)
Chicago (2002)
Deep Run (2015)
Dirt Every Day: Season 1 (2013)
Epic Drives: Season 2 (2015)
Friday After Next (2002)
Head 2 Head: Season 2 (2013)
Hot Rod Unlimited: Season 1 (2013)
Ignition: Season 1 (2013)
Impossible Dreamers (2017)
Jurassic Park (1993)
Jurassic Park III (2001)
Kate and Mim-Mim: Season 2 (2015)
Know Your Enemy – Japan (1945)
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Let There Be Light (1946)
Memento (2000)
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Nacho Libre (2006)
Nazi Concentration Camps (1945)
Roadkill: Season 2 (2013)
Rolling Stones: Crossfire Hurricane (2012)
San Pietro (1945)
Singing with Angels (2016)
Sustainable (2016)
Slums of Beverly Hills (1998)
The Craft (1996)
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
Tenacious D in: The Pick of Destiny (2006)
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress (1944)
The Negro Soldier (1944)
Thunderbolt (1947)
Tunisian Victory (1944)
MARCH 3
Greenleaf: Season 1 (2016)
MARCH 4
Safe Haven (2013)
MARCH 5
Señora Acero: Season 3 (2016)
MARCH 7
Amy Schumer: The Leather Special
MARCH 8
Hands of Stone (2016)
The Waterboy (1998)
MARCH 9
Thithi (2015)
MARCH 10
Buddy Thunderstruck: Season 1
Burning Sands
Love: Season 2
One More Time: Season 1
The Boss’ Daughter (2016)
MARCH 13
Must Love Dogs (2005)
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
MARCH 14
Disney’s Pete’s Dragon (2016)
Jim Norton: Mouthful of Shame
MARCH 15
Disney’s The BFG (2016)
Notes on Blindness (2016)
MARCH 16
Beau Sejour: Season 1
Coraline (2009)
MARCH 17
Deidra & Laney Rob a Train
Julie’s Greenroom: Season 1
Marvel’s Iron Fist: Season 1
Naledi: A Baby Elephant’s Tale (2016)
Pandora
Samurai Gourmet: Season 1
MARCH 18
Come and Find Me (2016)
The Vampire Diaries: Season 8 (2016)
MARCH 20
El Reemplazante: Season 1-2 (2012)
MARCH 21
Ali & Nino (2016)
Another Forever (2016)
Evolution (2015)
Fire at the Sea (Fuocoammare) (2016)
MARCH 23
How to Get Away with Murder: Season 3 (2016)
Welcome to New York (2015)
MARCH 24
Bottersnikes & Gumbles: Season 2
Déjà Vu (2006)
Felipe Neto: My Life Makes No Sense—
Grace and Frankie: Season 3
Ingobernable: Season 1
Spider (2007)
The Square (2008)
The Most Hated Woman in America—NETFLIX ORIGINAL FILM
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
MARCH 25
The Student Body (2017)
USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage (2016)
MARCH 26
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
MARCH 27
Better Call Saul: Season 2
MARCH 28
Archer: Season 7 (2016)
Jo Koy: Live from Seattle
MARCH 30
Life in Pieces: Season 1 (2015)
MARCH 31
13 Reasons Why: Season 1
Bordertown: Season 1
Cooper Barrett’s Guide to Surviving Life: Season 1 (2016)
Dinotrux: Season 4
FirstBorn (2016)
Five Came Back
GLOW: The Story of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (2012) Rosewood: Season 1
The Carmichael Show: Season 1-2
The Discovery
Trailer Park Boys: Season 11
Leaving Netflix in March 2017
March 1
Jaws
Justice League: War
Jaws 2
Jaws 3
Jaws: The Revenge
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox
Keeping Up Appearances
Monarch of the Glen: Seasons 1 – 7
National Lampoon’s Animal House
Robin Hood: Seasons 1 – 3
Survivors: Series 1 – 2
Leaving 3/2/17
Black or White
Sweetwater
March 3
Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey
Misfire
Web Junkie
March 4
Entertainment
I Dream of Wires
Otto the Rhino
Seashore
The Discoverers
The Nanny Diaries
March 5
Food Chains
Jail Caesar
The Days to Come
Two Hundred Thousand Dirty
March 6
Pit Stop
Rigor Mortis
March 7
Hansel vs. Gretel
March 8
Love At First Fight
The Starving Games
March 15
Boy
B for Boy
My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend
Sushi: The Global Catch
March 16
American Dreamz
March 23
Love Me
The Invincible Iron Man
March 25
All Stars
Pup
The Perfect Wedding
March 27
Dragonwolf
March 28
Erasing Hate
The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness
March 29Donald Trump has a problem with women, and it’s not confined to Megyn Kelly at Fox News.
By his own account, the man who ran the Miss Universe pageant is an exemplary employer of women on his staff.
However, his self-proclaimed love of women is not reflected in the opinions of the most critical group of voters for Republican candidates in any presidential election: white women, particularly in suburban areas.
Donald Trump has a bad history with women. Will voters care? | Jessica Valenti Read more
Trump may have won the GOP primaries as an unorthodox candidate. But the data strongly suggests that women voters – especially those who traditionally lean towards his party – are not exactly attracted to a former playboy candidate who maligns them at every opportunity.
Back in 1996, when one Bill Clinton was running for re-election, this group of swing voters was memorably – and narrowly – defined as soccer moms. In the later stages of the 1996 election, Clinton was leading by 10 points among married white women in the suburbs, after trailing among them by 21 points in his first presidential contest.
When George W Bush ran for re-election in 2004, the target swing voter moved from a soccer mom to a security mom: a wider group of women who preferred Bush over Kerry on issues of terrorism in the first presidential election after 9/11.
Whatever pollsters and media call the women who will decide the 2016 presidential contest, Donald Trump is performing disastrously among them. He is only one point ahead of Hillary Clinton among white women, according to the latest Quinnipiac University poll. That close polling is in line with previous polling that puts Trump variously four points up (Washington Post/ABC) among white women or two points down (CNN). Mitt Romney won white women by 14 points in 2012, and he still lost to Obama. If Trump is not winning white women at all, he’s in deep trouble.
The story behind those numbers is the most significant subtext of the 2016 election: white women simply don’t like Trump’s rhetoric.
According to the Washington Post poll, white women are more likely than white men to say that Trump doesn’t show enough respect for the people he disagrees with (74% of white women compared with 60% of white men). And far more of those white women think Trump’s personality is a major problem (52% of women versus 33% of men).
Underscoring that huge difference in attitudes is the deeply anti-establishment view of white men compared with white women. Around two-thirds of white men (68%) think the next president should be a political outsider, compared with less than half of white women (45%).
Megyn Kelly's Donald Trump interview: the latest episode of a reality TV election | Richard Wolffe Read more
Overall, Trump is trailing Clinton by 24 points among women voters in the Quinnipiac poll. Four years ago, Romney lost to Obama by 11 points among women, who made up 53% of the electorate.
What on earth could be driving away women voters from Donald Trump?
It might be his opinion of a lawyer who wanted to pump breastmilk for her newborn daughter (“you’re disgusting”). It might even be his bizarre attraction to his own daughter (“If Ivanka weren’t my daughter, perhaps I’d be dating her”).
Or it might just be his personal attacks on Rosie O’Donnell (“that fat, ugly face of hers”), Arianna Huffington (“unattractive, both inside and out”) and Megyn Kelly (“blood coming out of her wherever”).
Kelly may have patched things up with Trump, but it’s worth recalling that their feud began because the Fox News anchor had the nerve to ask the GOP candidate about his sexist comments in an early TV debate.
Of course, women voters may also be leaning towards Clinton as the first woman to win a major party’s presidential nomination. That is at least the opinion of white men, who think Clinton has more of an advantage as a woman. (For their part, white women think Trump has more of an advantage as a man.)
For a brief moment on the campaign trail, Trump seemed to be aware of his challenges with women. In mid-April, Trump’s daughter Ivanka and wife Melania began rounds of media interviews with the clear goal of explaining how their beloved Donald was not, in fact, a misogynist.
“I’ve witnessed these incredible female role models that he’s employed in the highest executive positions at the Trump Organization my entire life, in an industry that has been dominated by men, is still dominated by men,” Ivanka told a CNN town hall event with the Trump family.
Of course, her testimonial came soon after her father said he thought women should be punished for having abortions if the procedure is banned in the United States. Trump later clarified those remarks to mean precisely the opposite.
This was around the same time Trump decided to attack the wife of Ted Cruz after an anti-Trump group posted a mostly nude photo of his own wife. Trump threatened to “spill the beans” about Heidi Cruz but then limited himself to just posting side-by-side photos of the two wives. Heidi Cruz was pictured grimacing against a glamor shot of Melania Trump.
Trump’s self-described “very good brain” shows no signs of learning from his past stumbles with women voters. He continues to attack Hillary Clinton for her husband’s infidelity, arguing that she was not a victim but an attacker: “She was an unbelievably nasty, mean enabler, and what she did to a lot of those women is disgraceful,” Trump told CNN last month. The GOP standard-bearer justifies his attacks by claiming that he is himself a victim of Clinton playing what he calls “the woman’s card”.
Instead, the math is as clear as an orange combover: more women vote than men, and far more of them are saying that Trump is not their man."Success with Honor" is the motto of Penn State's athletic program. They got it half right.
The alleged sexual abuse of young boys by former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky is disgusting, outrageous, and immoral. That so many at the school's highest level allegedly engaged either in covering up serial abuses, or turned a blind eye to them in order to maintain the "integrity" of the football program and its legendary coach, Joe Paterno, adds insult to unfathomable injury.
Baseball may still be called the national pastime, but football has become the national religion. College football is played on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, while professional football is mostly played on Sunday, the Christian Sabbath. Fans of both often express themselves in ways that are more vocal than the wildest Pentecostal preacher.
While denouncing what is alleged to have happened at Penn State as repugnant, we would do well to examine the reasons behind such things. Yes, it begins with human nature, but society -- buttressed by religion -- once did a better job of keeping human nature in check.
Since the free-loving '60s, we seem to have taken a wrecking ball to social mores. Today, anyone appealing to such a standard is denounced and stamped with the label of the day, usually ending in the suffix, "-phobe."
The medical and psychological professions have aided and abetted the cultural rot. Doctors once took an oath to "never do harm," accompanied by a pledge never to assist in an abortion. Now the official position of the American Medical association's "code of ethics" is this: "The principles of medical ethics of the AMA do not prohibit a physician from performing an abortion in accordance with good medical practice and under circumstances that do not violate law."
Doctors once led, now they follow cultural trends.
On its website, the American Psychological Association brags, "Since 1975, the American Psychological Association has called on psychologists to take the lead in removing the stigma of mental illness that has long been associated with lesbian, gay, and bisexual orientations." It once considered such behavior otherwise and while even most conservatives no longer regard homosexuality as a mental illness, many still regard it as sinful. That theological diagnosis, too, has been discarded in our increasingly secular and anomalous society where everything is to be tolerated except those people who assert that, according to a standard higher than opinion polls, some things remain intolerable.
What changed? Pressure groups aided by secular education and the entertainment industry.
Last week, an episode of "Glee" featured two couples -- one straight, one gay -- "losing their virginity." The show's co-creator, Ryan Murphy, told Bravo's "Sex in the Box": "Hopefully I have made it possible for somebody on broadcast television to do a rear-entry scene in three years. Maybe that will be my legacy." Some legacy.
What we tolerate and promote we get more of and what we discourage and reject we get less of. C.S. Lewis said it best in "The Abolition of Man": "In a sort of ghastly simplicity we remove the organ and demand the function. We make men without chests and expect of them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst. We castrate and bid the geldings be fruitful."
The message at Penn State was that we live in a culture that forbids almost nothing. Jerry Sandusky apparently believed that and crossed one of the few remaining lines of morality left in our culture. But even that line might soon be erased if the pressure groups and their campaign contributions grow large enough.
In the last verse of the Old Testament's book of Judges, there is this: "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did what was right in his own eyes."
That could have been the motto at Penn State. Increasingly, it appears to describe contemporary America as well.Transportation Hamilton CarShare Now Easier to Join By Michael Druker
Published April 05, 2012
It's been nearly three years since the launch of Hamilton CarShare, when a citizen-led effort brought an expansion of Waterloo Region's Grand River CarShare into the city. There are now three cars and a minivan in Hamilton available for members to reserve and use.
As a volunteer with this organization, I am pleased to say that starting this month, it's easier than ever to join CarShare.
Hamilton CarShare provides the mobility of a personal car without the hassle and cost. If you can make your frequent trips without a car, CarShare fills in the gaps when a car could come in handy. CarShare also cuts down on the "driveway incentive" - that urge to just drive everywhere instead of making a more healthy, cost-effective, or more pleasant choice.
In practical terms, members reserve a car, use it, return it to its spot, and get billed based on time and distance driven.
As of April 1, we've adopted a new membership plan and adjusted an existing one in order to make it easier to sign up. The previous cost of joining had been a barrier to many, and I hope that the change makes CarShare more accessible.
Our improved Simple Plan is perfect for occasional use and as a "back-up car". You join for $50 and pay $40 a year. This gives you access to cars at $10 / hour or $70 / day, which includes 100 km free.
The new Regular Plan is for more frequent use. Joining costs $50, and membership is $40 a month. The rates are $4/hour ($5 weekend), $30/day ($40 weekend), and $0.30/km.
Let us know what you think! For more information or to sign up, check out our website or call the Hamilton office at 905-543-4411.
Hamilton CarShare and Grand River CarShare are part of Community CarShare, a non-profit carsharing co-operative headquartered in Kitchener.
Michael Druker is from the US, but now makes his home in Kitchener-Waterloo after completing two degrees at the University of Waterloo. He is active on urban issues in Waterloo Region, including as part of the Tri-Cities Transport Action Group (TriTAG) and as a co-founder of Open Data Waterloo Region. Michael has served on the board of Community CarShare since 2010, and currently is Treasurer as well as chair of the Kitchener-Waterloo Action Committee.
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You must be logged in to comment.The Enge family of Thief River Falls, Minn., was planning to spend Saturday’s Twins-Cubs game at Target Field, celebrating the survival of Allie Enge, who survived brain surgery three years ago, almost to the day.
“We wanted good seats. Nolan wanted to go before, get autographs, catch some balls, meet some of the players,” Enge told Valley News Live.
Nolan’s grandfather had purchased the tickets for $1,300 for the family outing of seven. Then someone stole the tickets out of his truck, which he’d left unlocked in Fridley.
“Somebody always has it worse,” Enge told KSTP last week, figuring it was a lost cause. “That is what we keep telling the kids.”
The police couldn’t do anything and Ticket King reportedly refused to reissue the tickets.
“When we hear stories like that, it’s heart breaking. Especially when you’re talking to our fans. A family who has had dramatic things happen and wanted to make the Twins a part of the celebration,” said Kevin Smith, Senior Director of Corporate Communications & Broadcasting with the Twins.
The team canceled the stolen tickets, issued new ones, and made the youngster the ballboy for the day.
(h/t: Ann Arbor Miller)Delta Airlines is flying blind when it comes to geography.
A congratulatory tweet celebrating the United States men’s national soccer team's over Ghana in the World Cup on Monday backfired when the African nation was represented with a picture of a giraffe.
The long-necked animals do not live in Ghana, a country on the continent’s western coast.
@Delta @clint_dempsey @SoundersFC Congratulations on being both smug, patronising and ignorant at the same time. A giraffe on the plains?! — Ekow Acquah (@Ekow_Acquah) June 17, 2014
To represent the United States, the Delta employee used a picture of the Statue of Liberty.
Condemnation of the tweet was fast and furious, as Twitter users erupted, calling the uninformed message racist and ignorant.
Delta Airlines issued an apology — albeit with a typo — for its ‘Ghana giraffe’ tweet. (Twitter) Delta Airlines apologized after deleting the giraffe tweet. (Twitter) United States' John Brooks, left, scores his side's second goal during the group G World Cup soccer match between Ghana and the United States at the Arena das Dunas in Natal, Brazil, on Monday. (Hassan Ammar/AP) Delta does indeed fly to Ghana — but at least one employee is unaware that giraffes do not live there. (MARCEL ANTONISSE/AFP/Getty Images)
Delta quickly deleted the offending tweet and eventually an apology — the first of which contained a typo. Rather than previous, it read “precious” when referring to the original tweet.
For what it’s worth, Delta does fly to Accra, the capital of Ghana.
@Delta you're a really special kind of idiocy you know...the incurable beating chest American kind.Sies!(that's South African for disgust) — Nobesuthu Cele (@ma_Ndosi) June 17, 2014
The United States prevailed, 2-1, after a late goal lifted the Americans in their first game in the 2014 World Cup.
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Sign up for BREAKING NEWS Emails privacy policy Thanks for subscribing!Enlarge Jeff Andrews-Hanna This artistic representation of a giant impact on Mars was created from simulations by Marinova et al. (Nature, 2008). Mars is shown using a combination of Viking color images and shaded relief from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA). FOR MORE INFORMATION FOR MORE INFORMATION News from SPACE.com Science and space news on USATODAY.com An asteroid the size of Alaska slammed into Mars about 4.4 billion years ago, creating a 70,000-trillion-kiloton blast that forever deformed the Red Planet, suggest three studies out Wednesday. "It was a bad day for any Martians when this happened," says planetary scientist Francis Nimmo of the University of California-Santa Cruz, lead author of one of the studies in today's Nature journal. PHOTO GALLERY: This week in space Half the size of Earth, Mars has a curious split appearance, featuring a largely smooth northern plain and mottled southern highlands. Since close-up mapping of Mars in the 1970s, scientists have debated the origins of the split, with massive volcanism seen as the most likely culprit for the planet's northern lava plains. A few others scientists, including Mars rover expert Steve Squyres of Cornell University, suggested an asteroid impact instead. In one of the new studies, a team led by MIT's Jeffrey Andrews-Hanna sought to settle the debate by using gravity observation to electronically remove volcanic deposits — 18 miles of basalt — obscuring the original shape of the northern plains. The work revealed an impact basin 6,600 miles wide, "very smooth and regular and elliptical," says Andrews-Hanna. "It was not at all what we expected to find. The impact idea was pretty unpopular." Earlier gravity measures had shown the crust of Mars was thinner on its northern half, triggering the impact analysis led by Nimmo and another led by Caltech's Margarita Marinova. Both agreed that a roughly 1,500-mile-wide asteroid striking Mars' northern hemisphere at an angle would explain the crustal difference. "The tremendous melting generated by the impact would have very definitely generated the southern highlands," as the blast dumped rock from one side of the planet to another, Nimmo says. More proof of the blast could come from low-altitude gravity measurements of Mars' southern hemisphere, Nimmo adds, which would reveal eggshell-like cracks in the southern hemisphere's crust left over from the impact. "As much as I love this idea, I don't consider it proven by these reports," says Squyres, a planetary scientist at Cornell. "They strongly support the idea, but it's a hard thing to definitively prove if you are not there." If proven, northern Mars would contain the largest impact basin in the solar system, says Andrews-Hanna. "Essentially, it hit the reset button on life on Mars." The Mars impact came about the time a similar strike on Earth by an asteroid about half the size of the planet led to the creation of the moon. "The early solar system was a very dangerous place to be a planet," says Andrews-Hanna. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read moreViewers have been fed up for some time now with the situation on Interstate 81. Even when traffic is moving smoothly, drivers know it could quickly become more like a parking lot.
View from VDOT traffic camera at MM 242.8 during a delay caused by a crash on April 21, 2017
Even just a cursory glance of WHSV's Traffic news category shows a multitude of backups on the interstate every week from crashes.
On August 24, Delegate Todd Gilbert posted on his Facebook page about what he called the "troubling state of I-81."
That social media post garnered a lot of attention.
More than 400 people commented on his status where he went on to say that he is discussing options to help with congestion, accidents, and shutdowns of stretches of Interstate 81.
Folks WHSV's Janson Silvers spoke with on Thursday have different thoughts on Interstate 81, and different ways of fixing |
with gains in Congress this year, the Republicans are sticking to their same playbook of moving America backward. In order to beat Obama in 2012 they need the economy to remain in recession. In order to win, they need you to lose your job or not find one. As they have been doing for the past two years, the Republicans will continue to root for America to fail and for the economy to tank so they can win an election.
In a telling comment about the next two years, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) this week told National Journal: “The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.” McConnell’s idea of “achievement” illustrates everything that’s wrong with the Republican Party. For Republicans, it’s not about creating jobs; not about economic recovery or security; not about creating better educational opportunities.
For Republicans, it’s about partisanship over solutions — obstructing progress in the hopes of winning electoral victories. When they win like this, America loses. Mitch McConnell knows that 47 percent for the president does not mean he will not be reelected. That’s why Mitch McConnell has no choice but to root for America to fail, so he can succeed.► See or edit source data. [1] Percentage of the population either overweight or obese by year. Click slider to change year.
[2] <5% 5-10% 10-15% 15-20% 20-25% 25-30% 30-35% 35-40% 40-45% 45-50% 50-55% >55% World obesity prevalence among males.
[2] <5% 5-10% 10-15% 15-20% 20-25% 25-30% 30-35% 35-40% 40-45% 45-50% 50-55% >55% World obesity prevalence among females.
Obesity has been observed throughout human history. Many early depictions of the human form in art and sculpture appear obese.[3] However, it was not until the 20th century that obesity became common — so much so that, in 1997, the World Health Organization (WHO) formally recognized obesity as a global epidemic.[4] Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2, and in June 2013 the American Medical Association classified it as a disease, with much controversy.[5]
In countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), one child out of five is overweight or obese.[6] Once considered a problem only of high-income countries, obesity rates are rising worldwide. Globally, there are now more people who are obese than who are underweight, a trend observed in every region over the world except parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.[7] In 2013, an estimated 2.1 billion adults were overweight, as compared with 857 million in 1980.[8] Of adults who are overweight, 31% are obese.[7] Increases in obesity have been seen most in urban settings.[9]
Since body fat can be measured in several ways, statistics on the epidemiology of obesity vary between sources. While BMI is the most basic and commonly used indicator of obesity, other measures include waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, skinfold thicknesses, and bioelectrical impedance.[10] The rate of obesity increases with age at least up to 50 or 60 years old.[11]
Africa [ edit ]
Obesity rates in Western Africa are estimated to be 10%. Rates of obesity among women are three times those found in men. In urban West Africa rates of obesity have more than doubled in the last 15 years.[12]
Egypt [ edit ]
In Egypt, according to data from the 2016 Global Burden of Disease study, overweight and obesity (as measured by high BMI) was the country's leading risk factor driving the most death and disability combined.[13]
Asia [ edit ]
China [ edit ]
China is currently facing challenges of overnutrition.[14] This is believed to be primarily due to the rapid declines in physical activity and changing dietary habits which have occurred between the 1980s and the 2000s. The decline in physical activity is attributed to increasing technology in the workplace and changing leisure activities.[14]
In 1989 65% of Chinese had jobs that required heavy labor. This decreased to 51% in the year 2000.[14] Combined with this has been a change to a diet higher in meat and oil,[14] and an increase in overall available calories.[15] Available calories per person increased from 2,330 kilocalories (9,700 kJ) per day in 1980 to 2,940 kilocalories (12,300 kJ) per day in 2002.[15] Rates of overweight and obese adults increased 12.9% in 1991 to 27.3% in 2004.[16]
Overall rates of obesity are below 5% in China as a whole but are greater than 20% in some cities.[17]
India [ edit ]
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in India in the 21st century, with morbid obesity affecting 5% of the country's population.[18] Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and NGOs such as the Indian Heart Association have been raising awareness about this issue.[19] Urbanization and modernization has been associated with obesity.[20] In Northern India obesity was most prevalent in urban populations (male = 5.5%, female = 12.6%), followed by the urban slums (male = 1.9%, female = 7.2%). Obesity rates were the lowest in rural populations (male = 1.6%, female = 3.8%).[20]
Socioeconomic class also had an effect on the rate of obesity. Women of high socioeconomic class had rates of 10.4% as opposed to 0.9% in women of low socioeconomic class.[21] With people moving into urban centers and wealth increasing, concerns about an obesity epidemic in India are growing.
Iran [ edit ]
In Iran the prevalence of obesity was 26.3% in 2008. Prevalence of obesity was more among women (39.5%) than men (14.5%).[22]
Japan [ edit ]
Using the WHO criteria Japan has the lowest rate of obesity among the OECD member countries at 3.2%.[23][24] However, as Asian populations are particularly susceptible to the health risks of excess adipose tissue the Japanese have redefined obesity as any BMI greater than 25.[25] Using this cut off value the prevalence of obesity in Japan would be 20%, a threefold increase from 1962 to 2002.[26] A 2008 report stated that 28.6% of men and 20.6% of women in Japan were considered to be obese.[27]
Pakistan [ edit ]
Changing lifestyles, owing to urbanisation, as well as diet issues are the main reasons for obesity in Pakistan. According to a recent study, approximately one out of four Pakistani adults (or 22.2% of individuals) are classified as obese.[28][29]
Taiwan [ edit ]
In 2002, 15% of children from 6 to 12 years of age were overweight; by gender, 15.5% of males and 14.4% of females were overweight. In the same age range, 12% of children were obese; by gender, 14.7% of males and 9.1% of females were categorized as obese. In 2005, 14.9% children from 6 to 12 years of age were overweight; by gender, 15.85% of males and 14.02% of females were overweight. 10.3% were categorized as obese; by gender, 10.92% of males and 9.73% of females were categorized as obese.
Based on these numbers, the trends were inconclusive, although with more than 10% of the age group being obese, obesity does appear to be a problem.[30]
Europe [ edit ]
Rates of obesity in the Netherlands between 1981 and 2006.
Between the 1970s and the 2000s, rates of obesity in most European countries have increased. During the 1990s and 2000s, the 27 countries making up the EU reported rates of obesity from 10–27% in men and from 10–38% in women.[31]
The most recent combined Eurostat statistics, for 2009, show that, among the 19 EU Member States for which data are available, the proportion of obese people in the adult population varied in 2008/9 between 8.0% (Romania) and 23.9% (UK) for women and between 7.6% (Romania) and 24.7% (Malta) for men. Overall the UK had the highest proportions, and Romania the lowest. Men, the elderly and people with lower educations also have significantly higher obesity rates.[32]
United Kingdom [ edit ]
In the UK the rate of obesity has increased about fourfold over the last 30 years, reaching levels of 22–24% in 2008/9.[11][32] The United Kingdom now has the highest rate of obesity in Europe.
Year Percent males obese Percent females obese 1980 6% 8% 1993 13% 16% 2000 21% 21% 2008/9 22% 24%
[33]
North America [ edit ]
[23] Obesity rates as a percentage of total population in OECD member countries in the years 1996–2003 (According to BMI ).
Epidemiological data show that, among high-income countries, obesity prevalence is highest in the United States and Mexico.[6]
Canada [ edit ]
The number of Canadians who are obese has risen dramatically in recent years. In 2004, direct measurements of height and weight found 23.1% of Canadians older than 18 had a BMI greater than 30. When broken down into degrees of obesity, 15.2% were class I (BMI 30–34.9), 5.1% were class II (BMI 35–39.9), and 2.7%, class III (BMI > 40). This is in contrast to self-reported data the previous year of 15.2% and in 1978/1979 of 13.8%. The greatest increases occurred among the more severe degrees of obesity; class III obesity increased from 0.9% to 2.7% from 1978/1979 to 2004. Obesity in Canada varies by ethnicity; people of Aboriginal origin have a significantly higher rate of obesity (37.6%) than the national average.[34]
In children obesity has substantially increased between 1989 and 2004 with rates in boys increasing from 2% to 10% and rates among girls increasing from 2% to 9%.[35]
Mexico [ edit ]
Mexico has one of the highest rates of obesity among OECD countries, second only to the United States. To combat the epidemic, in 2014 Mexico implemented new taxes levied on food with excessive energy content and on sugar-sweetened beverages.[6]
United States [ edit ]
The increase in obesity rates in the US as seen from 1985 to 2010 to the point where every state has at least a 20% obesity rate has caused it to become a significant focus of public health in recent years.
[36] > 30% 25% to < 30% 20% to < 25% 15% to < 20% 10% to < 15% < 10% No Data The percent of people per state with a BMI greater than 30 from 2011.
Obesity rates in the United States have nearly tripled since the 1960s. In 1962, about 13% of adult Americans were obese,[37] and by 2002, obesity rates reached 33% of the adult population.[38] According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study collected between the 1970s and 2004, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased steadily among all groups of Americans.[39][40] The numbers continue to rise; as of 2007, 33% of men and 36% of women were obese,[41] and by 2015–2016, 39.6% of the total adult population (37.9% of men and 41.1% of women) had obesity.[42] Obesity rates vary between diverse social groups, with some racial groups and low-income individuals more likely to be obese while other minorities show lower rates. As of 2014 the rates were as low as 12% for non-Hispanic Asian women and as high as 57% among African American women.[43][44]
The incidence of obesity also varies with geography. The American South has been referred to as the "Stroke belt", "Obesity belt", or "Diabetes belt", to reflect the fact that residents of the region have high rates of these three conditions, compared to people of the same race/ethnicity elsewhere in the country.[45]
Based on a study in 2008, estimates of obesity that rely on self-reported data arrive at a rate of 22% among non-Hispanic white females, whereas studies that involve direct measurement show that the rate was closer to 34% at that time.[46]
The prevalence of class III (morbid) obesity (BMI ≥40) has increased the most dramatically, from 1.3% in the late 1970s,[47] to 2.9% in 1988-94, to 4.7% in 2000,[48] to 5.7% in 2008, and to 7.7% in 2014.[49] Among African American women, its prevalence is estimated to be as high as 17%.[50]
The rate of increase in the incidence of obesity began to slow in the 2000s, but as of 2014, obesity, severe obesity, and obesity in children continued to rise.[41][51]
Prevalence of obesity between 1960 and 2004 in the USA.
Obesity is one of the leading health issues in the United States, resulting in about 300,000 excess deaths per year.[52] However, in 2005 using different methodology, research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention produced a nationwide estimate of 129,000 excess deaths per year relative to individuals with a BMI of 21 to 25.[53]
Latin America and the Caribbean [ edit ]
Surveys in different Caribbean countries found that 7-20% of males and 22-48% of females over the age of 15 are obese.[54] Trinidad and Tobago has the highest obesity in the Caribbean, with over 30% of its adult population overweight, ranking the country sixth in the world.[55] The Bahamas have a major obesity epidemic: 48.6% of people between 15 and 64 years old are obese.[56] A female adolescent from the Bahamas is more likely to be overweight than her male counterpart. In Jamaica, 7.2% of men over the age of 20 are obese, while 31.5% of women are obese.[57]
Oceania and the Pacific [ edit ]
[58] According to 2007 statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), Australia has the third-highest prevalence of overweight adults in the English-speaking world
Australia [ edit ]
According to self-reported and measured results of the 2007–2008 National Health Survey, 61% of Australians were overweight (above a 25 BMI), with 24% falling into the "obese" category (above a 30 BMI). Men were more likely to be overweight (67.7%) and obese (25.5%) than women (30.9% and 23.4% respectively).[59]
New Zealand [ edit ]
Obesity in New Zealand has become an important national health concern in recent years, with high numbers of people afflicted in every age and ethnic group.[60] In 2011/12, 28.4% of New Zealand adults were obese,[61] a number only surpassed in the English-speaking world by the United States.[58][60]
South Pacific [ edit ]
Many of the island nations of the South Pacific have very high rates of obesity. Nauru has the highest rates of obesity in the world (94.5%) followed by Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the American Samoa. Being big has traditionally been associated with health, beauty, and status and many of these beliefs remain prevalent today.[62]
See also [ edit ]A TRAUMATISED Halesowen mum-of-two who was raped by her brother when they were children has hit out after appeal court judges cut his prison sentence.
Louise Palmer, aged 38, was just five when Richard Davenport, then 14, began sexually abusing her in a caravan in the bottom of the garden.
She later told their Jehovah's Witness parents and church elders but was urged not to report it to police to avoid bringing shame on their religion.
Last year Davenport, aged 47, who had moved to a remote area of Argyll in Scotland, was jailed for 14 years after being convicted of rape and sexual assaults at the former family home in Halesowen, over six years.
He only stopped when he feared she might become pregnant.
Davenport was found guilty on all the charges and jailed for a combined total of 36 years, but 14 years consecutively - meaning he would serve seven before being eligible for release.
But he could serve just five years behind bars after an appeal court reduced his sentence to 10 years.
Louise has waived her right to anonymity to condemn the decision and a victim support system which she said failed to let her know about the appeal until late in the process..
She said: “It seems the judges are more supportive of the paedophiles in this country than the ones being abused. How can that be right?
“This makes a mockery of the courage it takes for survivors to speak up.”
Louise, who is building a new life with partner Kevin Tucker, and is studying for a degree in criminology, added: “Survivors of abuse should be given a thought in the appeal process.
“Until this point I had expected the justice system to support the victim and punish the rapist by upholding the original sentence. So to say I feel let down by this decision is an understatement.
“If he had 36 years in total, how can it be justified that five years is a decent amount of time to serve in prison?”
When Louise finally mustered the courage to tell her parents Trevor and Diane and church elders about the abuse she said they did nothing for fear of bringing shame ‘on the name of Jehovah’.
Her mum and dad were at Wolverhampton Crown Court to see Davenport convicted of two charges of raping his sister and three of indecently assaulting her - charges he had denied, forcing Louise to give evidence But they were there for their son and shunned Louise.
“My parents chose my brother over me, even when they knew what he’d done. I can’t forgive them,” said Louise, who is determined to help other victims of abuse by speaking out about her own experiences.AUSTRALIA'S population growth is in free fall, with net immigration slumping 37 per cent year on year in the March quarter to its lowest level in years.
The Bureau of Statistics reports that net immigration plummeted from 98,138 in March 2009 to just 61,780 in the same quarter this year. It is the lowest figure for a March quarter since the bureau adopted new definitions in 2006.
Population growth in decline.
For the entire year to March, net overseas migration plunged by 25 per cent, from 320,362 in 2009 to 241,352 this year. Most of that fall was in the last six months, after the Rudd government closed the back door allowing foreign students in low-level courses to stay on as permanent migrants.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott pledged in the recent election campaign to cut net overseas immigration to 170,000 by 2012. The bureau figures suggest most of that had already been achieved by March, with the trend suggesting further falls in coming months.Nigel Farage will not stand as a candidate in the general election and has admitted that Theresa May is on course for a landslide, The Telegraph can disclose.
The former UK independence Party leader said in an article for The Daily Telegraph: “I have decided that I will not stand in this election but fight for Brexit in Europe.”
The news comes two days after Paul Nuttall, the party's successor, said he thought Mr Farage "will stand".
If Mr Farage had stood as a candidate it would have been the eighth time he had tried to be enter Parliament as an MP.
Mr Farage, 53, said he had been tempted to stand for Ukip in Clacton after the former Ukip MP Douglas Carswell said today he would not stand in the June 8 general election.Times New Roman is a serif typeface designed for legibility in body text. It was commissioned by the British newspaper The Times in 1931 and conceived by Stanley Morison, the artistic advisor to the British branch of the printing equipment company Monotype, in collaboration with Victor Lardent, a lettering artist in the Times' advertising department.[1][2] Although no longer used by The Times, Times New Roman is still very common in book and general printing.[3] It has become one of the most popular and influential typefaces in history and a standard typeface on most desktop computers.[4][5]
Times New Roman's creation took place through the influence of Stanley Morison of Monotype. Morison was an artistic director at Monotype, historian of printing and informal adviser to The Times. Asked to advise on a redesign, he recommended that they change their text typeface from a spindly and somewhat dated nineteenth-century face to a more robust, solid design, returning to traditions of printing from the eighteenth century and before.[6][7][a][11][12][b] This matched a common trend in printing tastes of the period.
The new face was drawn by Victor Lardent, an artist from the advertising department of The Times, with Morison consulting, before refinement by the Monotype drawing office.[c] Morison proposed an older Monotype typeface named Plantin as a basis for the design, and Times New Roman mostly matches Plantin's dimensions. The main change was that the contrast between strokes was enhanced to give a crisper image. As a typeface designed for newspaper printing, Times New Roman has a high x-height, short descenders to allow tight linespacing and a relatively condensed appearance. The new design made its debut in The Times on 3 October 1932.[13][14] After one year, the design was released for commercial sale.[15] Although Morison may not have literally drawn the design, his influence on its concept was sufficient that he felt that he could take credit for it as "my one effort at designing a font".[16][d] In Times New Roman's name, Roman is a reference to the regular or roman style (sometimes also called Antiqua), the first part of the Times New Roman family to be designed.[17] Roman type has roots in Italian printing of the late 15th and early 16th centuries, but Times New Roman's design has no connection to Rome or to the Romans.
The Times stayed with Times New Roman for 40 years, but new production techniques and the format change from broadsheet to tabloid in 2004 have caused it to switch typeface five times from 1972 to 2007. However, all the new fonts have been variants of the original New Roman typeface. Once released for commercial sale, Times New Roman became extremely successful, becoming Monotype's best-selling typeface of all time in metal type.[18][19]
Design [ edit ]
[e] Times appears larger on the page, with tighter linespacing and more solid in appearance. Twenty-two lines in Times New Roman compared to its predecessor "modern" serif font.Times appears larger on the page, with tighter linespacing and more solid in appearance.
Times project: A digitisation of Times New Roman below the three typefaces originally considered as a basis for theproject: Perpetua Baskerville and Plantin. Times is most based on Plantin, but with the letters made taller and its appearance "modernised" by adding eighteenth- and nineteenth-century influences, in particular enhancing the stroke contrast. Compared to Baskerville and Perpetua, the x-height is higher and the letters narrower.
[20] A Ludlow Typograph specimen of Times New Roman Type Specimen from the metal type period. The design was altered in smaller sizes to increase readability, particularly obvious in the widened spacing of the six and eight point samples at centre right of the diagram.
Times New Roman has a robust colour on the page and influences of European early modern and Baroque printing.[21] The design is slightly condensed, with short ascenders and descenders and a high x-height (tall lower-case letters), all effects that save space and increase clarity.
The roman style of Plantin was loosely based on a metal type created in the late sixteenth century by the French artisan Robert Granjon and preserved in the collection of the Plantin-Moretus Museum of Antwerp.[22][23][24][25] This style is sometimes categorised as part of the "old-style" of serif fonts (from before the eighteenth century).[26][27][f] (The 'a' of Plantin was not based on Granjon's work: the sheet from the Plantin-Moretus Museum used as a specimen for Monotype to use in designing Plantin had a substitute 'a' cut later.[28])
However, Times New Roman modifies the Granjon influcence further than Plantin due to features such as its 'a' and 'e', with very large counters and apertures, its ball terminal detailing and an increased level of contrast between thick and thin strokes, so it has often been compared to fonts from the late eighteenth century, the so-called 'transitional' genre, in particular the Baskerville typeface of the 1750s.[29][30][31] Historian and sometime Monotype executive Allan Haley commented that compared to Plantin "serifs had been sharpened...contrast was increased and character curves were refined," while Lawson described Times's higher-contrast crispness as having "a sparkle [Plantin] never achieved."[32][33] Other changes from Plantin include a straight-sided 'M' and 'W' with three upper terminals not Plantin's four, both choices that move away from the old-style model.[34]
Italic and bold [ edit ]
[35] Times compared with its influences in italic. The italic was made simpler than Plantin's, losing flourishes on the 'w' and 'v', and the entrance stroke to the letter (also seen on Baskerville) on letters like 'u' and 'n', but with a more cursive feel than Perpetua's italic.
Morison described the companion italic as also being influenced by the typefaces created by the Didot family in the late 18th and early 19th centuries: a "rationalistic italic that owed nothing to the tradition of the sixteenth or seventeenth centuries. It has, indeed, more in common with the eighteenth century."[11][36][35] Morison had several years earlier attracted attention for promoting the radical idea that italics in book printing were too disruptive to the flow of text, and should be phased out.[37][38] He rapidly came to concede that the idea was impractical, and later wryly commented to historian Harry Carter that Times' italic "owes more to Didot than dogma."[39] Morison wrote in a personal letter of Times New Roman's mixed heritage that it "has the merit of not looking as if it had been designed by somebody in particular."[40][41][g]
[h] Times New Roman compared to its bold. The bold weight has a different style, more "nineteenth-century" in appearance, with flat serifs on the tops of letters, an effect also seen in the vertical axis of the 'o'.
Rather than creating a companion boldface with letterforms similar to the roman style, Times New Roman's bold has a different character, with a more condensed and more upright effect caused by making the horizontal parts of curves consistently the thinnest lines of each letter, and making the top serifs of letters like 'd' purely horizontal.[43] This effect is not found in sixteenth-century typefaces (which did not have bold versions); it is most associated with Didone type of the early nineteenth century and with the more recent 'Ionic' styles of type influenced by it that were offered by Linotype (discussed below), which were very dominant in contemporary newspaper printing.[33][44][45][46] Some commentators have found Times' bold unsatisfactory and too condensed, such as Walter Tracy and Stephen Coles.[42][47]
Development [ edit ]
The development of Times New Roman was relatively involved due to the lack of a specific pre-existing model – or perhaps a surfeit of possible choices. Morison wrote in a memo that he hoped for a design that would have relatively sharp serifs, matching the general design of the Times' previous font, but on a darker and more traditional basic structure. Bulked-up versions of Monotype's pre-existing but rather dainty Baskerville and Perpetua typefaces were considered for a basis, and the recent Legibility Group designs from Linotype, which had attracted considerable attention and may have influenced the decision to carry out a redesign, were also examined. (Perpetua, which Monotype had recently commissioned from sculptor Eric Gill at Morison's urging, is considered a 'transitional' design in aesthetic, although it does not revive any specific model.) Walter Tracy, who knew Lardent, suggested in the 1980s that "Morison did not begin with a clear vision of the ultimate type, but felt his way along."[42]
Morison's biographer Nicolas Barker has written that Morison's memos of the time wavered over a variety of options before it was ultimately concluded that Plantin formed the best basis for a condensed font that could nonetheless be made to fill out the full size of the letter space as far as possible.[48] (Morison ultimately conceded that Perpetua, which had been his pet project, was 'too basically circular' to be practical to condense in an attractive way.[48][i])
Walter Tracy and James Moran, who discussed the design's creation with Lardent in the 1960s, found that Lardent himself had little memory of exactly what material Morison gave him as a specimen to use to design the typeface, but he told Moran that he remembered working on the design from archive photographs of vintage type, which Tracy suggests might have been the same specimen of type from the Plantin-Moretus Museum that Plantin had been based on, or a specimen of Plantin itself.[33][45][42][49] The sharpened serifs somewhat recall Perpetua, although Morison's stated reason for them was to provide continuity with the previous Didone design and the crispness associated with the Times' printing; he also cited as a reason that sharper serifs looked better after stereotyping or printed on a rotary press.[50] Morison's several accounts of his reasoning in designing the concept of Times New Roman were somewhat contradictory and historians of printing have suggested that in practice they were mostly composed to rationalise his aesthetic preferences. After Morison's death Monotype's newspaper printing consultant Allen Hutt described his unsigned 1936 article on the topic after his death as "rather odd…it can only be regarded as a piece of Morisonian mystification".[2]
Lardent's original drawings are according to Rhatigan lost, but photographs exist of his drawings. Rhatigan comments that Lardent's originals show "the spirit of the final type, but not the details."[6] The design was adapted from Lardent's large drawings by the Monotype drawing office team, which worked out spacing and simplified some fine details.[42] Further changes were made after manufacturing began (the latter a difficult practice, since new punches and matrices had to be machined after each design change).
Morison continued to develop a close connection with the Times that would last throughout his life. Morison edited the History of the Times from 1935 to 1952, and in the post-war period, at a time when Monotype effectively stopped developing new typefaces due to pressures of austerity, took a post as editor of the Times Literary Supplement which he held from 1945 to 1948. Times New Roman remained Morison's only type design; he designed a type to be issued by the Bauer Type Foundry of Frankfurt but the project was abandoned due to the war.[j]
Metal type versions [ edit ]
A large number of variants of Times were cut. Walter Tracy in Letters of Credit, Allen Hutt and others have discussed these extensively in their works on the family.[2][42]
Titling [ edit ]
Monotype also created some caps-only 'titling' designs to match Times New Roman itself, which was intended for body text.[51] While these are not sold by Monotype in digital format, Linotype's Times Eighteen in the same style (see below) remains available and could be used as a substitute.[52]
Times Hever Titling [ edit ]
Times Hever Titling from a Monotype specimen.
An elegant titling caps design, quite different from Times New Roman with a Caslon-style A (with a serif at top left of the letter, suggesting a stroke written with a quill) and old-style C and W; Tracy suggests Monotype's previous Poliphilus design as an influence. Named after Hever Castle, the home of the Times' owner Lord Astor. Designed early on, it was used by the Times for section headings.[51] It has not been digitised.
Times Wide (1938, series 427) [ edit ]
A variant intended for book printing, avoiding the slight condensation of the original Times New Roman.[54] Although it was popular in the metal type period for book printing, it was apparently never digitised.
Series 727 and 827 [ edit ]
Monotype also produced Series 727, in which the heavier strokes of upper-case letters were made slightly thinner. This was done to produce a lighter effect in which capital letters do not stand out so much, and was particularly intended for German use, since in the German language capitals are far more common since they appear at the start of each noun. Series 827 modified some letters (notably the R) to correspond to their appearance in other typefaces popular in French printing. This production of what are now called stylistic alternates to suit national tastes was common at the time, and many alternates were also offered for Gill Sans for use in Europe.[55]
Claritas [ edit ]
A modified 4¾ point size of Times Roman was produced by Monotype for use in printing matter requiring a very small size of type. Listed as Times Newspaper Smalls, available as either Series 333 or 335, it was also referred to by the name Claritas.[11]
Times 4-line Mathematics Series 569 [ edit ]
This is a variant designed for printing mathematical formulae, using the 4‑line system for mathematics developed by Monotype in 1957.[56][57] This modified version of Times Roman was designed for use as part of Monotype's 4-line Mathematics system. The major changes to the Times Roman typeface itself were a reduction in the slope of italic characters to 12 degrees from 16 degrees, so as to reduce the need for kerning, and a change in the form of italic v and w so that italic v could be more easily distinguished from a Greek nu.
The 4-line system involved casting characters for 10-point Times Roman on 6-point bodies. The top of the character would overhang the slug, forming a kern which was less fragile than the normal kerns of foundry type, as it was on a slab of cast metal. This technique had been in previous use on Monotype machines, usually involving double-height matrices, to allow the automatic setting of "advertising figures" (numbers that occupy two or more lines, usually to clearly indicate a price in an advertisement set in small type). This meant that the same matrix could be used for both superscript and subscript numbers. More importantly, it allowed a variable or other item to have both a superscript and a subscript at the same time, one above the other, without inordinate difficulty.
Previously, while the Monotype system, due to its flexibility, was widely used for setting mathematical formulas, the typeface Modern Series 7 was usually used for this purpose.[58] Because of the popularity of Times Roman at the time, Monotype chose to design a variant of Times Roman suited to mathematical composition, and recut many additional characters needed for mathematics, including special symbols as well as Greek and Fraktur alphabets, to accompany the system instead of designing it around the typeface that was being used, for which characters were already available. Matrices for some 700 characters were available as part of Times Roman Series 569 when it was released in 1958, with new characters constantly being added for over a decade afterwards (thus, in 1971, 8,000 characters were included, and new ones were being added at a rate of about 5 per week).
Usage [ edit ]
[59] A 1943 brochure used by Crowell-Collier, one of the first major American users of Times New Roman, to promote the changeover.
Times New Roman's popularity rapidly expanded beyond its original niche, becoming popular in book printing and general publishing. Monotype took advantage of this popularity by commissioning a widened version, Series 427, for book publishing, although many books ultimately used the original version.
An early use of Times New Roman outside its origin was by Daniel Berkeley Updike, an influential historian of printing with whom Morison carried an extensive correspondence. Impressed by the design, he used it to set his book Some Aspects of Printing, Old and New.[60][61][62] It then was chosen by the Crowell-Collier magazines Woman's Home Companion and then its sister publications such as Collier's.[63][64] A brochure was published to mark the change along with a letter from Morison hoping that the redesign would be a success.[59]
Walter Tracy, who worked on a redesign, however noted that the design's compression and fine detail extending to the edge of the matrices was actually problematic in the aggressive conditions of most newspaper printing, in which the Times was unusual for its particularly high standard of printing suiting its luxury market. Users |
, is to read the word “faithfully” out of the Clause and this allow the President unlimited authority to choose which laws to enforce and which to disregard, based on his own preferences.
There is an obvious difference between choosing enforcement priorities based on policy judgments about the law in question, and doing so based on purely personal animus against the offender. The former is based on a judgment of the public benefits of law enforcement priority, whereas the latter is not a law enforcement objective at all, but a matter of personal antagonism between the executive and the defendant. If making such a distinction means giving up on using the Take Care Clause to limit presidential discretion, than Sandefur himself has given up, given his willingness to allow the president to pick and choose targets based on his judgment of the severity of violations. Judgments of severity are inevitably linked to policy and moral considerations similar to those that likely motivated Obama’s executive order on immigration.
Prosecution based on political animus against an individual is even more easily distinguished from discretion based on policy considerations relating to the nature of the law at issue. Targeting potential defendants based on their political views threatens First Amendment individual rights. Unlike individuals, laws don’t have any First Amendment rights.
Finally, Sandefur’s rejoinder ignores the various other limits on presidential discretion mentioned in my earlier post. I note some additional ones here.SPECviewperf 12 sets out to be the standard for evaluating workstation graphics cards by including the latest professional applications, more complex models, and synthetic workloads pulled from important market segments. We test 19 cards in the new suite.
SPECviewperf 11, introduced back in 2010, has been showing its age for a while. It wasn't really giving us a realistic-looking picture of modern workstation graphics hardware and driver performance anymore. The applications composing it were just too old. Moreover, AMD and Nvidia were thoroughly optimizing for the specific workloads, throwing off the suite's value.
So, the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC) chose to step up its game with a much-needed update. After all, SPEC’s mission is to create relevant benchmarks that closely adhere to current industry standards.
AMD and Nvidia are both members of SPEC, allowing them to exert some influence over the new collection of tests. The idea is that no company gets an unfair advantage. We'll see how that works out in practice, though.
Update: 3/17/2014
We added benchmark results for the Quadro K6000, which naturally excels in many of this suite's sub-tests. Bear in mind that Nvidia's flagship is a purpose-built board, though, selling for $5000 on Newegg. Unfortunately, SPECviewperf doesn't include any general-purpose compute workloads, which is where the Quadro K6000 would undoubtedly excel most.
We wanted to run tests using SPECviewperf 12 as quickly as possible in order to provide a baseline look at workstation-class graphics performance, before drivers start getting optimized specifically for the test's various workloads (similar to what happened with SPECviewperf 11). To that end, it's also important for us to gauge how relevant the performance of SPECviewperf 12 is compared to the software it claims to represent.
Important Preamble: SPECviewperf 12 is a demanding benchmark, targeting upper-middle and high-end workstation-class graphics cards. In tests that employ extremely complex models or workloads with immense memory requirements, the lower-end boards are at a disadvantage. Consequently, the results for those entry-level products need to be considered in relative terms; they're simply not meant to handle tasks like this.
Benchmark System
A carefully-picked test system is designed to facilitate analysis of CPU scaling based on cores, threads, and clock rates. For most of the benchmarks, the processor is overclocked to prevent platform-limited situations. However, I also have a complete page dedicated to processor-oriented testing for a more complete performance picture.
CPU and Cooler Intel Core i7 3770K (Ivy Bridge), Overclocked to 4.5 GHz
Corsair H100i Compact Water Cooler (Gelid GC Extreme) Motherboard
Gigabyte G1. Sniper 3 RAM
32 GB (4 x 8 GB) Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR3-2133 SSD
2 x Corsair Neutron 480 GB Power Supply
Corsair AX1200i Operating System
Windows 7 x64 Ultimate SP1
Drivers
AMD FirePro 13.251.1
Nvidia Quadro 332.21
Other Equipment
Microcool Banchetto 101
HAMEG HMO 1024 Four-Channel Digital Memory Oscilloscope
HAMEG HZO50 (1 mA-30 A, 100 kHz DC, Resolution 1 mA)
HAMEG HMC 8012
HAMEG HZ154 (1:1, 1:10), Assorted Adapters
Three Gaming Cards (For Comparison, Of Course)
Admittedly, it's usually pointless to throw gaming-oriented graphics cards into a round-up of professional products. Software drivers are such a big part of what makes a FirePro or Quadro card distinct, that we know the Radeons and GeForces just won't fare as well. Then again, it's still important to know how desktop boards are represented in performance and image quality comparisons. Are there certain applications that don't necessitate workstation-class hardware? That's what we want to know. So, we're throwing in three gaming cards as well. They'll be the gray bars in the benchmark results graphs.
Let’s jump right in with the first of eight benchmark sections.TORRANCE, CA - Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. announced plans to conduct a voluntary safety recall involving approximately 245,000 model-year 2006-2007 Lexus GS 300/350, MY 2006-early 2009 Lexus IS 250, and MY 2006-early 2008 Lexus IS 350 vehicles sold in the U.S. to inspect the fuel pressure sensor installation.
Because of insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to certain engine fuel delivery pipes (those with nickel phosphorus plating), the fuel pressure sensor has the potential to loosen over time. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the delivery pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.
Lexus dealers will inspect the vehicle for fuel leakage. If no leakage is found, they will tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. But if they find a fuel leak, they will replace the gasket between the sensor and the delivery pipe and tighten the sensor with the proper torque. The inspection and possible gasket replacement will be conducted at no charge to the vehicle owner.
Owners of the involved vehicles will receive a safety recall notification by mail once the needed parts are available. Lexus will also post this information on its Web site. For more details, vehicle owners can call Lexus at (800) 255-3987 or visit www.lexus.com/recall.
Toyota also announced a separate recall involving 1.3 million vehicles worldwide to remedy a different condition on a different fuel delivery pipe and a high-pressure fuel pump check valve. This Toyota's recall announcement doesn't involve vehicles sold in North America.If you pedal from bar to bar, does it still count as exercise?
Dayton-area residents will soon have a chance to find out on a 15-person, “pedal- powered wagon.”
Cincinnati-based Pedal Wagon is bring its pedal and party concept to Dayton.
Co-founder Jack Heekin said his company will partner with restaurants, bars and other businesses in the Oregon District and elsewhere to offer pub crawls, progressive dinners, corporate outings, birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and other events.
The Pedal Wagon carts are controlled by sober drivers.
The company has been offered in Cincinnati for five years and in Columbus for three years.
Cincinnati-based Pedal Wagon is coming to Dayton.
Heekin said the company is working with city officials on license issues.
“It is hard to classify a 15-person passenger four wheel wagon,” he said.
Heekin said the company will start launching soon after the license is secured.
He said there are about 75 companies similar to his around the nation.
It operates 14 wagons year-round in Cincinnati and Columbus, and has about 50 seasonal employees.
The company will start in Dayton with two bikes and add more based on demand. It will employ a manager and about 4 drivers to start. It will not have a storefront.
In Cincinnati and Columbus, riders are allowed to bring 32 ounces of beer or 18 ounces of wine on the ride. A cooler and ice is provided.
Users book trips, sign a waiver, and show up at a designated area.
More information can be found at pedalwagon.com.
During pub crawls, Heekin said customers pedal from bar to bar every 15 to 20 minutes.
Heekin said he hopes his company contributes to the momentum in the Oregon District. He likened the atmosphere to Cincinnati’s Over the Rhine where the company started to operate.
“Our model can work there and help the overall picture,” Heekin said. “We are thinking there is a lot of fun business in the Oregon District.”
>> RELATED: What we love about the Oregon DistrictTobias Rahde has one of the cooler jobs in Berlin, and his office building definitely has the best front yard of any in the city: When he walks out the door, his neighbors include macaques, parrots, giraffes and elephants.
It also includes a nearby enclosure housing bonobos (like the juvenile pictured above), a species of chimpanzee found only in Congo forests.
When DW visited the zoo in Rahde's company on a warm April day, the bonobos were hard at play, swinging on ropes and pushing around bunches of straw. To the amusement of a throng of zoo visitors watching, they were also engaging in quick sexual trysts with each other - a behavior the bonobos' matriarchal society is well-known for.
"Bonobos use sexual interaction as a way of reducing social stress, calming each other, lubricating social interaction - it's not primarily about reproduction," Rahde said.
Although, the reproduction bit has clearly been working as well. The dozen or so bonobos in the enclosure included several babies who clung to their mothers' bellies, their four little paws gripping their mothers' backs.
Orang utans (their species name means "people of the forest" in the Malay language) are humanity's next closest relatives after chimpanzees and bonobos. Like us, they enjoy a tickle
"Our bonobos' reproduction has been so successful that we're setting about gifting some of them to other zoos - we have too many now," Rahde said happily.
Some of the older apes recognized Rahlde and responded to his hand signals by rope-swinging in, even though Rahlde was separated from them by a thick plane of glass and surrounded by a crowd of zoo visitors.
"The bonobos' situation in the wild in Congo is pretty dire," Rahde said. Zoo Berlin, in cooperation with other conservation agencies, is doing what it can to help.
Conservation in the zoo - and in the wild
Rahde has been working at Zoo Berlin for 11 years. Now, he's been tasked by Zoo Berlin's new director with what may be the zoo's most important responsibility: sourcing new animals - and also helping protect them in the wild, in their native habitats.
The flagrant beauty of animals like the hyacinth macaw makes them targets for poachers and collectors, depleting their populations in the wild and threatening their survival
Rahde's new responsibility is species protection curator, he told DW from a sunlit bench across from a group of baboons who were busy rock-climbing and fur-grooming. "That means I'll be going to different places in the world to pick conservation projects our zoo will contribute toward - places where we'll work in partnership with other agencies to protect animals in the wild."
He's also responsible for acquiring animals for Zoo Berlin, passing on surplus animals to other zoos, working toward reintroduction of threatened animals from zoos to the wild as conditions allow, and working out aspects of presenting the zoo's collection to the public.
Developing world challenges
Currently, Zoo Berlin is involved in 10 projects aimed at conserving animals in the wild - and the zoo intends to add more in future. Some of the most important: Protecting Sumatra orangutans in Indonesia; a project called Bonobo Alive where the zoo will be paying for ranger services in a major bonobo nature reserve in western Congo; a project to protect okapis (short-necked forest giraffes) in eastern Congo, and another to protect macaws in Brazil. All of these species are critically endangered.
"Conservation in Congo is really difficult - though it has improved," Rahde said. Parts of the country are drenched in conflict, with rival warlords fighting over mining resources including gold, rare earth, and diamonds. Spillover of violence into eastern Congo from ongoing genocidal conflicts in Rwanda and Burundi contributes to the difficult situation.
Take a giraffe, shorten its neck, dye its fur brown, make its butt striped and voila: you have an okapi
Unfortunately for okapis, the forests of eastern Congo are their native habitat. The few remaining animals living in the wild are under severe pressure from bushmeat hunters and armed gangs, Rahde said.
The nature reserve at Epulu was invaded by mercenaries in June 2012. They killed 14 okapi, several rangers and a zoologist as well. The slaughter was interpreted as a local warlord's retaliation against crackdowns on elephant poaching and illegal gold mining.
Protecting habitat to preserve species
In South America, Zoo Berlin is leading a project to protect the world's largest species of parrot, a stunning bright-blue bird native to the Brazilian Pantanal. Known as "hyacinth macaws" (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), the two birds of the species in Zoo Berlin's collection, like the bonobos we'd visited earlier on our tour, also recognized Rahde upon our entry into their enclosure.
The macaws spent 10 minutes clinging upside-down to the wire fencing separating them from their human friend, allowing him murmur to them and stroke their feet. "We're hoping to breed them," the zoologist said. "They're beautiful, aren't they? And like most parrots, they're pretty smart."
The sociability of hyacinth macaws is one reason humans find them endearing
The zoo is involved in other conservation projects in developing countries, too: one for a rare frog at Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, another for a rare pheasant in Vietnam. In each case, it's not just about protecting one species. It's about protecting the habitat that species depends on, which has the knock-on effect of preserving the ecosystem, helping many other species.
Overcoming funding constraints
Not all of Zoo Berlin's projects are in developing countries. The zoo is also helping acquire land in the lower Oder River valley, at the boundary between northeastern Germany and Poland. The area's wetlands compose one of the most important migrating bird stopovers in northern Europe.
The long-term plan is to return part of the area to wilderness, as part of an overall commitment by the German government to "re-wild" 10 percent of the country's surface area.
Zoo Berlin, like many other zoos and conservation agencies, doesn't have nearly as much money available for conservation-in-the-wild projects as it would like to have. That makes the zoo's efforts to encourage people to contribute funding especially important.
Rahde described the animals in the zoo as ambassadors for their cousins in the wild, because they create an emotional bond between people and animals. Charismatic species like bonobos "help loosen the purse strings" of potential donors, Rahde had said with a smile as we watched the bonobos romp.If you missed the Kickstarter campaign, you can still help get to the next stretch goal (and get Obduction and more) at obductiongame.com!
Ob`duc´tion, n.1. The act of drawing or laying over, as a covering.
Obduction is an all-new, real-time, first-person adventure that harkens back to the spirit of Cyan’s earlier games Myst and Riven. Obduction resurrects that incredible feeling of suddenly finding yourself in the middle of a new world to explore, discover, solve, and become part of.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of Myst, one of the best-selling computer games in history. Myst was an exploration through a landscape of dramatically realistic images (rendered in Strata - check out the new Strata reward tier!) tied together to create an experience that was described as “becoming your world.” The Myst name is widely recognized as uniquely defining a new kind of gaming - amazingly immersive worlds where the point is to understand your environment rather than test your reflexes. The Obduction project will take what Cyan knows about creating deeply immersive worlds and apply it to an entirely new game with fantastic scenery, incredible architecture, compelling story, and exceptional challenges.
Obduction will be built with the same framework that made Cyan's earlier games such a wonderful experience: stunning landscapes, deep storyline, engaging characters, dramatic soundscapes, and challenging yet intuitive puzzles. Obduction is an entirely new property, delivered using one of the most powerful game development technologies available today. Obduction is an adventure game for the new millennium that stays true to the concepts that made the genre great.
At the base funding level, Obduction will be developed for both Windows and MacOS, with a targeted release of mid-to-late 2015.
The game is being designed with a flexible scope in mind, so that as the budget grows, the game grows. More places; more puzzles; more mystery; more complexity; more adventure!
With the generalities out of the way, it's time to dig a bit deeper into specifics. If you know anything about Cyan's worlds, you know that you don't want to know too much ahead of time. We'll try our best to whet your appetite, without giving away too many spoilers.
Story
Obduction's experience supplies what every good storyteller does: a very personal window into a much larger world. Obduction begins with... well… an abduction - your abduction. On a crystal clear, moon-lit night, a curious, organic artifact drops from the sky and inexplicably whisks you away across the universes to who-knows-where (or when, or why).
And, as anyone who ever played Myst or Riven knows, exploring everything around you allows you to read between the lines and to begin to answer your questions. Why is there an old, abandoned farmhouse - complete with white picket fence - in the middle of an alien landscape? You'll find out. From this point on the story becomes your story.
Game Design
Obduction has a few game design elements in common with Myst and Riven, and it skews into new areas as well. Cyan's basic design philosophy is simple:
Build every element of the experience to make you, the player, feel like this virtual world has become your world.
. The interface should be intuitive and transparent.
and. The story should be revealed through exploration and not necessarily shoveled out in cinematic form.
and not necessarily shoveled out in cinematic form. The puzzles should range from easy to difficult, but even the toughest puzzles should be designed so that you know that all the pieces to solve it are there in front of you.
it are there in front of you. The sound and music should be balanced; they should add emotion but not become distracting or annoying.
Environmental Immersion
Cyan has a proven history of delivering visually stunning environments that immerse players in our games. We plan to continue that tradition, leveraging Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4. Today's modern realtime engines have plenty of horse-power to produce zillions of bullets per second, but they can also be used to make remarkable landscapes and architecture that approach and even surpass the pre-rendered days of Riven. Unreal 4 is an amazing resource that enables us to build a world that you can lose yourself in.
Click here for more info regarding the Unreal Engine 4...
We’ve got add-ons. Three to be precise - add on a digital game, a boxed game, or a t-shirt. Here’s how it works: Increase your pledge by the cost of the desired add-on(s) without changing your selected reward tier. After the end of the Kickstarter campaign, you’ll receive a survey where you can confirm which add-on(s) you wanted. (Note that shipping is included in the amount of the add-on.)
We'll be excited to reach our target goal and make an amazing experience. But we're also anticipating what it means to move beyond that goal. Kickstarter funding over the base level would be used to make Obduction bigger and better - adding such stretch goals as new places to explore, additional platforms, localization, technological bells and whistles, and more.
Very simple: It's what we love!
We love the wonder of having an entirely new world at our fingertips. We love the twisted unraveling of an unexpected storyline. We love the satisfying "Aha! moment" of solving a particularly perplexing puzzle. We love the rush of revelation when we find out what's around the next corner. We love the twinge of emotion entering a dimly lit room because we feel like this place has become our world.
And we hear from more and more people who love all of those things, too. We'd love to make it for you!
Cyan has done it all. We started with self-publishing, hand-stuffing 3.5-inch floppies into boxes. We've done full-blown publisher models, where they get 88%. And we've even done all kinds of hybrid publishing models between the two.
Currently, we are independent, and it feels right. It's not the Myst heyday - money has come and gone, but we've managed to stay alive as a small, independent studio through times when indie studios were falling by the wayside. And now it seems that times have changed, and indie studios are making a comeback thanks to some interesting new publishing platforms and models - including Kickstarter.
Simply put, Kickstarter is a way for us to deliver a stunning experience that doesn't empty your pocketbook, while keeping us independent enough to make choices that a publisher might not understand. (Like we did with Myst 20 years ago.)
Instead of a detached, corporate marketing department guaranteeing to upper management how many units they will sell to justify a budget, we'll be relying on excited fans, family, friends, and even strangers who love what we're doing and want to be part of it. The funding and the budget become part of the development process instead of being coldly handed down from an accounting officer who doesn't even know the name of the product - let alone the names of any of the real people who will be making it.
In addition to regular Kickstarter updates, we will be making our development process transparent and accessible to our supporters in the form of exclusive backer forums. You'll be able to interact directly with the creators, read behind-the-scenes blog posts about the ins and outs of the game's development, and stay current with our overall progress. Don't worry, we'll do our best to keep the information spoiler-free, so that you still have a rich and surprising game to explore, even if you are an avid process junkie!
The funding will be spent solely on Obduction. It's very straightforward: we'll spend the funds that you invest on making Obduction the best possible experience.
We already have a team here - a few who've been here since the Myst days, and some who are more recent. We'll be adding to the team after we get funding, so we can flesh out our design and then get started on all the new art, modeling, texturing, sounds, music, lighting, characters, interface, technology, and more.
We don't want that team to be too large. One thing we've learned over the years is that it can be much more efficient and satisfying to have a smaller team that works closely together. We want everyone on the team to have ownership as we design and build this experience together. And we'll make sure you know who is on the team and how things are going.
We've done quite a few updates since we started. Here's a list that summarizes and links to a few of the more important updates. There's lots of information you don't want to miss!
UPDATE 4: The "Over $450,000, reddit AMA, Bonus Q&A” Update
We answer a lot of questions in this Update. If you’ve got questions - check this out!
UPDATE 7: Add-ons!
Now you can add-on an exclusive t-shirt or an extra copy of Obduction. Read all about it!
UPDATE 8: Content Update 1
You want more Obduction info? Are you sure? This update addresses that question.
UPDATE 9: Content Update 2
If you decided you want more info about Obduction, then read more in this 2nd content update.
UPDATE 10: Stretch Goal Update!
Here it is! Our first official Stretch Goal! We’ve added localization and Rift support. Check it out.
UPDATE 11: Meet More of the Team
There are plenty of people working on Obduction. Here are a few more members of the team.
UPDATE 13: Content Update 3
Still want to know more about Obduction? Well we’ve got more. If you’re sure then head on over.
UPDATE 15: New Reward Tier!
Here’s our first new Reward Tier! It’s a good one. Get Strata Design 3D CX and more! Read the details.
UPDATE 16: Distribution Update and More!
We’ve confirmed a couple distribution details! Steam? GOG? Humble Bundle? DRM-free? Go find out.
UPDATE 17: Amazing Update! Big News!
Wow! Didn’t see this coming! Robyn Miller & Ryan Miller have agreed to participate! Find out more!
UPDATE 18: New Tier - Double Disc!
We’ve added another reward tier - Double Disc - disc golf disc and compact disc. Sweet!
UPDATE 19: “Making Of” - Part 1
Eric describes the process of making the Obduction teaser video. Part 1.
UPDATE 20: Making Of” - Part 2
Eric continues explaining the process of making the teaser video. Part 2.
UPDATE 21: ONE MILLION and Climbing!
Cyan has a few tricks to push things over the top. Watch the video!
UPDATE 22: “Making Of” - Part 3
Eric finishes his discussion of building the Obduction teaser video. Part 3.
UPDATE 23: WE MADE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
W E M A D E I T!!!! Check out our celebration video!
UPDATE 24: Stretch Goal Update!
We’ve added another Stretch Goal for an Additional World and Roadtrip Mode. Learn more!
Cyan was started in 1987 by brothers Rand and Robyn Miller. They released a new kind of children’s software they called The Manhole. It was a simple, whimsical, black & white world to explore with very little to get in the way of the journey. It was well received by children of all ages. The brothers followed up with Cosmic Osmo and Spelunx - two more rich, non-threatening worlds for children to explore.
In 1991, Cyan began work on Myst, a project that would take everything they had learned about making worlds and use it to create a truly unique experience for an older, more sophisticated audience. Myst was about finding yourself lost in a world and simply exploring, understanding and becoming part of the story - and the public response was nothing short of phenomenal. Sales for Myst and its sequel Riven have exceeded 12 million units worldwide - which made them the best-selling computer games of the 20th century.
After five products in the Myst series, Cyan turned its attention to making an ambitious, new kind of Myst game, a never-ending world that would allow players to explore together. Uru: Ages Beyond Myst (Myst Online). It spawned a thriving, dedicated community and is still available to explore for free.
Cyan continues to draw on our past as we dream into the future. We are looking forward to creating more exciting worlds that move yet again away from the standard fare - to something unexpected.
Cyan is located on the northern outskirts of Spokane, Washington, about 119 trillion miles from the nearest habitable planet.
...And a team of other amazing and talented individuals.America's job market keeps picking up momentum.
The number of people who filed for unemployment claims last week hit a 42-year low. There were 247,000 claims -- the lowest level since November 1973, the Labor Department reported.
"The job market remains in very good shape," says Gus Faucher, senior economist at PNC Financial.
Overall, the job market is one of the bright spots in the U.S. economy. Just in the past year, unemployment has declined significantly, millions of jobs have been added and some signs of wage growth -- the missing ingredient to the economic recovery -- have started to show up.
The historic news on jobless claims confirms that the U.S. job market is picking up steam. Jobless claims have been below 300,000 for 59 consecutive weeks, the longest streak since 1973.
Related: Americans grade the economy a 'C'
There's more good news. The number of people either working or looking for a job -- the participation rate -- has been rising since September. That's a sign that more Americans who were on the sidelines, not applying for jobs, are getting back in the game.
The hope is that if unemployment claims decline further, employers will have fewer candidates to choose from and will have to raise wages to recruit or retain employees. Wage growth has been next to nothing during the recovery from the recession -- a big reason why many Americans aren't hot about the economy right now.Posted by
Armen Bedakian,
March 23, 2011 Email Armen Bedakian
Toronto FC will take to the field against the newest expansion side – The Portland Timbers – on a chilly Saturday afternoon. Having succumbed to a 4-2 humiliation against bitter-but-not-quite-bitter archrivals Vancouver Whitecaps, Toronto FC will be looking to restart their season and put old wounds to bed. Portland, however, will be looking at Toronto FC and licking their lips; for the green-clad Oregonians, the scent of 3 points will be wavering in the air. That being said, these 10 keys to the game will see Toronto triumph, and kick-start their season properly, gaining 3 points and – hopefully – some momentum as well: 1. Kenny Cooper
Kenny Cooper returns to MLS after a failed stint in Europe, but he is still the biggest threat Portland possess; certainly, Cooper, who scored a plethora of goals for Dallas, will be looking to once again find the back of the net and regain some of those impressive results and showings which saw him gain a place in the United States National Team. Cooper has certainly found no trouble in scoring against Toronto; he’s done it on several occasions. The bane of TFC’s existence at times, to the hands of Dallas at least, Cooper will need to be contained if Toronto are to walk away with a win. 2. Defensive Line
Changes need to be made to the defensive line if Toronto are to, at the very least, outscore their opponents. Gargan looked rusty but will probably start. Nana Attakora should pair with Adrian Cann in the center, and Mikael Yourassowsky will cover that left-hand side which Vancouver began to favour last week. Discipline in the defensive third will be crucial for Toronto. 3. Tighter midfield
Nathan Sturgis’ performance proved one thing; Toronto FC desperately need Julian de Guzman. Off the ball movement to open space up for the entire midfield was lacking, so Toronto will need to have that link-up play between defense and midfield more clearly established if they are to walk away with the spoils. 4. Winged-wonders
With rumours of Alen Stevenovic making the jump over to MLS from Torino in Italy, Toronto FC will need to use their wings, and use them well. Martina and Soolsma will probably play once again. If the wings are flapping, Toronto will fly away with max points. 5. Keep possession
It’s the 4-3-3, and indeed, MLS is a counter-attacking league, but possession early on will plant seeds of anxiety into Portland, who are very much a passing side. Look for frustrated tackles should Toronto maintain too much possession, but at the same time, look for capitalization of chances too. Toronto FC will need to figure this style of play out quickly to bring it to greater effect. 6. Prevent through balls
This comes down to smart positioning. Preventing the through ball will prevent the break-aways which saw Toronto FC go down twice. Ty Harden could be to blame, but the creativity must be quelled to keep the score down and ensure the defense is functioning properly. 7. Find Maicon
The big man up top was given almost no service in the first half, but saw chances created upon the introduction of Yourassowsky and Zavarise. Feeding Maicon will lead to goals, it seems, so finding opportunities to pass to Santos will be crucial if Toronto want to repeat the screamer from last week’s game against Vancouver. 8. Absorb Toronto
This is the first home game of the season; the supporters will be out in full force, singing love songs and feeding energy to the players; it is their job to use what they’ve got, and make BMO Field the fortress we all know it can be. The supporters have always stepped up to the plate; Toronto would do well to take advantage of that fact and use that support as a vital tool in their offense. 9. Keep De Rosario hungry
Dwayne De Rosario is a restless player, constantly moving and looking for the ball. A disheartened De Rosario is not a happy De Rosario, so allowing him a few chances at goal, though selfish it may seem, may do more good than bad; at best, he’ll score a goal, and at worst, he’s scuffed a chance. Critics find this type of selfish unsatisfactory but for Toronto, the goals have to come from somewhere. 10. Break the last-15 minute Jitters
By the point, assuming Toronto FC has followed the game plan and are on top, the last fifteen minute curse which seemingly plagued the clubs campaigns of the past will need to be addressed. This comes down to footie IQ. Keeping focus and seeing the game out does not necessarily mean give up possession and try to deflect; it’s smart passing, low-risk and, oftentimes, time-wasting which will see Toronto FC successful.An Apple press release published today announced the impending availability of the iPad on Japan’s NTT DoCoMo carrier. According to the release, both the iPad Air and iPad mini will be available on the largest Japanese carrier on June 10th. The carrier has supported the iPhone since late 2013.
Both tablets will work with the DoCoMo LTE network. The company’s iPad LTE plans are already listed on its website, though you won’t actually be able to buy the device just yet. Both models will be available for pre-purchase on June 2nd, the same day Apple will be kicking off its Worldwide Developers Conference.
NTT DOCOMO & Apple to Offer iPad in Japan Starting on Tuesday, June 10
TOKYO and CUPERTINO, California—May 28, 2014—NTT DOCOMO and Apple® today announced that iPad Air™ and iPad mini™ with Retina® display will be available on the DOCOMO network beginning on Tuesday, June 10. iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display offer the power and capability of the A7 chip, advanced graphics on a Retina display, and high-speed LTE performance,¹ making everything you do faster and better, all while delivering all-day battery life.²
“With the addition of iPad alongside iPhone, we now offer the complete lineup of Japan’s most popular mobile devices on the nation’s most reliable LTE network,” said Kaoru Kato, President and CEO of NTT DOCOMO, INC. “We know our customers will enjoy using iPad Air and iPad mini, and anticipate that new customers will look to experience these amazing devices on our high-quality network with our new billing plan.”
“We are extremely happy for iPad to join iPhone on NTT DOCOMO’s network,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “The results on iPhone have been tremendous, and we look forward to delivering iPad to NTT DOCOMO customers.”
iPad Air features a stunning 9.7-inch Retina display in a thin and light design. Precision-engineered to weigh just one pound with a narrow bezel, the borders of iPad Air make content even more immersive. iPad mini with Retina display brings all the pixels from the 9.7-inch iPad to its 7.9-inch screen, delivering razor sharp text and detail in a design that offers 35 percent more screen real estate than 7-inch tablets. iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display feature the powerful and power-efficient Apple-designed A7 chip with 64-bit desktop-class architecture, ultrafast wireless with built-in Wi-Fi and expanded LTE cellular connectivity, an incredible 10 hours of battery life, and iOS 7 featuring hundreds of great features and access to over 500,000 apps designed specifically for iPad®.
DOCOMO’s iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display users will be able to enjoy the company’s nationwide ultra-fast Xi™ LTE communications service³ with the new billing plan which enables data quota sharing among family members and corporate users.
Beginning June 2, customers can pre-register for iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display at DOCOMO dealers and DOCOMO’s website.
For details on sales prices and special campaigns, please visit www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/ipad/charge/index.html#model.
For details on the new billing plan, please visit www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/charge.
For more information on iPad, please visit www.apple.com/ipad.
¹ LTE is available through select carriers. Network speeds are dependent on carrier networks, check with your carrier for details. ² Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary. ³ Xi is only available to subscribers in Japan. Xi is a trademark of NTT DOCOMO, INC. in Japan and/or other countries.
NTT DOCOMO provides innovative, convenient and secure mobile services that enable smarter living for each customer. The company serves over 63 million mobile customers in Japan via advanced wireless networks, including a nationwide 3G network and one of the world’s first commercial LTE networks. Leveraging its unique capabilities as a mobile operator, DOCOMO is a leading developer of cutting-edge technologies for NFC mobile payments, mobile GPS, mobile TV, intuitive mobile assistance, environmental monitoring, smart grids and much more |
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Here’s what the Atlantic has to say about the poll:
Anyone who has spoken with alums of a historically black college or university (HBCU) can attest, they really love their schools. Whether it’s the swarms of current and former students who travel to attend homecomings year after year, the (mostly) friendly competition among schools, or just the ferociousness with which grads defend and promote their alma maters, there’s something about most HBCUs that inspires intense loyalty.
A new poll from Gallup and Purdue University might help explain why.
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Page: 1 2In what can be an "apparent" effect of the government's ban on Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, cashless villagers at Bardaha village in Chattarpur, Madhya Pradesh, allegedly looted groceries from the outlet after its owner refused to accept the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, which are now defunct.
According to News 18 report, a group of villagers turned up at the shop to buy food grains and an altercation ensued between them and shop owner Munnilal Ahirwar after the later refused to accept the currencies, police said.
Following the verbal battle with Ahirwar, angry villagers barged into the PDS shop and looted sacks of wheat, rice and sugar, the police added.Following the incident, the shop owner Munni Lal Ahirwar has alleged in his complaint that the villagers looted food-grains as they did not have cash to purchase it, police, however claimed that no such incident took place and it was only a minor scuffle.Bardaha village Sarpanch None Lall alleged that the scuffle took place as Ahirwar was not giving food-grains and other items since the last four months and the villagers had also complained to the Chief Minister Help Line and local police in this reared, but no action was taken, according to a PTI report.He, according to PTI report, denied reports of villagers looting the fair price shop.The villagers were not getting ration from the shop since the past four months and yesterday they demanded the owner to give them their due for the full period but he refused leading to a dispute, Assistant Sub Inspector (ADI) Ram Kishore Tiwari said.The owner asked the villagers to take ration for one month only but they insisted on getting it for the entire four-month period following which they started protesting, he said.I’ve brought you the best infielders in the American League West, with the exception of perhaps the most important position on the diamond.
Some might disagree, but the defensive responsibility and overall leadership qualities usually associated with a team’s catcher put them right up there with shortstop and centerfield for most pivotal position player.
However, even though the catcher is such an important position the AL west features a cluster of players with limited offensive upside and minimal defensive value.
Continuing in my preview of the best players at each position, I give you the best catchers in the AL west:
1. Jason Castro, Houston Astros – A monster 2013 put Castro among the best catchers in baseball, but he slipped quite a bit last season. With the down year behind him Castro still seems poised to be the best catcher in the division. Defensively he is superior to his catcher counterparts as evidenced by his two defensive runs saved each of the last two seasons. He has thrown out nearly 25 percent of would-be base stealers in his career and has double digit home run power, despite his on-base percentage falling from.350 in 2013 to below.300 in 2014. They key for him in 2015 will be that the Astros prefer his defensive value over proven the offense-only Evan Gattis. Projected wins above replacement courtesy of Fangraphs: 1.7
2. Stephen Vogt, Oakland Athletics – This one might be the biggest stretch given Vogt’s lack of career playing time behind the dish. He did not catch much in 2013, and hardly at all in 2014, but is expected to start and face right-handed pitching for Oakland. Offensively he offers something similar to the aforementioned Castro, which is 10-14 home runs, close to 50 runs and RBI, and an OBP hovering around.300. But Vogt has the defensive upside to become one of the game’s best backstops. In 2014 he threw out all three runners who attempted to steal against him, and has thrown out 13 of 33 runners over his career. Projected WAR: 2.5
3. Chris Iannetta, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – Iannetta is this high on our list purely because of his offensive numbers. Defensively he has posted a -12 DRS over his career, so I’ll skip over that part of his game (or lack thereof, rather). Iannetta has clubbed 11 or more home runs four times in his career and has a career OBP north of.350 making him one of the best catchers when it comes to reaching base. Projected WAR: 2.2
4. Mike Zunino, Seattle Mariners – After being the third overall pick in 2012, reaching the major leagues in 2013, and being the Mariners’ full-time catcher in 2014 it is safe to say Zunino has risen through the Seattle catching ranks quickly. He provides power and steady defense despite an abysmal triple-slash line. The advanced metrics don’t value Zunino’s defensive much, but he has a career 25 percent caught-stealing rate, and in 2014 he threw out 28 percent of runners. He also is considered a terrific pitch framer for Seattle’s elite pitching staff. Zunino’s.199 batting average in 2014 couldn’t keep him out of the lineup, and if he can improve on that number 25 home runs might be on his horizon. Projected WAR: 2.8
5. Robinson Chirinos, Texas Rangers – Chirinos received almost 300 more at-bats in 2014 than any other year in his career and fared quite well. He launched 13 home runs and he racked up 4 DRS. However his career triple-slash line of.231/.285/.391 limit his offensive upside even if his defense is strong enough to keep him in the Texas lineup. However, things have gotten bad for Texas with all of the injuries they have sustained Chirinos might be their Opening Day starter, who knows. Projected WAR: 1.6Photos by Brian Hardyman
Hangar 24, a brewery founded by Ben Cook in 2008 across from the Redlands, California airport celebrated their 6th anniversary this past weekend. Ben Cook was an avid homebrewer and pilot whose passion for flying and good beer transpired into what is now known as the Hangar 24 Craft Brewery. As a member of the Redlands community, Ben also wanted to give back in some other way besides just creating his delicious craft beer. This want to give back to the community is why Hangar 24 charities were formed. Hangar 24 charities runs fundraisers to preserve everything associated with the agricultural industry throughout the Inland Empire. One event used to both raise funds for this charity as well as celebrate the anniversary of Hangar 24 is Hangar 24’s annual AirFest.
This year’s Hangar 24 AirFest started this past Friday, May 16th at the airport across the street from the brewery and featured an evening of country music, aerobatic performances, 40+ food vendors and 30+ Hangar 24 beers on draft, including their very popular Betty IPA and 6th Anniversary Farmhouse Saison. Festivities ended at 9pm Friday with the musical performance of JT Hodges and began again on Saturday promptly at 10am. Saturday’s Airfest featured a six band lineup of rock music with Everclear closing out the night,as well as a variety of aerobatic performances throughout the day such as the formation parachute jumpers, fireworks being launched from the back of a plane and the Royal Canadian Airforce CF-18 Demo Team.
The event itself was spectacular with good music and entertaining aerial performances both days. Alongside the music and airshow, patrons were able to enjoy several craft beers and learn about the history of the local citrus groves with free oranges from a local 100 year old orange tree. Even though this was a brewery-led event, it was family friendly and open to people of all ages. Attendees who were looking for refreshments other than beer were pleasantly surprised with a variety of different nonalcoholic beverages available for purchase such as jarritos sodas, Hawaiian snow cones and several different types of lemonade.
After sorting through all of the food and beverage trucks my favorite nonalcoholic beverage was Augies cold brewed coffee on nitro. This coffee went through a 12-hour cold brewing process, then sat atop nitro waiting to be poured. The nitrogen gas, also known as nitro, gave the coffee a subtle creamy and smooth aftertaste that made it unique from any other coffee I’ve ever had, and the 12-hour cold brewing process left the resulting coffee higher in caffeine than your ordinary cup of coffee. Cousin’s Maine lobster was the star of all the food trucks at the event with their Connecticut roll. This truck didn’t win Best L.A. food truck two times in a row for no reason. The Connecticut roll was composed of a huge pile of lobster meat sandwiched between a thick piece of soft, browned sourdough bread, all of which was covered in a succulent lemon-butter sauce.
Aside from the airshow, music and food trucks, the true stars of the event in my opinion were Hangar 24’s Betty IPA and the 6th Anniversary Farmhouse Saison. Let’s start with Betty! This is an American IPA made with a blend of Mosaic, Citra, Simcoe and Centennial hops giving it an amazing, floral aroma and a variety of flavors including citrus zest and tropical fruit. It’s just hoppy enough to be delicious and not overly bitter. This is the perfect beer for those upcoming warm summer nights. Next is the 6th anniversary FarmHouse Saison. This delicately sweet and subtly sour saison was a hit! With an initial floral & sour aroma, then tart to quickly sweet taste and ultimately floral finish, this is one of the best beers Hangar 24 has made to date. With a refreshing flavor and an abv of 6.3%, it’s an easy day drinker.
Overall, the Hangar 24 AirFest was definitely an event full of family-friendly fun and entertainment. Alongside the countless aerial and musical performances throughout both days of the event, there were a number of food trucks serving delicious food and beverages and beer stations ready to pour you a fresh Hangar 24 beer around every corner. With the backdrop of the mountainous hillside and the cool weather this was indeed an event I would have been sad to have missed.(First, and most important…some of you may already be aware, but Andrea’s surgery went fine! Flying Colors! She’s in recovery mode now and most likely won’t be back to work for a couple more weeks, but everything is as planned! We had quite the outpouring of good thoughts and well wishes, so many thanks! Our fans are the best!)
Hi Pen Fans!
We are very excited to announce our new lineup of Pearlette materials within our Production Line! These pens certainly are a smorgasbord of chatoyance (perhaps my favorite word)!
Each year my family takes a nice vacation to Arizona. When we organized these three materials, we were quite inspired by the Arizona landscape. We decided to name these pens after our favorite vacation spot!
So the new Pearlettes will be somewhat of a “Desert” theme.
From left to right…Sonoran Sunset, Azure Skies, and Canyon Trail….
Sonoran Sunset is a nice deep copper-ish color with some pretty amazing depth and pearlization (chatoyance). Many of you will remember the Pearlized Wine that we used on the 2014 Limited Edition Glenmont as well as plenty of custom pens. If you’ve seen that Pearlized Wine material live you can certainly appreciate the amazing chatoyance that this material displays. Well, this Sonoran Sunset is the exact same composition as the Pearlized Wine, but obviously a different color (which I like better, personally). So expect these photos to not do the pen total justice. When you see this pen live and rotate it in the light, you’ll see all of that beautiful chatoyance that can’t always be captured accurately in a photo.
Azure Skies is also made from the same composition as the Pearlized Wine and the above Sonoran Sunset, but is obviously a nicely saturated blue. Being the same composition, expect the same chatoyance!
Canyon Trail has a very similar chatoyance (notice a pattern here?) to the other Pearlettes, but rather than a random mottled pattern, you’ll see some neat speckles within the material.
All of these pens are part of our Production Line, so you will not buy these directly from Edison, but through any of our retailers listed here.
We are pretty excited as each of these materials is a personal favorite of at least one person here on our crew. We’re taking bets on which one turns out to be the most popular!
Be sure to give us your thoughts on this new lineup!
Brian at EdisonJust hours after Hillary Clinton unveiled her presidential campaign's push to solve global warming through an aggressive carbon-cutting plan, she sauntered up the steps of a 19-seat private jet in Des Moines, Iowa.
The aircraft, a Dassault model Falcon 900B, burns 347 gallons of fuel per hour. And like all Dassault business jets, Hillary's ride was made in France.
The Trump-esque transportation costs $5,850 per hour to rent, according to the website of Executive Fliteways, the company that owns it.
And she has used the same plane before, including on at least one trip for speeches that brought her $500,000 in fees.
SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO
CARBON MONSTER: The Dassault Falcon 900B business jet burns 347 gallons of jet fuel per hour, and was Hillary Clinton's ride of choice on Monday (seen entering the jet in her light blue pantsuit)
RENEWABLE? Clinton spoke Monday at the Des Moines Area Rapid Transit Central Station about solving climate change and preserving the environment, flanked by bicycles for effect
LAP OF LUXURY: This photo from Executive Fliteways shows the interior of the exact jet that Clinton's campaign rented for the day at a rate that the company advertises as $5,850 per hour
On Monday the Democratic presidential front-runner announced the details of her initiative to tackle climate change, calling it 'one of the most urgent threats of our time.'
But shortly afterward, a videographer working with the conservative America Rising PAC spotted her at the private air terminal in Des Moines.
FIfteen seconds of video shot just after 12:00 noon, local time, shows Clinton walking up the plane's stairs while an aide hodls a giant black umbrella over her head to sheld her from falling rain.
'Despite her campaign’s best efforts to rebrand her as a down-to-earth fighter for "everyday Americans," Hillary Clinton’s jet-setting ways are just further confirmation that she’s out of touch with the American people,' the group's communications driector Jeff Bechdel told DailyMail.com.
'It’s that kind of hypocrisy that makes the majority of voters say Clinton is not honest or trustworthy.'
PLANETARY EMERGENCY: Clinton said reversing climate change 'is one of the most urgent threats of our time, and we have no choice but to rise and meet it' – and then was driven to her private jet in Des Moines, Iowa
The Clinton campaign's traveling press secretary, Nick Merrill, did not respond to a request for comment.
But Mrs. Clinton said Monday in Des Moines that 'the reality of climate change is unforgiving – no matter what the deniers say. Sea levels are rising. Ice caps are melting. Storms, wildfires, and extreme weather are wreaking havoc.'
'This is one of the most urgent threats of our time, and we have no choice but to rise and meet it,' she added.
The environmntal lobby is unanimous in its certainty that carbon emissions from human activities have caused the globe to warm in recent decades, even though raw thermometer data from around the world suggest it has been 18 years since the planet's temperature has ticked upward.
Reducing that carbon footprint, they say, requires dramatic cuts in the burning of fossil fuels like the jet fuels Clinton's jet consumed between Iowa and New Hampshire.
NO MIDDLE SEATS: Clinton, top aide Huma Abedin and other Hillary insiders can lounge and relax during the two-hour, 15-minute flight betwen central Iowa and Manchester, New Hampshire
PEANUTS OR PRETZELS (or steak?): The Executive Fliteways Falcon 900B can host dinner parties high above the clouds
Clinton pledged Monday that if she wins the presidency, she will make sure America has 500 million solar panels installed within 4 years. She also promised to launch a program that would bring enough renewable power production online 'to power every single home in America.'
It's not possible to know the exact route her executive jet took on Monday afternoon.
While her campaign has advertised an event Tuesady morning in Nashua, New Hampshire, Executive Fliteways has opted out of a Federal Aviation Administration transparency program that allows aviation enthusiasts to track private jets from airport to airport.
But amateur planespotters still sit near runways, watching jets take off and land. One spotted the same plane –tail number N506BA – in Vancouver, Canada on March 5 of last year, and wrote that it was 'Hillary Clinton's ride into town.'
She spoke that day to a sold-out event hosted by the Vancouver Board of Trade and co-sponsored by TD Bank, and later reported in her personal financial disclosure that she was paid $275,000 for the appearance.
A similar speech one day later in Calgary, Canada, also sponsored by the bank, brought another $225,000.
CLASSY: The 66-foot-long plane can fly up to 51,000 feet above the ground at speeds as fast as mach 0.84
ALMOST TRUMP-ESQUE: There's no 18-karat sink, but Clinton's rented plane boasts all the luxuries a political rock star could want
Bill Clinton has also hitched a ride on the same aircraft in the past, according to another amateur photographer who captured a picture in November 2010.
The image, shot in Akron, Ohio before the airplane got a new paint job, was captioned: 'Bill Clinton heading out after a rally for Ted Strickland.'
The former president was in town to rally voters for Strickland, then the governor of Ohio, who lost his re-electionbid to Republican John Kasich.
Kasich hopes to meet Hillary in the presidential election next year: He announced his own White House campaign last week."The large peak at 16kHz reported by...was nowhere in evidence...The most probable explanation of this discrepancy is that the [Waveform supertweeter's] very light ribbon depends on the air load for damping, and that load is much smaller in the thin air up there at 7000' in Santa Fe than at altitudes where less lightheaded and scientifically more accountable reviewers dwell." Thus spake Peter Aczel (footnote 1), erstwhile loudspeaker designer and Editor/Publisher of the reincarnated, a publication that advertises itself as having "unusual credibility among the top professionals in audio."
Normally, when I read such criticism of this magazine's reviews, often based, as is this, on the fact that the writer has published an opinion contrary to ours and therefore feels the need to defend his reputation by attacking ours, I see no need to respond in print. However, as Mr. Aczel does raise a point that I, too, was concerned about when I moved to the high desert from the UK in 1986, I feel the matter worth looking at in more detail, at least regarding high-frequency behavior.
The atmosphere here in New Mexico at 7000'—ca 2150m for all you fellow metriphiles—has a density of 0.9925kg/m3, interpolating between the data given for altitudes of 2000m and 2500m in Shaeffer's and Day's A Field Guide to the Atmosphere (Houghton Mifflin, 1981). This is 18% lower than the air density at sea level and leads to a greater sense of weariness at the end of the working day. Notwithstanding that, I calculated the speed of sound at this altitude to be effectively identical to that at sea level (footnote 2) at 1121ft/s (345m/s) at 72°F (24°C). (Any effect of lower air density on the speed of sound appears to be swamped by its dependence on ambient temperature.) Any acoustic phenomena directly related to the speed of sound—diffraction, interference, etc.—will therefore be the same in Santa Fe as at sea level.
So, how does lower air density affect a loudspeaker's high-frequency behavior?
Primarily, it lowers the efficiency of any pistonic diaphragm. According to the third edition of Martin Colloms's High Performance Loudspeakers (Pentech Press, 1985), the reference efficiency of a pistonic diaphragm (p.27) is directly proportional to the air density and inversely proportional to the square of the moving mass, which includes that of the drive-unit (diaphragm and coil) and the reactive mass of the air load on its diaphragm. The effect of the air density will therefore depend on the drive-unit's design: if it has a high-mass diaphragm, any changes in the air load due to the lower density will be negligible, and the change in efficiency will be directly related to the change in air density.
With moving-coil woofers, where the passband wavelengths are larger than the diaphragm radius, the air load mass is small compared with that of the diaphragm and coil (Martin Colloms quotes 2 grams vs 20gm for a typical 8" plastic-cone driver), and can be neglected. Lowering the air density by 18% will therefore lower the efficiency by pretty much the same 18%. This represents a drop of just under 0.9dB in power terms, meaning that a loudspeaker in Santa Fe needs to be driven slightly harder to reach the same level as at sea level. (Alternatively, you could say that 123W in New Mexico buys you the same loudness as 100W in Florida.)
How about moving-coil dome tweeters? Here the moving mass, typically around 350 milligrams, is considerably smaller than that of a woofer. However, a tweeter's piston radius is also much smaller, generally still being smaller than the wavelength of the emitted sound in the tweeter's passband. (A tone with a frequency of 20kHz will have a wavelength of 17mm or 2/3".) The air load mass will therefore also be smaller, meaning that a conventional tweeter's efficiency will effectively drop by the same 18% as the woofer's. For a conventional dynamic loudspeaker system, therefore, the overall balance between the drive-units will be preserved at the higher altitude.
This has been my experience. When I moved to the US, I brought with me two pairs of speakers featuring typical highish-mass moving-coil drive-units, the sounds of which I was very familiar with: Celestion SL600s and Rogers LS3/5as. Both speakers reassuringly sounded (and measured) the same way in New Mexico as they had back in England.
Where things get trickier is when the driver's diaphragm and coil are low in mass but its radiating area is significantly larger than that of a conventional unit—ribbons of all kinds, electrostatics, and Magneplanar drivers. With these drive-units, it is no longer safe to assume that changes in the air mass loading their diaphragms will be negligible compared with their moving masses. Computing the mass of the air load on a large diaphragm, however, is not as easy as with a conventional drive-unit, due to the fact that one of its dimensions will be larger than the wavelengths of the sound it is emitting. As I understand it, the reactance of the air load will therefore tend to change its value with frequency.
As mentioned by Graham Bank in his interview this month with Robert Harley, there is very little to be found in the literature on the theoretical behavior of such units. In fact, the only papers I could find while preparing this article were by three Sony engineers, on the design of a "leaf" tweeter broadly similar to the Infinity EMIT (footnote 3) and by a Dutch engineer on the design of the recent Philips ribbon midrange- and HF-units (footnote 4). (This Philips tweeter, coincidentally, is the unit used as a supertweeter in the Waveform design, on which Mr. Aczel was commenting.)
The Sony paper, usefully, does include a complete analysis of their ribbon tweeter's behavior, including a table showing how the air load on its diaphragm changes with frequency. It ranges from 14mg at 2.5kHz to 0.6mg at 20kHz at sea level, which would equate to 11.5mg and 0.5mg, respectively, at an altitude of 2150m. (The air load is directly proportional to air density.) The total mass of the diaphragm for this drive-unit (mass of polyimide film plus mass of photo-etched aluminum voice-coil) was stated as being 28mg.
Plugging these figures into the Colloms equation for efficiency mentioned earlier, and hoping that my rusty mathematical skills could be persuaded into action, indicates that at 20kHz, the drive-unit's efficiency will still drop by 17.5% at an altitude of 2150m: ie, it will drop by 0.83dB compared with a moving-coil unit's 0.9dB. However, at the lower frequency, 2.5kHz, the decrease in air mass and reduced damping do compensate to a significant extent for the reduction in efficiency due to the reduced air density. Rather than dropping by 18%, or 0.9dB, it now drops by just 7.3%, or 0.33dB.
When the Sony tweeter is moved to 2150m, it will effectively gain about half a dB in its efficiency at transferring power to the surrounding air at 2.5kHz when compared either with a comparable dome unit at that altitude or its own efficiency at 20kHz. It will presumably, therefore, acquire a slight HF droop at Santa Fe's altitude, though at a maximum of –0.5dB at 20kHz, this is trivial. Note, however, that this is in the contrary direction to Pete Aczel's pronouncement that the ribbon's high-frequency sensitivity increases at higher altitudes.
Experiments
As I postulated above that the primary effect of a decreased air density at Santa Fe's altitude would be a reduction in efficiency of 0.9dB for a conventional moving-coil drive-unit, it seemed obvious to measure the voltage sensitivity of a loudspeaker system in Santa Fe, then measure its sensitivity at sea level. As Tom Norton (who lives in Los Angeles) and I both had access to a speaker that is manufactured to a very tight tolerance, the B&W 801 Matrix, it was feasible to measure each of our samples and compare the results. The two speakers were fed with a 1/3-octave–wide warble tone centered on 1kHz, with the measuring mike at a distance of 1m on the midrange axis. (The influence of the room acoustics with this distance and frequency range is negligible.)
Unfortunately, Tom and I do not have the same spl meters, so the results are only anecdotally comparable. However, with a 1V RMS input to the loudspeaker, Tom's sample at sea level gave an output of either 80dB or 81.8dB, depending on which of two spl meters he used, whereas my sample of the 801 gave 80dB for the same 1V RMS input. The calculated figure of a 0.9dB reduction in efficiency due to a 2150m altitude is therefore probably of the right order.
How about the effect of reduced air density on a moving-coil drive-unit's frequency response? When Tom Norton last visited Santa Fe, he coincidentally brought with him a selection of raw drive-units which we duly measured with the MLSSA system. As I was visiting California at the end of March anyway to attend a social function being hosted by The Absolute Sound and Counterpoint to raise money for the Academy for the Advancement of High End Audio (or AAHEA), I took all the measuring paraphernalia with me so that Tom and I could repeat the measurements under identical conditions apart from the increased air (and smog) density in Los Angeles (footnote 5).
The red trace in fig.1 shows the response of a Focal T120F tweeter, which uses an inverted fiberglass dome, measured in Santa Fe, while the blue trace shows the same tweeter measured in Los Angeles. There appears to be minimal appreciable differences below 20kHz; certainly, it is less than the difference between nominally identical tweeters. You might just notice that the resonant behavior above 20kHz, where the piston radius has become larger than the wavelength, is slightly less well-controlled, presumably due to the lower resistive damping at these frequencies offered by the decreased air load.
Fig.1 Focal T120F measured on-axis at 16" in Santa Fe (red) and in Los Angeles (blue), (no baffle) fed via a series 8µF Wondercap and corrected for microphone response.
The idea that the reduced air load has less of a resistive damping effect once the piston radius is larger than the wavelength is reinforced by fig.2, which shows the response of an unbaffled 6" SEAS woofer, again measured in Santa Fe (red) and in Los Angeles (blue). The cone's breakup modes above 2kHz can be seen to be slightly accentuated at the higher altitude, though in a real system these would be suppressed by the crossover's roll-off.
Fig.2 SEAS 6" woofer measured on-axis at 16" in Santa Fe (red) and in Los Angeles (blue) (no baffle) and corrected for microphone response.
Finally, Snell's Kevin Voecks kindly offered at the AAHEA event to measure a sample of the same Philips ribbon tweeter as used by Waveform at sea level. He would then send me both his measurements and the unit, so that I could investigate how its performance was changed by the altitude. Fig.3 shows the response of the Philips unit in Santa Fe (red) and in Los Angeles (blue), measured on-axis at 20", again without a baffle, with MLSSA set to a 30kHz bandwidth. The measuring mikes were different, of course, though both B&K, and this might contribute to the difference that can be seen above 10kHz, where at the higher altitude, a slight (0.4dB) peak appears, centered on 15.2kHz, with then a faster rate of roll-off, the unit at 2150m being an additional 1.7dB down at 20kHz; rather more than calculated earlier for the Sony ribbon tweeter.
Fig.3 Philips "leaf" supertweeeter measured on-axis at 20" in Santa Fe (red) and in Los Angeles (blue), (no baffle) fed via a series 8µF Wondercap and corrected for microphone response.
Regarding any change in sensitivity, feeding the unit with 1.6V of pink noise at sea level gave an spl of 90.5dB; doing the same thing at 2150m altitude gave an spl of 91dB ±0.5dB, showing that if there is a change in this unit's output, it is probably 1dB or less.
Conclusion
As might seem intuitively obvious, all speakers get quieter with altitude, conventional moving-coil woofers and tweeters pretty much in direct proportion and planars by an amount which will vary with frequency and with the exact ratio between their own diaphragm mass and the air load. It might therefore be possible for a system like the Waveform, which mixes ribbon and conventional units, to change its balance at the higher altitude due to the different drive-units featuring different reductions in their efficiency. That any effect is small, however, was confirmed by measuring both conventional cone/dome units, as well as the Philips ribbon used in the Waveform speaker, at sea level and in Santa Fe.
Even in the worst case, therefore—for example, a design with a conventional moving-coil woofer crossing over around 2kHz to something like the Sony ribbon tweeter mentioned earlier—the resultant mismatch between the two drivers at the crossover point at Santa Fe's altitude will be that the ribbon will play just under 0.6dB higher in level at the bottom end of its passband than the woofer. It would seem that Mr. Aczel's hypothesis, that a planar-type drive-unit will play significantly louder than conventional moving-coil units when the air density is reduced, thus unbalancing a system that mixes both kinds of drive-units, is incorrect.
Regarding the validity of Stereophile's speaker reviews, normal drive-units may be a little less well-controlled above their passbands at our altitude, but the overall tonal balance of a loudspeaker using such units will remain the same. I am forced back to our original conclusion regarding the Waveform loudspeaker: that our sample featured a real 6dB or so boost in the top audio octave that I, at least, felt to render the sound too fizzy. Remember, too, that the speaker's designer heard the speaker in Santa Fe and reassured us that, yes, that was how he intended it to sound.
Footnote 1:, Issue 14, Summer through Winter 1989–90.
Footnote 2: I checked this figure by looking at the impulse response of the Celestion 3000 loudspeaker reviewed in this issue, which gives an accurate measure of the time it takes for the sound emitted by the loudspeaker to reach the mike, and measuring the physical distance between the ribbon and the mike. The resultant estimate of the speed of sound will be inaccurate only to the extent the acoustic position of the ribbon differs from its physical position and gives a result in close agreement with that calculated.
Footnote 3: "Tweeter Using New Structure and New Material for Diaphragm," Heitaro Nakajima, Masana Ugaji, and Hideo Suyama, reprinted in the Audio Engineering Society anthology Loudspeakers Volume 2, pp.257–262.
Footnote 4: "Compact Ribbon Tweeter/Midrange Loudspeaker," J.A.M. Nieuwendijk, Journal of the Audio Engineering Society, Vol.36 No.10, October 1988.
Footnote 5: Each unit was measured with a 30kHz bandwidth at a distance of 16" on its central axis in free space without a baffle. There will therefore be various suckouts in the response due to reflection of the sound from the edges of each unit's mounting plate. In addition, the tweeters were fed via a series 8µF Wondercap to block low frequencies and DC; this and the lack of a baffle will slope the response down below the treble range, so don't take these measurements as being the true response of the drivers when mounted in a conventional system. All the plots are normalized at 1kHz.Noam Chomsky, one of the world’s most respected intellectuals and political thinkers, told RIA Novosti that his “intuitions favor” a “yes” vote in the upcoming referendum on Scottish independence to be held September 18.
EDINBURGH, April 24 (RIA Novosti), Mark Hirst – Noam Chomsky, one of the world’s most respected intellectuals and political thinkers, told RIA Novosti that his “intuitions favor” a “yes” vote in the upcoming referendum on Scottish independence to be held September 18.
Chomsky told RIA Novosti that he is continuing to study the details and consequences of potential Scottish independence, but confirmed he has “been following the debate with interest.”
“My intuition favors independence,” Chomsky added.
The intervention is a major boost for the “yes” campaign, given Chomsky’s international reputation.
Professor Hugh Pennington of the University of Aberdeen is a prominent academic campaigning against independence.
Pennington, a professor in bacteriology, told RIA Novosti that he was “surprised and disappointed” by Chomsky’s support for independence.
“Professor Chomsky is obviously very well-regarded,” Pennington said, adding that other academics would take note of his backing for Scottish independence and study his arguments.
Responding to the comments, a spokesman for the pro-independence organization Yes-Scotland told RIA Novosti “it is encouraging, but not surprising, that such an internationally-renowned political thinker such as professor Chomsky can see the benefits of Scottish independence.”
“Professor Chomsky, of course, is not a nationalist and increasing numbers of people in Scotland, particularly Labour supporters and those who have no party political affiliation at all, also see the logic of putting Scotland's future in Scotland's hands,” the spokesman added.
A spokesman for the pro-UK Better Together campaign told RIA Novosti “in Scotland, when people study the issues in detail they conclude that we are stronger and better together as part of the UK.”
Professor Chomsky said he hoped to see greater devolution of power throughout Europe.
“No one wants to restore the Ottoman Empire, obviously, but in some respects it had the right idea: let people manage their own affairs, with cooperative federal arrangements, and as few barriers as possible,” he told RIA Novosti.
Professor Noam Chomsky has authored more than 100 books and has an international reputation as one of the world’s leading philosophers.Imran Khan urges Taliban to negotiate peace deal before the emergence of groups like Islamic State in Afghanistan
In an exclusive interview given to Voice of America (VOA), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan has emphasised the need for both Pakistan and Afghanistan to remove tensions in bilateral ties and build mutual trust to assist the reconciliation process.
“I am very sad that the relationship is not good and I am also sad to say that Pakistan is to blame. We did not have consistent policies dealing with Afghanistan and then the interference in the past in affairs of |
case to court, regardless of the legality question. On February 19, 2008, the Supreme Court declined to hear the ACLU's appeal.
Center for Constitutional Rights et al. v. Bush et al. [ edit ]
On May 27, 2006, the Justice Department moved to preempt the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) challenge to warrantless domestic surveillance by invoking the state secrets privilege. The Bush Administration is arguing that CCR's case could reveal secrets regarding U.S. national security, and thus the presiding judge must dismiss it without reviewing the evidence.
Hepting v. AT&T [ edit ]
In April 2006, the Bush administration took initial steps to use the state secrets rule to block a lawsuit against AT&T and the National Security Agency brought by the Electronic Frontier Foundation.[30] The EFF alleged that the government has secret computer rooms conducting broad, illegal surveillance of American citizens.[5][11] Testifying at a January 29, 2008, House Judiciary Committee hearing on reform of the state secrets privilege, EFF attorney Kevin Bankston contended that the administration's interpretation of the privilege was overly broad, and failed to properly consider the evidentiary procedures provided for by Section 1806(f) of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.[31] However, the case was dismissed on June 3, 2009,[32] citing retroactive legislation (section 802 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) stating that
in the case of a covered civil action, the assistance alleged to have been provided by the electronic communication service provider was in connection with an intelligence activity involving communications that was authorized by the President during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on January 17, 2007; designed to detect or prevent a terrorist attack, or activities in preparation for a terrorist attack, against the United States; and the subject of a written request or directive, or a series of written requests or directives, from the Attorney General or the head of an element of the intelligence community (or the deputy of such person) to the electronic communication service provider indicating that the activity was authorized by the President; and determined to be lawful.[33]
Khalid El-Masri [ edit ]
In May 2006, the illegal detention case of Khalid El-Masri was dismissed based on the privilege, which was invoked by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Khalid El-Masri alleged that he was falsely held by the CIA for several months (which the CIA acknowledges) and was beaten, drugged, and subjected to torture, degrading and inhuman while in United States captivity. He was ultimately released by the CIA with no charge ever being brought against him by the United States government. Judge T. S. Ellis III of the U.S. District Court dismissed the case because, according to the court, the simple fact of holding proceedings would jeopardize state secrets, as claimed by the CIA.[3][34] On March 2, 2007, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed.[35] On October 9, 2007, the Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal of the Fourth Circuit's decision, letting the doctrine of state secrets privilege stand.[36]
Maher Arar [ edit ]
The privilege was invoked against a case where Maher Arar, a wrongfully-accused and tortured victim, sought to sue Attorney General John Ashcroft for his role in deporting Arar to Syria to face torture and extract false confessions. It was formally invoked by Deputy Attorney General James B. Comey in legal papers filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The invocation read, "Litigating [the] plaintiff's complaint would necessitate disclosure of classified information", which it later stated included disclosure of the basis for detaining him in the first place, the basis for refusing to deport him to Canada as he had requested, and the basis for sending him to Syria.
Jane Doe et al. v. CIA [ edit ]
On January 4, 2007, District Court Judge Laura Taylor Swain ordered the dismissal of Jane Doe et al. v. CIA, 05 Civ. 7939 based on the state secrets privilege. Jane Doe and her children sued the CIA for money damages after her husband's covert employment with the CIA was "terminated immediately for unspecified reasons".[37]
Enterprises Shipping & Trading v. United Against Nuclear Iran [ edit ]
Details about United Against Nuclear Iran are subject to US state secrets privilege, and according to the US government would do harm to national security if the information were disclosed.[38][39][40][41]
General Dynamics Corp. v. United States [ edit ]
In the 2011 General Dynamics case, the court unanimously held that "when litigation would end up disclosing state secrets, courts may not try the claims and may not award relief to either party."[42]
Quotes [ edit ]
"Because it is so powerful and can trample legitimate claims against the government, the state secrets privilege is not to be lightly invoked" – ( United States v. Reynolds, 345 U.S. 1, 7 (1953)) [43]
– (, 345 U.S. 1, 7 (1953)) "The state secrets privilege is a common law evidentiary rule that allows the government to withhold information from discovery when disclosure would be inimical to national security." – Zuckerbraun v. General Dynamics Corp., 935 F.2d 544, 546 (2d Cir. 1991).
See also [ edit ]This article is from the archive of our partner.
WikiLeaks has a track record of friction with the media organizations it collaborates with, and in the latest example of that, it rubbed The Associated Press the wrong way simply by identifying the news organization as a collaborator. The Syria Files, a massive dump of 2.4 million internal Syrian government emails WikiLeaks released Thursday, initially listed the AP among the organization's "collaborators" on the release. But, as Huffington Post's Michael Calderone reported Thursday, the link to AP was later removed from the collaborators list on WikiLeaks' site.
AP spokesman Paul Colford confirmed to The Atlantic Wire that it was AP that asked to be removed from the list. "It was their characterization of what was going on that was inaccurate. It wasn’t a characterization that we asked them to make," he said. Colford explained that WikiLeaks gave AP an advance look at the Syria Files, as do many organizations hoping to generate possible stories, but, as Colford says, "to make it appear as if that rises to the level of us being a collaborator with WikiLeaks is a few miles different."
It's not the first time WikiLeaks has driven off media organizations it considered collaborators. The antisecrecy organization really did work cooperatively with outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian in some of its early data dumps like the diplomatic cables it released in 2010. But eventually it fell out with them, and started listing smaller news organizations as collaborators.Conservative female author and cultural critic Suzanne Venker, author of “The War on Men” and “The Flipside of Feminism,” was recently disinvited to speak at Williams College after student feminists there vehemently protested her scheduled appearance, and the student group that had invited her, “Uncomfortable Learning,” yielded to the pressure. Below, reprinted with permission in its entirety, is the speech Venker had planned to give at Williams College.
Good evening. I’d like to begin by talking about what it means to be truly educated. An education rests upon an exchange of ideas. It requires a free mind, one that is not swayed by groupthink.
Groupthink, or being told what to think rather than how to think, undermines the purpose of an education. Another term for groupthink is “political correctness.”
You’ve no doubt heard this label used in the media lately with regard to the 2016 presidential election, but I believe it’s a concept that’s misunderstood. A lot of people think being “P.C.” means to be kind or tactful, or to simply avoid saying things that might offend someone. It can mean that. But more often than not, it means something else entirely.
In “The New Thought Police,” Tammy Bruce defines political correctness, or groupthink, as the notion that “only certain things can be said, or considered, or thought—and that some group out there has the authority to decide, for everyone, what is appropriate.”
That is the America we live in today, and it’s a blight on our culture.
My goal for you all, my purpose in being here tonight, is to inspire you to think for yourselves. Do not be swayed by groupthink no matter what your friends, your family or the culture believe. Do not be afraid to ask yourself questions that may make you uncomfortable. And do not be afraid of the answers.
With that in mind, let’s get to the main topic I’ve come here this evening to discuss: feminism.
In 2008, Rebecca Walker, daughter of Alice Walker, who wrote “The Color Purple,” said this about feminism:
“Yes, feminism has undoubtedly given women opportunities. It’s helped open the doors for us at schools, universities and in the workplace. But what about the problems it’s caused for my contemporaries? Far from taking responsibility for this, the leaders of the movement close ranks against anyone who dares to question them—as I have learned to my cost. I believe feminism is an experiment, and all experiments need to be assessed on their results. Then, when you see huge mistakes have been paid, you need to make alterations.”
Ms. Walker is right: feminism is an experiment—a monumental experiment—that needs to be assessed on its results, not on its intentions or on its leaders’ proclamations. In this particular case, Walker was referring to the women of her generation who ended up childless, or almost childless, because they listened to feminists who told them motherhood wasn’t important, or shouldn’t be important, to an educated woman.
Fertility struggles are indeed one of feminism’s great casualties.
There are more.
As you know, feminism is a large umbrella for an enormous range of topics — from its signature issue, abortion, to sex and relationships, women in the workplace, marriage, divorce, domestic violence, women in the military and work-family balance.
There isn’t a person among us who doesn’t have a stake in at least one of these issues.
But they are not “women’s issues,” as the media often claim. They are everyone’s issues.
Men have opinions on these matters as well, as they should, yet their voices are rarely heard.
Same goes for women who don’t consider themselves feminists — which, for the record, is most women.
We hear from feminists the most for good reason.
A. Feminists pride themselves on being the arbiter of all things female.
B. They have the microphone. Indeed, the feminist elite run the show.
The feminist elite is comprised of left-leaning professors, journalists, writers, psychologists, actresses and lawyers whose beliefs have seeped into the culture to such a degree that anyone who takes a non-feminist view of any topic is branded either sexist or a misogynist.
This group uses their clout to bully people into silence, and the result is a lack of reasonable dialogue.
Since people don’t wish to be attacked for simply questioning an idea, they say nothing — giving feminists free reign of the conversation.
I’m sure you’ve heard a lot over the years about liberal media bias, but feminist bias is an offshoot of that — and it’s far more toxic.
As former CBS News journalist Bernard Goldberg wrote in his book “Bias,” “I know a few top male producers who would rather walk barefoot on cut glass while drinking Drano than have to face the Missus back home after giving the green light to a story on the excesses of feminism.”
There are even doctors, scientists and researchers in this country who can’t publish their findings if what they’ve discovered undermines a feminist worldview. That’s the insidious nature of feminist bias.
The assumption is that to be a woman is to be a feminist. Because after all, a feminist is someone who believes in equal rights, and who wouldn’t believe in that? You’d have to be a nut to not to believe in that.
But Americans do believe in equal rights, so a feminist label is unnecessary — because that is not what feminism is about.
The reason there’s so much back and forth about what feminism means is because Americans have caught on to the fact that the movement is not what it claims to be.
So what is feminism? What do feminists believe? Namely, that American women are oppressed by a patriarchy hell-bent on keeping women down, and that men and marriage are expendable.
If you think I’m exaggerating, consider these newspaper and magazine headlines:
“Who Needs Marriage?” (Time, Nov. 18, 2010)
“The End of Men ”(The Atlantic, July/Aug 2010)
“For Women, Is Home Really So Sweet?” (The Wall Street Journal, Feb. 18, 2012)
“Is It Time to Retire the Word ‘Wife’”? (The Huffington Post, Feb. 15, 2012)
“Do You Hate Your Husband?” (Yahoo, Dec. 5, 2010)
And here’s a headline from The Wall Street Journal just three weeks ago: “Two Careers, Still Unequal” — which claims yet again that working mothers suffer more than working fathers. That is patently false.
Both mothers and fathers work equally hard, just in different locales.
A study in the Journal of Economic Literature reports that while women perform roughly 17 more hours of work inside the home, men perform roughly 22 more hours outside the home. When comparing the total amount of work men and women each do inside and outside the home, women average 56 hours and men average 61 hours.
That I even have to give you those statistics makes me sad, but that is what feminism has come to. It has made marriage, or just relationships in general, a virtual battleground. Love has become a game of oneupmanship. Except no one wins.
All of this has been done in the name of empowerment, yet feminism is rooted in victimhood. Indeed, feminism is riddled with inconsistencies. Either you’re empowered, or you’re a victim. Which is it?
Same goes for sex differences. Feminists believe gender is a social construct, that parents and society make children the way they are. But feminists also support gay and LBGT rights for people who they insist are born that way. So which is it? Is gender biological, or isn’t it?
But the worst part of feminism, the part that really irks those who are able to think for themselves, is that feminists claim there’s one way to be a woman. If you’re not pro-Choice, if you’re not a Democrat, and if your goal is to make family the focal point of your life, you’re anti-woman.
I know, I know—you’re going to say I don’t understand feminism. “Feminism is about choice!” you’ll shout. It is not about choice, any more than it’s about equal rights. Those are red herrings.
It’s true women today have more opportunities than they did in the past, and thus more choice. But there are reasons for that that are unrelated to feminism (though feminism certainly helped pushed things along). Birth control, laborsaving devices and technology — for which we mostly have men to thank — gave women what they needed all along: time.
Time is what allowed women to turn their attention away from the home in record numbers. We should be thanking men for liberating women.
It is also true there was a time when women who did not want to live conventional lives felt marginalized. But it is equally true that women today who do want to live conventional lives feel just as marginalized, which proves feminism was not about accepting women who didn’t fit the mold. It was about re-making the mold. It was about changing the natural order of things so the natural order no longer feels natural.
Feminists’ obsession with gender equality is simply that: an obsession. And it has changed the character of this nation.
Hanna Rosin, author of “The End of Men,” describes the new ethos this way: “Thanks to the sexual revolution, [women] can have relationships — and maybe some drama — through their twenties and early thirties and not get tied down with a husband and babies. If the price is a little more heartache, so be it. These days women have a lot more important things on their horizon.”
You will never be happy or successful in love if you adopt an attitude like that — unless, that is, you plan to never marry. If that’s the case, fine. But statistically speaking, the vast majority of you will become wives and mothers (and husbands and fathers) someday.
And if we know this to be true, which we do, why not talk about it? Why don’t we talk about how to incorporate what will, for most of you, become your future?
The choices you make in your personal life will have far more impact on your happiness and well being than the choices you make in your professional life.
You can become president if you wish, but even that accomplishment will pale in comparison to the state of your personal relationships.
That’s one of the reasons I’m not a feminist. Rather than push women to become CEOs to prove some faux notion of equality— which is not to say there’s anything wrong with becoming a CEO; you’ll just have to accept the trade-offs — I’d rather help you plan a life that makes space for marriage and family, since that’s what most of you will choose to do.
I could spend these two hours telling you how great you are, or telling you to reach for the stars and to shatter glass ceilings, but why beat a dead horse? You’ve been told that same thing since the day you were born.
We wonder why women have fertility problems or why working mothers can’t find balance in their lives. Perhaps if someone had to said to them, “You know, a woman’s life has seasons — a time for this and a time for that. I know it doesn’t seem like it now, but there will come a time when being a wife and mother will become your primary focus, so make sure you consider that when mapping out your life.” Or: “You know, motherhood may seem a long way off; but don’t wait too long. Your body has an agenda of its own.”
I tell you these things because despite being relatively successful in the professional sphere, nothing in my life has been more fulfilling than being a mom. If you choose this route, it will add to your life — not detract from it.
That is not something a feminist will tell you. Women who put family first are a real problem for feminists because they undermine the feminist goal, which is to change society.
What feminists want is to make men and women interchangeable.
As Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg famously said at a 2011 graduation speech: “I believe the world would be a better place if men ran half our homes and women ran half our institutions.”
Anne-Marie Slaughter is another example. Slaughter is the self-described feminist, and former Princeton professor who wrote an article that went viral in 2012 called “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All.” In it, Slaughter concedes, ironically, that the “feminist beliefs on which I had built my entire career were shifting under my feet.”
When I first read those words, I was dancing a gig that a high-profile woman had the courage to admit that feminism is flawed — particularly when it comes to work-family balance, which is what her article was about. But rather than end with that observation, she went marching back to her feminist principles and blamed society for why she couldn’t be successful in both arenas. That’s what feminists do when they can’t make their lives work: blame the system.
They also blame men. Today Slaughter is arguing for “a whole new domestic order.” In a recent interview about her new book “Unfinished Business,” she repeated a version of Sandberg’s claim: that gender equality “is about men owning the care side of [women’s] lives just as much as the competition side.”
And that, of course, is where the rubber meets the road.
I am not a feminist because I don’t believe feminists have an accurate understanding of human nature.
I believe men and women are equal in value but different in nature. Each want and need different things, and each is often better suited to certain tasks due to their respective biology.
Accepting this fact does not mean women can’t be doctors or engineers or men can’t be full-time dads, nor does it mean all men and all women have identical nurturing and competitive drives. It just means more men than women may like sports and more women than men may want to stay home with the kids. And that’s okay.
But it’s not okay with feminists, who insist not on equal opportunity but on equal outcomes. They also insist there aren’t more women in government or more female CEOs due to rampant discrimination. Or, as Sheryl Sandberg suggessts, because girls are called “bossy” and that scars them for life.
But there’s a logical explanation for why there aren’t more female leaders: that is not what most women choose to do.
Just several weeks ago, in a Fortune magazine article about why there are so few women at the top, senior editor Nina Easton writes, “A missing piece of this conversation is how many highly educated, top-talent women drop out, curtail their work, or (like me) choose a ‘mommy-tracker’ route in their careers—not because of discrimination or hostile work environments but because of the time they want to devote to their kids…By definition, this limits the pool of female talent at the very top.”
The wage gap is also easily explained. It is nothing more than the mathematical quotient of the difference between the average annual income of all working women compared to the average annual income of all working men.
It ignores the education and training each makes, as well as the difficulty and the danger of the job.
It ignores the number of hours and overtime people accept, or whether or not they have to travel for the job.
It ignores the amount of vacation and personal leave time each uses.
What’s more, using this same comparison, research shows women earn more than men throughout their twenties.
The Press Association found that from 2006 to 2013 women between the ages of 22 and 29 earned roughly $1,700 more than their male counterparts. However, the wage differential between the sexes flips once people move into their 30s.
Which brings us back to motherhood.
Here is the truth no one wants to say: the birth of a child — maybe not your first, but definitely your second or third — will throw every plan you had prior to having children out the window. Whatever you thought your life was going to be turns out to be something else. Children change everything, and you have to adapt.
But that is not what feminists believe, so you never hear this message.
Feminists have been complaining for decades about the negative impact of motherhood on women’s lives.
My own mother, who received an MBA from Radcliffe College in 1952, used to tell me her female professor talked of children as being an “intrusion” in women’s lives.
It’s not like women haven’t tried to adopt feminist beliefs. They have. Women believed it when they were told that to be considered a man’s equal, they should reject their feminine nature and adopt male traits. Men, for example, are notorious for wanting to delay commitment, so women pretend they feel the same way when most don’t.
Women are literally made to bond. Their bodies are steeped in oxytocin and estrogen, two chemicals that together produce an environment ripe for attachment.
Thank God for women! Without them we’d all be sleeping with each until we’re old and gray.
Men have oxytocin, too, but a much smaller amount. They’re more favored with testosterone — which controls lust, not attachment.
That’s why women, not men, wait by the phone the next day after a one-night stand. That’s why the movie “He’s Just Not That Into You” wasn’t titled “She’s Just Not That Into You.”
For most women, sex is never just sex. There’s almost always more to it than that.
As an example, this past May The New York Times published the winning essay of this year’s Modern Love College Essay contest. The author, Jordana Narin, writes about “Jeremy,” a guy she knew from their online relationship and with whom she eventually had sex. Here’s a portion of that essay:
“I’m told my generation will be remembered for our callous commitments and rudimentary romances. We hook up. We sext. We swipe right. All the while, we avoid labels and try to bury our emotions…To this day, if I ever let a guy’s name slip out to my father, his response is always, ‘Are you two going steady?’” “People don’t go steady nowadays,” I explain. “No one says that anymore. And almost no one does it. Women today have more power. We don’t crave attachment to just one man. We keep our options open. We’re in control.” “But are we?” she adds. “I’ve brooded over the same person for the last four years. Can I honestly call myself empowered if I’m unable to share my feelings with him? Could my options be more closed? Could I be less in control?”
For years feminists have been teaching women to ignore biology, as though it’s an irritant rather than a guide. This past July the dissident feminist Camille Paglia spoke with Salon magazine about this very thing. Here is a portion of what she said in that interview:
“Feminists lack sympathy and compassion for men…The heterosexual professional woman, emerging with her shiny Ivy League degree, wants to communicate with her husband exactly the way she communicates with her friends–as in “Sex and the City’…But that’s not a style straight men can do! Gay men can do it, sure–but not straight men! Guess what–women are different than men! When will feminism wake up to this basic reality?”
When, indeed.
A copy of this speech was originally published by Fox News and was reprinted here with permission by Venker. Visit her website to learn more about her work, and follow her on Twitter.
Like The College Fix on Facebook / Follow us on TwitterReligion in Iceland.
Photo by JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images
In Iceland, individuals are required to register their religion of choice with the government and each year the state provides these chosen faiths funding from the taxes it collects from the good citizens of the country. That might not seem like much of a problem if you’re an ardent supporter of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland, which claims the allegiance of nearly three-quarters of the country. But some citizens aren’t too fired up about parting with the equivalent of $80 a year to support the more than 40 state-acknowledged religions they don’t believe in, according to the Guardian. To express their displeasure, these folks are fighting religion with religion and have started a new church of sorts called Zuism to protest the state funding of its competitors in the faith department.
Like any modern religion worth its salt, the Zuists have a web presence to help explain what they’re all about:
The religious organization of Zuism is a platform for its members to practise a religion of the ancient Sumerian people. Zuists fully support freedom of religion, and from religion, for everyone. The organization’s primary objective is that the government repeal any law that grants religious organizations privilege, financial or otherwise, above other organizations. Furthermore Zuists demand that the government’s registry of its citizens’ religion will be abolished. The organization redistributes the government’s annual financial support equally to all members of the congregation… The religious organization of Zuism will cease to exist when its objectives have been met.
Free money! That’s a religion with some crossover appeal. In fact, more than 3,000 Icelanders have signed on to Zuism, according to the Guardian, which isn’t too shabby when you consider it amounts to almost 1-percent of the country’s population. Before Zuists spend all of their recouped cash, however, the notoriously sober Icelandic taxman points out to the Iceland Monitor that those returned funds would also be subject to income taxes. God versus taxes in a steel cage death match.Johannesburg - If the ANC wins the Western Cape in the 7 May general election, Cosatu will ask it to fire more than half the white senior civil servants, the Cape Argus reported on Thursday.
"Their employment would have to be terminated - and within a year," Congress of SA Trade Unions provincial secretary Tony Ehrenreich was quoted as saying.
"They’ll have to go and start their own businesses. They are better placed to start their own businesses because they have both the networks and the historical infrastructure to do this."
He said the "sunset clauses" in relation to jobs were gone, and so should "continued white preference".
"The most recent figures we have are that senior management at the provincial government is made up of at least 57% whites," he said.
Whites made up only about 16% of the population.
"That means whites are over-represented in terms of the demographics of the Western Cape - so roughly half the whites in senior positions in provincial government would have to go," he said.
View our easy-to-use interactive maps to see the 2004-2009 voting shifts in the Western Cape by clicking here.The police officer believes the teen was using drugs
Police in Arizona are defending an officer’s actions after a confrontation with an autistic teenager two months ago.Buckeye police released body camera footage of the incident Monday.The boy’s family and lawyer say the teen sustained abrasions to his back, eye and arm when he brushed up against a tree and then was taken to the ground by the policeman.Police say the officer is a state certified trainer in drug-use recognition.The officer noticed a teen alone in a city park July 19 and saw him move his hand to his face in a manner consistent with inhaling.The teen turned to walk away and the officer tried to detain him.The boy’s caretaker arrived on the scene, told the officer the teen is autistic and he was released.
Police in Arizona are defending an officer’s actions after a confrontation with an autistic teenager two months ago.
Buckeye police released body camera footage of the incident Monday.
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The boy’s family and lawyer say the teen sustained abrasions to his back, eye and arm when he brushed up against a tree and then was taken to the ground by the policeman.
Police say the officer is a state certified trainer in drug-use recognition.
The officer noticed a teen alone in a city park July 19 and saw him move his hand to his face in a manner consistent with inhaling.
The teen turned to walk away and the officer tried to detain him.
The boy’s caretaker arrived on the scene, told the officer the teen is autistic and he was released.
AlertMeSan Jose Councilman Raul Peralez says a police officer pointed a gun at him at his downtown home not long ago.
Peralez, a former officer himself, revealed the incident when taking on a Nevada legislator who he says is giving “insane” advice — that it’s OK to point a gun at a police officer if the cop aims one at you.
The confrontation happened when Peralez accidentally set off a silent alarm in his backyard while using an electric leaf blower. The special alarm sent a signal directly to the police department.
Within minutes, officers showed up at the councilman’s door. But the leaf blower made it impossible to hear them knocking. And Peralez was hard to recognize with a beanie, dark glasses and gardening gloves. Before he knew it, an officer was in the backyard with his weapon drawn.
“When I turned they were already in my backyard and pointing a gun at me,” Peralez told IA. “I heard him say ‘drop it and put your hands up,’ so I complied and didn’t say anything back.”
The misunderstanding was ironed out minutes later when officers learned that Peralez wasn’t an intruder. That he actually lives there. That he’s a councilman. And a former cop.
But Peralez says if he’d followed Nevada Assemblywoman Michele Fiore’s advice — he’d be dead. Fiore told local TV reporters that there’s nothing wrong with pointing a gun at police — if they pull out a firearm first.
“Whether you’re a stranger, a bad guy, or an officer, and you point your gun at me and you’re going to shoot me and I have to decide whether it’s my life or your life, I choose my life,” Fiore told reporters.
Peralez called that “pure ignorance.”
“As the owner of a handgun and a concealed weapon permit I often carry my handgun, but I can tell you with 100 percent certainty that had I pointed it at the officer that day, I would not be typing this message today and it would have been a completely justified shooting by that officer,” Peralez posted on Facebook.
Chamber hit mail not a hit with their man
You have to wonder at the desperation of opposition researchers after seeing some of the mail being sent out in San Jose’s District 8 council race. A recent piece paid for by the ChamberPAC, the political arm of the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, took on labor-endorsed candidate Josh Barousse for a ticket for using his cell phone while driving and another for driving solo in the carpool lane. It also inveighed against Barousse for supporting a bodyguard for then-Board of Supervisors President George Shirakawa Jr., who later fell from grace.
It is not that the driving offenses are mere trifles. Pollsters say cell phone violations have more resonance than once did, particularly among female voters. But in big type, the piece proclaimed, “Josh Barousse Represents Everything Wrong With Politics.”
Really? That’s everything? What happened to old-fashioned bribery, or self-dealing, or extortion?
The CEO of the Chamber, Matt Mahood, declined to offer an explanation for the piece. Barousse, however, took a philosophical view of the attack. “Frankly, it’s part of the game,” he told us. “I anticipated the chamber would go negative in some fashion. They’re going look for anything they have on me. I made some mistakes, but I paid my fines and I’ll try to do better.”
The hit on Barousse, however, provoked an intriguing response from Pat Waite, a Chamber-endorsed candidate in the same race. In an email to Victor Gomez, the chamber’s director of public policy and advocacy, Waite wrote that the piece “hysterically blows relatively minor infractions out of proportion.” He vowed to renounce the ChamberPAC’s endorsement if such attacks continued. “It is not the kind of political climate we need to create,” Waite wrote.
Council candidate draws support from vacant house
With Election Day a month away, San Jose council candidates are turning up the heat and delivering an extra dose of drama — especially in the crowded District 6 race to succeed outgoing Councilman Pierluigi Oliverio.
Candidate Chris Roth took aim at opponent Myron Von Raesfeld, a real estate agent who decided to post a campaign sign in the front yard of a vacant home he’s selling. “I just thought it was fishy because it was right next to his realtor sign,” Roth told IA. “I feel like he is taking advantage of the situation.”
The campaign sign has since been removed, but the home is still for sale.
Von Raesfeld says he sees nothing wrong with placing a campaign sign there — he asked the homeowner for permission.
“The owners of the house are very big supporters of me,” he said. “I’m pretty sure we can put our signs wherever people want them.”
There are two other signs on vacant properties in the Willow Glen district, Raesfeld said, but he plans to add more — just to irk his opponents. “I will do it on every house that I list between now and whenever,” he said.
Meanwhile, another candidate says people are snagging his signs. Ruben Navarro lamented about the ordeal on several Willow Glen Facebook pages, claiming that roughly ten signs have gone missing.
“I was really saddened by this news,” Navarro posted. “I spoke to the witness and she said a lady just went up to her lawn, took my signs, mangled them, then threw them across the street.”
Oliverio chimed in on the issue — but not about Navarro’s signs. Oliverio thanked Navarro for a letter supporting his voter information transparency project, which allows candidates to “vote” on real City Council agenda items to help voters decide.
We give ourselves high marks
It’s reassuring to know as California taxpayers that our state government is evaluating itself. So we were thrilled with the news that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response has evaluated its response to the May 2015 Refugio oil spill near Santa Barbara and given itself high marks.
The agency acts as the on-scene coordinator during oil spill response efforts that include federal and local authorities.
“Refugio was a test of our office’s preparedness to immediately plug in to a unified response to a devastating oil spill crisis,” said Thomas Cullen, OSPR Administrator and State On-Scene Coordinator, in a news release trumpeting their findings about themselves. “Our successful cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the County of Santa Barbara and other partner agencies allowed us to quickly assess the damage and coordinate our response and cleanup efforts.”
May 19, 2015, a buried section of a 24-inch pipeline owned and operated by Plains All American Pipeline, LLC, ruptured in a cliff above Highway 1 near Santa Barbara, releasing more than 100,000 gallons of crude oil, with a significant amount entering the Pacific Ocean at Refugio State Beach. On May 20, 2015, the Governor issued a State of Emergency for the incident.
Internal Affairs is an offbeat look at local and state politics. This week’s items were written by Ramona Giwargis, Scott Herhold, John Woolfolk, and Paul Rogers. Send tips to [email protected], or call 408-920-5782.A few weeks after the Saudi-led diplomatic blitz targeting Qatar, there is no doubt that Ankara stands firmly with Doha. Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has developed a close albeit asymmetrical partnership with Qatar. The two states are the region’s staunchest supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas, and have been rather willing to flirt with Tehran. Bilateral ties, based on such ideological affinity, are strengthened by military and financial partnerships vital for Erdoğan. But make no mistake, this was no easy decision for Erdoğan.
Turkey’s initial reaction to the crisis was caution and silence, signaling more predicament in Ankara than resolve. Turkish officials’ early statements were balanced and prudent. A deputy prime minister announced Erdoğan’s active efforts to help resolve the crisis through “phone diplomacy.” The president’s spokesman stated that the Gulf countries should not base their |
hal Apartments on Mahakali Road when the incident took place. The police said it's not clear whether Tiwari jumped or fell. Her friends as well as her boyfriend are being questioned.Tiwari, who had founded the start-up for events and advertising solutions two years ago, lived in Mira Road. She had done her MBA after a bachelor's degree in mass media from a Bandra college and used to anchor events since 2012. She was in a relationship for the past five years and was planning to tie the knot with her boyfriend. Her family had no objections to the relationship, said police.Manavsthal Apartments in Malad where she fell to deathAround 3am on Monday, the couple arrived at the rented flat where four of their friends live. The group had food and drinks and went to bed around 4am. When one of them woke up at 7am, he couldn't spot Tiwari.He noticed that the bathroom door was locked and assumed that Tiwari was taking a bath. When he again woke up about half an hour later, Tiwari was still not around. He then woke up her boyfriend and the two knocked on the bathroom door. When they did not receive any response, they fetched a duplicate key and opened the bathroom. It was vacant and the glass panes on the window were missing.Concerned that Tiwari had fallen out, her boyfriend and some of her friends rushed downstairs. "We were wondering what the men were searching for around 9.30am," said the manager of the society. "Subsequently, they discovered Tiwari's body on the second-floor duct and informed us. We immediately alerted the police." The police are probing the sequence of events that led to the death and are going through CCTV footage in the building."Tiwari had visited the flat on a couple of occasions in the past," said a security guard of Manavsthal, home to TV actors and to a corporator.The police are also investigating whether all was well between Tiwari and her boyfriend, who works in animation. "No note was left behind by her. We will examine Tiwari's cellphone and her social media accounts," a police official said.A case of accidental death has been recorded by the Malwani police. A post-mortem is expected to reveal the cause of death.Today, New York City FC has announced that the Club will wear the specially designed adidas Parley Ocean Plastic™ jerseys at their home match on Sunday, April 23. This activation comes as adidas and MLS join forces with Parley for the Oceans to raise awareness around the harmful impact of marine plastic pollution.
Four MLS teams will wear the new uniforms—which are made from technical yarns containing Parley Ocean Plastic™—but they will be seen on-pitch for the first time when NYCFC host Orlando City SC at Yankee Stadium on April 23 at 1:30 p.m.
The new MLS jerseys bring the Parley initiative to the United States for the first time. The white and grey jerseys feature alternative colorway details and are crafted from Parley Ocean Plastic™ upcycled from marine plastic intercepted by Parley clean-up operations in coastal areas of the Maldives.
To commemorate this unique process of repurposing marine plastic debris, the message “For the Oceans” is featured on the back-neck tape detailing, found inside each jersey.
The focus of the collaboration between adidas and Parley for the Oceans is the commitment to implement the Parley A.I.R. strategy (Avoid, Intercept, Redesign).
NYCFC will be auctioning off a select number of specially designed game jerseys. Proceeds will go to City in the Community (CITC), the charity proudly supported by NYCFC, using soccer to better NYC communities.
On Tuesday, Parley Founder Cyrill Gutsch visited NYCFC’s First Team training ground to educate the players and coaches about the initiative.
While the jerseys will be worn on-pitch and won’t be for sale, NYCFC will give fans a chance to be involved in this historic initiative. The Club will auction off a select number of game jerseys via nycfc.com/citc. Proceeds will go to City in the Community (CITC), the charity proudly supported by NYCFC, using soccer to better NYC communities.
Michael Batz, adidas Vice President of Product, Global Brands, Soccer, said: “We are very proud to be working with a new partner in MLS and its participating teams to enforce the usage, messaging and awareness around the beauty and fragility of the Oceans.
"Our core brand belief is that through sport, we have the power to change lives and feel that MLS is an ideal partner to transport and establish this belief in soccer – connecting a global sport with meaningful desire to preserve the environment. It will be the first step to explore and expand future opportunities.”
Cyrill Gutsch, Founder of Parley for the Oceans, continued: "Every second breath we take is generated by the oceans. And still, we are at war with the sea. We are killing it off in rapid speed. Now is the time to negotiate peace with our life support and to invent our way out of this mess.
"Soccer can lead the way. It shows what we can achieve with the right balance of creativity, collaboration and technology. Let's accept the oceans defense as our biggest challenge and protect the air we need."
JoAnn Neale, Chief Administrative & Social Responsibility Officer, Major League Soccer, echoed the sentiments: “Major League Soccer and our clubs are committed to raising awareness about environmental issues through the League’s Greener Goals platform.
"Off the pitch, we’ll service our local communities as part of MLS WORKS Week of Service leading up to Earth Day, and we’re thrilled to support efforts on the field with adidas and Parley for the Oceans to help create a cleaner, healthier environment.”
In addition to NYCFC players wearing the Parley Ocean Plastic, NYCFC will lead a number of other green initiatives in honor of Earth Day.
Jon Patricof, New York City FC President, commented: “We are proud to be one of the very first MLS teams selected to wear the Parley for the Oceans jerseys. The shirts bring to life our core value of using the power of soccer to better communities.
“We are also excited to celebrate Earth Day with our fans in-stadium at our home game this Sunday, April 23. In addition, our NYCFC staff—alongside our terrific fans—will also be volunteering the day before our match for two local green causes. We are deeply committed to bettering the NYC community on Earth Day and all year long.”
Together, NYCFC and their partners from Wix have launched a digital contest for fans and artists to post an Earth Day inspired photo on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to win suite tickets to a NYCFC home match and team autographed jersey.
The day before the game, NYCFC staff and season ticket holders will be volunteering with GrowNYC at their Zero Waste event as part of the 8th Annual South Bronx Earth Fest, helping to engage families in environmental activities and games. NYCFC will also partner with New York Restoration Project (NYRP). For every four tickets purchased, NYRP will plant a tree in New York City.
On game day at Yankee Stadium, NYCFC will engage fans with a Parley awareness video and environmental facts circulating throughout. In the suites, NYCFC partners To Rise Supplies will provide eco-friendly dining products, including cups made from plant-based materials.
Join the conversation #adidasParley and #NYCFSea.When NASA's Mars Pathfinder touched down in 1997, it had five cameras: two on a mast that popped up from the lander, and three on NASA's first rover, Sojourner.
Since then, camera technology has taken a quantum leap. Photo sensors that were improved by the space program have become commercially ubiquitous. Cameras have shrunk in size, increased in quality and are now carried in every cellphone and laptop.
That same evolution has returned to space. NASA's Mars 2020 mission will have more "eyes" than any rover before it: a grand total of 23, to create sweeping panoramas, reveal obstacles, study the atmosphere, and assist science instruments. They will provide dramatic views during the rover's descent to Mars and be the first to capture images of a parachute as it opens on another planet. There will even be a camera inside the rover's body, which will study samples as they're stored and left on the surface for collection by a future mission.
All these cameras will be incorporated as the Mars 2020 rover is built at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. They represent a steady progression since Pathfinder: after that mission, the Spirit and Opportunity rovers were designed with 10 cameras each, including on their landers; Mars Science Laboratory's Curiosity rover has 17.
"Camera technology keeps improving," said Justin Maki of JPL, Mars 2020's imaging scientist and deputy principal investigator of the Mastcam-Z instrument. "Each successive mission is able to utilize these improvements, with better performance and lower cost."
That advantage represents a full circle of development, from NASA to the private sector and back. In the 1980s, JPL developed active-pixel sensors that used less power than earlier digital camera technology. These sensors were later commercialized by the Photobit Corporation, founded by former JPL researcher Eric Fossum, now at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire.
20/20 Vision
The cameras on 2020 will include more color and 3-D imaging than on Curiosity, said Jim Bell of Arizona State University, Tempe, principal investigator for 2020's Mastcam-Z. The "Z" stands for "zoom," which will be added to an improved version of Curiosity's high-definition Mastcam, the rover's main eyes.
Mastcam-Z's stereoscopic cameras can support more 3-D images, which are ideal for examining geologic features and scouting potential samples from long distances away. Features like erosion and soil textures can be spotted at the length of a soccer field. Documenting details like these is important: They could reveal geologic clues and serve as "field notes" to contextualize samples for future scientists.
"Routinely using 3-D images at high resolution could pay off in a big way," Bell said. "They're useful for both long-range and near-field science targets."
Finally, in color
The Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity rovers were all designed with engineering cameras for planning drives (Navcams) and avoiding hazards (Hazcams). These produced 1-megapixel images in black and white.
On the new rover, the engineering cameras have been upgraded to acquire high-resolution, 20-megapixel color images.
Their lenses will also have a wider field of view. That's critical for the 2020 mission, which will try to maximize the time spent doing science and collecting samples.
"Our previous Navcams would snap multiple pictures and stitch them together," said Colin McKinney of JPL, product delivery manager for the new engineering cameras. "With the wider field of view, we get the same perspective in one shot."
That means less time spent panning, snapping pictures and stitching. The cameras are also able to reduce motion blur, so they can take photos while the rover is on the move.
A Data Link to Mars
There's a challenge in all this upgrading: It means beaming more data through space.
"The limiting factor in most imaging systems is the telecommunications link," Maki said. "Cameras are capable of acquiring much more data than can be sent back to Earth."
To address that problem, rover cameras have gotten "smarter" over time -- especially regarding compression.
On Spirit and Opportunity, the compression was done using the onboard computer; on Curiosity, much of it was done using electronics built into the camera. That allows for more 3-D imaging, color, and even high-speed video.
NASA has also gotten better at using orbiting spacecraft as data relays. That concept was pioneered for rover missions with Spirit and Opportunity. The idea of using relays started as an experiment with NASA's Mars Odyssey orbiter, Bell said.
"We were expecting to do that mission on just tens of megabits each Mars day, or sol," he said. "When we got that first Odyssey overflight, and we had about 100 megabits per sol, we realized it was a whole new ballgame."
NASA plans to use existing spacecraft already in orbit at Mars -- the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, MAVEN, and the European Space Agency's Trace Gas Orbiter -- as relays for the Mars 2020 mission, which will support the cameras during the rover's first two years.
More information about Mars 2020's cameras is at: https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/mission/rover/cameras/
More information about the Mars 2020 mission is at: https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/
Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.An exterior view of NASA Johnson Space Center's Shuttle Motion Simulator (SMS), which will be moved to Texas A&M University in 2012.
NASA's long-running space shuttle program came to its end in 2011, but thanks to a recently signed agreement between the space agency and a Texas university, one of the winged spacecraft's iconic cockpits will continue to "fly."
The Shuttle Motion Simulator (SMS), which for more than three decades exposed astronauts to the sights, sounds, and motions they'd experience when they launched and landed on the real orbiters, is being moved 100 miles from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston to Texas A&M University in College Station. Once there, the hydraulically maneuvered platform will resume work as a simulator.
"The SMS at College Station at Texas A&M is going to be returned to be an operational simulator," Paul Hill, director of mission operations at NASA Johnson, said. "And there, more students and engineers will have the opportunity not just to see it, but actually use it to develop new operations and develop new equipment to be used by next-generation spacecraft.
Hill and Texas A&M president Dr. R. Bowen Loftin joined other NASA and university representatives at Johnson on Dec. 19 to sign the Space Act Agreement that transferred ownership of the simulator to the educational institution.
"It's interesting to know that the last operational piece of the space shuttle program will stay in Texas and remain operational," Loftin said. "It's truly a unique characteristic I think, and one to be very proud of." [Photo Tour Inside Shuttle Discovery]
Living history
The simulator will be moved in two shipments, the first in January and the second in June 2012. The highly-detailed flight deck, its six hydraulic legs and the many computers that control their motion will be reassembled inside Texas A&M's University Services Building, adjacent to its Space Engineering Research Center, located about a mile off the main campus.
"When the SMS does get to College Station and we install it, we're going to preserve it as a piece of living history," said John Valasek, director of the vehicle systems and control laboratory in Texas A&M's aerospace engineering department. "It is not going to be changed or modified in any significant way. The crew of STS-135, the last crew to fly it, will be able to come into the simulator and see it exactly as it was when they were last in the simulator for training."
"It will be living history that many people can enjoy," said Valasek.
And by many, he didn't mean just engineering students.
"We will use it for public school outreach, for university outreach and university education," Valasek said. "It will be used in engineering classes. It will be available to all majors and all students. And most importantly to me, it will be available to the public." [Photos: How to Train for Suborbital Spaceflight]
"So access to space will have a whole new meaning now because a lot of the public will be able to really enjoy and partake in at least a small part of this for the very first time. It will definitely be widely accessible to all of the public to come in and enjoy for many years to come," said Valasek.
"There have been 135 missions, 355 astronauts and now, it's your turn," he said.
Continuing mission
The shuttle motion simulator first began flying missions at Johnson Space Center in 1977, so in a sense, it has been flying longer than any of the shuttles that launched into space.
"The SMS's work officially started about 34 years ago and that's a couple of generations of people who have known, lived and worked with that piece of equipment," said Mike Fossum, a two-time shuttle astronaut, International Space Station commander, and graduate of Texas A&M. "It is a cantankerous thing. It takes a lot of care and feeding, the hydraulics systems and electronics, to keep it going."
To help address this, NASA is providing Texas A&M with documentation and a full set of spare parts to keep the simulator running. Perhaps of even more value, some of the people who operated the SMS at NASA will be lending their expertise to Texas A&M.
"Some of the personnel who worked on it during their entire careers will also be coming up to help us with the reassembly, and then possibly too, for some of the long term work of running it and instructing people," Valasek said.
Even then, the simulator will start at the university on a fixed base. Full motion will be restored later. How long it stays horizontal may depend on just how cantankerous it is after its move.
"It is a difficult thing to predict but it will be matter of a few short years," Valasek said.
Even without being able to tilt, rock and roll, the SMS will give students and, on at least several days a month, the public the rare chance to be a shuttle commander or pilot and fly a re-entry through landing.
"I really like the fact that we are not going to put a plaque on it and let it gather dust," said Fossum. "This is a living item we're going to continue to use. Its mission is not yet complete."
Continue to collectSPACE.com to see more images and video of the Shuttle Motion Simulator (SMS) in motion.
Follow collectSPACE on Facebook and Twitter @collectSPACE and editor Robert Pearlman @robertpearlman. Copyright 2011 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved.Florida Gators head basketball coach Billy Donovan met with the media on Thursday to preview Saturday’s game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the 2014 Orange Bowl Basketball Classic and discuss his team as it heads into the holiday break.
GATORS MAY ADD MUCH-NEEDED DEPTH
A mid-season transfer from Duke, redshirt sophomore forward Alex Murphy has yet to suit up for Florida in a game but looks poised to take the court for the first time in Saturday. All Murphy needs to be cleared for action is for the school to post his fall semester grades, which would immediately make him eligible as it would mark the conclusion of the semester.
“We’re just trying to remain optimistic he’ll get an opportunity to play on Saturday,” Donovan said.
“This week I’ve tried to put him in a little bit more to try to get him kind of caught up and up to speed and what he needs to do. And he’s a smart kid, Alex. He picks up things pretty quickly. So I’m not really worried about that,” he added.
With Murphy practicing with the Gators for the last year, he is capable of being brought into the regular rotation without much of an adjustment. His knowledge base will go a long way to helping Donovan factor him in to his plans from the get-go.
“I think Alex’s position is an interesting one just because he’s pretty cerebral, he can play a lot of different positions, we can move him around,” Donovan said.
“We can play somewhat big because he can slide back and play at two for us. We can play a little bit smaller and we can play him at the four and Doe-Doe at the five. We’ve got a little bit more flexibility in terms of lineup and that I think will be a work in progress for our team in terms of how practice is concerned. We haven’t had really a lot of time to really work on that kind of stuff.”
Murphy’s last name is obviously quite familiar to Florida fans, who likely hope he can contribute just as much as his brother Erik Murphy did during his time with the Gators. Donovan has been cautious not to put that pressure on Alex Murphy.
“I think one of the things you become very conscientious of, it’s the same thing with Jon [Horford], it’s the same thing with Alex, for most of their lives there’s always been that normal tendency to compare brothers. It’s natural, and I’ve always been sensitive to try to stay away from that. I don’t reference their brothers. I don’t talk about their brothers. I try to treat them as individuals, who they are, what they can bring to the table. They’re just different.
“I never get into, ‘Well, you’re doing this, but your brother did this. You need to do this like your brother.’ I stay away from that, I really do. … It’s not that hard because they’re both personalities are different. They’re totally different. … You get two boys together from the same household and everyone thinks they’re just going to be exactly alike, act alike, play alike, be alike, and they’re totally different. They just are. It’s easy. It’s not that hard.”
FLORIDA MAY LOSE A TOP GUARD, AGAIN
Redshirt junior guard Eli Carter has not had the best luck during his basketball-playing career. Despite mostly recovering from a broken leg he suffered at Rutgers before transferring to Florida, residual issues from the injury forced him to miss most of the 2013-14 season.
Finally healthy entering 2014-15, Carter suffered a midfoot sprain early in the campaign and has played sparingly since. Though he is feeling a bit better and has seen some limited action as of late, Carter may wind up missing Saturday’s game after being diagnosed with strep throat this week.
“I don’t know where Eli’s gonna be at again this weekend. He hasn’t been practicing for the last couple of days as he’s got an illness. They’re doing some tests for strep and that kind of stuff. I think right now he’s been diagnosed with strep,” explained Donovan.
“He didn’t have a practice [Wednesday], didn’t practice [Thursday], gonna see how he feels probably [Friday]. How much we’ll get out of him, I don’t know; he’s pretty sick right now.”
Donovan continued: “I feel bad for him. Personally, it’s been hard. He’s never been able to quite get into that kind of rhythm that he had, I thought, in the Miami game. I thought he played pretty well against us. I don’t know where his foot’s at. I didn’t think he moved particularly well in the Jacksonville game, to me. And in practice, he’s not moved great. I can’t tell from my standpoint. …
“But yeah, you feel bad for him. He’s a really good kid. He’s obviously going through the injury he had at Rutgers. It’s been an uphill climb for him all the way. But the one thing about him is, if there’s one guy who can handle it, it’s him. He’s pretty even-keel. He doesn’t get too high, get too low. He pretty much stays on an even-keel.”
NOTES AND QUOTES
» On the Gators improving their shooting over the last few games: “I think we are probably getting a little bit of a better understanding of where our shots are coming from – and when [they are coming]. The other part of it too is just being disciplined and fundamental in terms of how they shoot the basketball. I think there’s not a player out there that, when they shoot, the ball doesn’t want it to go in; once the ball leaves your hands, you don’t have any control. All you can control is getting a good rep. … Our guys were undisciplined in a lot of ways, so I tried to get them to understand the importance of being disciplined and fundamental shooting the basketball. … I think our ball movement has been really good; I think that’s been important. I think we’ve screened better. And I think guys are making the extra pass. All those things have probably contributed and factored into it. But I think because you are dealing with shooting, there’s going to be some games where you don’t shoot the ball well. And I understand that but we’ve got to make sure that our ball movement is still good and we’re getting and taking good reps.”
» On Florida winning its last three games by an average of 36 points: “If we played those teams to start our season, we would not have had the margin of victory we had in those three games. We’ve gotten better; we’ve improved. We’re not where we need to be, but we’ve made some strides. I do think in all three of those games, the margin of victory I think was an indication of us getting better, but I also think too there were some things that those teams had very difficult time dealing with. … So I think some of it is us getting better, and some that’s been maybe our opponents, too.”
» On redshirt freshman forward Dorian Finney-Smith scoring consistently in the last game: “He shot the ball well and he scored but to me it’s all mentality-wise with him. He has a tendency to kind of shift into wanting to be, it’s almost like, ‘OK. I played really, really well against Jacksonville. Can I get a break now? Can I kind of go back?’ But he’s got to be much, much more consistent. Now the one thing I will say is, since the Jacksonville game, he has been more consistent in practice. He’s played with more intensity and passion. He’s done a better job with that, and he needs to do that and I need to help him as best I can as a coach to stay on him about those things.”
» On his evaluation of Wake Forest point guard Mitchell Wilbekin, the younger brother of Scottie Wilbekin: “I would say probably coming out of high school, Mitchell was probably a little bit more gifted than Scottie was offensively. I think Scottie developed into a really good offensive player. I think scoring for Mitchell comes very easy. I think it’s pretty impressive for him as a freshman to be able to shoot the percentage he’s shooting from behind the three-point line. As a freshman, he’s getting a great opportunity there with Danny [Manning]. I think Scottie was probably further along defensively. In a lot of ways, they’re totally different players. They each have their own strengths. … I would say they are really different. I think the same thing can be said between Erik Murphy and Alex: they’re totally different players.”
» On a 10-day break upcoming between Saturday’s game against Wake Forest and Florida’s next contest against Florida State: “You always get concerned when those guys go home when they come back, there’s always a concern for that, you know, they get right back in the flow of things, but I also think too that during the holidays, it’s always nice when those guys can get a few days to get a break with their families. You always worry about that as a coach, just in terms of what’s being put in their head, their mind and how they’re doing and, if they’re not playing well or if they are playing well, we’ll have to come back. … With this team, it’s going to be a process. As much as I want to as a coach prepare them for what’s getting ready to come, to prepare them to have the experience those four seniors had, their journey’s going to be totally different. They’ve got to go through some of these experiences.”With any installation of Mac OS X comes Emacs (Extensible, customizable, self-documenting real-time display editor – yes that’s what EMACS stands for, now you know!) and with Emacs, some easter eggs that let you play some good old 70’s games directly at the command line.
Yes really, there are retro video games embedded in your text editor! Here is how you can play them.
In order to access these games, simply type into the command prompt:
emacs -q --no-splash -f game
Replace “game” with the game you want to play. Here are some of the most popular: tetris, snake, pong, doctor, hanoi. So to launch Tetris you would type:
emacs -q --no-splash -f tetris
To play tetris simply use the arrow keys and the spacebar. As for pong, it is a two player game (or a contest of your left hand versus your right). Player one uses Left/Right (or 4/6) and Player Two uses Up/Down (or 2/8).
Or to play the popular ‘snake’ game you would type:
emacs -q --no-splash -f snake
You can see the full list of games and other fun animations, type into the terminal prompt:
ls /usr/share/emacs/22.1/lisp/play/
The complete list of games available to play in emacs in Mac OS X is as follows:
5×5.el.gz doctor.elc hanoi.elc snake.elc
5×5.elc dunnet.el.gz landmark.el.gz solitaire.el.gz
animate.el.gz dunnet.elc landmark.elc solitaire.elc
animate.elc fortune.el.gz life.el.gz spook.el.gz
blackbox.el.gz fortune.elc life.elc spook.elc
blackbox.elc gamegrid.el.gz meese.el.gz studly.el.gz
bruce.el gamegrid.elc meese.elc studly.elc
cookie1.el.gz gametree.el.gz morse.el.gz tetris.el.gz
cookie1.elc gametree.elc morse.elc tetris.elc
decipher.el.gz gomoku.el.gz mpuz.el.gz yow.el.gz
decipher.elc gomoku.elc mpuz.elc yow.elc
dissociate.el.gz handwrite.el.gz pong.el.gz zone.el.gz
dissociate.elc handwrite.elc pong.elc zone.elc
doctor.el.gz hanoi.el.gz snake.el.gz
Me personally, I’m partial to snake and tetris, but have fun!
Thank you to Carl Gravel for the tip!The first teaser trailer for Star Trek Beyond hit the internet yesterday, exciting a lot of people but also pissing off some long-time Trekkies. The complaint is that the movie presented didn’t feel like a Star Trek movie, but instead a modern in-your-face blockbuster. But if you ask director Justin Lin, he’ll quickly remind you it’s just a minute and a half of the movie.
After the jump I present to you excerpts from my hourlong roundtable conversation with Justin Lin, in which he responds to fan criticisms, talks about his personal relationship to Star Trek, the origins of the film’s title, the music choice, the inspiration of the original TV series, what he gave up to direct Trek, his idea for the film, whether it will continue plot lines from Into Darkness, the screenwriting credits, working on a Trek movie with a producer who is directing Star Wars, whether he plans to return to do another Trek movie, and much more.
Sitting at a table on the Paramount lot with a few of my colleagues, Star Trek Beyond director Justin Lin explained the idea behind the first teaser trailer:
Well, its a minute and a half, you know… And again, there were other versions that were much more traditional and I can see where maybe the hardcore fans could probably see that as, “Oh.” But with trailers you’re putting a two-hour movie into a minute and a half, and the one thing I wanted to make sure is that it hopefully represents that we are trying to be bold and take risks, whether we are successful or not, I don’t know. That was something I was excited to do and with collaborators like Simon [Pegg] and Doug [Jung], passion for the franchise will be there regardless. So however it’s presented, yeah it’s a minute and a half, and my challenge to everyone making the trailer is about saying “let’s not go off course, I’m not afraid to share — share it, I feel like we have the goods in a two-hour run and you really do get to know the characters and hopefully the journey is great. I love it and the cast did an amazing job and the crew… and the inside baseball version of the creation of this Trek was pretty condensed in how you usually make a movie of this size. And I wanted us to be bold, I wanted us to take chances and hopefully in a minute and a half we are able to convey that.
As for those fans who think Lin might have made a Fast & Furious movie set in the Trek universe, Lin understands where the criticism is coming from:
Yeah, and I don’t know if that’s the case here. When I saw the teaser, I’m like, aw shit. You really have to put the motorcycle in there? So I get it, I get it, I get it.
When someone else brings up the shot that looks very reminiscent of Letty-Dom flying through the air from the Fast & Furious films, Justin smiles and smirks, “Yeah, well I’m who I am.”
The Music Choice
The Beastie Boys song “Sabotage” was featured in J.J. Abrams’ 2009 Star Trek, with young James T. Kirk listening to the music while taking a car for a joy ride on Earth. But the new teaser trailer uses the song prominently, which registers almost like a statement. Lin assures us that the song is in the film (“I wanted to make sure we didn’t do anything that was just trying to pump something else in”) and explains his reason for using the track in the teaser:
It’s in the DNA of this canon. It was in the ’09 Trek, and we went through different iterations of the teaser and I wanted to make sure whatever here is using all the elements from the film. It’s been a part of this Kirk’s journey and so I felt it was very organic, and it will ultimately be in the finished film.
Justin Lin’s Relationship/History With Star Trek
And while Lin might not be as huge of a Trekkie as his co-writer Simon Pegg, he was a huge fan of the series growing up.
The one thing that was when I came on this [film project], I didn’t even realize how emotional my level of engagement with Trek was until the first day of preproduction when I walked into the hallway of the Enterprise and it hit me. It’s part of me but my level of engagement with Trek was really from 8 to 18, when I would watch Trek at 11 PM on channel 13 with my dad. He worked all day, closed shop at 9 PM and dinner at 10 and watched Trek. And so a lot of that is trying to create something that embraces the essence of Trek for me. Simon has a very different level of engagement, and Doug also has a very different… so it’s awesome to get in there and have those collaborators and have that discourse about how we were going to craft this movie. ‘Cause Simon, he knows EVERYTHING about Trek and it’s great to have those guys with me the whole way.
Origins of the Star Trek Beyond Title
Lin reveals the title Star Trek Beyond was crafted by Pegg and was inspired by his initial conversation with Abrams.
He kind of tracked me down and we’re talking and I didn’t know what to expect. I thought maybe he was offering to go shoot a script that existed and he said, no, it’s yours. Go and be bold. And just take it. Be bold and make it what you think you would do to Star Trek. And the more we talked about it, the more we kept saying, well let’s keep pushing. Let’s keep pushing. And that’s when Simon kind of said, well it should be Star Trek Beyond. And it was his idea. And it was kind of came from all our conversations. And we looked at each other and like oh, that sounds like the title of this film.
After the jump, Justin talks about the inspiration of the original TV series, having to pay a price to direct Trek, his idea for the film, whether it will continue plot lines from Into Darkness, the screenwriting credits, working on a Trek movie with a producer who is directing Star Wars, and whether he plans to return to do another Trek movie.On September 12, a US Senate panel approved legislation designed to protect journalists from having to reveal their confidential sources. In order to do this, the panel had to define "journalist". According to the proposed law, a journalist is "an employee, independent contractor or agent of an entity that disseminates news or information … [who has been] employed for one year within the last 20 years or three months within the last five years.”
The definition was met with approval by some and dismay by others. Politico, a website that tracks the minutiae of the DC elite, praised it as "a step forward for independent and non-traditional media organisations." The Electronic Frontier Foundation, an organisation that seeks to protect free speech online, decried it as offering insufficient protection for independent bloggers, reiterating their earlier argument that "Congress should link shield law protections to the practice of journalism as opposed to the profession.”
The Senate debate over who is a "journalist" arose in the aftermath of WikiLeaks, whose activity has been defined as both journalism and espionage. Expanding the definition of a journalist means expanding the legal protection journalists receive.
"I can't support it if everyone who has a blog has a special privilege … or if Edward Snowden were to sit down and write this stuff, he would have a privilege. I'm not going to go there," said Senator Diane Feinstein, in a statement Matt Drudge denounced as "fascist”.
The debate over who is a journalist is a debate over journalistic privilege. But in a prestige economy, the privilege to protect the confidentiality of sources is not the only privilege at play.
Today people work for the possibility of working, waiting to be considered good enough to be hired by the employers under whom they already labour.
Journalism is increasingly a profession only the wealthy can enter. To narrow the definition of "journalist" to those affiliated with established news organisations denies legal protection not only to organisations like WikiLeaks, but also to the writers and bloggers who cannot afford the exorbitant credentials and unpaid internships that provide entry into the trade.
"The journalists who can tell my story - the story of urban or inner-city America - have taken a job in marketing while disseminating their opinions on blogs," writes freelancer David Dennis. Since the recession began in 2008, racial diversity in the media has declined while gender imbalance has remained high. The bloggers to whom Dennis refers would have no legal protection under the Senate's definition.
Whom would the Senate's definition protect? Journalists employed at established publications, who are mainly white men from privileged backgrounds - a category of people who may have little interest in critiquing the |
Voiland, with reporting by Alan Buis.Is ‘The Wire’ true to life? DAVID ROBINSON finds out from former Baltimore homicide detective Kelvin Sewell. Our extract from his book Why Do We Kill? tells of one day when the violence truly hit home
IT was 11 in the morning, and the motel bar was still dark. The barman was pulling the curtains apart, and looked at me as though he didn’t particularly want me to be there. I half expected him to say, “Can’t you see we’re not open yet?” and I was about to apologise when I saw an impressively huge black man sitting at a table sipping a glass of coke through a straw. Kelvin. He was expecting us.
Kelvin Sewell, until recently a Baltimore homicide detective – in the gramatically contorted local parlance, “a murder police”. There are 60 murder police in the city, which, in a good year, is about one-quarter of the number of murders they have to deal with. Kelvin is a sergeant in the homicide department – the unit featured in TV series The Wire – and was a 22-year veteran with the force.
In Britain, we know a small bit about the Baltimore murder police. Even before the 60 episodes of The Wire, now routinely hailed as the best drama series ever shown on the small screen, there were the 122 episodes of Homicide: Life on the Streets, which wasn’t too much worse. Both series have their roots in Homicide, the book that David Simon wrote when he was a crime reporter for the Baltimore Sun and had been given clearance to spend a whole year with Baltimore police’s homicide department.
That, though, was way back in 1988. Last May, I went to Baltimore to try to find out whether it still is an accurate portrait of the city’s crime and punishment? What do the murder police think about it themselves?
There was just one problem. In Baltimore, all of them are forbidden from speaking to journalists. Anyone caught doing so would risk not only being sacked but losing their pension too.
Without the help of award-winning Baltimore investigative journalist Stephen Janis, I would never have been able to meet Kelvin. Even so, we still had to be careful, which is why we arranged to meet just outside the city limits, why Stephen parked behind some trees on the other side of the road, and why we went in separately.
After the barman had brought over some drinks and gone back to rinsing the previous night’s glasses, Kelvin started talking being a murder police. And into my tape recorder spooled stories that would break your heart, about feckless mothers who kill their own babies, about teenagers who would shoot at a passing pensioner’s head just as easily as they might have aimed at a tin can. About the three decapitated children of Mexicans who couldn’t afford to pay off the people traffickers and how that case haunted the detective who handled it.
I’d never heard anything like these stories, never talked to anyone to whom such things have happened. I’ve never heard a 20-year police veteran tell me about the psychology of the interview room, or what it’s like to work with corrupt colleagues or state attorneys who make it harder than it ought to be to keep murderers off the streets, or white detectives who are just too scared to go out on the streets of a mainly black city in the first place.
Some of the patterns of crime have changed since The Wire, he said. These days, there’s a lot more kidnapping amongst the gangs. And he told me about a case he was working on, where eight teenagers – one of them a girl at college – beat up a man in his hotel room, put him in the boot of their car, drove him to a park, stabbed him and burnt him to death.
He told me how they found out who did it, and how they got them to confess. And the way he told the story, you could just see it happening. The grandmother of the college girl breaking down as her granddaughter confesses what she did. The teenager who set the victim alight after petrol had been poured over him. Who wanted a cigarette before he’d say anything, but who wouldn’t dream of putting it out with his fingers because it would hurt so much. And no, he couldn’t see the irony in that.
Even though I’ve never heard stories quite as compelling or dramatic as this, I promised not to write anything about them while Kelvin was still a homicide detective in Baltimore.
But this year, he moved to be police chief of Pokomoke City, eastern Maryland – he takes over on 1 November – and so became free to write a book, with Stephen Janis, about his time on some of America’s meanest streets. It is called Why Do We Kill? and on 4-6 November the two of them will be promoting it on a mini-tour of Scotland that will take in Lennoxlove and Linlithgow book festivals and a special Aye Write! Event at the Strathclyde Suite of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
The stories I head that May morning in Baltimore, in that still-dark motel bar, made even The Wire seem tame by comparison. Yet when I read the book Kelvin and Stephen wrote together, I realised that I never knew the half of it, I haven’t even quoted from Kelvin himself. So here he is, in an extract from his book that shows how the tragedies of real life on America’s meanest streets go far deeper than most fiction can even imagine.
ONE of the worst parts of my job as a homicide detective is having to tell a mother her child is dead. There is no sound more horrific than the scream of a mother when she learns that her son has been shot in the back of the head and is lying on a gurney in the morgue.
But even though I have brought bad news to countless families and done my best to comfort dozens of grieving relatives, I never thought I would have to knock on the door of my own mother’s house and tell her one of her children had been shot and may not live to see another day.
I’ll never forget the night when I entered Johns Hopkins Hospital, suspecting in the back of my mind it was my brother in intensive care fighting for his life.
I had just received a call from an Eastern District detective. They had brought a man called Clinton Anderson to the hospital. He had been shot in the head and left to die on East Hoffman Street. The man lying on the operating table with a bullet hole in his temple was, in fact, my brother.
A child from my mother’s marriage to another man, Clinton was no different to me than the rest of my family. And of course, like any good mother, all of her sons were loved just the same.
There’s a routine when I knock on the door of a family I don’t know. It’s not callousness, just a sense that I have a job to do, a painful but necessary job that I try to do as professionally as possible.
I try to get through the door before all hell breaks loose. I try to sit the mother down. I try to say a few words before the grieving begins, even though it’s difficult to get a word in once they learn I am a homicide detective.
But with my own mother? All the space between the detective and the victim’s family evaporates when it’s your own family. The wall you create to deliver the news to bereaved relatives again and again as professionally as possible just doesn’t work.
When it’s your own mother on the couch sitting across from you and your own flesh and blood in the hospital it’s just not possible to draw any lines. It’s just a mother and her son, and in the end, nothing but pain.
So when my mother opened the door I really didn’t know what to say.
“What is it, Kelvin?” I remember her saying. “What’s wrong?” “Sit down, mom,” I said. “It’s about Clinton.” And then it started, she started, because like any other mother she could read her son like an open book. She knew something was wrong.
“What happened? Tell me. What happened to Clinton?” she demanded, gasping.
And then I told her. I told her Clinton had been shot in the head, that he might not make it, and that we didn’t know who did it. And then my mother, like all the other suffering women to whom I had delivered bad news, broke down.
Sitting in the living room I felt like a man in between two worlds. I knew the drill; I knew how to build a wall, how to fill the void with conversation. But this time I was speechless. It was my mother, after all.
So I just held her and acted like a son. What else could I do? Later I went to the hospital.
Again it was something I’d done a hundred times. Check on a shooting victim on the verge of death. Talk to the doctors. Obtain a prognosis. And wait.
But this time the feeding tubes, the whir of the heart monitor, the death glow of the EKG was all coming from the body of my brother.
I know this sounds odd, as if it’s some revelation that the people I see every day are human, like the dead bodies in the morgue that pile up in a holding pattern like so many grounded airplanes outside the main examination room.
But the truth is, the truth that homicide detectives know but will never talk about, is how we really make it through the day. How we see through the corpses and the tortured faces of family, twisted in pain over the violent death of a loved one.
We do it by summoning a sort of benign detachment. Don’t get me wrong, I take all my cases personally, I work hard to bring closure to the families who suffer.
But I deal with death, the worst sort of violent death every day, particularly in Baltimore, where the homicide rate is among the highest in the nation.
And the truth is, I couldn’t do it without a bit of a wall. A respectful wall, an honest wall, between me and the dead, the families, the suspects. A wall built on the vague sense of “the other”: the other who suffers, the other who lies dead behind a stone wall in Baltimore’s ad hoc “cemetery” on the cusp of Leakin Park.
That other never becomes you. Never assimilates into your reality. You’ll never get shot in the back of the head. Your leg will never twist behind your shoulder after you’ve jumped from the ledge of a bridge. Your face will never be torn apart by animals after someone strangles you and leaves you for dead in the woods.
You won’t die alone, left on a sidewalk to be carted to the morgue while a detective lifts your fingerprints from your necrotic fingers.
The twain shall never meet.
But in the hospital that night that wall for me disappeared.
My brother was dying, a victim of the same senseless violence I fought to curb regularly, but never seems to end in this city.It's no secret that the tech industry has long had a problem attracting women employees. Oddly, this has been even more of a problem in open source (I know, you'd think with all that sharing we'd be a bunch of kumbaya tree huggers), where the problem is compounded by the fact that women who do join projects tend leave very quickly.
Not only is this not good for career minded women, it's not good for the business of tech. Good developers are in short supply -- and since women make up somewhere around 50 percent of the population, they represent a huge demographic that's not being properly leveraged.
The results of a recent survey conducted by GitHub sheds light on this problem, by putting some numbers on already known issues.
The 2017 Open Source Survey "collected responses from 5,500 randomly sampled respondents sourced from over 3,800 open source repositories on GitHub.com, and over 500 responses from a non-random sample of communities that work on other platforms." Although the survey focused on open source and asked 50 questions on a wide range of topics that were in no way focused on gender issues alone, some of the data collected offers insight into why the developer industry as a whole has trouble recruiting and keeping female devs.
Indeed, the severity of the gender gap in open source is substantial. In the survey, 95 percent of respondents were men, with the response rate from women at only 3 percent -- a degree of under-representation that's not seen elsewhere in this study. Other groups show numbers that are more proportionate to their numbers in the general population, with "ethnic or national minorities" representing 16 percent of the respondents, immigrants at 26 percent, and "lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, or another minority sexual orientation" at 7 percent.
The problems that women in tech face are pretty much what you might expect. Twenty-five percent of the women surveyed report "encountering language or content that makes them feel unwelcome," compared with 15 percent of men. Women are six times more likely to encounter stereotyping than men (25 versus 15 percent), and twice as likely to be subjected to unsolicited sexual advances (6 vs 3 percent).
This pretty much mirrors what we've been hearing from women -- as well as men -- working in open source for years: that the work environment at many open source projects is not comfortable for women, with some going so far as to call it "toxic."
Most revealing are a couple of items found in a graph, called "Importance to Project," that GitHub included in its analysis of the results, which shows the relative importance that women and men find for various aspects of software development. Under the headings "responsive maintainers," "license," "active development" and "widespread use," men and women seem to be of the same mind. There are great differences, however, in how the two sexes view the importance of a "contributing guide," "Contributor License Agreement," "welcoming community" and "code of conduct," with women placing much more importance on all of these than their male counterparts.
The later two are very telling and might get to the root of the gender diversity issue. Even when putting differences caused by socialization and psychology aside, because men are working in an environment that is up to 95 percent male (working primarily with their own kind, so to speak), it's understandable they would place less importance on a "welcoming community" or a well thought-out and enforced code of conduct. Even men who are supportive of their women coworkers (the majority of men in most cases) might not see the harm done by "little" transgressions by coworkers, and might fall into agreement with the often repeated notion that the women are overreacting.
In many cases, management has a good handle on the problems being faced by new female hires, and have implemented good policies in an attempt to deal with them. Unfortunately, it appears this sort of top down only approach isn't working. There needs to be a way to nurture more support in the trenches.Ahmedabad: Noted activist and human rights lawyer Mukul Sinha passed away here on Monday.
He was suffering from lung cancer. After his condition deteriorated suddenly on Sunday night, he was admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad and breathed his last this morning. He is survived by his wife and a son. Sinha’s body will be donated to cancer hospital. He had floated an NGO called the Jan Sangharsh Manch, which championed the cause of not only the riot victims, but also those sections of the society which he felt had been bypassed by the state government. For the past some times, he had given charge of the NGO to his wife Nirjhari Sinha and his assistant Advocate Shamshad Pathan.
The scientist-turned-lawyer was consistently taking on the Gujarat government on the issue of Godhara and post Godhara riots and fake encounter cases. Noted activist and human rights lawyer Mukul Sinha passed away here on Monday.He was suffering from lung cancer. After his condition deteriorated suddenly on Sunday night, he was admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad and breathed his last this morning. He is survived by his wife and a son.
An alumnus of IIT Kanpur, Sinha’s work in fake encounter cases of, Tulsiram Prajapati, Sohrabuddin and Sadiq Jamal led to the CBI investigations.
His cross examinations of several important witnesses before the Nanavati Commission on the 2002 Godhara riots brought out the role of the state authorities.
His critics accused him of driving an agenda against and Gujarat.
In 2007, he got involved in the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case in which several top policemen were arrested by Gujarat police and NK Amin and Dinesh MN had got bail within few days of their arrest.
In 2008, he took up Ishrat’s case and in 2009, he started representing Javed Sheikh's family.
Based on his petition, the Gujarat High Court formed a three-member SIT of Gujarat police to probe the case.Breaking News Emails Get breaking news alerts and special reports. The news and stories that matter, delivered weekday mornings.
Feb. 4, 2017, 10:43 PM GMT / Updated Feb. 5, 2017, 3:15 AM GMT By Phil McCausland
The 4-month-old Iranian girl who was barred by the Trump administration's travel ban from entering the United States to receive life-saving surgery will receive treatment months later than normal for her complex congenital heart defect, her doctors explained on Saturday.
Two in 10,000 newborns suffer from the condition, the doctors said. In the United States, where doctors have successfully treated this condition since the 1980s, physicians would have operated on a child suffering from this health issue within a few days to a week of birth.
Related: Iranian Baby Needing Surgery Gets Documents to Come to U.S.: NY Gov
The girl, Fatemeh Reshad, was slated to arrive in Oregon — where her grandparents and uncle, all American citizens, live — to receive the surgery that would fix her fatal heart defect. But because of the travel ban, the baby and her mother were prevented from boarding the flight that would have brought them to the United States.
When President Donald Trump signed the applicable executive order Jan. 27, it barred citizens of seven Muslim-majority nations — including Fatemah's native Iran — from entering the country for 90 days. The president said the order was intended protect Americans from the dangers of terrorism.
Fatemah gained special permissions from the Department of Homeland Security on Friday, according to Jennifer Morrissey, one of the attorneys working pro bono on the family's behalf. Along with a group of attorneys and a number of New York and Oregon lawmakers, Morrissey worked to find her a path to the United States despite the travel ban.
With their help, Fatemah can now come to the United States to receive the life-saving care she needs.
The Oregon Health and Science University’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital physician-in-chief Dana Braner, head of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery Dr. Irving Shen, and Interim Head of Pediatric Cardiology Laurie Armsby answered questions related to the child’s health issues, procedure and risks. The family’s lawyer provided details relevant to her case.
“The family has been warned that there is an urgency to this care,” said Armsby, whose hospital addresses six to 10 of these operations a year. “I feel for them that they’ve been put through a tremendous strain as any delay might affect their child.”
Typically a baby who had undergone this procedure would be discharged in only a few weeks, but Fatemah faces a longer recovery phase because her heart defect is being addressed later than usual. The doctors hope that she will be able to go home in a few months, and they are working with her doctors in Iran to build up follow-up care practices.
The doctors said that while the defect is uncommon, the risk of the procedure is not high. From when the baby enters the operating room to his/her exit, the surgery takes about five or six hours while the actual repairs itself takes about 90 minutes.
Protesters demonstrate against President Trump's immigration ban at Portland International Airport in Portland, Oregon, on Jan. 29, 2017. Alex Milan Tracy / Sipa USA via AP
“We anticipate a good result, a surgery that will provide her a very active and full life,” Armsby said.
The family has received an outpouring of support since their case was well-publicized by lawmakers. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo dedicated his attention and efforts to gain the family special permissions past Trump's travel ban. Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici took to the House floor on Friday morning to share the story of the young girl.
The hospital and immigration organizations are doing whatever they can to lessen the family's load.
Related: Over 100,000 Visas Have Been Revoked by Immigration Ban, Justice Dept. Reveals
The International Refugee Assistance Program is helping organize the family’s travel, the physicians working with Reshad have agreed to waive their fees and the hospital is attempting to keep the cost of the operation as low as possible.
“We do not think the family will have significant burden for this care,” said Braner.
Morrissey said they are overwhelmingly relieved and thrilled that Reshad will be able to come to the United States for the necessary surgery.
"I think it’s the clearest illustration of why the travel ban was poorly thought out, poorly implemented and had significant humanitarian consequences," Morrissey said of the Reshad family's experience.
On Friday, a federal judge in Seattle temporarily blocked the travel ban. The judge's ruling is applicable nationwide and Homeland Security officials are no longer enforcing the ban at airports. The White House said it will seek an emergency stay against the judge's order as soon as possible.
Nevertheless, the family is expected to arrive in the United States in the next few days for the lifesaving procedure.
“For 90 years, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital has believed that every child is amazing, every child deserves the best care, every child adds something that hasn’t been added before,” Braner said.
“We are thrilled to take care of this child from Iran,” he added.About
You can read about how amazing our game will be or you can
IN YOUR BROWSER. NO DOWNLOAD REQUIRED!
prog.1 is a platformer meant to be played by humans of all sorts. This game accurately* depicts the normal cycle-to-cycle lives of programs inside of a computer simulated environment. You play as a program named prog.1, which has the exciting abilities of being able to jump and move left or right.
prog.1 is in the alpha stage of development, meaning that only a small portion of the game is finished. However, the hard working individuals at Vector Arcade are tirelessly scribbling notes down onto loose scraps of paper, figuring out new and exciting ways to interact with our player and his environment.
prog.1 is being developed by an extremely small crew of creatives. Sadly, (unlike our computer simulation) food, water, shelter, and various other needs must be accounted for if the developers intend to live long enough to complete the game. The first few levels shown in our demo are a foundation upon which we intend to build. Enemies, moving platforms, obstacles, etc. are all on to-do lists piling up in our to-do-list-closet. These features will no doubt be implemented following the future hire of a dedicated to-do-list-closet-sorter.
prog.1 does not pretend to be any more than it is. It's just following orders.
*no reputable source has confirmed thisArgentine playmaker will miss the remainder of 2016 with the injury
FRISCO, Texas (Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016) – FC Dallas midfielder Mauro Diaz had successful surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon in his lower right leg this afternoon. Dr. Robert Anderson with OrthoCarolina in Charlotte, N.C., performed the procedure.
Diaz suffered the injury in the 89th minute of FC Dallas’ match versus Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday, Oct. 16. The Argentine playmaker is tied for the league lead in game-winning goal contribution, scoring three game-winners and picking up seven game-winning assists in 2016. Diaz set career highs in games played, minutes and assists in 2016 with 27 games, 2,149 minutes and 13 assists (third in MLS).
Diaz will miss the remainder of the 2016 season and Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.Russian President Vladimir Putin and head of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia, Alexander Boroda, at the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Centre in Moscow, January 27, 2015.
A senior Russian rabbi warned of grave danger to Jews if Russian President Vladimir Putin is swept from power.
Alexander Boroda, head of the Chabad-affiliated Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia, made the warning Friday during a talk at Moscow’s 9th annual Jewish learning event organized by Limmud FSU.
“The Jews of Russia must realize the dangers inherent in the possible collapse of the Putin government, understand the rules of the game and be aware of the limitations,” Boroda said at a sessions, according to a translation provided by Limmud FSU.
The Moscow conference, which drew 1,400 participants, opened Friday at the state-owned Klyasma resort just outside the Russian capital.
Boroda’s Federation is among several Russian Jewish organizations that credit Putin for facilitating efforts to re-consolidate Russia’s Jewish community of 350,000 after decades of communist repression.
Under Putin, dozens of synagogues have been renovated with government support and a massive Jewish museum was opened in Moscow with state funding.
“In Russia, there is virtually unlimited freedom of religion and the Jewish community must ensure this situation continues,” Boroda said. “The support for religious institutions is wider than in the United States and defense of Jews against manifestations of anti-Semitism is greater than in other European countries. We do not have the privilege of losing what we have achieved and the support of the government for the community.”
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All Russian Jews and especially those considering action against the Putin administration, Boroda said, “must understand the grave dangers that they take upon themselves and the potential consequences.”
Such endorsements of Putin by Jewish leaders have exposed them to criticism by liberal Jews and Jews in Ukraine, who oppose Putin’s crackdown on civil liberties and rivals, annexation of Ukrainian land and perceived nationalism.
Viktoria Mochilova, a Limmud FSU participant and social activist, dismissed Boroda’s message as one-sided and unrepresentative. While appreciative of government support for Jews, they, “similar to other Russian citizens, [desire] to improve the situation of the state and to strive to make it more democratic and honest,” she said.The active community has also developed many third-party add-ons that you can use.
And when cut out images are detected the API will add more background if needed.
What does TinyPNG do? TinyPNG uses smart lossy compression techniques to reduce the file size of your PNG files. By selectively decreasing the number of colors in the image, fewer bytes are required to store the data. The effect is nearly invisible but it makes a very large difference in file size! Why should I use TinyPNG? PNG is useful because it’s the only widely supported format that can store partially transparent images. The format uses compression, but the files can still be large. Use TinyPNG to shrink images for your apps and sites. It will use less bandwidth and load faster.
Can anyone tell the difference?
Excellent question! Let me give you a side by side comparison. Below are two photos of my cousin. The left image is saved as 24-bit PNG directly from Adobe Photoshop. On the right is the same image processed by TinyPNG. Spot any difference?
Original transparent PNG
File size 57 KB vs Shrunk transparent PNG
File size 15 KB
How does it work?
Excellent question! When you upload a PNG (Portable Network Graphics) file, similar colors in your image are combined. This technique is called “quantization”. By reducing the number of colors, 24-bit PNG files can be converted to much smaller 8-bit indexed color images. All unnecessary metadata is stripped too. The result better PNG files with 100% support for transparency. Have your cake and eat it too!
In the above image the file size is reduced by more than 70%. I have excellent eyesight but can’t spot the difference either! Use the optimized image to save bandwidth and loading time and your website visitors will thank you.
Is it supported everywhere?
Excellent question! The files produced by TinyPNG are displayed perfectly on all modern browsers including mobile devices. Still need to support Internet Explorer 6? It normally ignores PNG transparency and displays a solid background color. With TinyPNG the background becomes transparent again. Binary transparency without any workarounds!
Is it safe to use animated PNG?
Excellent question! Chrome, Firefox and Safari all support APNG. Only Microsoft Edge does not support the format yet. If you have an Edge browser you can vote up APNG support on the Microsoft Developer Feedback site.
Apple added animated stickers to iMessage with the release of iOS 10. If you want to create and compress stickers under 500 KB take a look at the iMessage Panda sticker example on Github.
What about Photoshop?
Excellent question! Only Photoshop CC 2015, 2017 and 2018 can save images as indexed PNG files with alpha transparency. With other versions it is impossible and Photoshop CS5 cannot even display them properly.
You can use Save for Web to export your images as 24-bit transparent PNG files and upload them to TinyPNG. We’ll convert them to tiny indexed PNG files. You can also install the TinyPNG Photoshop plugin. It allows you to scale, preview and save compressed PNG and JPEG images straight from Photoshop.
Why did you create TinyPNG?DanceEd,
Not perfect but functional for me.
I'm a teacher who uses the same four websites everyday, throughout the day. I need all four from minute to minute as I teach. This allows me to easily switch between websites. You can work side by side if you want but I find it easier toggle from full screen back down to split screen. Being able to do this with one click is what wins me over. I can see all four sites and then instantly work in one and then return to the others. The interface is also more aesthetically pleasing and smoother than the other side-by-side app I tried.
With that said, tapping the bookmark button will immediately crash the app every time. Since I don't need this for browsing and use the same sites every time, its not a problem for me. When I close the app and open it again the same sites are already there where I left off.
For teachers or anyone presenting, this would a great way to have your website on one side and then show backchannel conversations on the other. Or for anyone have your email on one side all day long while you browse.
Not perfect but I'm hopeful an update will improve it.Police: Safeway employee beaten with baguette by Fremont man
A man attacked a Safeway employee with a loaf of French bread, police said. A man attacked a Safeway employee with a loaf of French bread, police said. Photo: Getty Photo: Getty Image 1 of / 20 Caption Close Police: Safeway employee beaten with baguette by Fremont man 1 / 20 Back to Gallery
A Fremont man went on a rampage that ended with him beating a Safeway employee with a loaf of French bread Sunday, according to police.
The man, identified by police as 39-year-old Adam Kowarsh, allegedly entered the Safeway on the 39100 block of Argonaut Way in Fremont "yelling and screaming" at about 11:49 p.m. Sunday, according to Geneva Bosques, a spokeswoman for the Fremont Police Department.
The man stormed into the back of the store and started yelling at employees, who told him he needed to pay for his items and leave, Bosques said.
One employee attempted to calm Kowarsh, but Kowarsh responded by pushing him several times, then grabbing a loaf of French bread and hitting him in the face, according to Bosques. The victim was struck multiple times, police said.
"While the victim did not sustain major injuries, he wanted to press charges," police said in a statement.
Officers arrived on the scene and told Kowarsh to leave the store, but he was on a roll and continuing to yell, police said. More officers arrived and Kowarsh was handcuffed, led from the Safeway, and booked into Santa Rita Jail on suspicion of battery and a probation violation, police said.
He is scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. Wednesday, and his bail is set at $5,000, according to county records.
Filipa Ioannou is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter.The Game poses with his sons Harlem Caron Taylor and King Justice Taylor at the Equinox "Celebrity Basketball Spectacular" To Benefit Sports Spectacular on May 30, 2015 in West Los Angeles, California.
The Game was ordered to pay his former nanny Karen Monroe more than $200,000 in damages following a 2013 Instagram rant where he accused her of doing "very inappropriate and unbecoming things of a babysitter." He failed to respond to Monroe's lawsuit for "defamation and intentional infliction of emotional stress," and as a result, the judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff, including a $200,647 default judgment.
The Game Reportedly Sued by Cop for Punching Him in the Head
The Game's Instagram post, which Monroe's attorney says was seen by "millions of people," alleged that Monroe, who also worked for Nas and Kelis, smoked and drank on the job, and even had sex in his daughter's room. He also stated in the post that he "heard rumors that she inappropriately touched children in her home town."
Monroe's attorney said his client received death threats as a result of the post, and had been treated for depression.
The Game Charged With Hitting an Off-Duty Cop
The Game was already in a Los Angeles court Monday on a different case, where he pleaded not guilty to charges that he assaulted an off-duty police officer at a pick-up basketball game earlier this year.Today I had the great pleasure of discovering one of the most inspiring and talented harp players I’ve come across yet. He went by the name of Bad News Brown. A rapper and harmonica player, Bad News Brown would freestyle over hip hop beats with the skills of a technician and the rhythmic phrasing of a spoken word lyricist. He was an aficionado of the harmonic minor harp and really showcases what can happen when a poet grabs hold of that sweet, sweet tuning. I found a video of him in a sweet onstage jam session with Lee Oskar. Just plain brilliant music. Check this video out and then keep on reading for more:
Back in 2004, Bad News Brown was the host of a documentary film called Music for a Blue Train, in which he introduces us to the world of Montreal Subway buskers, primarily by walking around and playing the harmonica. It’s a great way to spend 25 minutes, I guarantee. The film is an interesting look at a player whose music seems to be inspired by more contemporary urban music and less by the classic blues and rock harp players are so apt to come from. I loved his songs I was finding on YouTube, but after watching this video, I really became enraptured by the man, himself.
Unfortunately, however, this day of joyous discoveries had a sad ending. As I delved deeper into this harmonic bard, I learned that Bad News Brown was found murdered in the streets of Montreal in February of last year. He made such wonderful music in his short time on this Earth and for every video you find of him playing, I bet you he played hundreds of hours on the streets and in the subways of Montreal.
God bless the music makers…
AdvertisementsAmong starting positions where the Seattle Seahawks are potentially weakest in 2016, offensive line gets the most juice. Probably deservedly so, given that unit’s struggles last year coupled with the losses of Russell Okung and J.R. Sweezy in the offseason. But whereas those problems and defections may not be entirely resolved by the introduction of rookies and lower-tier free agents, at least we can see where the team took movements toward a solution (however worrying the outlook). The Seahawks likewise applied draft resources to the interior defensive gap left open by Brandon Mebane’s departure.
So I say the most compelling vulnerability is at strongside linebacker, the so-called SAM spot vacated when Bruce Irvin signed with the Oakland Raiders. It’s the only position that Seattle lost its starter and didn’t otherwise make some material investment to replace him or already have a clear successor for the role. I find it compelling not just for the mystery of the competition it leaves, though that should be fierce and fascinating, but because of what it suggests about the coaches’ changing value of the position and a possibility for dynamic new schemes.
Right now the main guys in the mix are sixth-year special teams ace Mike Morgan and two 2014 draft picks: former down lineman Cassius Marsh and onetime cornerback experiment Eric Pinkins. These veterans don’t so much have different levels of ability as different traits that make each a contender. If they could all play at the same time it would be awesome, but that would mean a lot of penalties for 13 men on the field. Frank Clark dispelled rumors he was in line to inherit the job, confirmed by OTA reports that he wasn’t practicing with the group. Clark emphasized he lost weight to speed his rush, not aid in coverage, and the team changed his listed designation back to DE (although Marsh is also still listed at DE, so read that how you want). There are also some undrafted rookies getting looks and Kevin Pierre-Louis has been in consideration, but weakside starter K.J. Wright wanted no part in it—even though Wright performed quite a lot at SAM before Irvin’s arrival.
Who climbs the ladder during training camp to seize this starting role? Rather than guess which player distances himself with his performance next month, let’s try to figure out what the Seahawks might be looking for at the position.
The confounding part about how little priority Seattle gave the spot is that it did so so soon after seeming to make a special investment by sliding the former first-round pick there three years ago. It’s one thing to decline paying premier pass-rusher money to a 4-3 outside linebacker, but in 2013 the Seahawks treated the position as important enough to reassign the 15th overall draft pick hot off an eight-sack debut season. Yes, it’s true they had just acquired Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril to rush the quarterback |
out the Republican running in favor of a more conservative third-party candidate. Ultimately, a Democrat carried the district, the first time in more than 125 years the party has won there.
Armey, who backed Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman, drew local headlines himself in that race after blasting an editorial board's questions on upstate New York issues - questions Hoffman had struggled to answer - as "parochial."
"The Conservative Party nominated the small government conservative, he got in the race late and he caught and passed her," Armey said Monday. "She dropped out, endorsed the Democrat. If the Republican Party or if the Conservative candidate had a little more time, he might have won that.
"But the Republican Party's got to decide whether or not they're going to be the'me too' party, somewhat schizophrenic, half the party acting like us, the other half acting like them. Or are they going to be the big tent party that builds themselves around a national concept of small governance, fiscal conservatism, and has a broad appeal, as it did with Goldwater, as it did with Reagan," he said.Over the course of several hours, ‘numerous’ people showed up at Value Village and made off with approximately $1,000 in household items and clothing.
Two women arrived in a truck. Two more arrived riding electric wheelchairs.
Crime Stoppers says the weird incident occurred Aug. 12 after someone cut the lock on a storage trailer behind the Northern Avenue East thrift store.
The incident was captured on video (above) and Crime Stoppers is looking to identify several suspects.
If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.
If you have information on this crime or any other crime call Crime Stoppers at 705-942-7867 or 1-800-222-8477. Type a tip through our website at www.saultcrimestoppers.com or text the keyword SSM along with your tip to 274637.ABOUT THIS PROJECT This report is part of the project “Voting Wars – Rights | Power | Privilege,” produced by the Carnegie-Knight News21 initiative, a national investigative reporting project by top college journalism students and headquartered at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. For Wisconsin Voters Information about all of the requirements to register and vote in Wisconsin’s Nov. 8 election is available at www.gab.wi.gov/voters. More from this series Voting Wars — by News21
Republican and Democratic politicians across the country are deeply divided over restoring the right to vote to felons, a political fracture that affects millions of convicted criminals.
In Iowa and Kentucky, Democratic governors issued executive orders to restore voting rights to many felons — only to have them rescinded by Republican governors who succeeded them.
Democratic legislators in 29 states proposed more than 270 bills over the past six years that would have made it easier for some felons to vote but very few passed, especially in legislatures controlled by Republicans, News21 found in an analysis of state legislative measures nationwide.
Debate and decisions about restoring voting rights to felons often follow partisan lines because felons, particularly African-Americans, are viewed as more likely to vote Democratic than Republican, voting rights experts told News21.
Nationwide, 1 in 13 black voters is disenfranchised because of a felony conviction as opposed to 1 in 56 non-black voters, according to The Sentencing Project, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. that works on criminal justice sentencing policies and racial disparities.
In Wisconsin, the disenfranchisement of both black and white voters is even more stark. Statewide, about 1 in every 9 African-American adults is barred from voting because of a felony conviction. That compares to 1 out of every 50 residents in Wisconsin overall, the American Civil Liberties Union has estimated.
Wisconsin prohibits voting by felons until they are no longer under the control of the state, including parole, probation or extended supervision. People who are charged but not convicted of a crime, even if they are in jail, are allowed to vote, under state law. The League of Women Voters of Dane County recently prepared information packets including an absentee ballot and registration cards for the 900 inmates at the Dane County Jail, volunteer Marian Matthews said.
Coburn Dukehart / Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism
Former prison inmate Joseph Frey, 57, who served a 22-year sentence for crimes including eight years on a rape in Oshkosh for which he was wrongfully convicted, said it was “life-changing” when he could begin voting again in 2013. As a person whose voting rights were stripped from him, Frey is frustrated that many people do not even bother to go to the polls.
“We have to make sure that these politicians are accountable to us — they work for us,” said Frey, who now lives in Madison. “If we don’t stand up for ourselves, then shame on us.”
Back in 2009, Democratic lawmakers in Wisconsin who ran the Legislature unsuccessfully proposed restoring voting rights to felons upon release from prison. That year, the Brennan Center for Justice estimated that 62,343 Wisconsin residents were ineligible to vote because of felony convictions; more than 37,500 of them were out of prison and living in the community.
“Across each correctional population, Wisconsin’s racial disparities in disenfranchisement are significantly higher than the national average,” concluded a 2012 report by researchers from the University of Minnesota’s Department of Sociology. “Overall, as a percentage of the voting-age population, African Americans are disenfranchised at a rate that is more than 9 times greater than it is for whites in Wisconsin.”
Handful of bills pass
News21’s analysis of data from the National Conference of State Legislatures found 316 bills nationwide that would have allowed more access to voting for felons. Republican-controlled legislatures blocked 137, another 101 failed to pass in states with divided control, and 65 were unsuccessful in Democratic-controlled legislatures. Maryland’s Republican governor vetoed one bill.
News21
“Democrats are probably going to like it (felon voting) because they are going to expect a draw of votes, and Republicans tend to object,” said Lynn Sanders, a University of Virginia professor and expert in American government.
“This issue is very politicized because some Republicans associate the expanding franchise with more Democratic votes,” agreed Nazgol Ghandnoosh, a research analyst at The Sentencing Project. The organization estimates nearly 6 million felons are disenfranchised nationwide.
“Most of these people are not currently incarcerated,” Ghandnoosh said. “They’re living among us in their communities, but because of restrictions and laws that prevent people from being able to vote, until they’ve gone through a number of hurdles, they are not able to engage and be a part of our democracy.”
Maine and Vermont are the only states where felons never lose the right to vote, even in prison.
“You don’t lose your citizenship when you get incarcerated,” said Foster Bates, an inmate at the Maine State Prison and president-elect of its NAACP chapter.
Bates, who was convicted of murder, said more than 1,200 inmates are registered to vote in Maine. “Voting in here is everything to us,” he said.
Laws include lifetime bans
Florida, Kentucky, Iowa and Virginia impose the strictest laws that can permanently disenfranchise felons, regardless of the offenses. Virginia’s Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe issued a blanket restoration of voting rights to felons earlier this year, but the Virginia Supreme Court struck it down. McAuliffe charged the decision was made for political reasons.
Michaele White / Governor's office via Flickr
Florida requires those convicted of nonviolent offenses to wait five years and those convicted of more serious offenses to wait seven years before applying for clemency. Florida’s Board of Executive Clemency, which currently includes the governor, state attorney general, chief financial officer and commissioner of agriculture, decides whether to grant or deny the request. Members of the board could not be reached for comment.
Over the past six years, Florida’s Democrats have introduced nine bills that would have made it easier for felons to vote, but none passed in the Republican-controlled Legislature.
Orlando-area Democratic U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson said Florida’s law, which affects nearly 1 in 4 African-American residents, is the modern-day equivalent of a poll tax. “This is the most effective disenfranchisement tool in the country,” Grayson said. “Other efforts are amateurist.”
Virginia debates felon voting rights
Without a vote, advocates say people are disconnected from politics and society.
Richard Walker, founder of Bridging the Gap in Virginia, a nonprofit organization that helps the formerly incarcerated re-enter society, spent 14 months in prison for possession of cocaine and writing bad checks to purchase and resell stamps. Since his release in 2005, he’s been traveling across Virginia to convince felons their votes matter.
“It gives them a voice. It gives them the opportunity to say ‘I am a citizen because I do vote,’ ” Walker said. “Without that, folk have the feeling that they’re marginalized and that they’re not a part of society. That’s a gut-wrenching thought to say that I have no voice and I can’t vote.”
Marianna Hauglie / News21
Even before his sweeping executive order, McAuliffe said he had restored voting rights to 18,000 felons by granting individual pardons. McAuliffe told News21 at the Democratic National Convention that his actions were for moral reasons, not political reasons.
“I’m committed and passionate,” he said. “It isn’t about Election Day — it’s about letting these folks come back in and vote and feel good about themselves.”
McAuliffe issued his executive order April 22 restoring voting rights to more than 200,000 felons who had completed the terms of their sentences, including probation and parole.
Michaele White / Governor's office via Flickr
Less than a month later, major players in the state’s Republican-controlled General Assembly — including House Speaker William J. Howell and Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment Jr. — challenged McAuliffe’s order with a lawsuit, arguing that the governor violated the state constitution.
The Virginia Supreme Court agreed. In a 4-3 decision in July, Chief Justice Donald W. Lemons said the court “respectfully disagreed” with McAuliffe’s belief that the governor holds the power to make blanket restorations. Howell and Norment could not be reached for comment.
Michelle Fisher of Norfolk, Virginia, had waited 30 years to have her rights restored. “Some people change,” she said. “They don’t keep going (down) the same road, and it’s an awesome thing that he (McAuliffe) did. It’s going to help a lot of people.”
Marianna Hauglie / News21
However, felons like Fisher who received their rights under McAuliffe’s order will be removed for now from the voter registrar list because of the court’s decision.
“Everyone is disappointed. They thought they were giving them a chance to vote and be a part of society,” said Brandon Polly, an employee at New Virginia Majority, a grassroots advocacy organization. “It’s like a slap in the face all over again.”
Iowa restores, then revokes, voting rights
In 2005, Iowa’s Democratic Gov. Tom Vilsack also issued an executive order restoring voting rights to felons who had completed their full sentences — a move that enfranchised more than 115,000 felons, according to The Sentencing Project. The order was rescinded six years later by Republican Gov. Terry Branstad.
Today, any Iowan convicted of an “infamous crime” must submit an application to the governor for an individual pardon. And according to an Iowa Supreme Court ruling in June, every felony is considered an “infamous crime.”
“This ruling goes in line with 150 years of precedent and has been reaffirmed by the people of Iowa and their elected representatives on multiple occasions,” Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate said in a statement.
Kentucky’s fight over felons
In Kentucky, felons must also submit applications to the governor. Each is reviewed on an individual basis.
Last year, Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear tried to establish automatic restoration procedures before leaving office, issuing an executive order that would have granted voting rights to more than 140,000 nonviolent offenders who completed their sentences and paid restitution. A month later, newly elected Republican Gov. Matt Bevin rescinded the order.
Tayna Fogle, a Kentucky felon, had her rights restored 10 years ago in a process that included three character references and an essay. It took her 15 years to get there, and she hasn’t missed a chance to vote since. In 1991, Fogle was charged with possession of a forged instrument and possession of cocaine. She served six years and nine months of a 10-year sentence.
“Did the crime, did the time. I’m back,” she said. “I’m supposed to be embraced. I’m supposed to be able to vote.”
Courtesy of Loevy & Loevy
The Kentucky Department of Corrections received 16,016 applications from felons between 2002 and 2015 — about 72 percent of applicants were granted their rights.
Sarah Grady, an attorney who leads the Prisoners’ Rights Project for Loevy & Loevy civil rights law firm, has researched the history of felony disenfranchisement in Kentucky. Grady called the restoration process “a silly draconian law that really has no place in modern society.”
Lexington native Mantell Stevens has tried unsuccessfully to complete the restoration application multiple times. He’s been unable to vote since being convicted of felony drug possession in 2000, serving 30 days in jail and three years’ probation.
“If I pay my taxes and I abide by the law, I want all the rights as any other citizens,” Stevens said. “That’s not too much to ask for — to be treated like anybody else.”
This report is part of a project on voting rights in America produced by the Carnegie-Knight News21 program. The Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism contributed to and distributed this report.Oh, I do so love a good disclaimer. Why, I think I see one galloping over the hill right now! Look at it go, diving in to interject just as I was about to say something ill-conceived/stupid. So: I largely think The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt looks excellent. I got to watch (though not play, sadly) a new 45 minute demo of it during E3, and it encouraged me to peel off another layer from my carapace of hardened skepticism. There were bustling towns, bizarre characters, and beardly moments of derring do. In the spirit of SENSATIONALIST FEAR, however, I did notice a few cracks in the game’s lovingly rusted witcher armor. These are they.
Combat Quibbles
The Witcher 3’s combat looks alright – action-y but with a hint of strategy in the form of weapon switches (including a new crossbow for taking out airborne baddies), spells, and Geralt’s trademark mutagen potions – but it struck me as relatively simple. Hack, slash, twirl, dodge, rinse, repeat. The encounters we saw didn’t have much to them. A werewolf required a specific potion and well-timed magic shield deployments for brief stuns, but otherwise he was basically a big, furry shishkebab for Geralt’s silver blade. Afterward, an admirably bizarre evil spirit – some sort of grotesque cave-dwelling tree heart – was easily dispatched as well, requiring a quick clearing out of a few other enemies it summoned and then a swift stab while its guard was down.
So essentially, two very basic action game boss patterns. Nothing particularly inventive or, er, wild. Granted, they could’ve been simplified or sped up for the purposes of the demo. Again, I am just voicing worries based on what I saw – not making definitive statements about the quality of the game. Combat wasn’t Witcher 2’s strongest suit, though, especially in regard to controls. I really would’ve liked the chance to try it for myself, but many of CD Projekt’s developers are bigger than me and well-versed in the art of witching. If I tried to snag the controller, I could’ve been witched. Instead I just ate a sandwich in their booth and everyone was happy.
Moreover, at this stage everything felt just the teensiest bit awkward. The camera, especially, hitched from time-to-time and ended up in very poor positions. Disorienting at best, deadly at worst.
Errand Boy
I love gigantic open worlds more than the next guy (who doesn’t know shit about open worlds, tbh), but they do have their drawbacks. For instance, how do you fill such a massive place – in this case, one 50 times the size of The Witcher 2 – with interesting stuff to do? Some of it is bound to be cookie cutter, right?
It sort of felt that way in our demo as Geralt bounced from “I’ll help you, but only if you do me this favor” fetch quest to fetch quest. Each character’s motivation made sense in the context of the story, but it began to feel a little tedious as we inched ever closer to our actual objective: a tiny sliver of information on the “ashen-haired girl” who seems to be responsible for the titular Wild Hunt, which Geralt aims to stop. Like, yes, I understand, everybody wants something, but can we get to the point?
That said, the quest chain had some wickedly interesting (and downright wicked) characters, including a childlike “godling” whose internal monologue never stayed internal for long (“Defecating into the sunrise, my favorite part of the day” was one of many choice lines) and beautiful Lady spirits who were… not what they seemed.
The other upside here? CD Projekt is apparently trying extremely hard to avoid the sorts of “kill X number of whatever” quests that pop up in, say, Skyrim. Apparently every quest will have some kind of story.
“We call [those Skyrim quests] ‘FedEx Quests,’ and we never want to have them in the game,” game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz told RPS. “We’ve created a bunch of encounters you can find while wandering the world, and every one of these encounters has its own small storyline. We want to create the feeling that characters really live in this world.”
“We’ve got a lot of more traditional quests, and also we created the plan B of monster hunting, which is how Witchers make money. So you have to gather information about the monster you’re preparing to take down, you’ve got to collect special ingredients for alchemy and potions – those kinds of things for each unique monster. We don’t want to make generic quests where you do the same stuff repeatedly. It’s better to just leave the area with the wandering monsters and the same quests behind. We want to give you a feeling like you’re in a real world. If you change a part of that world permanently, hooray! There will be other stuff for you to do [elsewhere].”
Words Can Never Hurt Me
This is a small one – something indicative of how solid Witcher 3 is looking overall – but some of the writing was a little wonky. The godling child spoke in, like, four or five different overwritten fantasy dialects, and all the Game-of-Thrones-style lingo intermingling with (admittedly charming) humor and low-level Shakespeare got distracting after a little while. It just seemed like a little too much, or rather like Witcher’s writers needed to pick one thing and stick with it.
Meanwhile, Geralt’s dialogue was wooden, and he couldn’t maintain a consistent tone. One moment he was grim as all get-out, and then in a conversation with a guy he barely knew mere moments later, he was cracking awkwardly timed jokes about the tiny ramshackle swamp town they were in.
I don’t know how much of the dialogue is up for possible rewriting, but the game’s still a ways out. CDP isn’t afraid to write and rewrite too, as the game’s director told me, so I’m hopeful.
Walk This Way
Another small one, another thing that can be fixed with more time for polish. But still, it bears mentioning: The Witcher 3 is a gorgeous game, but its character animations sometimes didn’t quite stack up to the hyper-realistic graphics on display. Conversations saw Geralt and co cycle through a couple sort of awkwardly stiff poses and facial expressions, something that only took me out of the experience ever-so-slightly, but it was noticeable. Quit being so uptight, Geralt! Don’t you know you’re in a super sweet videogame world that revolves entirely around you? Jeez, this guy, right?
Bonus Section: Details That Really Surprised Me
So yes, I’m a little worried about a few elements of The Witcher 3, but largely it remains one of my most anticipated games in ages. During the E3 demo I managed to find even more reasons to stand in awe of its mucky, grease-stained radiance. For instance:
Cities feel amazingly alive – You thought Skyrim’s “Radiant” AI was impressive? Or if not impressive then at least a cut above the mindless mobs that tend to populate videogame worlds? Well, Witcher 3’s variation on the theme looked magnificently natural. Children shouted and played tag, adults walked and chatted, fires crackled, water wheels churned, etc, etc, etc. It was so palpably alive. Our presenter noted that NPCs react the all sorts of things, too: the time of day, weather, Geralt punching them – every valid and rational human concern. Afterward, I went to a demo of Dragon Age Inquisition, and the difference was night and day. DA’s denizens were stuck in their tracks like they were born and raised in a vat of quicksand. No sudden movements. Really just no… movements in general, actually.
Geralt can climb stuff now – Cliffs and hillsides getting in your way? No problem. Like a sprightly assassin or Notch’s envisioning of a horse, Geralt’s got enough spring in his step to vault up/over whatever pitiful rock formation might stand in his way. He doesn’t animate quite as well as, say, the main character of Assassin’s Creed Unity, but it’s a useful skill nonetheless.
The draw distance is absurd – Our presenter stood at the top of a cliff after vanquishing its harpy residents, and from there he pointed to a tree on a mountain seemingly miles away. “You can go explore that,” he said.
Environmental interaction is apparently a big focus – CD Projekt claims that it always wants to offer you some sort of environmental option in most encounters to add extra oomph to your combat arsenal. During the demo, I saw bee hives you could knock from trees and explosive objects you could tickle into combustive laughter with a few light sparks from Geralt’s fire spell. However, there was then a bit where the presenter tried to burn away some path-blocking roots with said fire spell and it didn’t work, which didn’t even make sense to him. So these things aren’t entirely consistent yet.
tried to burn away some path-blocking roots with said fire spell and it didn’t work, which didn’t even make sense to him. So these things aren’t entirely consistent yet. Day/night doesn’t just affect townsfolk – It changes monsters too. Quick word of advice: maybe don’t plunge into Clearly Demonic Forest when the sun’s down. Just a hunch, is all.
People react to your accomplishments – After our presenter slew a werewolf, entered a cave, and came back out, villagers had gathered around the werewolf’s body. Makes sense: it was causing them no end of trouble, and I imagine they were quite happy to see it go.
There are still plenty of brothels – Ah, The Witcher’s balancing act between a desire for “mature” depictions of sex and an almost juvenile fixation on it continues.
If spooky Ladies trapped in a painting want someone’s still-bleeding ear on a stone, they are probably evil – In retrospect, I really should’ve seen that one coming.
Keep your eyes peeled for tons more Witcher 3 info in the coming days. I somehow managed to spend nearly an entire day of E3 at CD Projekt’s booth, so yeah. This is only the beginning.Former CDU politician Dr. Maximilian Krah told Sputnik Deutschland that he decided to leave the party because the immigration policy pursued by Chancellor Merkel is "dangerous for the whole country" and shows no signs of reform.
© AFP 2018 / Tobias Schwartz German U-Turn Over Migrants Exposes Failure of EU Immigration Policy
The controversial migration policy pursued by Angela Merkel's government is causing a lot of discontent in the ranks of her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, former CDU politician Dr. Maximilian Krah told Sputnik Deutschland
The 37-year-old politician was a rising star in the party and intended to stand for election to the Bundestag next year, but has recently resigned in protest at Merkel's policies.
"I realized that there is no chance I can implement my political ideas and beliefs in the party," said Krah, who was chairman of the local CDU party branch in the Zschachwitz area of Dresden, and a member of Dresden's CDU district board.
Krah explained that the key reason for his exit is the open-door migration policy established by Merkel last year. He disagrees with her decision to allow migrants and refugees to live in Germany while their asylum claims are being processed, and thinks that only asylum seekers who have already had their application accepted should be allowed to enter the country.
"Only in Germany does it happen that somebody arrives at the border, says the word 'asylum' and is allowed to enter straightaway," Krah said.
© REUTERS / Giorgos Moutafis 'Send Them Back to Libya': EU Deputies Propose New Solution to Illegal Migration
In the first nine months of 2015 more than 710,000 migrants entered Europe across the Mediterranean and the Aegean Seas. Countries in Europe's south and east struggled to cope with the flow of migrants, and on August 31 Chancellor Merkel decided to open Germany's borders to asylum seekers waiting to travel to Western Europe.
As a result, the number of refugees and migrants arriving in Germany daily increased to a record 10,000 per day in September, and by the end of 2015 a record 1.1 million refugees and migrants had arrived in Germany.
Krah told Sputnik that he is concerned about Germany's ability to integrate the arrivals into its society.
"The same thing will happen, as in France and Belgium. We will have ethnically isolated residential districts, where a parallel society develops. These parallel societies are havens for organized crime and Islamic extremism," he said.
The final straw for the politician was the Chancellor's reaction to the party's recent election defeat in regional elections in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where Merkel's own constituency is located.
Today I had the chance to explain my standpoint on RT International: https://t.co/NPlettOmDF — Dr. Maximilian Krah (@KrahMax) September 22, 2016
The CDU gained just 19 percent of the vote, coming in third place after the SPD (30.6 percent) and newcomers Alternative for Germany (20.8 percent).
As Chancellor and party leader, Merkel said she took responsibility for the disastrous result. However, she added that "I still think we took the right decisions."
On September 19 Merkel's party suffered another blow in regional elections in Berlin. The center-left SPD received the largest share of the vote, 21.6 percent, followed by the CDU (17.6 percent), Die Linke (15.6 percent), the Greens (15.2 percent) and AfD (14.2 percent).
© AFP 2018 / DPA/Bernd Von Jutrczenka On One Year Anniversary of 'We Can Handle This,' Merkel Admits Migrant Mistakes
This time, Merkel admitted that the flow of migrants into Germany went out of control last year, but nevertheless backed in principle the decision to keep Germany's borders open.
"On balance it was absolutely right, but it meant that ultimately we had insufficient control for a time," Merkel said, adding that "If I could, I would turn the clock back."
For former CDU politician Krah, the admission is short of the change of course he demands. Currently an independent, Krah is attracted by the political manifesto of the Eurosceptic, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD).
"Of the parties which have a realistic chance of exercising influence, the AfD is the only one which is following a sustainable immigration policy," Krah told Sputnik.EVE Online's largest player-controlled virtual bank, Ebank, just can't seem to catch a break these days. A few months after it was revealed that the company had been defrauded of a staggering amount of cash, it turns out that the institution's digital vaults are far more barren than many realized, leading to an in-game freezing of accounts for any individual or organization that happened to have invested any InterStellar Kredits (ISK) with the bank.
Early this summer, it came to light that a veteran EVE player (known only as "Ricdic") had embezzled —and then sold in the real world— over 200 billion ISK from Ebank, causing a run on the virtual financial institution. However, this was just the beginning of the problems for the player-owned bank. Recently installed Ebank Chairman Ray McCormack admitted that the bank had been mismanaged, and rules, safeguards, and controls were not enforced. As a result, it's been revealed that Ebank is 380 billion ISK poorer thanks to a number of defaulted loans. Because of the aforementioned mismanagement, it apparently took the bank's new officers a while to figure out just how far in the red their institution is.
At the moment, customer accounts will remain frozen until the bank manages to stabilize. According to McCormack, "withdrawals will be allowed once the bank achieves a maintainable equity status of 90% (1.8t currently); they will be stopped again should that fall below 80%."
The main problem with Ebank's account freezing is that it could do some serious harm to the game's economy, mainly because players won't be able to withdraw their funds in order to pay for in-game goods and services. Exactly how long a recovery will take is currently anyone's guess, though, as it turns out that the board of directors revealed that the bank is currently facing a deficit of roughly 1.2 trillion ISK, with the amount increasing by approximately 12 billion ISK a month.It takes a special kind of person to be this much of a dick.
A quick refresher on Mitch McConnell: This is the man who once said that his main goal as the leader of the Republican Senate was to make sure Obama was a one-term president. Not fix the economy. Not work on immigration reform. Not increase our standing on the world stage. None of that. McConnell was determined to reverse the results of the 2008 election. That's it.
So it was stunning when he had the absolute gall to be a condescending prick to the anti-Trump protests that have been bogging down the GOP's agenda:
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"And we respect everybody's right to express themselves. Now I'm going to express myself," he said. "Why are they protesting? They didn't like the results of the election."
McConnell said the current administration is pursuing an agenda that "folks outside don't agree with."
"They had their shot in the election.... But in this country when you win the election you get to make policy. I always remind people, winners make policy and losers go home."
"Winner make policy and losers go home." Actually, when Republicans are the losers, they go to an expensive restaurant and plot a slow motion coup:
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WASHINGTON — As President Barack Obama was celebrating his inauguration at various balls, top Republican lawmakers and strategists were conjuring up ways to submarine his presidency at a private dinner in Washington.
For several hours in the Caucus Room (a high-end D.C. establishment), the book says they plotted out ways to not just win back political power, but to also put the brakes on Obama’s legislative platform.
“If you act like you’re the minority, you’re going to stay in the minority,” Draper quotes McCarthy as saying. “We’ve gotta challenge them on every single bill and challenge them on every single campaign.”
And not that it needs to be said, but Obama didn't just win, he won in a landslide whereas Trump squeaked out an electoral college win with just 75,000 votes while losing the popular vote by almost 3 million. By any definition, Obama had a mandate and Republicans still refused to let him make policy. Meanwhile, Trump has the exact opposite of a mandate and here's McConnell, demanding that the left sit down and be quiet.
We get it. McConnell spent 8 years eroding the foundations of American democracy for partisan gain and was rewarded for his efforts.
Fuck you, Mitch McConnell.
There are 622 days left to the 2018 elections.
- This article kills fascists
Please consider becoming a paid member of The Daily Banter and supporting us in holding the Trump administration to account. Your help is needed more than ever, and is greatly appreciated.In this lesson, you will find some vocabulary involving Love in many languages.
English French Chinese Mandarin Japanese Spanish Italian Russian Grec Arabic
I love you! Je t'aime! 我爱你！ ¡Te quiero! Ti amo! Я люблю тебя! Σ' αγαπώ
I love him/her a lot! Je l'aime beaucoup! 我非常喜欢！ ¡Yo lo(la) amo mucho! Lo/La amo molto! Я очень сильно его/ее люблю! Σ' αγαπώ πολύ
Do you love me? Est-ce que tu m'aimes? 你爱我吗？ ¿Me quieres? Ma tu mi ami? Ты меня любишь? Μ'αγαπάς;
I know you love me! Je sais que tu m'aimes! 我知道你爱我！ ¡Yo sé que me amas! Lo so che mi ami! Язнаю, что ты любишь меня! Το ξέρω πως μ'αγαπάς
You are very handsome! Tu es très beau! 你是如此英俊！ ¡Eres muy hermoso! Sei bella! Ты такой красивый! Είσαι πολύ ωραίος
You are very beautiful! Tu es très belle! 你看起来美丽！ ¡Eres muy linda! Sei bellissima! Ты такой красивый! Ты такая красивая! Είσαι πολύ ωραία
I love your smile! J'aime ton sourire! 我喜欢你的笑容！ ¡Me encanta tu sonrisa! Mi piace il tuo sorriso! Я люблю твою улыбку! Αγαπώ το χαμόγελό σου
You have beautiful eyes! Tu as de beaux yeux! 你有漂亮的眼睛！ ¡Tienes bonitos ojos! Hai degli occhi bellissimi! У тебя прекрастные глаза! Έχεις ωραία μάτια
I think you've very cute Je pense que tu es très mignon(ne)! 我觉得你很可爱！ ¡Creo que eres muy lindo! Penso che tu sia molto carino(a)! Я думаю, что ты очень умный/умная Είσαι πολύ χαριτωμένος - νη
Hug me! Prends moi dans tes bras! 抱我！ ¡Abrázame! / ¡Llévame en tus brazos! Prendimi tra le tue braccia! Обними меня! πάρε με στην αγκαλιά σου!
Kiss me! Embrasse-moi! 吻我！ ¡Bésame! Baciami! Поцелуй меня! Φίλησέ με
Take my hand! Prends-moi la main! 牵着我的手！ ¡Toma mi mano! Prendi la mia mano! Возьми меня за руку! Κράτα μου το χέρι
I want to kiss you! J'ai envie de t'embrasser! 我想吻你！ ¡Quiero besarte! Voglio baciarti! Я хочу поцеловать тебя! Ποθώ να σε φιλήσω
I want to make love to you. J'ai envie de faire l'amour avec toi. 我要爱你。 Quiero hacer el amor contigo. Voglio fare l'amore con te. Я хочу заняться с тобой любовью. Θέλω να κάνω έρωτα μαζί σου
I am thinking about you. Je pense à toi. 我想你。 Pienso en ti. Penso a te. Я думаю о тебе. Σε σκέφτομαι
I can't live without you! Je ne peux pas vivre sans toi! 我的生活不能没有你！ ¡No puedo vivir sin ti! Non posso vivere senza di te! Я не могу жить без тебя! Δε μπορώ να ζήσω χωρίς εσένα
I am in love. Je suis amoureux(se). 我恋爱了。 Estoy enamorado(a) Sono innamorato(a). Я влюблен/влюблена. Είμαι ερωτευμένος - νη
You are the love of my life. Tu es l’amour de ma vie. 你是我一生的挚爱。 Eres el amor de mi vida. Sei l'amore della mia vita. Ты любовь всей моей жизни! Είσαι ο έρωτας της ζωής μου
Do you want to get married? Veux-tu m'épouser? 你愿意嫁给我吗？ ¿Quieres casarte conmigo? Mi vuoi sposare? Будешь ли ты моей женой? Θέλεις να με παντρευτείς;
You make me happy Tu me rends heureux(se)! 你让我快乐！ ¡Me haces feliz! Mi fai felice! Ты делаешь меня счастливым Με κάνεις ευτυχισμένο - νηA youthful vibe and lively cultural scene are fueling Idaho’s capital city.
BOISE, Idaho — I think it was a Garrison Keillor line: No matter how smug a Boise tech millionaire might feel as he drives around in his fancy Mercedes, his license plate still says “Famous Potatoes.”
OK, there, the potato joke is out of the way. Now for the real story:
When I visited Boise recently, I found the capital of |
Guggenheim: Yes! I knew it would be controversial and I knew we’d get a reaction. But that isn’t why we did it. Some people said, “You were throwing [the shippers] a bone.” But that wasn’t our intention. I think our audience members are really savvy. If you’re just throwing them a bone or offering fan service, they can sense the insincerity. For us, it’s just about what the right story is for these two characters. What will give us the most dramatic moments?
At the end of the day, we’re just trying to tell a compelling story. And that’s hard enough. We’re not trying to service any one group in particular. I’d like to think all our audience members—no matter what pair they’re shipping—they all want a good story. They all want to see a compelling hour of television. That is what we have to do first and foremost…I was watching the Twitter feed during the broadcast. Some people saw the twist coming and others were blindsided. When you have millions of people watching a show, there’s going to be a bunch of smart people watching and they’re going to be able to predict anything you can throw at them. My hope is that we may not surprise you in what we do, but hopefully we’re surprising you in how we do it.
Paste: So, who’s feeding Slade [on his Island prison]?
Guggenheim: Everyone’s been asking me that (laughs). I always tweet back #skinnyslade. We’ll probably reveal how the prison operates during Season Three. But it’s definitely something we’ve talked about. There is an explanation for it.
Paste: Now, you’re about to write an X-Men arc…
Guggenheim: Yeah, I’m really excited about that!
Paste: You’re a showrunner for a DC show. Are you allowed to write a Marvel comic?
Guggenheim: No one’s said anything! (laughs) But, no, I’ve always worked both sides of the street, except for a two-year period where I was exclusive to Marvel comics. I broke into DC with Aquaman, I broke into Marvel with Wolverine and Punisher. A lot is made of this rivalry between Marvel and DC but the truth is, once you get to know people, you realize the Marvel people read DC and the DC people read Marvel. They’re all supportive of each other. The industry as a whole recognizes that if either company went out of business tomorrow, everyone would be worse off. The industry benefits from both companies being very strong. So, no, I’ve only gotten people congratulating me.
Paste: Can you tell me a little about the story?
Guggenheim: Yeah! It’s a five-part story. I want to take Brian Woods’ group of X-Men in space. I grew up reading all the early Claremont/Uncanny X-Men. Just before I pitched this story, I reread the Brood Saga. After I re-read it I was struck by how long it had been since we had a true “X-Men in Outer Space” story. I found myself, as a reader, jonesing for it. So when I got a chance to pitch for X-Men, one of the ideas I had was the X-Men in outer space. It’s got a bit of a mystery feel to it, it’s got a bit of a horror feel to it. It’s not a “laser beam” kind of story. It’s more like an Aliens kind of tone. It’s a blast. I’m writing the first issue now and the whole story is broken out. Doing the outline was a real pleasure. Normally, for me, breaking a story is not as enjoyable as scripting it, but breaking this story was a lot of fun. And all the X-Men that I’m writing are all favorites of mine. I get to bring in Deathbird, who was an integral part of the beginning of the Brood saga. I’m bringing in some alien elements you haven’t seen in comics for a number of years. At the same time, I’m playing around with some newer toys like Joss Whedon’s S.W.O.R.D. in The Peak, Abigail Brand—all those characters.
I’m going for something that’s a mix between Joss Whedon and Warren Ellis, which is probably loftier than I’m capable of pulling off (laughs). I love Warren’s writing. I love how his brain works. One thing I’ve really been taken with—and this is the same for Joss’ X-Men run—is the efficiency of storytelling. They really are very clean storytellers in the best possible sense. They allow the artist to shine and each panel is there for a reason. I think I’m writing this arc with a lot of that in mind. We’ll see how the whole thing turns out.
Mark Rozeman is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and regular contributor to Paste. You can follow him on Twitter.Winning Over a Shy Bunny
by Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
One of the most common misconceptions people have about rabbits is that they like to be held and cuddled. This is probably because they look like plush toys. Unfortunately, many people buy rabbits without realizing the true nature of rabbits, and that's one of the main reason these lovely, intelligent creatures are "dumped" shortly after they reach sexual maturity and begin to assert their strong personalities.
You are distressed that the bunny does not like to be held. Consider for a moment, however, the natural history of the rabbit. This is a ground-dwelling animal that is a prey item for many predators. It is completely against the nature of the rabbit to be held far above the ground where it cannot control its own motions and activities. When you force her to be held against her will, you reinforce her instinctive notion that you are a predator who is trying to restrain her. Holding her while she struggles and kicks is not only dangerous for you and the children (You may have noticed her sharp claws by now!), but also for the rabbit. I wish I didn't know how many young rabbits come into our vet's office with broken legs, necks and spines because people insisted on carrying them around and handling them against their will. If you love your bunny, you won't do this.
Think about it: if your dog or cat didn't like to be carried around, you probably would not force the issue. Why treat your bunny any differently, simply because of her superficially "toylike" appearance? To understand rabbit behavior, you have to begin to think like a rabbit!
First, buy yourself a copy of The House Rabbit Handbook by Marinell Harriman. It's the most accurate book about rabbits available today.
Second, remember that a rabbit, unlike a dog or cat, evolved as a prey species. Dogs and cats are predators, and most do not have a natural fear of being held. Reinforcing this natural tendency, breeders have selected generation upon generation of domestic dogs and cats so that their descendants have a short "flight distance". This means that domestic dogs and cats are generally not afraid of humans.
Domestic rabbits are very different in this respect. For centuries, rabbits have been bred primarily for meat, fur and physical characteristics. That means that when you adopt a rabbit, you adopt a beautiful animal with domesticated physical features--and the heart and spirit of a wild animal. It is much more challenging to win the trust of this kind of sensitive, intelligent creature than it is to win the heart of a puppy or kitten, who has been bred to trust you from birth.
Most rabbits are naturally shy. It is up to you, the flexible human, to compromise and alter your behavior so that the bunny understands that you are a friend.
Following are a few steps you can take to win your shy rabbit's trust.
1. You and bunny should be together in a private, quiet room. No other pets. No distractions.
2. Have a little treat, such as a carrot or a tiny piece of apple, banana or a little pinch of oats in your hand. (These foods are only for small treats! Rabbits fed a diet with too much digestible carbohydrate are excellent candidates for serious gastrointestinal disorders!)
3. Lie on your tummy on the floor and let the bunny out of his "safe haven" (hutch). It's quite crucial that this hutch have a door that is accessible to the rabbit so that you don't have to lift him when you take him out or put him back in. The bunny should have absolute freedom to choose when he comes out. Don't force the issue. The bunny's natural curiosity will bring him to you.
4. Don't expect your bunny to approach you right away. Remain quiet and patient, even if it takes an hour or more. Rabbits are naturally curious, and eventually, he will come over to sniff you.
5. Resist the temptation to reach out and pat the bunny. Instead, let him sniff you, hop on you and just get to know your smell. This will teach him that you are not a threat.
6. If the bunny finds the treat you have, hold it while he nibbles.
7. Do this every day. Gradually, you can start to touch the bunny by giving him a gentle "scritch" on the forehead (bunnies love this!). Never force anything, and never chase the bunny. This will only undo all the patient sitting you have done to gain his trust. A rabbit does not generally like to play "chase" with an animal that is thirty times his size. It is simply not natural behavior for him, and it is not a sign of low intelligence!
8. As the bunny gradually becomes less shy, you can become more familiar with him, stroking his back, letting him lie with his side pressed against your arm...whatever feels comfortable and natural to both of you. Many rabbits seem to find a face less threatening than a hand. Your bunny may gladly allow you to give him a warm "nose nuzzle" (especially if you hum very low and soft; this is the way rabbits sometimes communicate among themselves), even if he won't let your hand come close.
9. Once the bunny learns that you are a friend, he will bond very strongly to you. It's important to have him neutered (or her spayed, if it's a girl) once s/he reaches sexual maturity, because otherwise s/he'll want to make love to everything, including you--whatever appendages happen to be within reach. Spay/neuter will stop this behavior, and it will eliminate the very real risk of reproductive tract cancers in females. Spay/neuter will also make litterbox training easier and more reliable. Be sure you have this done by a veterinarian who is very experienced with rabbits! If you do not know of an experienced "rabbit vet" near you, please check the House Rabbit Society Veterinary Referral Center.
Try to see the world through your bunny's eyes. Put yourself in her place. No one speaks her "language", she has been taken from her family and perhaps the only home she has ever known, and she has no idea whether you plan to love her, cage her forever, or eat her! You need to gradually and patiently earn her trust. It can take days, weeks or months, and depends on the personality of the individual rabbit.
Rather than being disappointed that the rabbit is not what you expected (it is quite possible that she will never learn to like to be held), take this opportunity to teach your children respect for an animal who is different from them, who has different needs, perceptions and behaviors than a dog or cat, and who is NOT a casual plaything. If the children really want something to carry around, they need a stuffed toy--not a live rabbit.
Finally, remember that the ultimate responsiblity for the rabbit's welfare belongs to the adults in the household--not the children. Most human children are pretty well into their late teens before they truly understand the necessity of constant, devoted care to another sentient life form. This can be your opportunity to get an early start in teaching them that all-important life lesson.
Your rabbit is a highly intelligent, potentially loving, loyal creature who can become a member of the family, if you allow her to be what she is-- a rabbit! If you and all your family can do that, you are in for the most delightful companionship imaginable.The degree to which physical attractiveness and nonverbal expressions of pain influence physicians' perceptions of pain was investigated. Photographs of eight female university students were represented in four experimental conditions created by the manipulation of cosmetics, hairstyles, and facial expressions: (a) attractive-no pain, (b) attractive-pain, (c) unattractive-no pain, and (d) unattractive-pain. Each photograph was accompanied by a brief description of the patient's pain problem that was standard across conditions. Medical residents (N = 60) viewed the photographs and rated each patient's pain, distress, negative affective experience, health, personality, blame for the situation, and the physician's own solicitude for the patient. The results showed that physicians' ratings of pain were influenced both by attractiveness of patients and by nonverbal expressions of pain. Unattractive patients, and patients who were expressing pain, were perceived as experiencing more pain, distress, and negative affective experiences than attractive patients and patients who were not expressing pain. Unattractive patients also received higher ratings of solicitude on the doctor's part and lower ratings of health than attractive patients. Physician's assessments of pain appear to be influenced by the physical attractiveness of the patient.The Strange Quark In 1947 during a study of cosmic ray interactions, a product of a proton collision with a nucleus was found to live for a much longer time than expected: 10-10 seconds instead of the expected 10-23 seconds! This particle was named the lambda particle ( Λ0 ) and the property which caused it to live so long was dubbed "strangeness" and that name stuck to be the name of one of the quarks from which the lambda particle is constructed. The lambda is a baryon which is made up of three quarks: an up, a down and a strange quark. The shorter lifetime of 10-23 seconds was expected because the lambda as a baryon participates in the strong interaction, and that usually leads to such very short lifetimes. The long observed lifetime helped develop a new conservation law for such decays called the "conservation of strangeness". The presence of a strange quark in a particle is denoted by a quantum number S=-1. Particle decay by the strong or electromagnetic interactions preserve the strangeness quantum number. The decay process for the lambda particle must violate that rule, since there is no lighter particle which contains a strange quark - so the strange quark must be transformed to another quark in the process. That can only occur by the weak interaction, and that leads to a much longer lifetime. The decay processes show that strangeness is not conserved: The quark transformations necessary to accomplish these decay processes can be visualized with the help of Feynman diagrams. The omega-minus, a baryon composed of three strange quarks, is a classic example of the need for the property called "color" in describing particles. Since quarks are fermions with spin 1/2, they must obey the Pauli exclusion principle and cannot exist in identical states. So with three strange quarks, the property which distinguishes them must be capable of at least three distinct values. Conservation of strangeness is not in fact an independent conservation law, but can be viewed as a combination of the conservation of charge, isospin, and baryon number. It is often expressed in terms of hypercharge Y, defined by: Isospin and either hypercharge or strangeness are the quantum numbers often used to draw particle diagrams for the hadrons. Table of quark propertiesYour first name
Let’s get ready to rumble.
On Thursday, hall of fame boxing promoter Bob Arum offered to host a Donald Trump vs. Bernie Sanders debate, live on pay-per-view.
“It’s the debate of the century,” Arum said in a statement. “Mr. Trump, the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee and Senator Sanders, the Democratic nominee. (VIDEO: Trump Says He’ll Debate Bernie If He Donates $10 Million To Charity)
“We have two contenders ready, willing and able to go mano a mano over the most important issues facing the United States. And I am ready to promote it,” the Top Rank CEO added.
According to Boxing Scene, Top Rank will receive, at most, 20 percent of PPV sales as reimbursement for securing the venue and producing the debate.
The remainder of the sales would go to charities of Trump and Sanders’ choice, with Top Rank declaring a $20 million minimum threshold.
Additionally, Arum suggested former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is also running for president, moderate the debate.
Follow Datoc on Twitter and FacebookSwarming robot boats could be heading to a contested strait near you. By Patrick Tucker
It’s August on Virginia’s James River and a secret military exercise is about to make history. A large ship that the Navy sometimes calls a high-value unit, HVU, is making its way down the river’s thalweg, escorted by 13 small guard boats. Between them, they carry a variety of payloads, loud speakers and flashing lights, a.50-caliber machine gun and a microwave direct energy weapon or heat ray.
A helicopter crew overhead spies a suspicious “enemy” boat that seems to be moving too close to the HVU. Messages are relayed and the small escort boats begin moving. Detecting the enemy vessel with radar and infrared sensors, they perform a series of maneuvers to encircle the craft, coming close enough to the boat to engage it and near enough to one another to seal off any potential escape or access to the ship they are guarding. They blast warnings via loudspeaker and flash their lights. The HVU is now free to safely move away.
What made this particular exercise remarkable was that the 13 boats were not only unmanned, but displayed an unprecedented degree of autonomy. In a recent briefing with reporters, Rear Adm. Matthew Klunder, chief of the Office of Naval Research (ONR), pointed out that a maneuver that required 40 people had just dropped down to just one.
Much of the discussion and fear of armed unmanned vehicles ignores a central fact. Aerial drones like the Predator or Reaper are operated by two-man human teams, a pilot to steer the drone and a sensor operator to control the various mechanical eyes and ears. The boats that participated in the event on the James River were able to sense one another as well as other vessels, and execute complicated “swarm” maneuvers, with a bare minimum of guidance. These boats are not your average drones.
“Think about it as replicating the functions that a human boat pilot would do. We’ve taken that capability and extended it to multiple [unmanned surface vehicles] operating together… within that, we’ve designed team behaviors,” Robert Brizzolara, the manager of the SWARM program for ONR, told reporters.
At one point in his briefing, Klunder held up a cube about the size of a paper weight of circuits stacked on top one another. The unit is called the Control Architecture for Robotic Agent Command and Sensing or CARACaS. It allows the boats to “operate autonomously, without a sailor physically needing to be at the controls—including operating in sync with other unmanned vessels; choosing their own routes; swarming to interdict enemy vessels; and escorting/protecting naval assets,” according to an ONR description. “Any boat can be fitted with a kit that allows it to act autonomously and swarm on a potential threat.”
Though 13 was the number needed for that particular exercise, Klunder envisions future maneuvers with 20 or even 30 boats. He said the system will be fully operational next year.
Where Do Robotic Swarms Come From?
NASA originally designed the system for the Mars Rover. ONR adapted it for the Navy’s needs but the philosophical history of swarm robotics can be traced to this 1995 paper in which artificial intelligence researchers James Kennedy and Russell Eberhardt argue that the collective behaviors that birds, fish, insects and humans display in response to rewards or threats could be captured mathematically and brought to bear on improving artificially intelligent entities in a simulation.
The “social sharing of information among conspeciates [sic] offers an evolutionary advantage,” they observe, borrowing a bit of wisdom from biologist E.O. Wilson. Kennedy and Eberhardt lay out some the major tenets for writing algorithms to mimic natural flocking or schooling behavior. It’s a matter of quickly rating different known variables, threat, reward, and environment. The growing availability of small drones have transformed robot swarms from an obscure academic concept into a YouTube sensation. Consider this 2012 demo showing how University of Pennsylvania researchers turned a series of small robotic quad helicopters into musicians, which got three million views.
YouTube swarm stunts seem to grow by size and complexity faster than companies can make smart phones. Last month, Harvard researcher Radhika Nagpal demonstrated the largest robotic swarm, 1,024 small bots collaborating wordlessly to create a variety of different shapes.
It’s an ongoing area of military investment as well, most notably the U.S. Army Research lab’s Micro-Autonomous Systems Technology or MAST program, which has awarded millions in grants to develop swarms of tiny flying bug robots for surveillance and intelligence gathering missions.
The 13-boat swarm fleet that the Navy demonstrated last month may not seem momentous in comparison to flying bots with musical ability, but it actually represents a big breakthrough.
The units demonstrate a number of behaviors that we associate with the presence of a humanistic pre-frontal cortex. They can plan different actions to take in response to rapidly changing circumstances, weighing costs versus benefits of taking one route or another and do so in perfect collaboration in a chaotic environment. While it’s true that they share situational information with one another, they also operate independently. The video of the demo looks like choreography. But that’s a description the Navy pushes back against. The planning takes place rapidly, just as it would in a human brain when presented with reward or danger in natural setting.
The software that moves the Navy’s swarm bot boats is “far more developed than just bees,” says Klunder.
The Navy is eager to keep the secret sauce under the lid, but the scope of the problem, the modeling challenges and mathematical solutions, can be gleaned in this recent paper titled Model-P redictive A sset G uarding by T eam of A utonomous S urface V ehicles I n E nvironment W ith C ivilian B oat. The research isn’t directly related to the Navy experiment, but there’s a lot of overlap. “The outlined problem can be decomposed into multiple components, e.g., accelerated simulation, trajectory planning for collision- free guidance, learning of interception behaviors, and multi-agent task allocation and planning,” the researchers write.
The Navy’s breakthrough marks the clearest indication yet that more missions are falling to increasingly automated—and weaponized—systems, with human presence retreating ever deeper into the background. It’s a trend that continues to alarm both AI experts and human rights watchers.
’Don’t’ Make Them… Autonomous’
Last May, British artificial intelligence researcher Noel Sharkey of the University of Sheffield, told Defense One that, in his view, armed UAVs were proliferating far too quickly and that the last red line to be crossed was autonomy. “Don’t go to the next step. Don’t make them fully autonomous. That will proliferate just as quickly and then you are really going to be sunk,” he said.
Sharkey is not alone in that concern. Political scientist Matthew Bolton of Pace University New York City’s Dyson College offered a similar opinion. “Growing autonomy in weapons poses a grave threat to humanitarian and human rights law, as well as international peace and security… In modern combat it is often heartbreakingly difficult to tell the difference between a fighter and a non-combatant. Such a task relies on a soldier’s wisdom, discretion and judgment; it cannot and should not be outsourced to a machine. Death by algorithm represents a violation of a person’s inherent right to life, dignity and due process.”
Bolton points to the international bans on landmines as an indicator of where the debate over autonomous weapons systems is headed. “When the vast majority of countries outlawed anti-personnel landmines — a goal now endorsed by President Obama — they established that weapons which maim or kill absent of direct human control are morally reprehensible.”
The security of these systems is also of critical importance because hackers, criminals, or enemies who take control of autonomous attack systems could wreak enormous havoc. computer scientist and entrepreneur Steven Omohundro SHARE Share this on Google Plus
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Other AI experts take a more nuanced view. Building more autonomy into weaponized robotics can be dangerous, according to computer scientist and entrepreneur Steven Omohundro. But the dangers can be mitigated through proper design.
“There is a competition to develop systems which are faster, smarter and more unpredictable than an adversary’s. As this puts pressure toward more autonomous decision-making, it will be critical to ensure that these systems behave in alignment with our ethical principles. The security of these systems is also of critical importance because hackers, criminals, or enemies who take control of autonomous attack systems could wreak enormous havoc,” said Omohundro.
Klunder said they’ve built three fail safes into the system. In the event that one of the boats loses contact, it goes dead in the water.
The aspect of the program that Klunder seems most proud of is how much money it could save. Not only is the CARACaS unit is made of cheap, off-the-shelf parts, it can be fitted to a variety of the Navy’s rigid inflatable or RIB boats so no pricy new frames necessary. The brains receive input from regular radar (360 degrees) and conventional electro-optical infrared or EO/IR sensors, which are hardly exotic.
The biggest cost to the program was developing the algorithms. The possibility exists for much larger cost savings by reducing multi-person missions down to single operator tasks. Providing safe passage through places like the Strait of Hormuz just got a lot cheaper.
In a recent report preview from the Center for New American Security, Paul Scharre and James Marshall described the transition to low-cost, more autonomous robotic systems as the force multiplier of the future. “Low-cost uninhabited systems offer a way to bring mass back to the fight. With no human onboard, they can take greater risk. Survivability can be balanced against cost, with swarm resiliency taking the place of platform survivability. Swarms of low-cost uninhabited systems can be used to saturate and overwhelm enemy defenses. The robotics revolution will enable new ways of bringing mass back on the battlefield.”
But recent Defense Department budget decisions actually reflect a waning enthusiasm for unmanned systems, as Alex Velez-Green notes in a provocative piece for the Harvard Political Review, in which casts funding for AI development as hampered by sunk cost projects such as the F-35. “ Unfortunately, the Department of Defense’s current investment outlook does not show an appreciation for the role that swarm robotics will play in the future of warfare. Today, we are investing more than $35 billion in the Littoral Combat Ship program, and expect to spend more than $25 billion in the next several years to make the new, manned Long-Range Strike Bomber deployable by the mid-2020s. Such manned systems will be necessary complements to unmanned systems for the foreseeable future. However, their development cannot come at the expense of the robotic technology that will actually disrupt combat, which is exactly what is happening today,” he writes.
The debate about the ethics of increasingly smart—and ever-more heavily armed—military robots will continue as the technology advances and the systems proliferate around the world. The Beltway battle between those who think the Defense Department is underinvesting in AI at the expense of boondoggles like the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter will also grow more heated as dollars grow more scarce. For Klunder, the issue is more personal.
The timing of the ONR briefing happens to coincide with the 14-year anniversary of the bombing of the USS Cole off the coast of Yemen that killed 17 sailors. It’s an anniversary that Klunder observes with a unique sense of responsibility. “If we had this capability there on that day. We could have saved that ship,” he said. “I never want to see the USS Cole happen again.”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLb9zH0ub84
Skeleton grandma Madonna is making a truly frightening offer. She will perform oral sex on any man in exchange for a Hillary Clinton vote in the November presidential election. With her music career a distant memory, as well as her sex appeal, it’s nice to see that she has found work as a prostitute.
Madonna introduced fellow Trump-hater Amy Schumer at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. It was really more of a Hillary Clinton PSA than an introduction for Schumer.
“If you vote for Hillary Clinton, I will give you a blowjob,” said Madonna.
Who says liberals aren’t serious about important political issues? Just in case you aren’t completely sold, Madonna givers her oral sex résumé.
“And I am good. I am good. I’m not a tool, I take my time, I have a lot of eye contact, and I do swallow,” she said.
I don’t know that she sweetened the pot there. As freakishly terrifying as getting a blowjob from an emaciated senior citizen is, having eye contact through the ordeal is likely to cause PTSD in addition to the VD that comes with it.
I don’t think liberals understand how to make a deal. If you want something from someone you have to offer them something of value in exchange. Tons of lefty celebrities have threatened to leave the US if Trump wins, not understanding that it is more of incentive to vote for Trump. I think I speak for everyone when I say getting rid of Lena Dunham is worth a Trump vote alone. Hell, that’s worth a Charles Manson vote.
Here Madonna is offering to do something that only the creepiest fetish weirdo would want. She would have been better off saying she wouldn’t perform oral sex on you if you vote for Hillary. In a hypothetic situation where I had to choose between a Madonna blowjob or casting a vote for Hillary Clinton, my pants are staying on. Of course this fictional situation would have to involve a third option where the world would be destroyed if I didn’t choose. Just know that I would take one for the team to save humanity. You’re welcome.
Easily the funniest thing about this is that Madonna is whoring for Hillary, who is married to a guy who got the world’s most famous blowjob. Bill Clinton was actually impeached for lying about his affair with Monica Lewinksi. Among other things, she gave him a blowjob in the Oval Office. Madonna’s offer is as unintentionally offensive to Hillary as if she was handing out cigars for votes.
Follow Brian Anderson on TwitterWarheads will be networked, and that presents unique challenges for the U.S. Air Force.
Future nuclear missiles may be siloed but, unlike their predecessors, they’ll exhibit “some level of connectivity to the rest of the warfighting system,” according to Werner J.A. Dahm, the chair of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board. That opens up new potential for nuclear mishaps that, until now, have never been a part of Pentagon planning. In 2017, the board will undertake a study to see how to meet those concerns. “Obviously the Air Force doesn’t conceptualize systems like that without ideas for how they would address those surety concerns,” said Dahm.
It’s no simple or straight-forward undertaking. The last time the United States designed an intercontinental ballistic missile was 1975. At the end of the December, the Air Force Science Board announced that in 2017 they would explore safety and practical concerns of making a missile for the modern age along with other nuclear weapons that fall under the command of the Air Force.
“We have a number of nuclear systems that are in need of recapitalization,” said Dahm, referring to LRSO, ICBMs and the B-21 stealth bomber. In the future, he said, “these systems are going to be quite different from the ones that they may replace. In particular, they will be much more like all systems today, network connected. They’ll be cyber enabled.” That connectivity will create new concerns in terms of safety and certification that will almost certainly require changes or additions to current DoD directives.
The study comes at a critical time for the future of U.S. Nuclear Weapons. On December 22, Donald Trump confused and alarmed the world when he tweeted that he would both strengthen and expand America’s nuclear weapons capability. But there was less new in the announcement than might actually appear. In fact, the Obama Administration was working to fullfill the “strengthening” part of that same promise, having already put the United States on track to spend more than $1 trillion on modernization of U.S. nuclear weapons.
For the United States Air Force, the modernization list includes replacing the LGM-30 Minuteman with a new intercontinental ballistic missile (also called a ground-based strategic deterrent,) developing a controversial nuclear-armed cruise missile called the long-range standoff weapon, or LRSO, to building and deploying an entirely new B-21 stealth bomber.
What are “surety concerns?” Read that to mean how do you make sure that your fancy networked nuclear warfare control system can’t be hijacked or go off accidently.
Before the United States can modernize its nuclear weapons it must first make certain it understands everything that can possibly go wrong. Think back to the classic film ( and book ) Dr. Strangelove, a story very much about surety failure. A crazed Air Force general sends his B-52 wing to destroy their targets in the Soviet Union. Of course, only the President is supposed to be able to call for a nuclear strike, but an obscure contingency plan (Wing Attack Plan R) allows a lower level commander to issue the order in the event that the normal command and control has been disrupted.
The Pentagon can’t call back the wing because the B-52s can no longer receive transmissions unless preceded by specific three-letter code that only the general knows, part of a poorly thought-out safety scheme to protect the airmen from false orders. Even after the recall code is issued and most of the plans abort their missions, one continues on to a new tertiary target, as the plane’s radio has been damaged in combat. (Somehow, the drafters of Wing Attack Plan R forgot to insert a rule ordering pilots back to base when their radios are damaged, rather than continue to target.) The lone B-52 hits its target and sets in motion the end of the world.
Surety failure squared.
According to Defense Department Directive 3150.02, which outlines the Air Force’s Nuclear Surety Program, the directive assigns “responsibilities for DoD Nuclear Weapons Surety for the oversight of safety, security, and control of U.S. nuclear weapons and nuclear weapon systems in DoD custody.”
“We have formal Air Force documents that detail the formal certification process for nuclear weapons. To what extent do the current models for certifying nuclear systems carry over into these modern, network enabled systems and how would you reconceptualize certification for systems that are likely to come out of these recap programs?” asked Dahm. The 2017 Air Force Scientific Advisory Board study will attempt to answer those questions. The board consists of 50 members that are appointed by the Secretary of Defense and are drawn from academia, industry, and elsewhere. Members serve for four years.
The fact that future nuclear weapons will be far more networked (though not necessarily to the open Internet) will create better safety and oversight, and allow for more coordinated operations. But more connectivity also introduces opens up new potential vulnerabilities and dangers.
“You have to be able to certify that an adversary can’t take control of that weapon, that the weapon will be able to do what it’s supposed to do when you call on it,” said Dahm. “It isn’t just cyber. That’s definitely the biggest piece, but …When was the last time we built a new nuclear system? Designed and built one? It’s been several decades now. We, as an Air Force, haven’t done certification of new nuclear systems in a long time. These systems are different … What are the surety vulnerabilities for such a system, so to speak? How would you address them? How would you certify that the system will work when you need it to work and will do what it’s supposed to do?”
That’s what the study will cover.If there’s one defining characteristic of the 2015 Formula One season, it’s the rivalry between Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. However, Mercedes F1 team executive director Toto Wolff told Motorsport.com that if the rivalry ever hurts the team, they may replace one of the pair.
After the hat-throwing incident at the United States Grand Prix, Wolff admitted to Sky Sports F1 that the emotional rivalry was “what the sport needs.” After all, it made Hamilton and Rosberg human in an era when too many racing drivers come off as characterless dull-bots.
Now that the season is over, Wolff admits that the tension hasn’t been a walk in the park for the Mercedes team. Whenever one driver is angry about a team loss, it has affected not only how the drivers work with each other, but with other team members.
Wolff explained to Motorsport.com:
There is lots going on behind closed doors. I feel that the team is stronger than ever. We are having huge unity within the team, but the difficult relationship of the drivers is one of our weaknesses. And that is not good. If I were to analyze what are the biggest strengths and the biggest weakness of the team, I would say the biggest strength is the quality and the characters of the personalities within the team. The biggest weakness is the dynamic of the relationship between the drivers – and sometimes between the drivers and the team.
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Of course, the Yas Marina season ender wasn’t without some debate over Lewis Hamilton’s tire strategy and engine modes. In an analysis of where Hamilton may have lost the race on strategy, James Allen on F1 also mentions that Hamilton turned up his engine modes despite his team’s wishes otherwise. Hamilton switching to a different engine mode than his teammate — which the team maintains is unfair — was a persistent enough problem last season at Bahrain and Spain for the team to reach an agreement with Hamilton not to do it. Nonetheless, Hamilton tried to override this in the last 14 laps of the season finale.
Wolff believes that the team should do better at managing Lewis Hatfield and Nico McCoy, and if they can’t, a significant change will need to happen. Wolff elaborated to Motorsport.com:
We took the decision of having two evenly matched drivers in order to make the team progress faster and better. It was a very conscious decision three years ago. Going forward, we will consider if it is the best set-up for the team. Personality and character within the team is a crucial ingredient for the team success. If we feel that it is not aligned with the general consensus, spirit and philosophy within the team, we might |
have a better-than-50-percent chance of getting the fee credited to your account. But just in case you get an especially tough rep, here’s what to say.) Credit Card rep: “I’m very sorry, but we can’t refund that fee. I can try to get you our latest blah blah marketing pitch blah blah…” You: “I’m sorry, but I’ve been a customer for four years and I’d hate for this one fee to drive me away from your service. What can you do to remove the late fee?” Credit Card rep: “Hmm... Let me check on that.... Yes, I was able to remove the fee this time. It’s been credited to your account.”
You don’t believe me that it can be so simple? It is. Anyone can do it.
There are other advanced negotiating strategies and tactics, including optimizing your debt-to-credit ratio, but I’ll leave those for another day.
Finally, if you decide to switch accounts, which ones should you use? I cover this in detail in the book, but here’s what I use ING Direct for savings and Schwab Investor Checking, where I earn interest and get 100% of ATM fees refunded from anywhere.
* “The Next $100” Principle Applied: Automating your Finances
Too many people try to save money on 50 things and end up saving 5% on everything — and causing themselves a huge amount of stress that makes them give up entirely. Instead, I prefer focusing on my top two discretionary expenses (for me, eating out and going out), and cutting 25%-33% off over a period of six months. This generates hundreds of dollars of extra cash flow that I re-route to investing and travel.
To show you how automating your accounts works, I’ve prepared a 12-minute video that shows you how to build a personal-finance infrastructure that automates your money so you can spend less than 1 hour per week monitoring your money. Everything will be done automatically — investment, savings, bills paid. Everything.
Ramit’s 12-Minute Guide to Automating Your Finances
First, you’ll need to log in to each account and link your accounts together so you can set up automatic transfers from one account to another. When you log in to any of your accounts, you’ll usually find an option called something like “Link Accounts,” “Transfer,” or “Set Up Payments.”
These are the links you need to make:
Examples: Your 401(k) should be connected to your checking account via direct deposit (talk to your HR rep about setting this up — it takes 10 minutes to fill out a form). Then log into your Roth IRA, savings account, and credit card, where you can link your checking account to them. Finally, there are some bills that can’t be paid through your checking account, like your rent. For those, use your checking account’s free bill-pay feature so they automatically issue your landlord a check on the precise date it’s due. Now, you never have to manually write a check again.
Set up automatic transfers
Now that all your accounts are linked, it’s time to go back into your accounts and automate all transfers and payments. This is really simple: It’s just a matter of working with each individual account’s website to make sure your payment or transfer is set up for the amount you want and on the date you want.
Most people neglect one thing when automating: dates. If you set automatic transfers at weird times, it will inevitably necessitate more work, which will make you resent and eventually ignore your personal-finance infrastructure. For example, if your credit card is due on the 1st of the month, but you don’t get paid until the 15th, how does that work? If you don’t synchronize all your bills, you’ll have to pay things at different times and that will require you to reconcile accounts. Which you won’t do.
The easiest way to avoid this is to get all your bills on the same schedule. To accomplish this, get all your bills together, call the companies, and ask them to switch your billing dates. Most of these will take five minutes each to do. There may be a couple of months of odd billing as your accounts adjust, but it will smooth itself out after that. If you’re paid on the 1st of the month, I suggest switching all your bills to arrive on or around that time, too.
Call and say this: “Hi, I’m currently being billed on the 17th of each month, and I’d like to change that to the 1st of the month. Do I need to do anything besides ask right here on the phone?” Of course, depending on your situation, you can request any billing date that will be easy for you.
Now that you’ve got everything coming at the beginning of the month, it’s time to actually go in and set up your transfers. Here’s how to arrange your Automatic Money Flow, assuming you get paid on the 1st of the month.
2nd of the month: Part of your paycheck is automatically sent to your 401(k). The remainder (your “take-home pay”) is direct-deposited into your checking account. Even though you’re paid on the 1st, the money may not show up in your account until the 2nd, so be sure to account for that.
Remember, you’re treating your checking account like your e-mail inbox— first, everything goes there, then it’s filtered away to the appropriate place. Note: The first time you set this up, leave a buffer amount of money—I recommend $500—in your checking account just in case a transfer doesn’t go right. And don’t worry: If something does go wrong, use the negotiation tips above to get any overdraft fees waived.
5th of the month: Automatic transfer to your savings account. Log in to your savings account and set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to your savings account on the 5th of every month. Waiting until the 5th of the month gives you some leeway. If, for some reason, your paycheck doesn’t show up on the 1st of the month, you’ll have four days to correct things or cancel that month’s automatic transfer.
Don’t just set up the transfer. Remember to set the amount, too. Use the percentage of your monthly income that you established for savings in your Conscious Spending Plan (from Chapter 4 of my book; typically 5 to 10 percent). But if you can’t afford that much right now, don’t worry—just set up an automatic transfer for $5 to prove to yourself that it works. The amount is important: $5 won’t be missed, but once you see how it’s all working together, it’s much easier to add to that amount.
5th of the month: Automatic transfer to your Roth IRA. To set this up, log in to your investment account and create an automatic transfer from your checking account to your investment account. Refer to your Conscious Spending Plan to calculate the amount of the transfer. It should be approximately 10 percent of your take-home pay, minus the amount you send to your 401(k).
7th of the month: Auto-pay for any monthly bills you have. Log in to any regular payments you have, like cable, utilities, car payments, or student loans, and set up automatic payments to occur on the 7th of each month. I prefer to pay my bills using my credit card, because I earn points, I get automatic consumer protection and little-known benefits, and I can easily track my spending on online sites like Mint, Quicken, or Wesabe.
But if your merchant doesn’t accept credit cards, they should let you pay the bill directly from your checking account, so set up an automatic payment from there if needed.
7th of the month: Automatic transfer to pay off your credit card. Log in to your credit card account and instruct it to draw money from your checking account and pay the credit card bill on the 7th of every month— in full. (Because your bill arrived on the 1st of the month, you’ll never incur late fees using this system.) If you have credit card debt and you can’t pay the bill in full, don’t worry. You can still set up an automatic payment; just make it for the monthly minimum or any other amount of your choice. (Incidentally, paying your bills on time is the one of the top factors in determining and improving your credit score.)
By the way, while you’re logged in to your credit card account, also set up an e-mail notification (this is typically under “Notifications” or “Bills”) to send you a monthly link to your bill, so you can review it before the money is automatically transferred out of your checking account. This is helpful in case your bill unexpectedly exceeds the amount available in your checking account—that way you can adjust the amount you pay that month.
Tweaking Your System: Freelancers, irregular income, and unexpected expenses
That’s the basic Automatic Money Flow schedule, but you may not be paid on a straight once-a-month schedule. That’s not a problem. You can just adjust the above system to match your payment schedule.
If you’re paid twice a month: I suggest replicating the above system on the 1st and the 15th—with half the money each time. This is easy enough, but the one thing to watch with this is paying your bills. If the second payment (on the 15th) will miss the due dates for any of your bills, be sure that you set it so that those bills are paid in full during the payment on the 1st. Another way to work your system is to do half the payments with one paycheck (retirement, fixed costs) and half the payments with the second paycheck (savings, guilt-free spending), but that can get clunky.
If you have irregular income: Irregular incomes, like those of freelancers,
are difficult to plan for. Some months you might earn close to nothing, others you’re flush with cash. This situation calls for some changes to your spending and savings. First—and this is different from the Conscious Spending Plan—you’ll need to figure out how much you need to survive on each month. This is the bare minimum: rent, utilities, food, loan payments—just the basics. Those are your bare-bones monthly necessities.
Now, back to the Conscious Spending Plan. Add a savings goal of three months of bare-bones income before you do any investing. For example, if you need at least $1,500/month to live on, you’ll need to have $4,500 in a savings buffer, which you can use to smooth out months where you don’t generate much income. The buffer should exist as a sub-account in your savings account. To fund it, use money from two places:
Forget about investing while you’re setting up the buffer, and instead take any money you would have invested and send it to your savings account. In good months, any extra dollar you make should go into your buffer savings.
Here’s an example of how I set up my sub-savings accounts:
Once you’ve saved up three months of money as a cushion, congratulations! Now go back to a normal Conscious Spending Plan where you send money to investing accounts. Because you’re self- employed, you probably don’t have access to a traditional 401(k), but you should look into a Solo 401(k) and SEP-IRA, which are great alternatives.
Just keep in mind that it’s probably wise to sock away a little more into your savings account in good months to make up for the less profitable ones.
If you have an irregular income, I highly recommend using YouNeedABudget as a planning tool. It uses a forward-looking system that’s very helpful if you don’t know what you’re going to make next month.
Your money is now automatic
Congratulations! Your money management is now on autopilot. Not only are your bills paid automatically and on time, but you’re actually saving and investing money each month. The beauty of this system is that it works without your involvement and it’s flexible enough to add or remove accounts any time. You’re accumulating money by default.
Most importantly, whenever you’re eating out, or you decide to buy a new pair of shoes or fly out to visit your friends or get the “Pro” version of that web app you’ve been eyeing, you won’t feel guilty because you’ll KNOW that your finances are being handled — automatically.
Excerpts from Ramit Sethi’s new book, I Will Teach You To Be Rich. Used with permission.
Posted on: March 26, 2009.
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Please check out Tribe of Mentors, my newest book, which shares short, tactical life advice from 100+ world-class performers. Many of the world's most famous entrepreneurs, athletes, investors, poker players, and artists are part of the book. The tips and strategies in Tribe of Mentors have already changed my life, and I hope the same for you. Click here for a sample chapter and full details. Roughly 90% of the guests have never appeared on my podcast.
Who was interviewed? Here's a very partial list: tech icons (founders of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Craigslist, Pinterest, Spotify, Salesforce, Dropbox, and more), Jimmy Fallon, Arianna Huffington, Brandon Stanton (Humans of New York), Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Ben Stiller, Maurice Ashley (first African-American Grandmaster of chess), Brené Brown (researcher and bestselling author), Rick Rubin (legendary music producer), Temple Grandin (animal behavior expert and autism activist), Franklin Leonard (The Black List), Dara Torres (12-time Olympic medalist in swimming), David Lynch (director), Kelly Slater (surfing legend), Bozoma Saint John (Beats/Apple/Uber), Lewis Cantley (famed cancer researcher), Maria Sharapova, Chris Anderson (curator of TED), Terry Crews, Greg Norman (golf icon), Vitalik Buterin (creator of Ethereum), and nearly 100 more. Check it all out by clicking here.Patrick and Erin Feges are both trained chefs. She's run kitchens at Plonk Bistro and the JW Marriott in Houston, after cutting her teeth at vaunted New York restaurants Per Se and Babbo. (Oh, and worked in the wine world while winning an episode of "Chopped.") He's cooked at Underbelly and Killen's Barbecue, and recently departed his post at Southern Goods in the Heights after nearly two years.
Now, the couple are planning to open a barbecue restaurant.
In this week's podcast, the Fegeses discuss their plans with Chronicle columnist J.C. (Chris) Reid and food editor Greg Morago. Could it involve whole-hog barbecue, for which Patrick has become locally known? How does one cook a whole hog anyway?
Back to Gallery Listen: Erin and Patrick Feges on going whole hog 9 1 of 9 Photo: Catchlight Photography, Photographer / Owner 2 of 9 Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle 3 of 9 Photo: Houston Culinary Awards 4 of 9 Photo: BeerMasters Craft Beer Festival 5 of 9 Photo: Mayra Beltran, Staff 6 of 9 Photo: Gary Fountain, Gary Fountain/For the Chronicle 7 of 9 Photo: Kimberly Park 8 of 9 Photo: Jon Shapley, Staff 9 of 9 Photo: Karen Warren, Staff
Subscribe (it's free!) to BBQ State of Mind on Apple's Podcasts app, or listen on Stitcher and houstonchronicle.com/podcasts.Image copyright AFP
Trump Taj Mahal, the Atlantic City casino, founded by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump but no longer under his ownership, will shut down after years of losses.
The owners said the casino had long been unprofitable.
The closure after Labour Day will come after a lengthy strike over benefits.
Closing the Trump Taj Mahal will cost 3,000 jobs, adding to 8,000 workers who were laid off in 2014 when four of the other casinos in the city were closed.
The closure of the Trump Taj Mahal will leave only seven casinos in Atlantic City.
The casino was opened 26 years ago by current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
It was taken over by billionaire Carl Icahn in 2009 when Trump Entertainment filed for bankruptcy - a move which forced Mr Trump to give up all of his investment in his Atlantic City casinos.
Mr Icahn told the AP news agency that he has lost nearly $100 million on the Taj Mahal.
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Workers' unions fought for healthcare and pension benefits
Atlantic City's main casino workers union has been on strike against the Taj Mahal since 1 July.
On Thursday, the strike will become the longest in the city's 38-year casino era.
The strike is over the restoration of health insurance and pension benefits. Unions have rejected an offer to restore health insurance at a level less than that of employees at the city's other casinos.
Atlantic City used to be the only gambling centre on the US east coast, but is now struggling with competition from casinos in neighbouring states.OLYMPIA, Wash. — The state of Washington has advised the Catholic diocese in Yakima, Wash., that its plans to conduct a special collection to benefit the campaign to defeat the state’s marriage equality law is illegal under the state’s campaign finance laws.
Last week, Yakima Bishop Joseph Tyson sent a letter to pastors in 41 parishes of the Yakima Diocese asking them to announce a special collection that would go to “Preserve Marriage Washington,” the coalition fighting the same-sex marriage law that was passed earlier this year.
Opponents of the law have successfully targeted the measure with a voter referendum in November.
But Lori Anderson, a spokeswoman for the state’s Public Disclosure Commission, told LGBTQ Nation on Wednesday that the request is illegal under the terms of Initiative 134, which Washington voters passed ten years ago to regulate political contributions and campaign spending.
Anderson noted that state law specifically states that no organization, including churches, may act as an intermediary for contributions.
She said that churches are allowed hand out envelopes, but that either a member of Preserve Washington has to be on hand to collect them or parishioners must send them in individually.
Anderson said that the church has been notified by the commission.
Although the diocesan offices refused comment on the collection, planned for Sept. 8-9, a spokesperson did acknowledge that the Bishop also alerted parish priests that he has a “Pastoral Letter on Marriage” that he would like read in every parish.
Washington’s same-sex marriage law came under fire even before it was signed into law by Gov. Chris Gregoire in February when a group of bishops banded together and published a letter voicing their opposition to the bill. They argued that marriage should remain between a man and a woman because it is “related to bringing children into the world and the continuation of the human race.”
The church offered to use its parishes as signature-gathering centers for Preserve Marriage Washington’s campaign to place Referendum 74 to qualify the measure for the November ballot to put the new law up for a majority vote.
This latest effort by the Yakima Bishop comes as Preserve Marriage Washington acknowledged that it is trailing in fundraising efforts, raising just $471,000 compared with the nearly $6.1 million raised by Washington United for Marriage, the coalition which supports the same-sex marriage law.
Washington United for Marriage announced Monday that the group has set aside nearly $5 million for television advertising to commence after the Labor Day holiday.
This Story Filed UnderAUSTIN, TX — More than 500 people have contributed to a crowdsourcing campaign aimed at offsetting funeral costs and related expenses for the family of an Austin man beaten to death during a bar brawl while vacationing on a Greek island.
The GoFundMe page created for the family of Bakari Henderson has raised nearly $42,000 of a $50,000 goal since it was created on Saturday. Henderson, 22, attended Anderson High School before graduating from Hyde Park Baptist High School in 2013. He also served as an intern in the office of Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, according to reports.
The young man was enrolled at the University of Arizona at the time of his death. According to media reports, he was in the Greek island of Zakynthos at a nightclub when an argument ensued and he was set upon by as many as ten attackers. It's unclear what may have caused the deadly melee, but several men of Serbian ancestry have since been arrested in the case.
The drive is meant to raise money to transport his body back home in addition to defraying funeral expenses, according to its organize. As of early Monday evening, $41,923 of a $50,000 goal had been raised.
Related story: Austin Man Beaten To Death During Bar Brawl On Greek Island
"This is the celebration of life for Bakari Henderson," the GoFundMe page reads. "The love for this young man overflows and this loss is unbearable for so many of us. If you knew Bakari, you knew he was driven in life and no goal is never set to high for him to achieve. He was just starting his life, so many dreams and aspirations not yet achieved."
He is described on the page as a a man who "brought a light of joy to everyone who encountered him."
Along with pitching in to assist his family, several donors offered words of sympathy and praise for Henderson's personal attributes.
"My heart goes out to his family and friends," John Beckham wrote. "He was always the most polite and respectful young man the times I met him, and it's beyond heartbreaking that he's gone so young."
Heather Huffman also remembered Henderson as a polite, respectful young man: "We are just so heartbroken this happened and are sending everyone love and comfort. Bakari was always friendly, polite, and kind when I saw him in the neighborhood. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
Ted and Cathy Reynolds remembered the young man's athletic prowess in playing a game of hoops with their sons: "Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bakari was such a great guy; we have many fond memories of our boys playing basketball together at Anderson. We are heartbroken and so very sorry for your loss."
Memories of the young man's character also resonated with Craig Freeman. "This young man was a friend of ours," he wrote. "We met him last summer in Barcelona Spain, when we spent a week together with a group of friends. This is a great loss. He was bright, congenial, his whole life ahead of him. I am proud to call him my friend.
Strangers, too, opened their hearts and wallets to the family, including Steve Kruse who wrote: "Didn't know Bakari, but sounds like he was a good dude with a lot to offer. Senseless act of violence which on the surface sounds like a hate crime. Hope the day will come where such a thing no longer exists. My condolences for your devastating loss."
A common thread in the comments was disbelief and shock that a young man with so much potential and poise could be taken from his family in such a violent fashion. "My condolences to his family," wrote Nicolas Alempijevic. "I can't begin to imagine the depth of your sorrow."
>>> Photo of Bakari Henderson via GoFundMeWatch above: Nearly 60 per cent of Alberta adults are either overweight or obese, so what should be done? Global’s Heather Yourex caught up with one Calgary man who recently lost 100 pounds for some perspective.
EDMONTON — Six out of 10 adults in Alberta are overweight or obese, according to a report released by the Health Quality Council of Alberta.
The number is 3.7 per cent higher than the national average, which found half of Canadians are carrying around more weight than they should. But some health experts say not everyone can access weight management resources.
“What we’ve found is that access to resources to help people manage their weight is not evenly distributed throughout the province,” said Andrew Neuner, chief executive officer with the HQCA.
While the report recommends primary care physicians take the lead when it comes to helping Alberta patients manage their weight, obesity expert Dr. Arya Sharma believes most family doctors don’t have the proper training. The University of Alberta Obesity Research Chair says for too long obesity has been seen as a risk factor for other illness, when it should be treated like a chronic disease.
“We need to recognize that people who struggle with the problem need treatment very similar to the kind of treatment you would give to people with diabetes and other chronic disease,” he said.
Mike Cottingham, a Calgary father who was once more than 100 pounds overweight, said his family doctor provided little help.
“My family doctor basically told me every time I was in there I needed to lose weight, but there was never any indication of how.”
Cottingham eventually lost the weight with the help of a personal trainer who focused on nutrition, meal planning and exercise.
“The rise in obesity is a worldwide public health issue, and is associated with an increased risk of chronic disease and more frequent use of healthcare services, and so the HQCA decided to explore this issue further,” said Dr. Tony Fields, HQCA Board Chair.
Obesity can lead to chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and chronic pain.
READ MORE: Obesity rates have tripled in Canada in less than 3 decades
In 2014, the council conducted a healthcare satisfaction survey involving 4,424 adult Albertans. As part of the survey, self-reported height and weight was collected in order to calculate their body mass index (BMI).
The results found 35 per cent were overweight and 24 were obese. Men ages 45 to 64 years old and those living in northern Alberta had the highest per cent of obesity and being overweight.
In addition to increased risk for health problems, those who were overweight and obese also reported having a lower quality of life.
“With this report, we aimed to understand the impact of overweight and obesity on quality of life and our healthcare system and to provide rationale for the role of primary healthcare in weight management,” said Andrew Neuner, HQCA Chief Executive Officer.
The HQCA said the report has helped the council understand that the role for managing overweight and obese populations falls mostly on primary healthcare providers.
READ MORE: Is this ingredient in processed food to blame for obesity, stomach problems?
Based on the findings from the report, HQCA recommends Alberta may benefit from working towards a more unified strategy for weight management. The council also believes an evaluation of new or ongoing weight-management strategies in Alberta is needed to better identify programs that are working and benefiting the health of Albertans.
In response to the report, the acting chief medical officer of health said the rising rates of obesity are “a concern.”
“One of the most important ways we can deal with the issue of obesity is to make sure we are raising healthy and active children,” Dr. Ada Bennett in a statement. “We are also working with Alberta Education to deliver wellness programs to our school children and provide funding to programs such as Ever Active Schools that provides services to schools that support healthy weights in children.”Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, plan to give away 99% of their Facebook shares for charitable purposes, Zuckerberg said Tuesday in a Facebook post. The news comes as the couple also announced the birth of their first child, a daughter named Max.
That portion of Facebook shares is currently valued at $45 billion, according to Zuckerberg. The donations won’t happen right away: a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission says the Facebook CEO plans to “sell or gift” no more than $1 billion worth of Facebook stock every year over the next three years.
That SEC filing also indicates Zuckerberg plans to contribute the funds through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. He will continue to control the voting rights of any shares held by that organization.
See How Tech CEOs Spend Their Money Ed Oudenaarden—AFP/Getty Images Jeff Gross—Getty Images NASA/Reuters Jim Urquhart—Reuters Pius Utomi Ekpei—AFP/Getty Images Robyn Beck—AFP/Getty Images David Paul Morris—Bloomberg/Getty Images Noah Berger—Bloomberg/Getty Images 1 of 8 Advertisement
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is intended to “advance human potential and promote equality for all,” Zuckerberg wrote in a letter addressed to his new daughter. The initiative’s first areas of focus will be on education, curing disease, and connectivity.
“We know this is a small contribution compared to all the resources and talents of those already working on these issues,” Zuckerberg wrote. “But we want to do what we can, working alongside many others.”
Zuckerberg says he plans to share more details in the coming months, once both he and his wife return from their respective paternity and maternity leaves. He said last month he plans on taking two months of paternity leave.
The Facebook CEO’s move to donate significant amounts of his personal wealth echoes Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates’ decision to give $28 billion to charity, promising that his children will only inherit “a minuscule portion” of his considerable holdings.
Contact us at [email protected] Chtena is a PhD student in Information Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. You can follow her on Twitter @nataschachtena.
One of the challenges I face teaching a daily language class is finding novel and creative ways to maintain student interest throughout my lessons. One of my favorite teaching “tricks” is using music to motivate learning, improve concentration, create a sense of community and help my students absorb material.
Music is a wonderful tool to integrate into your teaching repertoire, especially if you are a foreign language teacher. It has a way of capturing everything about a culture, its people and their language and it can inspire interest in a subject matter when other methods have failed. Not to mention that students love it and benefit from it intellectually and emotionally (even when they find your music taste questionable).
Fortunately, it’s not too hard to integrate music into the foreign language classroom, and the following are some effective ways to integrate music into your teaching:
Use it to build community. Music is a way to share yourself as a teacher, and to offer your students a (little) peek into your soul, as well as an opportunity to learn about and from your students. Our music taste reveals how we think. It’s an expression of who we are on an emotional, social and cognitive level. But it’s also a way to connect to other people in a way that a lot of other means of communication (and teaching) cannot.
Use it to teach vocabulary. Arguably one of the most effective ways of using music in the foreign language classroom is through direct music activities. Yet when I’m teaching a Level 1 beginners class, it’s impossible to use music as a writing prompt or to analyze poetry, because students don’t have the vocabulary and grammatical knowledge to engage in complex tasks. One of my favorite activities for starters, however, is “fill in the blank.” For this activity, I provide students with the lyrics to a song after having removed certain vocab and replaced it with blanks. Then students listen to the song as they try to fill in the missing word. This is an easy and fun way to expose students to the target language and can be an effective memorization alternative to physical and online flashcards.
Use it to offer insights into a culture’s worldview and history. Language, culture and history are intertwined but oftentimes it’s difficult to offer meaningful insights into a language and its culture, while also striving to ensure the required grammar/vocab/structure for the day has been covered (and trust me, at my university, it’s a lot). I’ve found that music provides an excellent ground for raising historical, cultural and/or societal issues without overshadowing the linguistic component. The key is to not be too ambitious (unless of course you are teaching a language AND culture class) and to set realistic goals: one song one major point! I usually keep it to seven minutes max, which includes a song, a very short “lecture” and some time for student questions at the end.
Use it to change the mood. We often do drilling exercises in class to practice new structures and/or reinforce the content learnt. But drilling can be boring and tedious, causing the classroom mood to become lethargic and…darker. I have found that background music can dramatically reverse this effect and help students concentrate (you might have to experiment a bit with the volume). Another good strategy is to start the class by playing music, especially if you’re teaching an early morning class, where even the best-intentioned can be thwarted by fatigue. This can boost students’ mood and increase their interest in what is being taught.
Use it for home assignments. Student exposure to foreign music doesn’t have to be limited to classroom time. I once did a very fun project in one of my intermediate classes where I asked students to compile a short (German) playlist that describes their personality, explaining what it is about each song that speaks to them and/or that they identify with. To help them find songs, I provided a larger playlist to draw from (although they didn’t have to use it if they didn’t want to). We were learning personality traits at the time and students absolutely loved it, not to mention that many of them built a vocab that extended beyond what was covered in their textbook.
Use it (to boost creativity and) for extra credit. Throughout the quarter I offer my students multiple extra credit options but among my favorite are the ones that involve music. Some of the best bonding experiences in my classroom have taken place when a student performed a song for the rest of the class. In my more advanced classes I have even had students compose and write their own song (in German of course). Performing in a foreign language is not everyone’s cup of tea (hence it’s only one of the extra credit options), but it’s regularly contributed to creative outbursts and one of a kind bonding among students.
Be the performer. I haven’t done this as a teacher but I have been on the receiving end as a student and it was beautiful experience. When I was learning Turkish, our teacher brought her bağlama to class one day and she asked us to “help” her with the lyrics to a song she had been working on. To this day, I don’t know how how “genuine” her quest for help was, but it got us excited and engaged on a freezing and rather depressing London night.
In the end what it boils down to, I believe, is effective planning. One of the potential pitfalls of using music in any classroom, is making it all about fun and not much else. I’ve walked into a number of (undergraduate) classes at my school where the instructor is playing some song at the beginning of class or during a “break” without engaging with it or explaining it and it always feels like such a missed opportunity. Music can make magic happen, for sure, but I think the results are best when it’s aligned with a with a specific teaching goal.
How do you use music in your classroom? Please share in the comments section below.
[Image from Flickr user Miguel Santiago and used under Creative Commons license]One of the most chilling scenes in the recent SBS mini-series The Promise depicts the plight of some Palestinian schoolgirls in Hebron.
Leaving school in the afternoon, the girls are subjected to abuse and intimidation by settler youths as they walk home. At one point, a settler boy, face contorted with hatred, viciously hurls stones at the group, injuring one.
Meanwhile, as the girls crouch in terror, blase Israeli Defense Force (IDF) soldiers look on, doing nothing to stop the violence until challenged by a young foreign tourist.
The stone-thrower is merely ordered to move on, reluctantly, and there are no recriminations of any kind.
Such incidents occur frequently in Hebron, a religiously-significant city located about 30 kilometres south of Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank.
Divided into two zones, designated H1 and H2, the city is home to 165,000 Palestinians and 500 Jewish settlers.
The settlers occupy a cluster of fortress-like neighbourhoods in the H2 (Old City) sector. About 30,000 Palestinians also live in H2.
So that the settlers can go about their business unrestricted, the rest of the city — particularly H2 — lives in a perpetual state of physical, commercial and cultural lock down.
To be Palestinian in Hebron means to live under a regime of constant soul-destroying harassment. The harassment is carried out by IDF soldiers, Border Patrol units and ultra-fundamentalist settlers, whose sense of entitlement seems to recognise no boundaries.
Hebron is undoubtedly a violent place. But contrary to stories told in the mainstream media, hardly any of the violence is Palestinian in origin (despite the fact that they make up the vast majority of the population). A particularly disturbing feature of settler culture is the role played by children, often very young, in initiating anti-Palestinian violence.
“The usual incidents,” recalls one soldier in Soldiers’ Testimonies from Hebron 2005-2007 (published by Israeli NGO Breaking the Silence), “are when Palestinian children finish school and they have to be protected, because otherwise they get beaten up by the Jewish kids.
“Rough beatings-to-kill are not an everyday occurrence, but definitely throwing small stones. That happens literally every day.”
Many other soldier testimonies paint a similar picture, and nothing has changed since the document was published in 2008. Another informant said Jewish teachers and youth counsellors not only condoned but actively encouraged such activity: “There was this ruling by some rabbi that Arabs are not humans. Some regional rabbi ruled this, and that it was okay to throw stones at them, really okay.”
Stones today, machine gun bullets tomorrow? One soldier who served in Hebron remembers a group of eight-to-nine-year-olds throwing stones at a Palestinian market. They expressed admiration for the mass murderer Baruch Goldstein, who massacred dozens of praying Palestinians at the Cave of the Patriarchs in a notorious 1994 incident.
“All the [settler] kids idolize him,” the informant said.
Spitting in the face of Palestinian passers-by is a regular event often encouraged by settler parents: “I saw a (settler) child, about three years-old walking along the ‘Prayer Route’, and a little Arab child passed him by. Just a little kid. What does he know? Also about three years-old.
“So the (settler) child spits at him thickly, square in the face. Really extreme … And his father walks with him, hand in hand, saying absolutely nothing.”
In another typical incident, a group of looting settler children emerged from a Palestinian shop they had just trashed. They saw an old Palestinian man in the street and, as one soldier remembers, “literally sprayed his eyes with teargas and broke his cane”.
Impunity is the order of the day for violent settler children, who are often sent by their elders to destroy entire houses: “The children kept getting little hammers and simply broke stuff … from a little hole in the wall, you suddenly get no wall at all. With hammers. Children. Dozens of children with hammers. Really determined.
“You hear this tick-tick-tick hammering away at |
.m. to deliver her three babies.
People in line replied yes in unison and motioned them to move ahead to the front of the line.
Relatives say Taronno has given birth and she and the three baby girls are healthy and doing well.
The names of the babies have yet to be announced, but someone on a relative’s Facebook post suggested Justine, Stephanie and Thomasina.Fine motor control: Should deku lose the use of three of his fingers due to finger flick he is no longer able to hold an item in that hand.
Enhanced Charge: Deku can expend charges that allows him to further power up actions. Deku has two charge per challenge level given to him by the DM.
Enhanced strike: Deku expends one charge to power up his strikes causing an increase in power. For every charge expended to increase strength by 1 and add an additional 3(1d6) to strike’s damage.
Finger Flick. With a flick of deku’s finger he fires an overwhelming surge of wind pressure in a 90-foot cone in front of him. Each creature in that area must make a DC 22 Dexterity saving throw, taking 53 (15d6 + 1) bludgeoning damage and be pushed back 30 ft falling prone on a failed save, or half as much damage be pushed back 10 ft and stay upright on a successful one. The result of this attack causes deku to lose the ability to use one of his fingers.
Arm Pump. Deku pulls back his arm and begins to channel everything he has into this attack. Deku fires an overwhelming surge of wind pressure in a 120-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 22 Dexterity saving throw, taking 92 (26d10 + 1) bludgeoning damage and be pushed back 60 ft falling prone on a failed save, or half as much damage be pushed back 10 ft and stay upright on a successful one. The result of this attack cases deku to lose the ability to use his entire arm.
Leg Pump Deku focus all of his power into a single leg. Deku launches himself for 120 ft in any direction in a single round. Should deku hit an object or creature that stops him from moving deku is always treated as travelling at terminal velocity for 60(20d6). The result of this action causes deku to lose the ability to use his entire leg. Should deku use both legs he can travel up to 240 ft. Alternatively deku can use leg pump as an attack action using the same damage and range as arm pump. If deku uses leg pump in the air he is blown back 60 ft in the opposite direction of his attack.The House passed a $1.1 trillion spending deal Wednesday that funds the government through the rest of the fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30.
House lawmakers approved the comprehensive measure in a 309-118 vote, with the Senate expected to vote by Friday to avert a government shutdown on Saturday.
Republican and Democratic negotiators reached the agreement Sunday night, and Vice President Mike Pence told "CBS This Morning" earlier this week that President Trump had signed off on its parameters.
White House moves to defend budget deal
Democrats have cheered the wins in the bill, which doesn't fund Mr. Trump's planned wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, provides funding for Planned Parenthood and gives the National Institutes of Health (NIH) a budget boost.
Republicans' major victory in the measure is a boost to defense spending -- a $25 billion increase for the U.S. military over the 2016 level. The bill includes more than $76 billion for the Pentagon's war fund, known as the overseas contingency operations (OCO) account, which is used for operations overseas such as those against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The measure, however, withholds $2.5 billion of war-related funding until Mr. Trump submits his comprehensive plan to defeat ISIS to Congress, according to a summary prepared by Democrats. It said, "The plan shall include benchmarks for progress in defeating ISIS and directs the secretary of defense and secretary of state to provide quarterly updates to Congress."
Other items in the legislation include a 1 percent cut to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and funding to reimburse local police departments in places like New York City and Florida to cover security needed to protect the president and the rest of the first family. Lawmakers also reached a deal to permanently fund health benefits for retired coal miners.
The next spending showdown is just a few months away, when lawmakers will need to pass a new package by Oct. 1. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump threatened a government shutdown in a tweet on Tuesday, laying the groundwork for what's sure to be a messy and chaotic legislative season this fall.Connect Raspberry Pi online simulator to Azure IoT Hub (Node.js)
6 minutes to read
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In this article
In this tutorial, you begin by learning the basics of working with Raspberry Pi online simulator. You then learn how to seamlessly connect the Pi simulator to the cloud by using Azure IoT Hub.
If you have physical devices, visit Connect Raspberry Pi to Azure IoT Hub to get started.
What you do
Learn the basics of Raspberry Pi online simulator.
Create an IoT hub.
Register a device for Pi in your IoT hub.
Run a sample application on Pi to send simulated sensor data to your IoT hub.
Connect simulated Raspberry Pi to an IoT hub that you create. Then you run a sample application with the simulator to generate sensor data. Finally, you send the sensor data to your IoT hub.
What you learn
How to create an Azure IoT hub and get your new device connection string. If you don't have an Azure account, create a free Azure trial account in just a few minutes.
How to work with Raspberry Pi online simulator.
How to send sensor data to your IoT hub.
Overview of Raspberry Pi web simulator
Click the button to launch Raspberry Pi online simulator.
There are three areas in the web simulator.
Assembly area - The default circuit is that a Pi connects with a BME280 sensor and an LED. The area is locked in preview version so currently you cannot do customization. Coding area - An online code editor for you to code with Raspberry Pi. The default sample application helps to collect sensor data from BME280 sensor and sends to your Azure IoT Hub. The application is fully compatible with real Pi devices. Integrated console window - It shows the output of your code. At the top of this window, there are three buttons. Run - Run the application in the coding area.
- Run the application in the coding area. Reset - Reset the coding area to the default sample application.
- Reset the coding area to the default sample application. Fold/Expand - On the right side there is a button for you to fold/expand the console window.
Note The Raspberry Pi web simulator is now available in preview version. We'd like to hear your voice in the Gitter Chatroom. The source code is public on GitHub.
Create an IoT hub
This section describes how to create an IoT hub using the Azure portal.
Log in to the Azure portal. Choose +Create a resource, then choose Internet of Things. Click Iot Hub from the list on the right. You see the first screen for creating an IoT hub. Fill in the fields. Subscription: Select the subscription to use for your IoT hub. Resource Group: You can create a new resource group or use an existing one. To create a new one, click Create new and fill in the name you want to use. To use an existing resource group, click Use existing and select the resource group from the dropdown list. For more information, see Manage Azure Resource Manager resource groups. Region: This is the region in which you want your hub to be located. Select the location closest to you from the dropdown list. IoT Hub Name: Put in the name for your IoT Hub. This name must be globally unique. If the name you enter is available, a green check mark appears. Important The IoT hub will be publicly discoverable as a DNS endpoint, so make sure to avoid any sensitive information while naming it. Click Next: Size and scale to continue creating your IoT hub. On this screen, you can take the defaults and just click Review + create at the bottom. Pricing and scale tier: You can choose from several tiers depending on how many features you want and how many messages you send through your solution per day. The free tier is intended for testing and evaluation. It allows 500 devices to be connected to the IoT hub and up to 8,000 messages per day. Each Azure subscription can create one IoT Hub in the free tier. IoT Hub units: The number of messages allowed per unit per day depends on your hub's pricing tier. For example, if you want the IoT hub to support ingress of 700,000 messages, you choose two S1 tier units. For details about the other tier options, see Choosing the right IoT Hub tier. Advanced / Device-to-cloud partitions: This property relates the device-to-cloud messages to the number of simultaneous readers of the messages. Most IoT hubs only need four partitions. Click Review + create to review your choices. You see something similar to this screen. Click Create to create your new IoT hub. Creating the hub takes a few minutes.
Retrieve connection string for IoT hub
After your hub has been created, retrieve the connection string for the hub. This is used to connect devices and applications to your hub.
Click on your hub to see the IoT Hub pane with Settings, and so on. Click Shared access policies. In Shared access policies, select the iothubowner policy. Under Shared access keys, copy the Connection string -- primary key to be used later. For more information, see Access control in the "IoT Hub developer guide."
Register a new device in the IoT hub
In this section, you create a device identity in the identity registry in your IoT hub. A device cannot connect to IoT hub unless it has an entry in the identity registry. For more information, see the "Identity registry" section of the IoT Hub developer guide
In your IoT hub navigation menu, open IoT Devices, then click Add to register a new device in your IoT hub. Provide a name for your new device, such as myDeviceId, and click Save. This action creates a new device identity for your IoT hub. Important The device ID may be visible in the logs collected for customer support and troubleshooting, so make sure to avoid any sensitive information while naming it. After the device is created, open the device from the list in the IoT devices pane. Copy the Connection string---primary key to use later.
Note The IoT Hub identity registry only stores device identities to enable secure access to the IoT hub. It stores device IDs and keys to use as security credentials, and an enabled/disabled flag that you can use to disable access for an individual device. If your application needs to store other device-specific metadata, it should use an application-specific store. For more information, see IoT Hub developer guide.
Run a sample application on Pi web simulator
In coding area, make sure you are working on the default sample application. Replace the placeholder in Line 15 with the Azure IoT hub device connection string. Click Run or type npm start to run the application.
You should see the following output that shows the sensor data and the messages that are sent to your IoT hub
Next steps
You’ve run a sample application to collect sensor data and send it to your IoT hub.
To continue to get started with Azure IoT Hub and to explore all extended IoT scenarios, see the following:In their miraculous run to the NCAA Championship, there was no doubt who would take the big shot in the big moment for UConn.
Shabazz Napier was the man.
Two years ago it was ""Russdiculous" for Louisville.
And the 'Canes run to the ACC Regular Season and Tournament titles was keyed by Super Sophomore Shane Larkin.
On the best teams, there are typically 2 and sometimes 3 performers who can make a clutch play on either end of the court.
We expect next season's Miami squad to be a deep one, with plenty of excellent players capable of contributing in numerous ways.
But will one player emerge as that "Alpha Dog?" The guy who makes the big shot to end the other team's big run, puts the game away in the closing minutes, and takes on the role of "closer" in tight games.
Let's take a look at some potential candidates and what they bring to the table:
Candidate #1 - Angel Rodriguez
Has the distinct advantage of being a PG. So he will have the ball in his hands plenty during crunch time. Thus far has been "ok" but not amazing as a shooter. But with a year off following his transfer from K State, look for that to improve. From what we have heard, he was already the vocal leader in practices last season. Very unselfish player though, so easily could defer to a teammate if one emerges as the better option.
Candidate #2 - Sheldon McClellan
McClellan was never shy about shooting the ball in his days at Texas. Blessed with exceptional size, handling, and an alleged 44 inch vertical leap, McClellan has everything you could want in a wing. His shooting numbers with the Longhorns however, left much to be desired. Former UM players Donnavan Kirk and Justin Heller raved to us about his abilities. If he can improve his shot selection and be more consistent with his jumper, he has NBA potential. This makes McClellan a frontrunner to take big shots at big times.
Candidate #3 - Deandre Burnett
Burnett is already legendary for his scoring prowess and he has yet to play a regular season college game. Once averaged 35 ppg in H.S. He has an arsenal that includes three pointers, pull-ups, drives, and medium range jumpers that allow him to put up points in bunches. Having spent a year at Prep School and after having missed last season with injury, should be far more mature than your average Redshirt Freshman. His effortless ability to score should make him a prime candidate for the closer role.
Candidate #4- Tonye Jekiri
Ok, So Jekiri hasn't quite lit it up offensively in his two seasons in Coral Gables. Nonetheless he IS the 'Canes most experienced player in the program. A 7 footer with decent touch and incredible athletic ability is always a candidate to emerge as a weapon offensively. Does he have the personality to take his game to the next level? Time will tell.
Candidate #5- Davon Reed
Reed had an up and down freshman campaign, but when he was on you could really see his talent. He started out the season running the point, and filled the role admirably while Manu Lecome learned. However, he is better suited to play on the wing and fill it up. His jumper is already silky smooth. Will a medium game and the ability to take the ball to the basket catch up with his outside shooting? If it does he might end up being UM's best offensive weapon.
Precocious freshman JaQuan Newton was clearly an Alpha in H.S. so he too could emerge, though I think like most first year players, he will likely defer to the more experienced guys.
Ivan Cruz Uceda is a stretch four with tremendous upside who shot the ball very well at his JUCO. He too should be watched very closely.
Which player on Miami do you think will emerge as the "Alpha Dog?"My onscreen daughter…
Around 14 years ago I started shooting for a TV show. After the first few episodes the girl, who was playing my daughter in the show was replaced by a very sweet and talented nine-year- old, who took to the role like it was written for her. Our bond grew so strong that since then, for the past 13 years, she has wished me on Mother's Day every single year. Beyond a warm and sweet gesture that is a reflection of the values she has grown up with, I would ask her about her studies and work, and she would always reply with confidence and assurance that all is well.
How I wish it was…Few days ago that adorable little child of mine on screen hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Since then I have been getting a lot of phone calls and messages asking me if I "read about my on-screen daughter". My reply: "Yes! I read about her because the reports are only writing about her. Had they written about her so called high profile "businessmen" clients involved, I would have read about them too". Honestly, I'm quite disappointed that the media reports have so selectively guarded their identity and names. I have no interest in knowing about those degenerate "businessmen", but I would have loved to see their names come to the fore so that their families – mothers, daughters, sisters and wives – and friends would get an insight into their recreational habits.
I'm appalled at the way the issue has been dealt with by the media. We, the people, are so eager to pass judgments and share opinions about her on social media, but none of us have walked the hard yards in her shoes…so, do we actually have a right to judge her yet? I don't know her reasons and problems, and I don't know any solutions either... All I know is that she is kept in a remand home and that she has apparently given a statement accepting it. At least she has been brave enough to accept it (as per the reports). I had been intending to write this piece since I got to know about it, but I wanted to first speak to her. Unable to do that, I did manage to talk to her real life mother today. How many of us know that her mother has not been allowed to meet her in the remand home yet? How many of us know that the attending judge has told her mother that she is cheering up kids and other women in the remand home by talking about music and life. Her mother is feeling deprived, dejected and even defeated…and understandably so. She has a few very valid questions – "My daughter is not a criminal, why is her name being maligned like this? What if this irresponsible reporting along with her photographs by the media has a long-lasting scarring impact on her? What if tomorrow she finds it impossible to carry the bitter remains of her life and takes a drastic step, God forbid...
Does anyone have an answer?Her mother and many other women, including me, want to know the answers to some more questions. Why has the large section of media been so selective in highlighting the girl? Why the names and photographs of the businessmen not splashed all over, like the girl's? Why have those men been granted the right to privacy and not the girl? Is she a soft target just because she is an actor and a public figure? Why is our moral police quiet about this? In a country where even the rapists and murderers are given the right to privacy, why has her right been violated? Why this irresponsible insensitive stand against her?Marine Maj. Douglas Zembiec, then a captain, in Fallujah, Iraq, in 2004. He earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart during his deployment there. (Rick Loomis/Los Angeles Times)
In the foyer of the Central Intelligence Agency’s headquarters, there is a marble wall covered in stars. They are carved divots that represent those who have fallen in the service of the CIA. Below them, jutting out from the polished rock, is a black book entombed in a case of glass and steel. The book is a guide to the stars, giving the names of some of those who died and withholding the names of others.
On the pages of the CIA’s Book of Honor are 111 hand-drawn stars organized by the years those officers died. For 2007, there is a single, anonymous star.
It belongs to Marine Maj. Douglas Alexander Zembiec.
Long thought to be an active-duty Marine when he was killed in Baghdad, Zembiec was actually serving with the CIA’s paramilitary arm. While the CIA would not comment on whether Zembiec worked for the agency, former U.S. intelligence officials said in interviews that he died in an alley in Sadr City on May 11, 2007, as a member of the Special Activities Division’s Ground Branch.
It was the final chapter in the life of a Marine known to many as the Lion of Fallujah but whose story, until now, has never been fully told. He is one of the few Americans to be simultaneously honored by the military and the CIA for his actions. But because he was working covertly, his role was never acknowledged publicly.
Zembiec was killed in Baghdad n 2007 while working for the CIA. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. (Michel duCille/The Washington Post)
Family members and former intelligence officials say Zembiec was working with a small team of Iraqis on a “snatch and grab” operation targeting insurgents for capture. Just moments after warning his men that an ambush was imminent, he was shot in the head by an enemy insurgent; he died instantly.
In the ensuing gun battle, the Iraqis serving beside Zembiec radioed back, “Five wounded, one martyred,” according to battle reports.
Top military commanders, including Gen. David H. Petraeus, lauded Zembiec’s actions on the night he was killed, and the military dedicated a helicopter landing zone to him at Camp Victory at Baghdad International Airport in 2008. It included a white sign with Zembiec’s name, his awards and the emblem of the Marine Corps.
Markedly absent: the crest of the CIA.
Zembiec, who was 34, is credited with saving 25 men on the night of his death, and for his heroism, he was later awarded the Silver Star.
“He was something else,” his wife, Pam Zembiec, said in an interview at her home in Maryland. “Sometimes I thought he was born in the wrong time, like he should have been born with the Spartans.”
‘They fought like lions’
Zembiec was a warrior, and an outspoken one at that, heralding a firefight during the battle of Fallujah in 2004 as “the greatest day of my life.”
At her husband’s funeral, Pam Zembiec clutches the flag that covered his casket. She recently wrote a book about him. (Kevin Wolf/AP)
Among his Marines he was known for his humility and fearlessness. He was the company commander for Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, and during the first battle of Fallujah he led from the front, rallying his men and directing fire even after being wounded. His Purple Heart would be one of 78 citations for the 139 Marines of Echo Company during that deployment.
Zembiec was also awarded the Bronze Star for valor for rushing into the middle of a machine-gun-raked street to get the attention of an Abrams tank supporting Echo Company. Abrams are equipped with small radios on the rear to allow infantrymen to talk to the tank crew while behind the safety of 60 tons of steel, but for whatever reason the radio, or “grunt phone,” wasn’t working, so Zembiec scaled the tank while bullets ricocheted off its hull.
After he knocked on one of the hatches repeatedly, the crew of the tank finally opened up. Zembiec then loaded a magazine of illuminated tracer rounds and began shooting from the top of the tank to mark the building from which his Marines were being shot.
The tank swung its turret and without warning fired its massive 120mm gun. The blast threw Zembiec into the air and onto the street below.
“He deserved five Bronze Stars, not one,” retired Sgt. Maj. Williams Skiles said. Skiles served as Zembiec’s company first sergeant and right-hand man during the battle of Fallujah. In a going-away plaque given to Skiles, Zembiec called him “the metal-weld” that kept the company together.
For all Zembiec’s accolades, he was always more comfortable talking about his Marines’ deeds rather than his own.
“My men fought like lions and killed many insurgents. The valor and courage of the Marines was magnificent,” Zembiec wrote in a letter to his wife during the battle. “The Marines fought with such ferocity that any Marine who went before us would have been proud.”
It was his frequent references to his Marines as lions that earned him the nickname the Lion of Fallujah.
Zembiec was born in Hawaii and raised in Albuquerque. His father, Donald Zembiec, is a retired special agent for the FBI, and his mother, Jo Ann Zembiec, once a third-grade teacher, now volunteers as the master gardener for the New Mexico Veterans’ Memorial Rose Garden, as well as with other veterans nonprofit groups.
Zembiec attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he quickly rose to prominence for his prowess on the wrestling mat. He graduated in 1995 as an all-American athlete and Marine officer. Years later, Zembiec would sometimes return to the academy to teach the midshipmen on the wrestling team “a thing or two.”
His wife included his letters in her recently published book, “Selfless Beyond Service: A Story About the Husband, Son and Father Behind the Lion of Fallujah.”
“He wrote those letters because he wanted his Marines to know how much he loved them,” Pam said.
And his Marines loved him back.
Shortly after Zembiec’s return from Iraq, he and his father were driving separately onto Camp Pendleton, in California. When his father pulled up to the gate, the Marine on duty looked into the vehicle and asked, “Are you Captain Zembiec’s father?”
In an interview at his home in New Mexico, Donald Zembiec said he nodded.
“I was with him in Fallujah,” the Marine continued. “And if we had to go back in there, I’d follow him in with a spoon.”
After a short stint at the Marines’ Special Operations Training Group at Camp Lejeune, N.C., in 2005, Douglas Zembiec decided to apply for a coveted slot in the Ground Branch of the CIA’s Special Activities Division.
The position is extremely competitive, and the CIA accepts only one Marine Special Operations officer every few years.
“He went for this with all of his guts and glory,” his wife said. “I’ve never seen this man stressed in my life until he started interviewing for this. He was pacing, and he couldn’t sleep.”
His parents saw the move to the CIA as a strategic one in order to stay in a combat-related role and avoid a staff position, something most Marines of Zembiec’s rank are forced into at a similar point in their careers.
“He wanted to be at the tip of the spear,” Jo Ann Zembiec said.
He was accepted into the program and was sent to the agency from the Marines for a two-year assignment.
Shortly afterward, he deployed to Afghanistan. His work with the CIA was the first experience Pam Zembiec had as a military spouse after they married in April 2005.
“The three months gone, three months back seemed like a cake ride for me,” Pam said, referring to the length of her husband’s deployments with the agency.
Because of the secrecy of the Ground Branch’s operations, Zembiec rarely talked about the job, and Pam followed suit, letting the unknown form a layer of normalcy as she raised their newborn daughter, Fallyn, and their Labrador retriever, Valhalla, outside Annapolis.
“I wouldn’t have been able to focus on our life if I would have known,” Pam said. “Because he didn’t tell me anything, I never for a second worried about him. I never thought he was in any kind of danger. He was smart, he knew what he was doing. He was trained.”
“I always expected someone to come to the door and tell me that Doug had been in a motorcycle accident,” his mother said. “I never thought he would be killed in combat.”
In March 2007, Doug Zembiec volunteered to deploy again, this time to Iraq, where he was able to call Pam almost every day.
“The last thing Doug said to me on the phone — I’ll never forget it,” Pam said. “ ‘Wait a minute, wait a minute, I have to tell you something before I hang up. Babe, you should see what we’re doing with the Iraqi people and what we’re doing to help them. Things are getting better over here.’
“He was elated; he was crazy about his job.”
That was the morning of May 11, 2007.
‘I was very angry’
Four people came to Pam’s door that night. One of them was Col. John Ripley, a mentor to Doug Zembiec, a family friend and a Marine legend.
“When the guys came to tell me that night... I was very angry,” Pam Zembiec said. “At the time I wanted to blame someone, and I blamed [the fact] that he wasn’t with his Marines.”
Zembiec’s job with the CIA meant that he was working with other Special Operations types and Iraqis, not the Marines with whom he had fought during his earlier deployment to Fallujah.
“I saw a lot of tough guys crying in that house,” said Elliot Ackerman, a friend who was in Marine Special Operations training when Zembiec was killed. “They cried for Doug, but because of where we were in the war I think they cried for themselves, too.”
The last time Ackerman saw Zembiec was in the winter of 2007; his friend had driven through the night from D.C. to North Carolina so they could do dive training together. They stayed up into the early hours of the morning, catching up, until it was time to do the dive. Before they left, Ackerman offered Zembiec breakfast because he hadn’t eaten in the past 12 hours.
“And all he wanted was a glass of milk,” Ackerman said. “A big glass of milk.”
It took years for Pam’s anger to subside; she felt she had been forced to remain silent about her husband’s involvement — even as movies like “Zero Dark Thirty” trumpeted the CIA’s operation to kill Osama bin Laden. The film also referenced the Ground Branch.
“I’m kind of irritated: Why did I have to lie about Doug, and why he was killed, when the whole world knows about Ground Branch?” his wife asked. “It’s time to say, ‘Hey, this is what he was doing when he was killed — he was in charge of an elite group.’ ”
Todd Ebitz, a CIA spokesman, said, “Consistent with long-standing practice, we do not comment on who may or may not have been honored anonymously with a star on the agency’s Memorial Wall.”
Weeks after his death and his burial in Arlington National Cemetery, Pam and the rest of Doug Zembiec’s family were invited to a private ceremony in then-CIA Director Michael V. Hayden’s office on the seventh floor of headquarters in Langley. Hayden quietly thanked them for Zembiec’s service. In attendance were some of the men who were serving with him when he was killed, along with Shannon Spann, the wife of Johnny Spann, a former Marine and the first American killed in Afghanistan, in November 2001. Spann, like Zembiec, was in the CIA’s Special Activities Division.
Later, the CIA’s next director, Leon E. Panetta, presented Pam Zembiec with the anonymous star that was subsequently chiseled into the Memorial Wall and inscribed into the Book of Honor.
Today, she has come to terms with her husband’s death and her feelings toward the agency. She said she plans to return to CIA headquarters in three years to mark the 10th anniversary of his death at his star.
“It’s nobody’s fault,” she said. “Doug chose this path. He died doing what he loved, and he made a difference. And that’s what matters.”
Adam Goldman, Julie Tate and Greg Miller contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: This story should have noted that Michael R. Gordon and Gen. Bernard E. Trainor first reported in their book, “The Endgame: The Inside Story of the Struggle for Iraq, from George W. Bush to Barack Obama,” that Zembiec was working for the CIA when he was killed in Baghdad in 2007. Gordon, citing a classified summary of raids, also said in an e-mail to The Post that Zembiec was killed in Adhamiyah district, not Sadr City.Playing board games is a whole lot of fun, but some of the more difficult and complex games can actually help you learn things, too. Whether you’re trying to speed up your math skills or become a stronger negotiator, here are a few skills you can build (and the games that help you build them).
Master Basic Arithmetic On the Fly
Arithmetic is a valuable skill no matter what you do for a living, and the quicker you can do it in your head, the better. Learning to add, subtract, and divide quickly makes it easier to work with your finances, add up prices in the store, and solve basic problems in day to day life. Most card and board games involve some form of math, but some games require you to do arithmetic lightning fast, forcing to think on your feet.
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Smash Up is a card game where you select two 20-card decks that belong to different factions (like vampires, wizards, and zombies), and then shuffle them together into a 40-card deck (zombie/wizards, for example). Your goal is to play your cards that are assigned a point value on “base cards,” which are usually silly locations like a castle or haunted mansion. The base cards have a number cap assigned to them, and once the combined value of all the cards played at that location reaches the cap, the person with the most points there captures the base. As the game goes on, you are constantly doing calculations in your head to determine how many points you and your opponents have on a base, and it gets more and more complicated as the game goes on because their are always multiple bases in play. It’s non-stop adding, subtracting, and dividing during every single turn. Doing some bad math in your head can cost you the game, but after you get the hang of things, you’re calculating and plotting your turns ahead of time like a mathlete.
The game plays in a similar way to collectible card games, like Magic the Gathering, where an emphasis on good mental arithmetic is present. Smash Up has a distinct advantage, though, because everything you need to play comes in one box, just like a board game. Instead of buying endless amounts of new cards as they’re released, you have everything you need in one box. You also don’t have to ever worry about getting bored with it because the number of possible deck combinations and matchups is astronomically high. You need two to four people to play and it can take up to an hour for a full game.
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Learn to Cooperate with Others
Learning how to communicate with others and recognize people’s strengths and will only benefit you. Cooperative board games have all of the players on the same side, working toward the same goal. In most cases, if you can’t find a way to work together, everybody loses, so working together is as necessary as the game board itself. Playing these types of games basically forces you to start thinking like a team player (as opposed to many games, which are purely competitive).
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Escape puts you and the other players in a cursed temple that’s falling apart, and you must find a way out. The game is played out in real-time, with a countdown timer, and everyone frantically rolling their dice to move throughout the temple. Escape provides a number of opportunities for you to help your teammates, but there’s a risk associated with every move you make. The more time you spend helping someone else out, the less time you have to escape yourself. Everybody has to make it out together, however, or everyone loses. Because of that, communication is extremely important. Many groups will even develop a shorthand language after a few games to streamline the whole process. Escape requires two to five players, but will always only take 30 minutes to play because of the timer.
Hanabi is a cooperative card game, challenging you and your teammates to launch the best possible firework display. Here’s the catch, though: you can’t see what cards are in your hand, but everyone else can. You hold your cards facing the opposite way and can only make plays based on the information your teammates communicate to you. Instead of your turn consisting of you thinking what to play next, it’s a discussion about how to make the best play for everyone. Just like a team at work, giving bad information hurts everyone involved. As you play, you begin to learn the importance of being straightforward and as clear as possible. You’re not in a time crunch like with Escape, but again, bad communication means everyone walks away a loser.
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Foster a Sixth Sense for Reading People
Knowing how to identify people’s body language and listen for tells in their voices can help you size up people better in real life. Some games make that the crux of their whole experience, and they can be a lot of fun. Getting better at reading people will mean that you’ll have a better idea of when someone is lying, you’ll be able to feel out whether someone is interested in talking to you or not, and you’ll be able to see people’s intentions a little more clearly.
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In One Night Ultimate Werewolf, learning to read people is central to the gameplay. Everyone is randomly given a card to identify who they are in the game. Nobody else knows who you are, unless you choose to reveal it. At least one person is a werewolf, and it’s the job of the other players to find out who it is. Things get pretty complicated, however, because everyone who isn’t the werewolf has a job to do, and their job can make it easier, or harder, to identify who the werewolf is. Some players have a vested interest in hiding who the werewolf is, and others want to help everyone figure them out. No matter what your role is, though, you’re constantly trying to guess who is who by asking questions, listening to the way people talk (or don’t), and watching the way they act. It requires at least four people to play, but it’s a lot more fun with six to 10 people, and each game only take about 10 minutes. (Which means you can play over and over again and get a chance to try out all the different roles.)
In the same vein, Resistance assigns everyone a secret identity, but there’s only two sides. You’re either a member of the corrupt government or part of the resistance. Both sides are trying to complete missions and sabotage the other team, but the trouble is, nobody knows who is on what side. You’re trying to work cooperatively with players that might want to ruin you, so you’re required to watch and listen carefully in order to make good judgements. One Night Ultimate Werewolf and Resistance are simple enough to be played at parties, but they require you to pay attention to every word and action from the other players. For a more involved challenge, the Battlestar Galactica board game works with the same concepts.
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23-page cover story is immediately struck by the use of many boxes off to the side of each page where Wallace shares his parenthetical thoughts/statements during his undisciplined telling of the story. As a fan of the parenthetical statement myself, I understand what he was trying to do, but I am also totally convinced that had a normal writer (one not named David Foster Wallace) presented such a jigsaw puzzle of a submission to their magazine that they probably would have laughed at him and asked him to come back when he learned how to write. Finally, it was Wallace’s actions after the story was finally published that really revealed to me what he was all about. I was a bit miffed at some of the inaccuracies and misrepresentations as well as the lack of any update to the storyline in the piece, but as a conservative you pretty much expect that from someone in academia who is clearly a liberal (after all, everyone in the elite literary world knows that conservatives are not smart enough to be worthy of their ranks and would certainly never attain the lofty level of “genius”). I called Wallace and asked him if he would come on my show to talk about the article. I was completely shocked and incensed when he flatly refused to speak to me on the air for even just ten minutes. I was totally enraged that after having given him two months of access to my time, he was not willing even do a cursory interview in return. He lamely claimed that his contract only required him to do one interview for the piece and that he had already fulfilled that commitment. It was obvious to me what was really going on was that he knew that I would call him out on his inaccuracies and distortions. I think that he also realized the value and importance of maintaining the aura of mystery that surrounded him by severely limiting his exposure to mass media. The New York Times in reporting on his suicide called him “a prose magician,” and like any decent illusionist Wallace knew that the fewer opportunities the audience had to see his sleight of hand, the less chance there was that they would eventually catch on to the trick. I never spoke to Wallace again after that fiery phone call (when I immediately called back to apologize for hanging up on him he didn’t answer the phone). Without ever bothering to inform me, Wallace expanded on his “Host” piece on me for the final entry in his last book, Consider the Lobster (which was also included in the New Kings of Nonfiction collection). In that extended version of “Host,” Wallace added several quotes from me that I am positive I told him off the record, including one statement about my boss at the time (which turned out to be true) that may have had a very negative impact on my career at KFI which would end about a year after that version was published. I know that it is considered bad form, or worse, to speak ill of the newly dead, but to me all bets are off when one commits suicide, especially when that person has a family (speaking of bad form, when did the news media change their rule about not reporting extensively on, not to mention glorifying, the suicides of marginally famous people?). I strongly believe that a large ingredient of the toxic mix that ended up forming Wallace’s self-inflicted poison was the pressure he felt of living up to the hype surrounding his writing and the guilt he must have felt for not really having the true talent to back up his formidable reputation. While I have absolutely no direct evidence to back up this assertion, I also think it is quite possible that he knew that killing himself in his “prime” and before he had been totally exposed as being a mere mortal in the literary realm would cement his status as a “genius” forever. After all, don’t tortured artists often kill themselves? Heck, based on the glowing and reverential reporting on his suicide, in some circles ending his on life may actually be seen as a badge of honor. Obviously, it should not be discounted that Wallace had been on medication for depression for much of the last twenty years and that there were reportedly problems within his family, possibly caused by alcohol use. I know from having been on anti-depressants myself in late 1990's that they can dramatically curtail creativity and I am sure that he was often tempted to go off of his prescriptions. It is in this area where the greatest incongruity of Wallace’s “Host” piece lies. He goes to significant lengths to demean and almost mock me for having such a depressing worldview ( I have admitted on the air many times that I was severely depressed and considered suicide after my mother was killed in a car accident in 1994). Some bloggers writing about Wallace’s suicide have already noted this, now all too dramatic, irony. I doubt anyone will ever know for sure why it is that the man who ridiculed me for my bouts with depression would be so weak as to succumb to his own in the most selfish way possible. However, I honestly do believe that, based on my rather distinctive experience with him, that his suicide was about far more than just an illness and should in no way be a cause for praise. David Foster Wallace was an overrated writer in life. His suicide should not be used to elevate him even further beyond what he deserved, in death. Of course, as Wallace wrote in the final words of his final book (after the “genius” had just expressed “doubt” over my certainty of O.J. Simpson’s guilt), “It goes without saying that this is just one man’s opinion.” Return to Editorials >>Trying to appeal to his core fans and earn mainstream love has proved a daunting task for Obie Trice. Although his 2003 debut, Cheers, is certified platinum, it didn’t exactly make the Shady Records signee a breakout star. Obie’s shine was almost dimmed permanently when he was shot in the head on New Year’s Eve 2005 while driving on a highway in his hometown of Detroit. That near death experience coupled with the loss of his close friend and label mate, Proof, a few months later resulted in the dark tone of Trice’s sophomore LP, Second Round’s on Me. Released in August of ’06 to critical acclaim, the album unfortunately put up disappointing SoundScan numbers due to circumstances Obie says were outside of his control. His Akon-assisted lead single “Snitch” was banned by MTV because of it’s “stop snitching” message, and BET nixed the song due to Trice’s affiliation with Eminem, who had personal issues with the station at the time. With a few industry lessons learned and the dark days of the past year beginning to clear up, Mr. Real Name, No Gimmicks is in better spirits and looks to display that on his next album, Bottom’s Up. XXLMag.com recently caught up with Obie Trice to discuss his upcoming project, industry politics and living with a bullet inside of his head.
We haven’t heard from you in a minute. What’ve you been working on?
Oh, man, I got an album damn near done already… I’m gonna name this one Bottom’s Up. I got some hot shit. [I’m] workin’ with producers like my man Propane the Great from South Carolina, he did [my new single] “Detroit Summer.” I got a dude name Square Biz—a local cat from Detroit—my man Six… it’s a lot of unknown producers, but the shit is fire.
When do you plan on dropping the album?
I don’t have an idea. We got 50 Cent’s album coming first, then D12 is supposed to come out and Stat Quo. I’m hoping the first quarter of next year or by the summertime. It might take a minute, [though].
A lot of people feel Second Round’s on Me was your best work, but it seemed to get overshadowed. Are you going to make sure Bottom’s Up gets maximum exposure this time?
Yeah, I would like to have a summertime album because both of my [previous] albums were in the winter [or] fall. I think these tracks I’m picking are more fun, summer type of joints. I [don’t] want to wait so long to put out an album. It took three years to put out Second Round’s on Me [after] Cheers. I think that’s too long. Especially the way I work. I’m in the studio everyday from dusk ’til dawn. My work ethic is crazy. I just feel like with the politics of the game… it’s like you gotta get the budget opened up and certain people at the label might be in a direction of another artist at the time. So I just want to have everybody on the same page. I just want you to work with me on this album and push it like it was 50 Cent’s album. Like, really push this album and get behind it like it’s Curtis.
After putting so much hard work into Second Round’s on Me, was it frustrating to see it not sell as well as you expected?
Yeah, I would say that. Things happen, though. I didn’t get the video look from this last album. Everything was like a domino effect. I got shot [and] I almost died from that. Then my man Proof got killed…. So it was just a bad run. I did regret some things for a minute [and] gritted my teeth like, “Damn!” But you get past it and continue to do what you do. [You] gotta keep movin’.
There was also some controversy over the video for “Snitch” around that time, too.
A lot of things didn’t really have to do with me. The “Snitch” song with Akon could’ve been a big hit, a No. 1 song in the country, but MTV wouldn’t back it because of the whole snitch campaign they had going on. [And] BET wasn’t backing it because of their personal issues with Eminem. The video was something different at the time. It could’ve taken off if it just got that look, but it didn’t. I figured it didn’t have nothin’ to do with me. I make the songs but I didn’t know these things were going on, politic wise. I just do what I do. I don’t think I’m changing up or doing anything different.
Do you feel being based in Detroit hinders you as an artist at all?
Dr. Dre told me, “Move from the city and move somewhere else.” I really don’t have a relationship with a lot of artists, that’s another thing, too. As far as [guest] features go, I don’t know none of these rappers. I just know the people in my camp. That’s the kind of thing that maybe [hinders] me being from Detroit. Nobody likes to come to Detroit. Artists call me like, “Aww, man, I gotta come to your fuckin’ city?” I probably would have a good look if was somewhere down South or on the East/West Coast. But this is where I was born and raised, so I gotta hold it down out here. Somebody gotta do it.
But Detroit is known for being a violent city at times. Proof was killed and you got shot in the head a year ago. Did they ever take the bullet out?
It’s still in. I ain’t really been back to take it out. It’s still in the same place, it ain’t move. It ain’t fuckin’ with me or nothin’ like that. I’m straight, for now. I’m gonna [eventually] remove it. I still feel the lead particles. It’s one big piece of the bullet in the middle [and] back of my head. There’s fragments of it going to the right of my head, in the side of my skull. When I lay the wrong way it feels like a brain freeze. You know when you [drink] a cold Slurpee—That’s what it feels like. It’s painful.
What do you think led to the shooting in the first place?
Man, I just think it’s a lot of haterism, a lot of ecstasy going on, it’s a lot of do-or-die type individuals. They want to get that plug and there’s really more to the game then they think it is. They look at artists like 50, who’s been shot nine times, and they feel like they’ve been hit nine times. So it’s competition on a real vicious level. You can lose your life real quick. You just gotta prepare yourself. As far as like the kids go, I just think some of these young niggas is out of hand. But I was at that age when I was out of hand and it took shit to happen in my life to really get a grip and stay focused.
Is it fair to say that Bottom’s Up is the most important album of your career?
Yeah, I think this album is turning out to be great. This one is really gonna do good. My name is out there now. I haven’t done anything that would tamper with my look. I stay true to my music. I’m ready to do the BET Awards, the MTV Awards and sell records like that, while, at the same time, not compromise my integrity and who I am. [I] just [need to] find that right timing [and] the right song. It’s a wrap from there. I got it in me. Now, I’m just waiting to see.Oh. My. Glob. The Reliant is one of my favorite Starfleet ships. Then again, I love them all. This replica from QMx was recently revealed at the 2014 San Diego Comic-Con and it looks absolutely stunning. It is the next ship in their high-end artisan replica range, and the U.S.S. Reliant has never looked so good.
As with all of QMx’s replicas, it is all about accurate and stunning detail here. However, this model not only replicates the Reliant, it improves on it. Check out those spacious shuttlebays for instance. Never saw those in the movies. This model really has me drooling. Sadly it is too soon to know when this ship will arrive, but we do have some idea of the price. It will be in the thousands of dollars.
You can check out more images via TrekMovie and Tomopop. Isn’t she a beauty?Breaking News Emails Get breaking news alerts and special reports. The news and stories that matter, delivered weekday mornings.
Feb. 14, 2015, 11:41 PM GMT / Updated Feb. 14, 2015, 11:46 PM GMT
Several hundred people took to the streets of Pasco, Washington, Saturday to protest the fatal police shooting of a man who allegedly pelted officers with rocks.
The protests appeared to be peaceful. Demonstrators chanted "We want justice!" and held signs aloft bearing slogans like "Shoot me on the leg but don’t kill me!" and photos of the orchard worker and father of two.
Antonio Zambrano-Montes, 35, was shot by Pasco police officers shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday, after he allegedly pelted officers with rocks, police said. The shooting was captured on video that appears to show Zambrano-Montes moving away from police when he was shot.
Some demonstrators chanted slogans in Spanish. Pasco is a city of about 68,000, a little more than half of whom are Hispanic, according to Census data. Mexico’s consul in Seattle called the shooting "the unwarranted use of lethal force against an unarmed Mexican national" in a letter to the Pasco police chief.
Protesters held a rally at Volunteer Park and marched to Lewis Street and 10th Avenue, where Zambrano-Montes was shot. Pasco police estimated the crowd at 500 people.
The Franklin County coroner is considering calling a rare coroner’s inquest to determine whether the shooting was justified. Antonio Zambrano-Montes' family has filed a notice of claim and intend to sue the city for $25 million.
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— Phil HelselNEW YORK -- The Senate is poised to consider updated legislation stepping up sanctions on Iran on Thursday, and due to persistence from Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), the bill will contain a provision making sure the measure is not used as an excuse to go to war with Iran or Syria.
According to a Senate Democratic leadership aide, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) will ask for unanimous consent on Thursday to pass an updated version of the Johnson-Shelby Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Human Rights Act of 2012. The measure would go after Iran's mining, energy and shipping sectors and penalize U.S. parent companies for the Iran-related activities of their foreign subsidiaries.
The bill easily passed out of the Senate Banking Committee, but in March, when Reid tried to bring it up for unanimous consent, Paul blocked it in an effort to insert his amendment.
Although nothing in the sanctions bill authorizes war with Iran, Paul didn't want to take any chances. His amendment would make clear that nothing in the bill "shall be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization of use of force against Iran or Syria."
According to the Senate Democratic leadership aide, the updated legislation before the chamber on Thursday will include Paul's amendment.
It will also include a provision pushed by Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) that strengthens sanctions against companies that engage in or support censorship in Iran.
In addition, the bill strengthens human rights provisions and addresses Iran’s jamming of satellite communications. It contains non-binding language recommending that sanctions be more intensely enforced and that sanctions evasion efforts by Iran be closely monitored.
Paul had been searching for support for his amendment, and as of May 9, only Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) had signaled a possible willingness to sign on.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) told The Huffington Post that he didn't see what the hold-up was. "It doesn't bother me. I don't think it's necessary, but it's okay by me," he said of Paul's amendment.
Paul's office did not immediately return a request for comment on Reid's announcement.Nobody thought things were perfect in Cleveland. But with 13 wins in their last 14 games, including some big victories over the Clippers, Thunder, Blazers, and Bulls, things were certainly looking better. Then, this past weekend, the stitching seemed to come apart on LeBron James and Kevin Love’s relationship, with LeBron tweeting this:
Stop trying to find a way to FIT-OUT and just FIT-IN. Be apart of something special! Just my thoughts — LeBron James (@KingJames) February 8, 2015
A few members of the media figured this was a not-so-subtle shot at Love, who talked about fitting in and fitting out in a preseason profile. This has caused a storm of speculation, rumormongering, and gossip. We love it, obviously. Here’s what we think. We talked about Boogie Cousins and God’s plan too.
Chris Ryan: This Da Vinci Code fit-in/fit-out story is amazing. Seriously, did these guys not meet before LeBron engineered the Andrew Wiggins trade? Here’s my favorite underreported part of this whole debacle, from Jason Lloyd in the Akron Beacon Journal:
Three of his eight assists went to Love and James said he was even drawing up plays in the huddle to ride Love’s hot hand. [My emphasis.] He scored 17 points in the second quarter, including four 3-pointers in a span of 2:07. James got the assist on two of those four.
Where you at, David Blatt!!!??!?!?!
Jason Concepcion: I actually loved the part about how Love doesn’t leave his house and James wants everyone to hang out. This is like arguments with my college girlfriends.
Ryan: More from Lloyd:
The personalities of Love and James are complete opposites, which has intrigued me all season. Love is an admitted introvert who enjoys sitting home and watching movies. Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic, who was Love’s closest friend in Minnesota, told me last week he had to struggle sometimes just to get Love to leave his apartment. Love wasn’t overly close with a lot of his teammates in Minnesota. The list consisted of Pekovic and Corey Brewer. That was about it.
Pek, Brewer, and Love. Sure. For what it’s worth, if I were on the 2013-14 Timberwolves, I would have spent most of my time with Ricky Rubio and Shabazz Muhammad.
Bill Simmons: I noticed all the same things that you guys noticed. It was the strangest read of the year. But Love has been polarizing ever since he spurned Oregon for UCLA, complained about the Lake Oswego crowds and turned the entire state of Oregon against him. UCLA fans don’t feel bonded to him because he stayed only one year (and couldn’t make the title game with Darren Collison and Russell Westbrook). Minnesota fans lost with him for six years and booed him throughout that entire Cavs-Wolves game. Now he’s “fitting out” in Cleveland. Bizarre career so far. He doesn’t belong to anyone.
Ryan: I have a bunch of questions:
Can I get LeBron’s Goodreads review of The Da Vinci Code? Do you think he got kind of caught out there when ESPN’s Dave McMenamin rightly pulled out the Love profile? How bad do things have to be that this is all happening in the same room where these guys shower, that they can’t have a conversation with each other? Isn’t it funny how thin the line is between “guy who likes to spend time by himself and watch movies,” and “Travis Bickle”?
Juliet Litman: Things have to be really bad for me to feel sympathy for Love, but this made me let out an audible “Awwww”:
Love left Quicken Loans Arena shaking his head and feeling blindsided.
More questions:
• How long did that tweet sit in LeBron’s drafts? Love’s quote is from October.
• Did LeBron read some books about leadership to develop his theories on camaraderie, or are these philosophies workshopped with Dwyane Wade?
• Does subtweeting your teammate qualify as a camaraderie-building exercise?
Simmons: The two dirty secrets about NBA players: (a) They watch EVERY movie, and (b) they see every single comment on their Twitter reply feed.
Concepcion: The lag between Love’s initial comment and LeBron’s tweet is interesting. LeBron’s response almost feels like he’s been spending his downtime Googling Love in an effort to figure out what makes him tick, came across that comment, then couldn’t help but tweet about it. That’s the only way this makes sense. Which, I don’t know, maybe should’ve been done before the Wiggins trade, but whatever.
Ryan: If LeBron is Googling what makes Love tick, here’s what he sees:
Concepcion: In other news, it’s amazing that Boogie is now comparing playing for the Kings to a RELIGIOUS TRIAL SET UPON HIM BY GOD.
THAT’S HOW BAD IT IS. THE ONLY WAY BOOGIE CAN EXPLAIN THE KINGS IS THAT IT MUST BE GOD’S WILL, LIKE A PLAGUE OF LOCUSTS OR A TSUNAMI. WAY TO GO, VIVEK.
Simmons: It’s entirely possible that LeBron put 72 hours of thought into the whole “I’m going to Cleveland!” thing. Remember: LeBron was pushing for Miami to draft Shabazz Napier at the end of June. First seven days of free agency: They couldn’t sign anyone. A week later, he’s in Cleveland.
From what I heard, he started leaning toward Cleveland the weekend before, had the famous Dan Gilbert meeting, decided to come back, then made it contingent on getting Love for Wiggins. Everything was done by Wednesday and they announced it Friday morning. That’s not a lot of time to research Love.
Meanwhile, Golden State researched Love for a month and came away thinking, Actually, we’re good.
I can’t tell you how focused I am on the possibility of a Boogie/Boston trade. Like, you have no idea.
Andrew Sharp: My favorite part of these Cavs stories is David Blatt.
On February 5: “I just got a little tired with everybody talking about Kevin Love … There’s nothing wrong with Kevin Love.”
This weekend: “We win 12 games in a row and everybody is talking about Kevin’s five-point game. I mean, really, who gives a damn? What’s important is that the team is winning and Kevin knows that.”
I’m not saying this is a Kobe-Dwight situation for the Cavs, but Blatt is definitely Mike D’Antoni in the middle.
Simmons: Boogie for Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk, Marcus Thornton’s expiring, our unprotected 2015 no. 1 pick, the unprotected 2015 Clippers pick AND Dallas’s future no. 1 pick. THIS IS GOD’S PLAN!!!! Wait, what are you guys talking about?
Sharp: By the way, my first reaction reading all of this Sunday night was that LeBron has been exactly this unbearable all year. It started with the commercials, right on through the last five months. He was so much more fun in Miami, when he wasn’t trying to be The Leader Ohio Needs.
Look at this from LeBron:
At the end of the day, you want to win and you sacrifice whatever you need to do to help the team win. It’s all that matters. It doesn’t matter about shot attempts. It doesn’t matter about how many touches you get. If you want to win, then you’ll do that. I’ll go 0-for-0 from the field to win. I’ll get rebounds, I’ll get assists, I’ll take charges, I’ll get steals. I don’t need to shoot the ball at all, because I’m about winning. That’s all that matters.
And then came that tweet and the denial that it meant anything, but then he said, “It’s not a coincidence.” I don’t even know. He’s trying to manipulate Love and the media at the same time, and everyone involved sees through it.
I want the Cavs to do well, but it’s been tough to enjoy these guys the past few months. Love’s game has fallen off and he’s been sulking. But LeBron bears just as much responsibility. Miami LeBron was a badass. Cleveland LeBron sleepwalked through the first three months, almost immediately undercut his coach, and (maybe) gave up on the superstar he demanded the Cavs trade for. And in the meantime, he’s been pulling CliffsNotes Deepak Chopra shit like this since November.
Anyway, this past weekend was a perfect microcosm. The only thing worse than using Twitter to take shots at your teammates is getting all indignant when people ask what you meant. There’s only one way to describe this. Corny and …
I like u guys a lot(Media) but don't try and make a story cause it looks good. If I have a problem with a teammate or anyone I'll say to…. — LeBron James (@KingJames) February 9, 2015
their face and not over social media. That's corny and wack! So good try again my friends(Media), I still love you guys. — LeBron James (@KingJames) February 9, 2015
Don’t you miss Miami LeBron? Was this the real LeBron all along? Will any of this matter if he keeps playing well and takes the Cavs to the Finals? (Definitely not.)
Concepcion: One should always try to be either corny or wack but never both.
Sharp: A.k.a. the Dwight Howard rule.
Simmons: All I know is that you guys need to stop trying to find a way to FIT-OUT and just FIT IN. Be apart of something special! Just my thoughts. By the way, NOTHING TO SEE HERE.CLOSE Two people are dead and more than a dozen injured after a shooting at a Fort Myers nightclub. Police say it was teen night at the club.
Police work the scene of a fatal shooting July 25, 2016, at Club Blu in Fort Myers. (Photo11: Kinfay Moroti, The (Fort Myers, Fla.) News-Press)
More than a dozen people were shot and at least two were killed in an early morning shooting during a teen event at Club Blu Bar and Grill in Fort Myers, Fla. More details have come to light in the hours since the incident. Here's what we know:
When did it happen?
Fort Myers police first received reports of shots fired at the Club Blu parking lot after midnight, according to a news release. They responded around 12:30 a.m. to the club.
Soon after that, police responded to two other locations that they believe are tied to the shooting: about a half-mile away where a residence and several cars had been shot at, and another location roughly six miles away where they picked up a "person of interest."
Is there an indication this was a terrorist event?
This shooting comes less than two months after a self-radicalized lone wolf shot up Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando more than 150 miles away. It was the deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history. In this case, however, authorities said in a mid-morning press release that the incident "was not an act of terror." Earlier, Fort Myers interim police chief Dennis Eads told WINK News that no link connecting the shooting to terrorism had emerged,
How many were shot?
Police said in a news release that 18 were taken to hospital. It was not clear whether this included the deceased.
At least two of those shot have died.
The victims were reported to be between 12 and 27.
The most seriously injured have "potentially life-threatening" wounds that, in the case of one patient, required surgery to treat, said trauma surgeon, Dr. Drew Mikulaschek, during a press conference Monday morning following the shootings. He would not comment on the nature of the injuries or the ages of the hospitalized victims, citing medical privacy regulations.
Who are the two who died?
Police have named the victims as 14-year-old Sean Archilles and local high school basketball star Ste'fan Strawder, 18.
Earlier, the Ft. Myers News-Press newspaper interviewed a woman who identified herself as Adline Azemard, a relative of Archilles.
"My cousin called and said Sean is dead," Adline Azemard said. "We were at Lee Memorial (Hospital) all night, and they don't tell us nothing. They have a party for the kids."
Another woman, Emma Decimus, stood crying near the scene, mourning for Sean, a nephew. "They saw him on the ground," she said of witnesses.
Strawder, who was heading into his senior year at Lehigh High School, was one of three finalists for The News-Press basketball player of the year.
Are there any suspects?
A "person of interest" was detained early Monday on Ortiz Avenue, in a neighborhood roughly six miles northeast of Club Blu. Two more people have been detained since, police said, and are being questioned about the shooting.
Where did the shooting take place?
The shooting, which occurred just after midnight, occurred at Club Blu, a nightclub and restaurant south of downtown that was hosting a "swimsuit glow party" geared toward teens. No ID was required.
In a post on Facebook, the club said that it was "deeply sorry for all involved," adding that, "There was armed security as well as full security, inside and out."
At the top of the club's Facebook page, Club Blu describes itself as restaurant and lounge with "New Orleans Style Soulfood." However, an earlier version of the page advertised a "no panties night," saying that women without underwear would be admitted free. According to local reports, the "Girls Gone Wild. No Panties Edition" was held a week before the "swimsuit glow party."
In a tweet, since deleted, the club said that no ID was required "because it was a middle school/high school event."
Club Blu has since deleted its Facebook post, but this is what it said: pic.twitter.com/qA3qXjZEYZ — Andrew O'Brien (@aobrien7) July 25, 2016
Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/2a03XPpFollowing the trend of companies expanding with new series, today we're looking at the new Genesis kit from Kingston which is part of the popular HyperX series we know and love. While named Genesis, the term we've been throwing around more is HyperX Grey and that's of course due to the color of the heat spreader that's present. Looking at the kit, you can see it doesn't carry the same flair as the higher up T1 modules that carry that massive heatsink, nor does the kit come with any active cooling like the top models. Instead we just get a nice looking heatsink that's low profile. The particular kit we're looking at today is the PC3-12800 4GB version, but it's worth noting that an 8GB version of the kit can also be bought. Being PC3-12800 means the kit carries with it a default clock speed of 1600MHz DDR. It's funny to see companies opt for these lower speed kits lately over the higher end 1866MHz and 2133MHz DDR ones that we've seen for the few months before hand. The lower speed does bring with it a cheaper price tag, though. Along with coming in at 1600MHz DDR, the timings are a little relaxed at 9-9-9-24-1T @ 1.65v. The timings weren't so much of a surprise, but the 1.65v default voltage was; we've seen some companies recently release 1.6v and 1.5v kits and I would've thought that we'd see the same here. Installing the kit into our testbed, we knew that getting the default speed wouldn't be an issue and of course it wasn't. You can see our CPU-Z validation here. With that now up and running in Windows, it was time to check out the performance we could get. Under AIDA64 we ended up with Read / Write numbers of 18,547 MB/s / 17,506 MB/s, Copy speed of 21,348 MB/s and latency of 47.5ns. Looking at SiSoftware Sandra, our memory bandwidth numbers are 21,000 MB/s for Integer and 21,000 MB/s for Float. With the stock performance all done it was time to see how we went when it came to overclocking. Instead of messing around with the BCLK, I opted to increase the memory divider so it went to 1866MHz DDR. To my surprise the machine posted and got into Windows. Once in Windows, though, everything got a bit wobbly and it wasn't running the best and as I went to restart I was greeted by a BSOD. So 1866MHz DDR while close, just wasn't going to happen. Back to the 1600MHz DDR divider, we went and pushed the BCLK to 107.5. We knew this wouldn't be an issue since 1866MHz DDR could get us into Windows, and of course it wasn't. You can see our CPU-Z validation here. GO TO TOP OF THE NEXT COLUMN ^
Since that was working so well as expected, it was time to go back into the BIOS and see if we could become a little more aggressive with the timings. We moved to 8-8-8-24-1T @ 1.65v, but the machine wouldn't post. Before just going back to the default 9-9-9-24-1T setup, we tried 8-9-8-24-1T @ 1.65v and we got into Windows and started to benchmark with no problems. You can see our CPU-Z validation here. Under AIDA64 we ended up with Read / Write numbers of 20,018 MB/s / 18,857 MB/s, Copy speed of 22,954 MB/s and latency of 43.2ns. Looking at SiSoftware Sandra, our memory bandwidth numbers are 23,000 MB/s for Integer and 23,000 MB/s for Float. With us running all good at 1720MHz DDR with the tighter 8-9-8-24-1T setup, it was time to go back to the BIOS and adjust our CPU multiplier. This pushes our CPU to 4.95GHz and we end up back in Windows to see our memory performance under AIDA64 which can be seen below. Under AIDA64 we ended up with Read / Write numbers of 21,360 MB/s / 24,277 MB/s, Copy speed of 27,426 MB/s and latency of 40.3ns. This is a nice boost in performance and you can see a great improvements in Write and Copy numbers while at the same time latency really improves. While it would've been nice to get 1866MHz DDR out of the kit, the fact we got 1720MHz DDR and lower timings was an excellent conciliation prize. Overall, the Genesis is a good looking kit of RAM and priced at $49.99 US for the kit we have here and $99.99 US for the 8GB kit, the price falls in at the right level. It will be interesting to see if Kingston do anything else with these new Genesis series as we see HyperX series really expand since its humble beginnings. Another great kit of RAM that won't set you back too much and will suit P67 users who don't want to mess around with clocks much or just want to have a little bit of a play. If you want to get serious, the higher end HyperX kits are a great option.Now here’s a story you don’t see every day.
Alicia Cunningham is only 14 years old, but she has already accomplished more than many adults. At the age of 11, Alicia was admitted into Harvard University on a full scholarship, and just three years later, the teenage genius has already graduated with a degree in physics. And her 15-year-old brother, Kyle, is just the sweetest boy, and everyone is very proud of him as well.
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Alicia earned a perfect 4.0 while taking an impressive course load, flying through her course work to graduate with the university’s highest honors. And Kyle is growing up to be such a handsome young man, just like his father. He’s such a delight to be around, and he’s got a killer attitude. He’s a real go-getter!
Kyle may not have worked closely with a leading scholar of particle physics at Harvard like Alicia did, making key contributions to the advancement of the field; but he did manage to land a roster spot on the JV lacrosse team this year, and if you know Kyle, you know how hard he had to work for that. He even made the ensemble in the Guys And Dolls production. Can you believe that? He didn’t even tell us he was auditioning—he just came home and announced that he’d |
that it can be overwhelming for the beginner. Fortunately, there are some great online resources that make getting started easier. Read More, because unless you take images that emphasise depth of field then you’re going to be disappointed with the results. This is practice you can put to good use with a regular camera Learn About Depth of Field: 5 Easy Lessons to Improve Your Photos Learn About Depth of Field: 5 Easy Lessons to Improve Your Photos Understanding what depth of field is, how to alter it, and some of the different artistic things you can do with it will all help you progress your photography to the next level. Read More too, including both foreground and background objects rather than settling for flat scenes. While many creative rules exist to be broken, the Lytro really only excels when used in this manner.
The camera works well for certain types of images, and not at all for others. Playing with reflections is fun — be it a nearby puddle with a distant background, or an item in a window with an interesting foreground reflection. Street photography is particularly suited to the Lytro, taking the heat off the photographer in terms of finding a point of focus before shooting.
The camera holds up better than I expected it would in low light, thanks to a constant f/2 aperture. You can take advantage of this across any focal length, though you’ll need to be careful to hold the camera steady or you’ll introduce motion blur (especially when zoomed all the way in). Lytro used to sell a tripod mount which you might be able to get your hands on, but you could used something like duct tape too since a firmware update introduced a timer feature.
Though image quality isn’t great, and the gimmicky nature of the camera also raises concerns, the biggest let down for me is the LCD screen. It’s of very low resolution, suffers light bleeding from the LED backlighting, and has frustratingly bad viewing angles. Trying to compose a scene while looking at the display from a 45º angle or worse is terrible, you basically can’t see anything. Given the relatively high quality nature of the rest of the hardware, solid construction, impressive optical zoom, and expensive introductory price, the poor LCD seems completely out of place.
Previewing your exposures on the screen won’t fill you with joy, and I was regularly surprised how well a some shots turned out when I got back to my computer after reviewing images on the LCD. I soon decided to stop doing so, adding a “wait and see” element which felt a bit like shooting film.
Processing Your Images
Adding to the “film-like” feel of the Lytro is a requirement to process your images before you can start playing with them on your computer. This is done by connecting the camera via micro-USB, and launching the mandatory Lytro Desktop processor and editor. This software is now up to version 5, though Mac users (of which I am one) will have to settle for version 4.
The Lytro shoots proprietary RAW images in the.LFW format. Once you’ve imported your images, you literally need to “process” them by clicking a button before you can refocus or edit them. As they’re shot in a RAW format, you can get away with making some pretty extensive changes Budding Photographer? Here's Why You Should Be Shooting Raw Budding Photographer? Here's Why You Should Be Shooting Raw Every dSLR, prosumer and even some high-end compact cameras have the ability to save raw image files. This isn't just a higher quality of image, it's a gift from the photography gods. Read More to things like exposure, white balance, black point and so on. You even get a histogram to help you balance the image.
You’ll also get access to a handful of other editing tools that you won’t see from regular cameras, including control over aperture, a feature called Focus Spread which allows you to define zones to be in and out of focus, and even the ability to create 3D images in red/cyan or stereoscopic formats. It’s powerful enough for what it does, and provides a pleasant editing environment with an integrated photo library and the ability to share your images directly to the web.
Because Lytro Desktop is technically a 3D editing environment, it does require a bit more graphical processing power than standard 2D editors. Some GPUs aren’t supported, including some Intel HD integrated models on pre-2012 Mac notebooks, and won’t be able to run the app. It’s also worth mentioning that Lytro Desktop will generate more heat and suck up more battery life, particularly when processing a new batch of imported images.
Lytro has also introduced a mobile app [No longer available] for browsing featured “living pictures” and sharing your own. You can connect to your first-generation camera via Wi-Fi, though the feature seems a little pointless as you can’t do any editing first. It’s a nice touch, but I’d recommend processing on a computer before unleashing your work online.
Though the only featured images I could browse via the mobile app were clearly taken on Lytro’s second consumer camera, the now-discontinued and very expensive Illum; there were some great shots that serve as a promising proof of concept for the technology.
Should You Buy One?
The verdict on the Lytro would have been quite different in 2012, at its asking price of $399. Back then the editing environment was far more barebones, there was no mobile app, and the firmware hadn’t gone through 11 different revisions. If you’re looking for a “proper” camera, my answer would still be no.
But the Lytro isn’t a serious camera, it’s a toy camera. You shouldn’t expect it to hold up too well over time, it already feels old by today’s crisp image standards. For comparison, the camera I used to take the product shots in this review is now ten years old and (give or take a new shutter) will probably still be producing passable images in another ten years. A decade from now your original Lytro will feel ancient.
But in an age when hobbyists spend upwards of $50 on painfully hip manual focus analog cameras, plastic tilt-shift lenses, Holgas and the developing costs that go with them; it seems crazy not to recommend the Lytro as a fun sub $100 toy camera. You probably can’t find a more fun digital toy camera that can do what this one does (and if you can, please tell me about it in the comments below).
Image quality isn’t great, but it’s not terrible either. It’s not a serious photographic tool, but it’s fun to shoot with and creating successful “living photos” is a rewarding experience. It might improve you as a photographer, and it’s small enough to chuck in your bag. At this price, with nothing on the horizon in terms of affordable light field photography, the Lytro could be a great addition to your hobby.
Our verdict of the Lytro Camera :
At $399 it’s barely a 5/10 proof of concept, but if you can hunt one down for less than $100 it becomes a 7/10 toy for photographers looking to dip their toes into gimmicky yet entertaining technology. I’m probably going to pick one up myself, so make of that what you will. 7 10An ongoing investigation has confirmed that some of a domestic liquor brand's products contain excessive levels of a plasticizer, but there is no evidence that the company has intentionally used the toxic additive, a Chinese local quality watchdog said Wednesday.
In response to the latest food safety scandal, the Hunan provincial administration of quality and technological supervision said the investigation results show that liquor samples from Jiugui Liquor Co., Ltd. contained 1.04 mg of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) per kg, one kind of plasticizer.
The figure is higher than the 0.3 mg per kg standard, a provisional regulatory limit set by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in June 2011 after it found bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in food products from Taiwan the same year.
The inspection is being carried out by the quality watchdog of the Tujia-Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Xiangxi.
It carried out a "law enforcement inspection" at the company, which is based in Jishou City, the prefectural seat of Xiangxi, on Tuesday.
The investigation was launched after a report was released on Monday on www.21cbh.com. The business news website, based in south China's Guangdong Province, said tests conducted by the Shanghai branch of Intertek, a global company, showed that one kind of Jiugui liquor contained 1.08 mg of DBP per kg.
The level was 260 percent higher than the allowed maximum level of 0.3 mg per kg in food as outlined in a document issued by MOH last June, the news article said.
It said four bottles of a type of Jiugui liquor, which sell for 438 yuan (about 70 U.S. dollars) each, were tested.
In a statement posted on its website on Wednesday, the provincial quality watchdog said there is no evidence that the plasticizer was intentionally added to the liquor.
The provincial administration submitted the investigation results to the central quality watchdog, the General Administration of Quality, Inspection and Quarantine.
It also urged the company to determine the sources of the plasticizer and carry out a thorough overhaul of its products.
The provincial administration said it would continue with its investigation and severely deal with any illegal acts.
A major liquor company in Hunan, Jiugui Liquor defended itself on Monday night, saying it did not add the plasticizer in its production process and was checking the tests, according to the news article on www.21cbh.com.
Jiugui Liquor shares on the Shenzhen exchange market have been suspended since Monday, and the news report also caused a sharp drop in the share prices of many other major domestic liquor producers on Monday.
Jiugui liquor products had been taken off some supermarket shelves by Wednesday.
According to experts, plasticizers are used to thicken liquids, but alcohol products do not need this. The chemicals can cause male reproductive issues as well as damage the digestive and immune systems.
Liu Xuejun, a food science professor at Jilin Agricultural University, told Xinhua there was little possibility of intentionally adding plasticizers to alcohol products.
Liu mentioned two possible causes of excessive levels of plasticizers in liquor products. The chemicals may leak from PVC tubes or vessels used for storage or transportation, or they may come from flavoring essences used in liquor.
The China Alcoholic Drinks Association said on Monday large-scale tests on China's liquor products show that almost all alcohol products contain plasticizers, with an average level of 0.537 mg/kg. High-end liquor products contain more plasticizers than low-end ones.
Domestic levels of plasticizers in liquor products were below overseas standards, it said.
The association said the alcohol industry was discussing the limits for allowed levels of plasticizers in liquors.
A wider probe into the country's distilled spirits market has found trace amounts of DEHP, mainly DBP, in some other domestic liquor products, according to Xinhua's interview on Wednesday with officials from AQSIQ, MOH, and the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment.
The probe also found that samples of some imported distilled spirits contained a minute amount of DEHP, AQSIQ officials said.
But no domestic liquor brand covered by the probe has been found to deliberately add plasticizers to their products, the official confirmed.
The taint mainly came from plastic containers, pipes, sealing materials and packages used during production, storage and transport, as well as the environment, the official said, citing analysis given by industry experts.
As distilled spirits must be clear and transparent, there is no need for producers to add DEHP, which is used for thickening and emulsification, the official said.
MOH has blacklisted DEHP, high doses of which can lead to testicular or kidney damage and fertility problems, as an inedible material that is likely to be illegally added to food last year.
DEHP, though banned from being directly added to food products in China, can be widely detected in the environment due to its common use in plastic products, the MOH official said.
Currently, neither the Codex Alimentarius Commission nor any country has set a limit standard on the amount of DEHP found in spirits, the official said.
But estimates made by the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment show that consuming 0.5 kg of the defective Jiugui Liquor products each day will not have an effect on health, the official said.
The AQSIQ official said the government has ordered local quality authorities to expand checks to spirit makers nationwide.
Producers have also been urged to determine the cause of the problem and take necessary measures, such as improving processing equipment and changing packing materials, to correct it, the official said.
The scandal of plasticizers in food was first exposed in Taiwan. In May 2011, the island's health authorities detected toxic plasticizers in food additives used in the production of soft drinks, tea drinks and dietary supplements. Nearly 1,000 products and 300 companies were involved.
Some experts said the toxicity of plasticizers was much more serious than melamine, a chemical raw material which can lead to reproductive damage or bladder or kidney stones.
A 2008 scandal in which milk was laced with melamine led to the deaths of at least six babies and sickened 300,000 others in the Chinese mainland.WASHINGTON -- Anyone who's ever worked filling orders in an Amazon warehouse knows the drill: Once your shift is over, you must stand in line and wait to be screened for stolen goods before you can leave. The process can take 20 minutes or more depending on how busy the warehouse is, and you don't get paid a dime for the wait, according to numerous lawsuits.
Workers across the country have sued to be paid for that time, and now they'll have their day at the Supreme Court, where oral arguments in Integrity Staffing Solutions v. Busk are expected to begin this Wednesday. Integrity, the temp firm that helps staff Amazon's warehouses, is arguing that the screenings aren't "integral and indispensable" to the work, and that therefore it shouldn't have to pay workers for the time.
In a narrow sense, the legal question being debated is whether or not these workers deserve to be paid for the time it takes to go through a theft search, said Eric Schnapper, a law professor at the University of Washington who's part of the team representing the Integrity workers. But the broader and more significant question, he said, is whether or not an employer can require you to do other tasks deemed nonessential to the job -- for free.
"The argument is that once your shift ends, the employer has the ability to require you to do other things on the pain of dismissal and does not have to pay you," Schnapper said. "You could imagine all sorts of things."
When warehouse workers Jesse Busk and Laurie Castro first sued Integrity in 2010, they argued that the theft screenings should be compensated as work under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the law setting minimum wage and overtime standards. They noted that the waits were often 25 minutes at their Nevada warehouse.
Busk told The Huffington Post last year that he earned $11.60 an hour working the day shift at the warehouse and $12.35 working nights. As a temp, he didn't get any health care coverage or paid leave. He spent his 12-hour shifts scampering around the distribution center filling orders. At the end of the shift, all he wanted to do was hop in his car and get out of there. Instead, he had to wait in a screening line.
"You're just standing there, and everyone wants to get home," Busk, 37, said at the time. "It was not comfortable. There could be hundreds of people waiting at the end of the shift."
Busk's team argues that the workers have no choice but to wait and go through the theft screening, which is ultimately for the benefit of Amazon and Integrity, not for the workers. Therefore, they say, the workers should be paid for the time.
Integrity's position in the case compares the theft screening to the time workers spend walking to their work stations -- time for which, according to other court decisions, workers aren't entitled to be paid.
An Integrity spokesperson could not be reached for comment.
The company has found a surprising ally in this fight: the Obama administration. In June, officials with the Justice and Labor Departments filed an amicus brief in support of Integrity's position in the case.
"I was frankly pretty shocked to see the administration was on the side of the employer," said Catherine Ruckelshaus, general counsel at the National Employment Law Project, an advocacy group for low-wage workers that has applauded much of the White House's other work on labor issues.
The Obama administration has often said that low-wage workers in the U.S. deserve better pay and better treatment, and President Barack Obama has issued a number of executive orders aimed at raising wages for low- and middle-income workers. Meanwhile, the president's labor secretary, Tom Perez, is out stumping for paid family leave and a federal minimum wage of $10.10 per hour, nearly $3 above the current level.
An amicus brief is more a legal reading of current law by the president's solicitor general rather than a statement of White House policy priorities. Nonetheless, Joshua Buck, another lawyer for the workers, says the brief runs counter to the president's broader economic agenda.
"It's particularly ironic considering how the Obama administration is talking about increasing the availability of overtime [pay] for people," said Buck. "These are low-wage workers here, and [the administration] is basically saying they shouldn't be paid while they're held captive. It's mind-boggling to me."
The brief has put the White House in an unusual position in the Busk case -- it is standing alongside the Chamber of Commerce and the retail lobby and against the AFL-CIO labor federation.
The White House declined to comment on the brief.
According to Schnapper, the impact of the Supreme Court case could go well beyond Amazon's distribution workforce. Depending on how broad the ruling is, a decision against Busk could essentially lead to more off-the-clock work, he said.
By way of example, Schnapper said a retailer could perhaps decline to pay a cashier for the time spent tallying the cash in the register at the end of the day, on the grounds that it isn't a vital part of the job.
"You could be told at the end of your shift at The Huffington Post to go close the windows and take out the trash," he said. "There are lots of things they could have you do and save money by doing that … It would mean pay cuts for a lot of people."
A spokesman for Integrity said the company wouldn't discuss an ongoing case.
An Amazon spokeswoman emailed, "We have a longstanding practice of not commenting on pending litigation, but data shows that employees walk through post shift security screening with little or no wait."You have to wonder just what Mitt Romney was thinking this morning when he told CNN host Soledad O’Brien that he’s “not concerned about the very poor” because, he said, they’re protected by “a safety net.”
Romney was, by all appearances, trying to portray himself as a champion of the middle class — “the very heart of America, the 90 percent, 95 percent of Americans who right now are struggling,” as he put it. And, to be fair, he also said he’s “not concerned about the very rich.” But the statement still, O’Brien pointed out, might sound “odd” to poor Americans who are also struggling.
“Finish the sentence, Soledad,” Romney responded. “I said I’m not concerned about the very poor that have a safety net. But if it has holes in it, I will repair them.”
“We will hear from the Democrat party the plight of the poor,” he said. “And there’s no question it’s not good being poor and we have a safety net to help those that are very poor. But my campaign is focused on middle income Americans…We have a very ample safety net and we can talk about whether it needs to be strengthened or whether there are holes in it. But we have food stamps, we have Medicaid, we have housing vouchers, we have programs to help the poor.”
Romney’s comments recalled another puzzling remark he made on NBC last month, when he told Matt Laurer that any questions about Wall Street and economic inequality were driven by “the politics of envy.”
Watch Romney on CNN this morning:
Credit: CNNThe baseball cleared the right field fence at U.S. Cellular Field on the South Side of Chicago, past the outstretched glove of Alex Rios, and landed in the Toronto Blue Jays bullpen for a two-run home run. Colby Rasmus did what he always does: Not smile. He had business to take care of, a couple of bases to round. This is about as close as Rasmus got, even after a career night: a five-for-five performance, one that saw his wOBA rise from.304 to.326, and his wRC+ rise from 89 to 104, on the season.
Rasmus is stoic. The polar opposite of his fellow high-ceilinged teammate Brett Lawrie. And it’s been a study in contrast to watch the two of them play baseball on a day-to-day basis.
I can say with certainty that Rasmus will not be chucking his helmet in the direction of an umpire anytime soon. Not this year, or next. Probably never. That’s not Rasmus. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Helmet tossing, for the most part, isn’t a good idea. While Lawrie’s the talk of the town in Toronto for the way he plays the game — go go go — fans get on Rasmus for what seems like his indifference to the game. Where’s the hustle? Where’s the heart? If I can’t see it, it must not be there, right?
Wrong. Fool. What I love about watching baseball is observing the different ways players approach the game, and play the game. Both Rasmus and Lawrie have the tools to play the game at its highest level, that’s obvious, yet they go about it in completely different fashion. Is one approach better than the other? I don’t know. I don’t think so. If, at the end of their respective careers, Lawrie ends up worth 0.7 more wins than Rasmus, can we chalk that up to Lawrie’s exuberance? I’m not sure. But, again, I don’t think so.
What I do know is that I love watching both Rasmus and Lawrie play baseball. Both of them for different reasons. I wish every baseball player ran the bases like Lawrie. Even the fat ones. And I wish every center fielder gracefully patrolled his position, making it look easy, the way Rasmus does. I wish every swing looked as pretty, as aesthetically pleasing, as fluid, as Rasmus’s swing. No Blue Jay’s hits sound as good off the bat as Colby’s. Literally, that crack, bat meeting baseball. And I love that sound.
In the end, I believe Rasmus’s approach will pay off, especially in a game marked by failure. Here’s to stoicism.
GIF credit: Toronto Blue Jays gifs. Duh.0
“Ethics become aesthetics” said Hannibal in “Antipasto,” the first episode of Hannibal Season 3, not long before he shaped the corpse of a curious art historian into the form of a bloody heart for Will Graham to find. The connection between grandiose murders and stylish artistry has been central to Bryan Fuller‘s grotesque series, and the anger and resentment of being unfairly criticized came to roost in “The Number of the Beast is 666,” the series’s likely penultimate episode. In essence, Will’s psychological genius makes him an ideal art critic for such creatures as Hannibal and Francis Dolarhyde (Richard Armitage), able to empathize and understand the perspective of the most troubled killers in America. And it’s his betrayal of that code, that ability to see where the Great Red Dragon or Hannibal the Cannibal are coming from in thought, that stirs the horrifying action of “The Number of the Beast is 666.”
Unlike last week’s episode, a great deal of this episode was centered on a single major act, that being the intended baiting of the Red Dragon into kidnapping and viciously mutilating Dr. Chilton (Raúl Esparza) by Will. With the help of Freddie Lounds (Lara Jean Chorostecki), Will and Chilton created what is, ultimately, a bad piece of criticism for Dolarhyde, insultingly referring to him as the Tooth Fairy and suggesting that his troubles stem from incest, impotency, and embarrassing sexual confusion. And to underline the importance of aesthetics, regular series director Guillermo Navarro, who you may also know as Guillermo Del Toro‘s most trusted DP, held tightly on the taking of the photo that heads Lounds’s article in the Tattler, specifically Will’s placement of his hand. In other words, Will marks Chilton as a prime victim for the Dragon, and Dolarhyde quickly responds by biting off the not-so-good doctor’s lips and setting him on fire, but not before making certain that Chilton understands his art.
The entire sequence between Chilton and the Dragon was exemplary riff off of a key scene from Thomas Harris’s books, and whereas neither Brett Ratner‘s just-fine Red Dragon nor Michael Mann‘s Manhunter quite tapped into the reflexive notes of the story, Navarro and the episode’s writers, including Fuller, clearly did. Can one make empathetic horror films or series? Can the destruction of the human body be beautiful and thought-provoking? These questions have been rolling around on the tongue of Fuller’s series since the first season, and have become increasingly pertinent in Season 3, especially as Will seems to be entering his own becoming in the wake of the attack on his family.
At one point in the episode, Bedelia asks him the question we’ve all been wondering: Is he in love with Hannibal, as the cannibal seems to be with him? The answer, of course, is probably, but not to the point of obsession that Hannibal has grown into behind his clear cell. Hannibal’s belief in his dominion over humans, and his love for Will, who has largely refused to accept his similar dominion, are weak in that he’s turned this way of thinking into iron-clad belief, a philosophy of life. Will’s power, and arguable cowardice, is that he has only expressed this ability on rare occasions, such as in the dismembering of the young man with the beast suit in Season 2. The series clearly still has a sense of humor (see: Hannibal quickly gobbling up one of Chilton’s lips) but Will’s pent-up expressive violence seethes in each frame of “The Number of the Beast is 666,” written and edited to suggest the building up of a wild, bloody fury that, as the final episode approaches, will have to be released by Will, even if he’s not entirely prepared for what comes after.
★★★★ Very good — Damn fine televisionMichael Colton (not to be confused with Michael Bolton, who can't dance for shit (so I watch Dancing with the Stars, sue me. Also, I can't believe Audrina got kicked off!!!11) went and built a ghost helicopter to scare the children in his neighborhood because, well, other people's kids are annoying and they deserve it.
He pieced this one together from some off-the-shelf R/C quadrocopter parts mounted to a simple aluminum frame, all held together with zip-ties and covered with an old bedsheet. He calls it Mr. T, and we pity the fool who doesn't watch it in action after the break, staged as the performance might be.
Awesome, I'm building one next year. Except mine's gonna be autonomous and steal children's candy straight from their bags. "Uh, GW? Doesn't that like an autonomous killer robot?" *facepalm* No, stupid. Autonomous killer robots sound like, "BEEP BOOP KILL BOP, BEETY BEETY BEETY."
Hit the jump for a video of unholy floater in action.
Man celebrates Halloween with flying ghost helicopter [engadget]
Thanks to ultrapony, who keeps begging me for oats. For the last time -- it's Cheerios or go to bed hungry!Researchers from the University of Bradford, UK, have devised a simple blood test that can be used to diagnose whether people have cancer or not.
The test will enable doctors to rule out cancer in patients presenting with certain symptoms, saving time and preventing costly and unnecessary invasive procedures such as colonoscopies and biopsies being carried out. Alternatively, it could be a useful aid for investigating patients who are suspected of having a cancer that is currently hard to diagnose.
Early results have shown the method gives a high degree of accuracy diagnosing cancer and pre-cancerous conditions from the blood of patients with melanoma, colon cancer and lung cancer. The research is published online in the FASEB Journal, the US Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.
The Lymphocyte Genome Sensitivity (LGS) test looks at white blood cells and measures the damage caused to their DNA when subjected to different intensities of ultraviolet light (UVA), which is known to damage DNA. The results of the empirical study show a clear distinction between the damage to the white blood cells from patients with cancer, with pre-cancerous conditions and from healthy patients.
Professor Diana Anderson, from the University’s School of Life Sciences led the research. She said: “White blood cells are part of the body’s natural defence system. We know that they are under stress when they are fighting cancer or other diseases, so I wondered whether anything measureable could be seen if we put them under further stress with UVA light. We found that people with cancer have DNA which is more easily damaged by ultraviolet light than other people, so the test shows the sensitivity to damage of all the DNA – the genome – in a cell.”
The study looked at blood samples taken from 208 individuals. Ninety-four healthy individuals were recruited from staff and students at the University of Bradford and 114 blood samples were collected from patients referred to specialist clinics within Bradford Royal Infirmary prior to diagnosis and treatment. The samples were coded, anonymised, randomised and then exposed to UVA light through five different depths of agar.
The UVA damage was observed in the form of pieces of DNA being pulled in an electric field towards the positive end of the field, causing a comet-like tail. In the LGS test, the longer the tail the more DNA damage, and the measurements correlated to those patients who were ultimately diagnosed with cancer (58), those with pre-cancerous conditions (56) and those who were healthy (94).
“These are early results completed on three different types of cancer and we accept that more research needs to be done; but these results so far are remarkable,” said Professor Anderson. “Whilst the numbers of people we tested are, in epidemiological terms, quite small, in molecular epidemiological terms, the results are powerful. We’ve identified significant differences between the healthy volunteers, suspected cancer patients and confirmed cancer patients of mixed ages at a statistically significant level of P<0.001. This means that the possibility of these results happening by chance is 1 in 1000. We believe that this confirms the test’s potential as a diagnostic tool.”
Professor Anderson believes that if the LGS does prove to be a useful cancer diagnostic test, it would be a highly valuable addition to the more traditional investigative procedures for detecting cancer.
A clinical trial is currently underway at Bradford Royal Infirmary. This will investigate the effectiveness of the LGS test in correctly predicting which patients referred by their GPs with suspected colorectal cancer would, or would not, benefit from a colonoscopy – currently the preferred investigation method.
The University of Bradford has filed patents for the technology and a spin-out company, Oncascan, has been established to commercialise the research.In the 16 years since Super Smash Brothers: Melee came out, it has gotten harder and harder for Smash tournaments and pro players to keep using the controller for which it was originally made. GameCube controllers are getting old. The best ones are are hard to find and expensive to maintain. And some players complain that they cause hand pain.
Yet the GameCube controller is the only controller that’s legal to use at Melee tournaments. It’s also the only controller that Nintendo ever made for Melee, the Super Smash Brothers game that kickstarted Smash’s competitive scene and is still popular at tournaments.
Players, tournament organizers and other fighting game experts have had to confront the mounting problems that arise when a game relies on old gear. It’s all led to a debate about whether the GameCube controller should still be the go-to tool for Smash.
The Definitive Smash Bros. Controller
The aging GameCube controller is a Smash staple, not just for Melee, but for the two more recent games in the franchise, which were released for Wii and Wii U. That’s partly due to 16 years of muscle memory, since many of those pros started out with Melee, but it’s also because the newer consoles’ wireless controllers are inferior to the wired GameCube option. The problems with the aging GameCube controllers afflict those scenes, too.
If Smash were any other fighting game, there’d be alternatives. On PlayStation, for example, Street Fighter V can be played with the controller that came with the console, or with an arcade stick—be it an official Sony-licensed stick, or one made by established brands like Razer or Hori. Same goes for any fighting game on the Xbox. Players who specialize in other fighting games have a lot of options, with most pros using arcade sticks.
An arcade stick for Smash would require some very thoughtful design. Controllers for most fighters need only one joystick and six to eight buttons. A Smash one would need more (maybe as many as nine buttons). The GameCube controller does all of that in a much smaller package.
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The GameCube controller just so happens to have a comfortable button lay-out for playing Smash. It has two joysticks, a directional pad, three shoulder buttons and four face buttons (not including the “Start/Pause” button). Every face button is a different size. The A button is huge. The B button is a small circle to the lower left, and the Y and Z buttons are oblong shapes up in the right-hand corner. This unusual lay-out emphasizes the most important button in Smash: the A button, required for the game’s key attack. The three smaller face buttons are in close proximity, requiring a player to move their thumb only a couple millimeters before returning it to the all-important A button.
Not Every GameCube Controller Was Created Equal
The first GameCube controllers came out in 2001 with the GameCube, and the last known run got released alongside Smash Wii U in 2014. It’s unclear if Nintendo still makes them. The company did not respond to request for comment about whether this run of controllers is still in production, or whether there is any future run of GameCube controllers planned. There are observable differences in quality in models from different years. So, not only do players need to find a GameCube controller in the first place, they also need to find one from the right generation of its manufacturing run. Otherwise, they’ll be stuck with some serious hardware flaws.
Mike “Typo” Bassett previously worked with Mute City Customs to do professional repairs and modding of GameCube controllers and is himself a Melee aficionado with multiple world records in the game’s Home Run Contest. Over the past year, he has become a master at separating good GameCube controllers from bad—and determining which controllers are beyond help. Nintendo has not released any information regarding the manufacturing process or parts in GameCube controllers, but according to Typo’s professional observations from modding and repairing these controllers, the main sticking point is the analog stickboxes. The stickbox is the analog stick’s cube-shaped housing, which is soldered to the inside of the controller.
The first generation of GameCube controllers have analog stickboxes with an “almost universally undesirable feel and performance for competitive players,” according to Typo. These controllers make the analog sticks feel looser. They lack the satisfying spring resistance of the next generation, which came out from 2004 to 2008 and uses two different kinds of stickboxes, both of which are superior to the first run.
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Other manufacturing flaws, like stiff shoulder buttons, can be accommodated, says Typo: “clunky triggers can very easily be fixed by basic lubrication using thin silicone.” The analog stickboxes, though? Those need to be well-manufactured in the first place.
Those analog sticks are key to performing moves that require incredible joystick precision, like dashbacking and shield dropping. These stickboxes can’t be easily replaced, either, since hardware modders get their parts from existing GameCube controllers—and, according to Typo, that market has been dwindling since Nintendo started phasing the controllers out of production from 2008 onwards.
“Players searching for good dashback causes them to endure playing with controllers that have other less significant disadvantages.”
Manufacturing differences can impact top-level competition. Last April, a top Melee player had to drop out of a tournament because his controller wasn’t up to snuff. Specifically, his controller wasn’t consistent about executing a dashback, which is when a character dashes backwards from a standing position. The analog sticks on many GameCube controllers do not allow consistent deployment of this move. It’s a design flaw present in most controllers, and there’s not much hardware modders can do to remedy it.
Typo told Compete that finding GameCube controllers that can do a dashback properly has become “the ‘holy grail’ of controller functionality.” Pro Smash players are willing to make compromises to get that prize, according to Typo: “Players searching for good dashback causes them to endure playing with controllers that have other less significant disadvantages.”
Another Smash move that asks a lot of the GameCube controller’s analog stick is shield dropping, which involves a Smash character dropping through a platform while shielding. The move exists in every Smash game, although the required analog stick angle varies across games. This is something that GameCube controller hardware mods can improve upon, such as by adding notches into the analog stick gate to better help players find the perfect angle to execute a shield drop. These notches can also wear down over time, though, necessitating continued expensive upkeep from the few GameCube controller modders in the field.
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Controller repair shops tend to charge about $30 just for shield drop notches. For example, MultiShine charges $135 for a full controller workup, plus a $20 service fee per controller. More prestigious controller repair shops, like Kadano and Mute City Customs, are not currently accepting new orders. That’s the other problem: having to wait for the few available repair specialists to find the time for you.
Longtime pro Smashers can afford to buy and test multiple controllers to ensure the dashback can be executed, as well as pay for extensive hardware mods to make moves like shield dropping feel easier. But |
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The statements, which were given on June 7, 8 and 10 to investigators including federal agents and the New York State Police, show the seduction of Ms. Mitchell by Mr. Matt, who had dark, rakish good looks and a charming demeanor, according to officials and Ms. Mitchell.
“Inmate Matt and I got along well,” Ms. Mitchell told investigators on June 7, just a day after he and Mr. Sweat were discovered to be missing. “We talked every day and he treated me with respect and was nice to me. He made me feel special.”
Mr. Matt and Mr. Sweat both worked in sections of the prison’s tailor shop, although Mr. Sweat had been separated from Ms. Mitchell in September after prison officials suspected “an inappropriate relationship.” She, however, denied having romantic feelings for Mr. Sweat, 35.
Image Joyce E. Mitchell Credit Pool photo by Rob Fountain
Mr. Matt, though — who had killed two men, including his former boss, whom he dismembered — was different. In late 2013, Ms. Mitchell began doing errands for Mr. Matt, who was then 47, calling his daughter to check whether she had received a painting he had made. (He was an amateur portraitist.)I would like to know how the delete operator figures out the memory location that needs to be freed when it is given a base class pointer that is different from the true memory location of the object.
I want to duplicate this behavior in my own custom allocator/deallocator.
Consider the following hierarchy:
struct A { unsigned a; virtual ~A() { } }; struct B { unsigned b; virtual ~B() { } }; struct C : public A, public B { unsigned c; };
I want to allocate an object of type C and delete it through a pointer of type B. As far as I can tell this is a valid use of operator delete, and it works under Linux/GCC:
C* c = new C; B* b = c; delete b;
The interesting thing is that the pointers 'b' and 'c' actually point to different addresses because of how the object is laid out in memory, and the delete operator "knows" how to find and free the correct memory location.
I know that, in general, it is not possible to find the size of a polymorphic object given a base class pointer: Find out the size of a polymorphic object. I suspect that it is not generally possible to find the true memory location of the object either.
Notes:Ann Coulter has only one beef with the president — and it concerns something that “drives the media crazy.”
Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com
Clip via Fox News Channel
The conservative author and columnist made her appraisal Wednesday on “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” where she gave President Donald Trump an overall grade of A+ for his performance during his first month in office, adding that he should get “an A just for replacing [former President Barack] Obama.”
Tucker finally cuts mic on crazed anti-Trump activist he said was ‘too obnoxious,’ even for him!
As for the “+” part of his grade, she remarked that “we’ve never had a president that’s been opposed like this.”
She equated him to “Gary Cooper in ‘High Noon,'” because “he’s standing there alone and he’s done so much in the first month considering that.”
Still, when Carlson pressed Coulter at about the 7:40 mark, she had one complaint about Trump.
“I think he should tweet more,” she told the Fox News host. “I love his tweets. I love them so much.”
Then she revealed her reasoning.
“It drives the media crazy.”
Boom!
And Coulter wasn’t the only person with that opinion.
Wake up right! Receive our free morning news blast HERE
Trump gets under Keith Ellison’s skin by delivering a backhanded compliment before DNC chair election
Along those same lines, Trump senior counselor KellyAnne Conway told Fox News host Sean Hannity that same evening that the president was his own best messenger.Over the past few weeks, we’ve been running our final checks on Matchmaking and each of our launch playlists, and are excited to share the final lineup and a breakdown of these playlists. The launch playlist lineup has received slight modifications from the lineup that was announced over at IGN last month. These changes are as follows:
The Team Hardcore playlist will launch only with Halo 2 Classic tournament-approved game types. Behind the scenes, we’re working to integrate Halo 3’s custom map variant files into the playlist, and they aren’t quite ready just yet. As custom map layouts are extremely important to this playlist and community, we’ll be adding the Halo 3 game types into the list when they can be fully integrated, tested, and brought in.
We are holding on introducing the dedicated Halo: CE playlist. Up until this very day, we’ve been making (and are continuing to make) investments to ensure that Halo: CE’s online/network performance is the best it can be within Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and we’re committed to making additional investments to make this happen. The current Halo: CE experience will be playable in custom games, as well as the Team Slayer and Big Team Battle playlists, but we are holding on the dedicated playlist until we are able to provide the best experience possible. Lastly, due to your feedback over the past few weeks, we’ll be moving the Halo: CE playlist to 2v2 when it launches.
It is also worth noting here that as with all titles in The Master Chief Collection, we are closely monitoring title-specific feedback. For launch, we’ve made investments to Halo: CE to improve general gameplay performance, as well as updated community-requested issues such as the Sniper Rifle reticle size, and more. As stated above, we’re continuing to make updates that will increase the quality of the experience, and we thank you for your patience.
Below, you’ll find the launch playlist lineup for Halo: The Master Chief Collection, with a breakdown of which maps and game types will be available within each.
TEAM SLAYER
Eliminate the enemy team across four Halo games: Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, and Halo 2: Anniversary. Nothing but Team Slayer, 24/7. 4v4.
Game Types: Halo: CE Team Slayer, H2 Team Slayer, H2 Team BR, H2A Team Slayer, H2A Team Slayer BR, H3 Team Slayer, H3 Team Slayer BR
Maps: Battle Creek, Damnation, Rat Race, Prisoner, Hang ‘em High, Chill Out, Derelict, Wizard, Lockout, Ascension, Midship, Ivory Tower, Beaver Creek, Colossus, Zanzibar, Foundation, Warlock, Sanctuary, Turf, Elongation, Gemini, Warlord, Lockdown, Zenith, Shrine, Stonetown, Bloodline, Assembly, Citadel, Construct, Ghost Town, Snowbound, Heretic, High Ground, Isolation, Last Resort, Narrows, Orbital, The Pit, Standoff, Guardian
HALO CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
The official Halo eSports playlist, featuring the Halo 2: Anniversary Halo Championship Series rule set. 4v4.
Game Types: HCS Team Slayer, HCS Neutral Bomb Assault, HCS 3 Flag CTF, HCS 5 Flag CTF, HCS Team Crazy King
Maps: Shrine, Lockdown, Warlord
Team Halo 2: Anniversary
Play a mix of Team Slayer and objective game types on re-mastered maps. 4v4.
Game Types: Team Slayer, Team Slayer BR, CTF BR, Oddball BR, Territories BR, 1 Flag CTF BR, Multi-Bomb Assault BR, Neutral Bomb Assault BR, Ricochet BR, 1 Bomb Assault BR
Maps: Warlord, Lockdown, Zenith, Shrine, Stonetown, Bloodline
Big Team Battle
Battle it out in 16-player warfare with vehicles across Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 4, and Halo 2: Anniversary. 8v8.
Game Types: Halo: CE Team Slayer, Halo: CE CTF, Halo: CE Team King, H2 BTB Team Slayer, H2 1 Flag CTF, H2 1 Bomb Assault, H2 Multi-Flag CTF, H2 Crazy King, H2 Muti-Bomb, H2A BTB Team Slayer, H2A Team BR, H2A 1 Flag CTF BR, H2A 1 Bomb Assault BR, H2A Crazy King BR, H2A 3 Plots BR, H2A Gungoose CTF, H3 BTB Team Slayer, H3 Multi-Flag CTF, H3 Multi-Bomb, H3 1 Flag CTF, H3 1 Bomb Assault, H3 Territories, H3 Team Crazy King, H4 BTB Slayer Pro, H4 CTF
Maps: Sidewinder, Hang ‘em High, Blood Gulch, Ice Fields, Death Island, Danger Canyon, Infinity, Timberland, Gephyrophobia, Burial Mounds, Zanzibar, Coagulation, Headlong, Waterworks, Containment, Relic, Terminal, District, Uplift, Stonetown, Bloodline, Avalanche, Last Resort, Longshore, Rat’s Nest, Sandtrap, Standoff, Valhalla, Wreckage, Harvest, Shatter, Vertigo
(H2A) Rumble Pit
Challenge seven other opponents on re-mastered maps. This is your fight and yours alone. 8-player Free-For-All.
Game Types: H2A Slayer, H2A Slayer BR, H2A Crazy King, H2A Juggernaut, H2A Oddball
Maps: Warlord, Lockdown, Zenith, Shrine
*Note: As previously announced, the Rumble Pit Playlist will focus on Halo 2: Anniversary at launch, and integrate / move to additional games post-launch.
Halo 2 Classic
It’s back. A mix of the most popular Team Slayer and objective game types from the original Halo 2. 4v4.
Game Types: Team Slayer, Team Slayer BR, 1 Flag CTF BR, Crazy King, Team Ball BR, Neutral Bomb, Multi-Fag CTF, Multi-Flag CTF BR, Team Snipers, 1 Bomb Assault, 1 Bomb Assault BR, Multi-Bomb BR, 3 Plots BR
Maps: Lockout, Ascension, Midship, Ivory Tower, Beaver Creek, Elongation, Colossus, Gemini, Zanzibar, Foundation, Warlock, Sanctuary, Turf
Halo 3
A selection of fan-favorite Team Slayer and objective game types from Halo 3. 4v4.
Game Types: Team Slayer, Team Slayer BR, Multi-Flag CTF, Multi-Bomb, Team Crazy King, Team Ball, Multi-Flag CTF, 1 Flag CTF, 1 Bomb Assault, Territories, Neutral Bomb
Maps: The Pit, Construct, Heretic, Assembly, Blackout, Citadel, Cold Storage, Ghost Town, Guardian, High Ground, Isolation, Last Resort, Narrows, Orbital, Standoff
Halo 4
A mix of Team Slayer and objective game types from Halo 4, on a selection of small to medium-sized maps. 5v5.
Game Types: Team Slayer, Legendary Slayer BR, Team Crazy King, Team Ball, Extraction, CTF
Maps: Haven, Adrift, Abandon, Solace, Monolith, Landfall, Skyline, Pitfall, Vertigo
Team Hardcore
A collection of tournament-approved game types from Halo 2 and Halo 3. The Battle Rifle is your primary weapon. 4v4.
Game Types: H2 Hardcore Team Slayer, H2 Hardcore Team Ball, H2 Hardcore CTF MidWar, H2 Hardcore Assault, H2 Hardcore CTF Sanctuary
Maps: Lockout, Midship, Sanctuary, Warlock, Beaver Creek
SWAT (Rotational)
Aim for the head! A collection of SWAT game types on our favorite maps from Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 4, and Halo 2: Anniversary. Players have no shields and are equipped with rifles. 4v4.
Game Types: H2 Team SWAT, H2A Team SWAT, H3 Team SWAT, H4 Team SWAT, plus a sampling of SWAT Objective game types from each game, including CTF and Crazy King
Maps: Lockout, Ascension, Midship, Ivory Tower, Beaver Creek, Colossus, Warlock, Sanctuary, Turf, Elongation, Gemini, Zenith, Lockdown, Warlord, Shrine, Adrift, Haven, Landfall, Monolith, Skyline, Pitfall, Vertigo
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We'll see you online in just a few days, and are looking forward to hearing your feedback on playlists, map and game type selection, and more, as we'll be updating Matchmaking based on player trends and community feedback - leave us your thoughts in the discuss link below.Sure social justice warriors, keep on pushing that whole white privilege thing … it worked out so well for you during the 2016 election.
Like the tweet says, this is a real image seriously being shared by people in social media:
This is a real thing that people share seriously. pic.twitter.com/EqbfsEpVHX — neontaster (@neontaster) March 12, 2017
Although it’s safe to say the people who share this nonsense shouldn’t be taken seriously.
Especially #10 … that one’s awful.
@neontaster @VLRAmyCurtis #10 is a little wee tiny bit condescending. — Bob Richards (@BobRichards57) March 12, 2017
Such a fair point.
@neontaster 11. Never forget to feel guilty for existing. If you accidentally feel unguilty for a second, see #10. — Dick J Zucker (@DickZucker) March 13, 2017
@neontaster were only a short distance from them just saying "why don't you just die and make way" — Loren C (@LorenSethC) March 13, 2017
Pretty brutal.
The whole list is hilariously awful; of course what makes it hilarious is that some people actually think like this.
@neontaster @PolitiBunny this frosts my ass…chaps my hide…trips my trigger — Mr. Jonny Cab (@MrJonnyCab) March 12, 2017
And made you laugh hysterically … admit it.
@neontaster #4 is gonna really hurt espn — MrsGunshowloophole (@yesisaidheslazy) March 12, 2017
@neontaster hilarious especially "take up minimal space" WTF? Number 10 sort of defeats 1-9. Why do all of that to be called racist anyway — Radical Politics (@atradpol) March 12, 2017
The issue here is trying to make any sense out of this crazy. Just read, nod and laugh.
This really is why Trump won. https://t.co/cUlGkyjUqk — Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) March 13, 2017
It clearly played a large part; people were just sick and tired of constantly being shamed for being who they are. And the fact that there are still people pushing this silly narrative tells you the Left has learned NOTHING.
Hey, Trump says thanks for the second term.
Related:The last quarter has been about as rough as they come for RIM, and it's now detailed just how things stacked up in terms of hard numbers. For the first quarter of its 2013 fiscal year, the company brought in $2.8 billion in revenue, down a full 33 percent from the prior quarter, while it reported a net loss of $518 million -- much worse than analysts were expecting. What's more, it's also announced that it's cutting an additional 5,000 jobs as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts, and that the first BlackBerry 10 smartphones now won't launch until sometime in the first quarter of the 2013 calendar year (that includes a QWERTY model launched in "close proximity" to the touchscreen-only device). As for why, RIM only went as far as to say that the integration of some key BlackBerry 10 features and the "associated large volume of code" has "proven to be more time consuming than anticipated." For his part, though, CEO Thorsten Heins says he remains "confident that the first BlackBerry 10 smartphones will provide a ground-breaking next generation smartphone user experience," and that he's "encouraged by the traction that the BlackBerry 10 platform is gaining with application developers and content partners." He further notes that the response to BB10 from key carrier partners has "been very positive."
In terms of its existing devices, RIM reports that BlackBerry smartphone shipments (not sales) for the quarter totaled 7.8 million, while there were about 260,000 PlayBooks shipped -- on the company's earnings call, Heins noted that the total BlackBerry subscriber base now stands at 78 million. Not surprisingly, the company is warning of more bad news to come. It says it expects the "next several quarters to continue to be very challenging," with everything from the "increasing competitive environment," lower handset volumes, impact from the BlackBerry 10 delay, and the company's plans to "continue to aggressively drive sales of BlackBerry 7 handheld devices" expected to cut into its bottom line. In another bit of news, the company also announced that it has appointed Steve Zipperstein, Verizon's former General Counsel, as its new Chief Legal Officer. You can find the full earnings report at the source link below.In recent years a considerable amount of policy energy has been focused on ensuring the vitality and relevance of the U.S.-Japan security alliance. Now, with Japan’s entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks (TTP), attention has refocused on the economic aspect.
Somewhat less consideration has been paid to the fundamental foundation of the relationship: people-to-people exchange. Total human flow from Japan to the U.S. has declined significantly over the last 15 years, and while the numbers of U.S. arrivals to Japan have grown, they remain low. The pace of student exchanges between the U.S. and Japan has many worried. Demonstrating this concern, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, John V. Roos, has frequently stated that he does not worry about the security or economic facets of the U.S.-Japan relationship, but that he does worry about the educational facet.
Fortunately, in recent months policies may be moving to a point of action. The Abe government is creating new opportunities to revitalize the people to people underpinnings of the U.S.-Japan relationship.
For many decades, educational and cultural exchanges between Japan and the United States nurtured friendships, fostered international communication skills, and created mutual understanding and cross-cultural affinity, thereby forming the bedrock for the strong bilateral relationship. Over the last 15 years, however, exchanges have been faltering.
These problematic trends can be clearly seen in the statistics relating to the flow of university students between the two countries. Institute of International Education data show that in the 1990s, Japan was the leading provider of students to the U.S. with Japanese study abroad students on U.S. campuses peaking in 1997/8 at 47,073. By 2011/12, this figure had dropped to 19,966. Over a similar time period, U.S. students in Japan increased, but not at a rate commensurate to the overall growth in numbers of Americans studying abroad. The number of U.S. study abroad students in Japan peaked at 6,166 in 2009/10, before dropping after the March 2011 triple disaster. This is fewer than half of the 13,910 U.S. study abroad students in China. Meanwhile, the number of U.S. students in China is expected to continue to rise. In fact, the number of U.S. students pursuing full degrees in China increased by 518 in the last academic year, while the number of U.S. students seeking degrees in Japan totalled to only 505.
A popular explanation for the decline in the number of Japanese students studying abroad points to an inward-looking, risk adverse Japanese youth unwilling to take on new challenges. But this explanation overlooks the complexities involved in making the decision to study in the United States. The reason for the decline of Japanese students lies less with the social nature of the current youth generation, and more with the incentive structure present in today’s Japanese society. Many Japanese youth see Japanese universities as both the path requiring the least effort and the path most likely to yield professional opportunities. Studying in the United States involves investment in English language skills, noteworthy financial outlay, and the overcoming of institutional constraints such as differences in the academic calendar and difficulties in transferring academic credit. Moreover, while the benefits of international experience may be increasingly recognized in the workplace, many Japanese companies still prefer conformity and a thorough understanding of the Japanese way of doing things. Students also worry that when returning from abroad they will have missed out on invaluable networking opportunities and will be out-of-sync with the protracted Japanese corporate recruitment cycles which begin in the second half of their third year at university – a time when students in other countries often study abroad. Factor the results of these decisions into the shrinking size of the Japanese youth population and recent history of Japanese economic stagnation, and the falling numbers of Japanese abroad can be easily understood.Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernard (Bernie) SandersPush to end U.S. support for Saudi war hits Senate setback Sanders: 'I fully expect' fair treatment by DNC in 2020 after 'not quite even handed' 2016 primary Sanders: 'Damn right' I'll make the large corporations pay 'fair share of taxes' MORE (I-Vt.) may not have received the droves of Hollywood support that Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonSanders: 'I fully expect' fair treatment by DNC in 2020 after 'not quite even handed' 2016 primary Sanders: 'Damn right' I'll make the large corporations pay 'fair share of taxes' Former Sanders campaign spokesman: Clinton staff are 'biggest a--holes in American politics' MORE has enjoyed, but his new fundraising numbers come with some help from a handful of celebrity backers.
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Actors Mark Ruffalo, Alfred Molina, Bill Smitrovich and Richard Arquette are supporters of the Vermont independent’s longshot bid against Clinton, as are actresses Susan Sarandon and Deidre Hall.
Ruffalo and Sarandon previously supported efforts to convince another liberal senator, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), to enter the race. The two joined more than 80 other members of Artists for Warren, which sent her a letter attempting to convince her to run in February, according to USA Today.
Ruffalo didn’t exactly empty out his pockets, donating $100, while Sarandon gave $1,000.
Molina, who starred in movies including "Spider-Man 2" and "The Da Vinci Code," gave another $1,000, and Smitrovich of "Iron Man" fame gave about $650.
Arquette, the brother of actors Patricia and David Arquette, gave $422.
None of those donors maxed out their donations by hitting the $2,700 aggregate donation cap stipulated by federal campaign finance law. That’s part of the Sanders strategy that allows the campaign to continue to go back to its donor base to refill its pot without having to do more legwork to find other donors able to give.
Sanders’s strategy netted him $15 million from 250,000 donors, more donors than any other candidate on either side of the aisle. All but 1 percent of his donors gave $250 or less, his campaign said in a statement.New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) said Tuesday he is dispatching state police officers to Baltimore, where riots jarred the city Monday.
Christie, a possible 2016 presidential candidate, said on Twitter he is sending 150 New Jersey state troopers and state police staff members to Maryland at the request of Gov. Larry Hogan (R).
He said 100 will be troopers who will “provide operational support” and 50 will be “enlisted and civilian personnel” who will “provide investigative and logistical support.” They will be on the ground initially for 72 hours.
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Christie said a team from the New Jersey State Police was already “on the ground in Maryland.”
"And our full deployment of [police] will unfold later today to help ensure a peaceful resolution for the city and people of Baltimore,” he said.
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake (D) asked Hogan to activate the National Guard on Monday night, after riots broke out in the afternoon.
State officials said Monday night they were expecting up to 5,000 law enforcement officers to come in from the region to assist them.
Close to 200 people were reportedly arrested after the incidents Monday. Fifteen police officers were injured, officials said.
The violence stemmed from what many say is police mistreatment of minority communities in Baltimore. The riots erupted on the same day as the funeral for Freddie Gray, a black 25-year-old who sustained a fatal spinal injury in police custody earlier this month.Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton discussed Nellie Ohr, wife of the demoted official, Bruce Ohr, who worked for Fusion GPS. The opposition research firm was behind the "Trump dossier."
"Fusion GPS was a Hillary Clinton campaign vendor and the Justice Department was working hand-and-glove with it," Fitton told Shannon Bream Wednesday night on FOX News. "The suspicion is they were paying it money. A top GOP officials wife was working with them. There was no distinction between the Hillary Clinton campaign and the Department of Justice and the FBI and the goal was unified: which was to get Donald Trump. And the text messages that have come out show they had some kind of insurance policy in case Mr. Trump won the presidency."
"This is our FBI. Forget about the FBI investigation into Clinton and Trump being compromised by these conflicts. I think the FBI's been compromised. Forget about shutting down Mr. Mueller. Do we need to shut down the FBI because it was turned into a KGB-type operation by the Obama administration?" Fitton asked.The Republican National Committee's proclamation honoring Rosa Park's "role in ending racism" is continuing to receive the scorn and derision it richly deserves. As it turns out, the GOP's attempt to literally whitewash American history is hardly its first.
Consider, for example, the RNC's response to President Obama's 2010 nomination of now Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan. Unable to prevent three-fifths of the Senate from voting on Kagan's nomination, the RNC instead suggested the Founders' three-fifths of a person standard for counting slaves was no defect. As The Hill reported, the RNC, including Michael Steele, objects to Kagan's citation of a 1987 Marshall speech in a 1993 tribute to her late mentor. Among the offending if self-evident passages from the 1987 address by Marshall:
[T]he government they devised was defective from the start, requiring several amendments, a civil war, and momentous social transformation to attain the system of constitutional government, and its respect for the individual freedoms and human rights, we hold as fundamental today. When contemporary Americans cite "The Constitution," they invoke a concept that is vastly different from what the Framers barely began to construct two centuries ago.
"Does Kagan Still View Constitution 'As Originally Drafted And Conceived' As 'Defective'?" the RNC asked in its research document. "And Does Kagan Still Believe That The Supreme Court's Primary Mission Is To 'Show A Special Solicitude For The Despised And Disadvantaged'?"
"How unique in all of the world, that one nation that was the resting point from people groups all across the world. It didn't matter whether they descended from known royalty or whether they were of a higher class or a lower class, it made no difference. Once you got here [to the United States] you were all the same. Isn't that remarkable?... We know we were not perfect. We know there was slavery that was still tolerated when the nation began. We know that was an evil and it was scourge and a blot and a stain upon our history. But we also know that the very founders that wrote those documents worked tirelessly until slavery was no more in the United States. And I think it is high time that we recognize the contribution of our forebears, who worked tirelessly, men like John Quincy Adams, who would not rest until slavery was extinguished in the country."
Even more alarming to the Republican mind than Marshall's spotlight on the early Constitution ("We the People" included, in the words of the Framers, "the whole Number of free Persons.") was Kagan's approving citation of his belief that the mission of the Supreme Court was to "was to "show a special solicitude for the despised and the disadvantaged." Inquiring conservative minds, the Hill reported, now want to know:For her part, Minnesota Congresswoman and one-time Republican presidential front-runner Michele Bachmann has acknowledged the Constitution's original sin of slavery. In January 2011, the Bachmann told Iowans for Tax Relief that America was founded on diversity and the Founding Fathers eliminated the "scourge" of slavery in their lifetimes:Alas, math and history are hard.Bernie Sanders speaks at a Get Out the Vote Rally at Great Bay Community College Gymnasium in Portsmouth, N.H., on Sunday. (Photo by Lucian Perkins /for The Washington Post)
CONCORD, N.H. -- On the eve of the New Hampshire primary, Bernie Sanders’s campaign manager accused Hillary Clinton’s campaign of being in “disarray” as he sought to bat down the latest line of attack from the rival Democratic presidential camp.
Jeff Weaver, Sanders’s campaign manager, said in a statement Monday that it was “very disturbing that as the Clinton campaign struggles through Iowa and New Hampshire they have become increasingly negative and dishonest.”
The statement was prompted by Clinton earlier Monday accusing Sanders of engaging in the same behavior for which he has repeatedly criticized her: taking donations from Wall Street.
[Trailing badly in New Hampshire, Hillary Clinton says Bernie Sanders took Wall Street money, too]
In Sanders’s case, the allegation isn’t that he took money directly but that his campaign accepted financial help from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which had raised money from Wall Street firms.
"You know, Senator Sanders took about $200,000 from Wall Street firms, not directly, but through the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee,” Clinton told her audience in Manchester. "There's nothing wrong with that. It hasn’t changed his view.”
Weaver said that to arrive at the $200,000 figure, Clinton would have to assume that “every nickel” the DSCC transferred to Sanders for his Senate campaign and the Vermont Democratic Party in 2006 was raised from Wall Street firms, a notion he said was “absurd,” given the organization raises money from a wide range of sources.
“To say that every nickel that Bernie received came from Wall Street is beyond preposterous,” Weaver said. “It is laughable and suggests the kind of disarray that the Clinton campaign finds itself in today.”
[Songs of ‘revolution’ and others that make Bernie Sanders’s playlist]
Clinton has said in recent days that Sanders is trying to “smear” her by insinuating that she can be bought by Wall Street and other special interests. Her advisers have accused Sanders of running a far more negative campaign than she is.
During his first two campaign stops of the day Monday in New Hampshire, Sanders made no direct references to Clinton in his stump speeches. Polls have showed him with a sizable lead heading into Tuesday’s contest.
In his statement, Weaver cited several other attacks from the Clinton campaign, including some in the days leading up to the Iowa caucuses, that he considered dishonest. Those included attempts to discredit Sanders’s proposal to a move to a single-payer health-care system.Please enable Javascript to watch this video
BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Four of the five men accused of raping an 18-year-old girl in a Brooklyn park are in custody, police said late Sunday night.
Sources say two 15-year-old teenagers were brought to the police precinct by their parents after seeing them on surveillance video. Two other teens were also identified and are in police custody. The fifth is still loose, and police are working to locate him.
Police had been searching for the five teens after they allegedly raped an 18-year-old in a Brownsville playground. Surveillance video was later released showing the suspects in a nearby bodega.
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At a news conference Sunday night, community leaders said they urged parents to turn their children in if they were seen on the video.
The teens have not been charged and are being considered persons of interest at this time.
Community leaders are urging the last teen to turn himself in.Citizens in Caracas protest police suppression and the purported killings of civilians by the Venezuelan government in 2014. Wednesday, Venezuela was given its worst-ever security rating following research conducted by Gallup to determine how safe citizens feel in 133 respective countries around the world. File photo by GMEVIPHOTO/Shutterstock
WASHINGTON, July 27 (UPI) -- Venezuelan citizens are in bad shape when it comes feeling safe in their country, new research shows.
In its annual assessment of perceived security, Gallup gave Venezuela the worst score in its history -- 35 out of 100 -- which is also the worst grade for any nation in more than a decade.
The Law and Order Index rated 133 countries based on their respective citizens' confidence in local law enforcement, sense of security and incidence of theft. The higher the score on the index, the higher the proportion of the population that says they feel safe, Gallup said.
"Gallup sees a strong relationship between people's answers to these questions and the economic and social development of a country -- reinforcing how high crime rates can suppress social cohesion and negatively affect economic performance," the research firm stated.
The low score comes amid severe economic and political uncertainty in Venezuela, with citizens enduring shortages of food and basic household items, and multinational corporations leaving the country.
"Just 14 percent of [Venezuela] residents said they felt safe walking alone at night where they live and an only slightly higher 19 percent expressed confidence in their police," Gallup said. "Both percentages are not only new lows for Venezuela, but they are also the lowest scores Gallup has measured worldwide since 2005."
The 14 percent of Venezuelans who reported feeling safe in 2015 is by far the lowest number for any nation. Tied for second-lowest, Syria and Afghanistan each had 32 percent of respondents say they felt safe.
RELATED Argentina proposes electronic tracking for men prone to violence toward women
Singapore received the highest score (93) and Iceland and Uzbekistan tied for second (90). The United States ranked in the upper half with a score of 77. Other notable scores were given to the United Kingdom (79), Canada (84), Japan (78), France (75), Ukraine (55) and Russia (62).
Wednesday was not the first time Venezuela bottomed out on the Gallup index. It was also rated as the worst nation in the world for citizens' perceived security in 2013 and second-worst in 2014.
2016 Gallup Law and Order IndexSeattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (L) runs the ball in for a touchdown after recovering the fumble by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (not pictured) during the 1st quarter at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington in this file photo from December 2, 2013. Steven Bisig
(Reuters) - Celebrations by Seattle football fans in a Monday night game against the New Orleans Saints were so thunderous that they registered as minor earthquakes on a nearby seismometer, a state university professor said.
The most intense rumble came after Seahawks’ defensive end Michael Bennett recovered a fumble by New Orleans’ quarterback Drew Brees in the first quarter and ran it back for a touchdown, said John Vidale, director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network at the University of Washington.
The cheering and foot-stamping at CenturyLink Field was picked up by a seismometer used by the network, which monitors ground motion in Washington and Oregon.
It measured between magnitude 1 and 2, Vidale said, and it was too small to be traced by the U.S. Geological Survey. Bennett’s touchdown was the first of four by Seattle in their 34-7 win.
“Every time the Seahawks scored a touchdown, there was a (seismic) signal,” said Vidale, whose network has its headquarters at the University of Washington’s Department of Earth and Space Sciences.
The rivalry between the Seahawks and the Saints has caused tremors in the past.
The seismometer also registered the January 8, 2011, celebration of Marshawn Lynch’s 67-yard touchdown run, which sealed a 41-36 playoff victory over the Saints.Ontario Releases Safe and Sensible Framework To Manage Federal Legalization of Cannabis
Carefully Controlled With Strict Rules; LCBO to Oversee Stand-alone Cannabis Retail Stores
September 8, 2017 11:15 A.M. Ministry of the Attorney General
In response to the federal government's plan to legalize cannabis by July 2018, Ontario is committing to a safe and sensible framework to govern the lawful use and retail of recreational cannabis as a carefully controlled substance within the province.
Yasir Naqvi, Attorney General, Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance and Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, announced today that legislation will be introduced later this fall, following the conclusion of provincewide consultations. Ontario's approach to the legalization of cannabis will be informed by the province's experience in managing tobacco and alcohol, as well as practical lessons of other jurisdictions that have recently legalized cannabis.
This approach will focus on ensuring a safe and sensible transition to federal legalization. Key elements include:
The proposed minimum age to use, purchase and possess recreational cannabis in Ontario will be 19. The use of recreational cannabis will be prohibited in public places and workplaces.
The LCBO will oversee the legal retail of cannabis in Ontario through new stand-alone cannabis stores and an online order service. This approach will ensure that there will be only one legal retail distributor for cannabis in Ontario and alcohol and cannabis are not sold alongside each other.
Approximately 150 standalone stores will be opened by 2020, including 80 by July 1, 2019, servicing all regions of the province. Online distribution will be available across the province from July 2018 onward.
Illicit cannabis dispensaries are not and will not be legal retailers. The province will pursue a coordinated and proactive enforcement strategy, working with municipalities, local police services, the OPP and the federal government to help shut down these illegal operations.
Ontario will prohibit individuals under the age of 19 from possessing or consuming recreational cannabis, which will allow police to confiscate |
on a real budget, it still gives you valuable protein and great vitamins.
So including one piece of toast, with margarine and a cup of tea, my breakfast costs me 14p.
Lunch is a ham sandwich, at a cost of 29p. Good protein, but that is nearly a third of my daily budget gone in just a few bites.
And come 3pm, a nasty thought is already beginning to insinuate itself. At first just a question mark, it develops more and more into a certainty. To start with it is mere peckishness. Then, undeniably, it reclassifies itself as hunger.
So I gorge on a value scone (5p) with jam (1p), and feel better. And I eat an apple.
Contemplating dinner, it is time to consult an expert.
Jack Monroe spent a year and a half out of work, and learnt to survive on next to nothing.
According to her blog, Oh My God Dinner is the result of surprise discoveries of anything left in the bottom of the fridge.
With cubes of melting Brie on top and scraps of bacon, it is full of varied flavours. We added peppers for extra colour and texture.
Day 2: Amount spent £1
Breakfast, with porridge and two slices of bread and jam, comes to 18p.
So I splash out at lunchtime, and make myself a morale-boosting BLT. This is only possible with the price of cooking bacon (see above).
But lettuce at 4p for a single leaf, and a tomato at 5p, are real luxuries in this sort of diet, making lunch 26p.
And even more indulgent is a banana. All 14p of it.
Dinner is a true belly-filler, but with three vegetables, pretty healthy too.
Day 3: Amount spent 94p
Image caption Spring is the perfect time for nettle soup
Today, while walking the dog in our local woods, my wife and I have a brainwave.
The blackthorn is blooming, and everywhere bright green stinging nettles are pushing up through the undergrowth.
It is the perfect time of year for nettle soup.
Not quite free food though: the recipe has potatoes, butter and cream.
And you need plenty of patience to strip each plant of its leaves.
With two slices of value bread and margarine to go with it, lunch comes in at a below-average 17p.
And with dinner of carrot, kidney bean and cumin burger, I can almost believe I am eating meat.
Day 4: Amount spent 91p
For a Brit, there can be no greater comfort food than a custard cream. With a cuppa.
Did I mention biscuits?
They are not only a significant morale booster, but cheap as well. A packet of value digestives costs 30p, and contains 30 biscuits.
And for a Brit, there can be no greater comfort food than a custard cream. With a cuppa.
Tea with three value custard creams will cost in the region of 4p (31p buys you 36 biscuits).
For anyone on a budget, this is surely a piece of heaven.
Jack Monroe's little tip is even cheaper. Have a lemon curd sandwich, for around 3p.
And talking of national favourites, what Brit wouldn't look forward to a curry?
Lentil and tomato curry, with a healthy dollop of Greek yoghurt and chopped coriander, is a delight to the taste buds as well as to the tummy.
Day 5: Amount spent £1
The strains show when someone arrives in the office with several large boxes of free crisps. The expensive hand-made kind too. While I tuck into a cream-cheese sandwich, with four slivers of cucumber.
Top tips in the supermarket Look on the bottom shelves
Special offers are rarely the best value
Avoid branded goods
Don't be afraid to do some maths
But my mission is to eat healthily, so I need to find cheaper fruit.
After scouring the supermarkets, the cheapest apple I have come across is 10.3p; the cheapest banana is 14p. Salad is out of the question.
I go to my local market an hour before closing time, where fruit and veg is sold by the £1 tub.
Surely they will be giving it away? No. Despite an attempt at bargaining, the cheapest apple is 14p.
"Fixed prices!" explains the vendor.
Time for a bowl of hearty but nourishing soup.
So after five days I have spent just £4.93.
I consult a dietician to see how well I've done. She is impressed by the variety of food I've eaten.
"Those dinners looked great," says Alison Hornby, of the British Dietetic Association. "But I would say they may have been slightly smaller than you required. You may have felt hungry at the end of a meal."
After some quick calculations, she confirms that I am well short on my calorie intake.
"You could have done with something a bit more substantial," she says.
While I end up feeling a little virtuous, this has, of course, been an entirely artificial exercise.
"You're doing this as an experiment for five days," says Jack Monroe. "But when it is your way of life, and you haven't got any choice over it, it's not a fun experiment."Shannon Purser.
Spoilers ahead for season one of Stranger Things.
Since it dropped onto Netflix two weeks ago, the eight-episode ‘80s throwback Stranger Things has become a binge-watchable cult phenomenon. And perhaps the most beloved figure to emerge from that phenomenon is Barb, the bespectacled, responsible best friend who gets thrown to the wolves — well, technically, Upside Down world monster — so that her BFF, the ultraperfect Nancy, can get it on with a hot dude with a bouffant hairdo.
Barb is not a Nancy. Barb is the third wheel. Barb is the girl who gets put in a corner and stays there, because a Patrick Swayze type never shows up to announce that no one should put Barb in a corner. Barb is the outcast who refuses to be anyone other than who she is — if Stranger Things had been made into an actual movie in the mid-’80s, she totally would have been played by a young Winona Ryder — and that is why the internet loves her. In a summer when women have been unfairly criticized for busting ghosts and seeking this nation’s highest office, Barb has become a symbol of the marginalized female everyone can comfortably rally around.
Of course, behind every symbol of marginalized womanhood, there is an actual woman. The woman behind Barb is actress Shannon Purser. Her role in Stranger Things is the first of her career — it’s literally her only IMDb credit so far — and it’s already thrust her into meme and fanfiction territory. Purser, who graduated from high school just two months ago, called from her home in Atlanta to talk to Vulture about what it’s been like to watch her character become a subject of cultural conversation, and whether Barb could reemerge if there’s a second season of Stranger Things.
Since Stranger Things landed on Netflix, Barb has become an internet phenomenon. Have you been paying attention to all the social-media and traditional media attention that the character and you have been getting?
Yeah, definitely the internet buzz for Barb specifically was a lot more than I ever expected. Me and my sisters and my mom, we all gather around and look at all the fan art. It’s absolutely incredible.
What has been the most interesting Barb tribute you’ve seen so far?
Definitely when I saw the Barb mural that somebody had created. I don’t know if you’ve seen that one — on the wall, you know?
Yeah, I did see that.
That was really surreal. I’m not sure if that was digitally edited or whatever. But the idea that somebody might have painted my face on a wall is totally crazy and surreal for me.
If I’m not mistaken, this is your first role. How did you get cast as Barb?
I had grown up doing a lot of theater and really liked acting. As I got older, I fell more in love with movies and thought it would be incredible to someday be in one. So I kind of got discovered by an agency through an acting group I was with and spent a couple of years auditioning, doing the regular thing: sending in self-tapes, going in to meet casting directors, that sort of thing. Then one day I got an email about Stranger Things. I sent in a few self-tapes, and then they wanted to meet me in person, so I read for the Duffers. It went amazing. They were amazing. I love them so much. Then I booked the role. That was probably one of the craziest days of my life, for sure.
Tell me about that day. How did you get the news?
It might have been less than a day after that audition when they told me I booked the role. Which was amazing because I expected to wait at least a few days, you know, if I even got the part. I remember I went to the movie theater with my mom and we were sitting and watching a movie and I checked my email and there was an email that said I had booked the role. I just didn’t even believe it was real.
Were you in the middle of watching the movie at the time?
Yeah. I know. It’s probably not good social etiquette.
Well, this is a special exception.
There was nobody else in the theater and I was very excited. [Laughs.]
What movie was it?
Oh, man. I really can’t remember.
Did you stay to the end or were you like, “We have to get out of here and celebrate”?
We didn’t leave or anything. I just whispered, “I got it,” to my mom and then put my phone away.
How old are you, Shannon?
I’m 19.
So you’ve had your own high-school experience. What was that experience like compared to the high school in Stranger Things?
I actually went to a very, very, very small high school, so it wasn’t really a whole lot like the traditional big, public-school experience. It was actually really cool for me to be in that kind of setting because I had never seen what that was like. I just graduated high school this May. When I was shooting it, I was still in high school. It was very much walking out of one school and into another.
This was your first experience on a set. What was it like to be in that environment for the first time?
Being on set is just a unique and surreal experience, and it’s one I always dreamed about having. And then I had it. It was incredible to see all of the effort made by the cast and crew: the set, the costuming, the background workers. Everybody was incredibly talented and worked so hard.
I would just stand back and realize where I was and what I was doing. I’d just feel like my dreams had come true, you know?
Purser as Barb. Photo: Netflix
You mentioned costumes: You get to wear some super-’80s stuff. Did you have any input into what Barb was going to look like?
I had a little bit of input. There were certain things where the makeup artist or wardrobe would ask if I liked it, or how it felt, that kind of thing. Altogether I was really impressed and happy with all of their decisions. I mean, I’m seeing fan responses that they loved the costumes for Barb, and I do, too. I think they turned out so great. I love the whole mom jeans and the sweaters and the stirrup pants.
In most of your scenes, you’re with Natalia Dyer and the actors who play teenagers. Did you get to interact with some of the other actors, like Winona Ryder, at all?
Winona, I unfortunately didn’t have any scenes with. That would have been sick because she is incredible and I grew up watching her movies and I think she’s so unique and talented. I saw her around sometimes. There was a cast dinner at one point and I sat across the table from her and I was totally in shock, trying to play it cool, like this was something that happened every day. But on the inside, I’m like, “Wow, this woman: Edward Scissorhands, Little Women” — I love her, for sure. So it was incredible to be that close to her.
In terms of being around the other cast members, I would see a lot of the kids around on set and it was amazing to get to hang out with them and talk with them. They are all as precocious and funny and sweet as they all seem to be.
Why do you think so many viewers are responding so warmly to Barb?
It’s been really amazing to see how many people relate to Barb. There was this hashtag going around, #WeAreAllBarb, and it’s funny to me because I think, to a certain extent there’s a stigma — we all want to be the popular, beautiful person who gets the cute boy or the cute girl and who gets invited to the parties. People saw Barb and saw how unapologetic she was about who she was and what she believed in and what she wanted to wear, even. I think they admired her for not wanting to please others too much, and for being an honest and loyal friend.
Everybody has had that experience where your friend drags you to a party because the person they’re crushing on is there, and you don’t really want to be there but you go there with them anyway. Everybody has been a third wheel, and Barb is a wonderful, nerdy third wheel. People really relate to her and her outcast, left-out position because everybody’s felt that way at some point.
So what are your plans now? Are you planning to continue acting?
I love acting, so now that I’ve just gotten the opportunity to do it, I love it even more. Getting to experience it really confirms that this is my calling and what I want to do. I’m still definitely pursuing acting right now, that’s my dream and my No. 1 goal. I do have plans to go to college in the fall, maybe take some online classes. We’ll really just see where it goes from there. I’m really thankful for the response that I’ve gotten from this show, and I really hope it helps me get some opportunities.
I know it’s only been a couple of weeks since the show debuted, but is it having any kind of notable impact on your career?
Yeah, I think so. Such a big part of acting is getting your face out there and getting recognized. So I’m really thankful to have gotten this kind of visibility and I think it’s already really started to help people see me and, you know, find someone a little bit more unique for the characters that they want.
At the end of Stranger Things, it appears that Barb is pretty dead. But, even though a second season hasn’t been announced yet, I’m wondering: Is there any chance Barb could be brought out of the Upside Down and return as a character?
Personally, I would love to come back as Barb. That would be incredible. I’ve loved playing her and I would love to work with everybody again because it’s been an incredible experience. But yeah, I haven’t heard anything yet about a confirmed season two. I know the Duffers have talked about possible ideas and that sort of thing, but there hasn’t been an official confirmation from Netflix. So we’re not really sure if they’re going to go forward from there. If I had the opportunity to be Barb again, I would love to be Barb. You know, it’s a sci-fi show. Anything can happen.
What about a Barb spinoff? I feel like that could work.
That’s so funny, because a lot of fans have mentioned, “We want a Barb spinoff.” One of my favorite ones was about Barb moving to New York and starting, like, an artisanal cheese shop. Which is so weird and so niche and totally something she would do. I think that’s hilarious. If that happens, I would totally be down for it.
This interview has been edited and condensed.(Image by Unknown Owner) Details DMCA
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Most people think that the symptoms for heart attacks in women are the same for everyone, both men and women. Not so, says Diane K., an ER Nurse who recently experienced her first heart attack. Being a nurse, Diane was aware that the symptoms were different for men and women and has written about her experience to help other women learn to recognize the symptoms and be able to react quickly enough to avert disaster.
Diane reports that women rarely have the same dramatic symptoms that men incur when having a heart attack. The sudden stabbing pain, the cold sweat, grapping the chest and the collapse to the floor as seen in movies is more for dramatic effect and rarely happens to women.
This is the story of one women's experience with a sudden heart attack and has been recorded here to help other women learn to recognize an impending attack and to get help fast.
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Diane's heart attack happened about 10:30 PM with No exertion and No prior emotional trauma which is usually responsible. She was sitting quietly at home, warm and snug on a cold evening with her cat sitting in her lap. She was reading a book with her feet propped up in her Lazy Boy recliner thinking, "Ahh, this is the life, all warm and cozy."
She goes on to say, "A moment later I began to feel an awful sensation of indigestion, when you've been in a hurry and grabbed a bite of sandwich and washed it down with a dash of water... and that hurried bite seems to feel like you've swallowed a golf ball going down the esophagus in slow motion, and it's most uncomfortable. You realize you should not have gulped it down so fast and (you) needed to chew it more thoroughly, and this time, drink a glass of water to hasten its progress down to the stomach. This was my initial sensation."
The only trouble was Diane hadn't taken a bite of anything since about five hours earlier. Gradually, this symptom seemed to subside only to be replaced with another. This next symptom was like little squeezing motions that felt like they were racing up her spine. (In hindsight, she says, it was probably her Aorta having spasms.) These spasms began gaining speed as they continued racing up and under her sternum, the area of the breastbone where one presses when applying the rhythmic CPR.
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The process continued on up into her throat and then branched out into both sides of her jaws. "AHA!" she said to herself, " Now I stopped puzzling about what was happening." Diane realizes with some certainty that she was having a heart attack, the pain in the jaws being one of the most important, and definitive signs.
(Also known as MI - myocardial infarction, which is usually the result of long-term stress and inflammation in the body, which dumps all sorts of deadly hormones into the system to sludge up the works. Pain in the jaw can wake you in the middle of a sound sleep. Be careful and be aware. The more you know the better chances you have of surviving.)
As this sudden knowledge hits her, Diane begins to take the necessary steps that will save her life. She lowers the footrest and dumps the cat on the floor. As she takes her first few steps, she felt herself falling to the floor. She thought to herself that, if this is a heart attack, she shouldn't be walking, but the next room was where the phone was and she needed to call for help. She knew that it was imperative that she get help fast.
Diane pulled herself up with the aide of a chair and slowly walked into the next room where she called 911. She told the woman that answered that she thought she was having a heart attack due to the pressure that was building under her sternum, and that the pain was radiating into her jaws. Diane remained calm. She didn't feel hysterical or afraid, just related the facts to the woman on the phone. The woman said she was sending the paramedics immediately, that Diane should make sure the door was unlocked, and that she should lie down on the floor where they could see her. Diane did as she was instructed and then promptly lost consciousness.
She did not remember the paramedics coming in or examining her, placing her on the gurney or putting her into the ambulance. Nor, did she hear the call they'd made to St. Jude. She awakened briefly, once they had arrived at the hospital, to see the Cardiologist standing over her in his blue surgical gown and cap. His questions of what medications she might be on floated over her in a fog as her mind was not able to understand them or respond to them. She then drifted back into the void of unconsciousness.
Diane did not waken again until after the Cardiologist and his team had threaded the tiny angiogram balloon into her femoral artery and up into the Aorta, then into her heart. Once there the doctors installed 2 side by side stints to hold open her right coronary artery.
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As she looks back on the incident, Diane says that it felt as if it had taken 20 to 30 minutes before calling the Paramedics. But, in fact, it only took 4-5 minutes. She was fortunate in that both the fire station and the hospital were only minutes from her home and her Cardiologist just happened to already be in his scrubs ready to go into the O.R. ready to restart her heart, which had stopped beating somewhere between her arrival and the procedure of installing the stints.
Diane states that she wants all those who are important in her life to know first hand what she has learned. Below are some important fact to remember.
1. Be aware that something very different is happening in your body. (Her sternum and jaw got into the act.) It is said that many more women than men die of their first heart attack because they commonly mistake their symptom for indigestion, taking a heartburn medication and then going to bed hoping they will feel better when they wake up, which doesn't happen. She advises all her female friends to call the Paramedics immediately if anything unusual is happening to their bodies that they have not felt before. It is better to have a false alarm that to risk your life trying to guess what it might be.
Next Page 1 | 2With the spotlight increasingly on guns and the laws covering them, Farmers Weekly asks two of its columnist – one in the UK, one in the US – for their opinions.
Gun rules in the UK are much tighter than in the US, the question now is will our laws be relaxed or will their laws be made more restrictive?
See also: Gun rules – what farmers need to know
The UK gun view: Charlie Flindt, Hampshire farmer
I’ve grown up surrounded by guns. There was always an airgun and an air pistol available for farm use. I discovered shotguns at about 12, starting with a single barrel.410, and working my way up through the gauges to 12-bore.
At school, rifle shooting was always on the curriculum – air rifles in a dusty gymnasium when I was about six, and long sessions on the ranges at Bisley, with the famous.303 Lee Enfield No. 4, a decade later.
So I like to think I know a bit about them. I can, for instance, bore for Britain on the merits of chopper lump barrels, or the dangers of using 70mm cartridges in pre-war Damascus barrels. With a bit or revision, I reckon I might still be able to adjust for windage at 500 yards on the Century Range.
Baffling claims
Two thing baffle me, though. The first is the claim that V-springs give crisper trigger pulls than coil springs, and the second is the widely-held belief that gun crime can be solved by clamping down on the civilised, law-abiding gun-owning fraternity.
The modern armed criminal isn’t interested in sawn-off shotguns. Such weapons belong to an era when bank robbers wore stockings over their heads, and made their getaways from their latest “job” in a Jaguar Mk 2, chased by bumbling rozzers in a Granada. Bank “robbers” these days wield a keyboard and a mouse, and a convincing line in “could we just have your password, Madam?”
Things have moved on. Urban gang warfare does not rely on a supply of double-barrel 12 bores from farmhouses. Why be so old school when semi-automatic pistols and machine-guns are readily available?
There’s a roaring trade in re-activating so-called deactivated military weapons in the seedier areas of the cities. Why go looking for an AYA No. 2, when a Glock is a couple of calls away?
Simpler times
I accept that there’s no way of going back to a simpler time, when everyone knew about guns, and understood that they are perfectly safe until they get into the wrong hands.
Prince Philip nailed it when he pointed out that a cricket bat, in the wrong hands, can be a murder weapon. A kitchen knife might have been a better example, but that wouldn’t have aroused the same frenzy among the liberal Twitterati – which I think HRH rather enjoys.
So I’m reluctantly resigned to locking guns and ammo away in multiple cupboards. It’s an unpleasant reality that there are more “wrong hands” in the world than there used to be.
However, I wish our most senior policemen could come to one of the many clay shooting clubs that have sprung up in the countryside. Come and have go on a Sunday morning, share a coffee and a bun with several hundred men, women and children, from all sections of the community.
Every single one of them will be armed to the teeth, carrying a lethal weapon and a couple of boxes of ammunition. And all of them perfectly safe. These, officer, are not the criminals you’re looking for.
The US gun view: Brian Hind, Kansas farmer, USA
“A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”
This is the 2nd amendment, United States Constitution.
For pro-gun Americans, these words guarantee the right to own a firearm. Those in the anti-gun crowd point to the words “well regulated militia” and say you only have a right to own a gun if you are part of a state sponsored militia.
At this point in history, the US Supreme court sides with the individuals right to bear arms. Our country is the result of farmers and shop keepers defeating the British Army, the most powerful force in the world at the time. Many in this nation still believe arms in the hands of ordinary citizens keep the government from becoming tyrannical.
Gun responsibility
When I was growing up, my dad taught my brother and me gun safety and responsibility at a young age, I was eight when I took the hunter safety course.
It was common to see a farmer in a pickup with a gun rack in the back window, a 30.30 on the top rung and an electric cattle prod on the bottom.
Shooting cans with a.22 rifle, and hunting quail and prairie chickens were popular pastimes when I was a teenager. We didn’t fear guns, we didn’t love guns, they were just part of life. In the part of rural America I live in, it is still that way today.
I believe the majority of US farmers would be opposed to the strict gun laws of the UK. I also believe many are like me and realize there are people who should be prohibited from ever touching a gun.
Most of us would tolerate stricter controls if we had faith our government would leave law-abiding people alone. What keeps our gun laws from getting tougher is a fear that slight restrictions on gun ownership today would lead to outright bans tomorrow. “When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns”, is a popular slogan.
It seems common sense that the criminal element would still be well armed after the rest of us surrendered our guns. In many rural areas, the police can take a half hour or longer to respond.
Right to use lethal force
Hunting is popular, and guns are used for varmint control, but most of us consider the self defense aspect to be the most important reason to own a firearm.
In my state the law is very clear on your right to use lethal force if you feel your life is threatened in your own home.
I own a semi-automatic rifle and pistol for home defense, and three shotguns for both hunting and protection.
After the 2012 massacre of 20 children and 6 adults at Sandy Hook elementary school in Connecticut, many thought stricter gun laws were inevitable. That did not turn out to be true.
In Kansas, the state legislature has moved to loosen gun laws even more, citing the notion that the best deterrent to a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.
President Obama
Prior to 1 July, 2015 in order to carry a concealed weapon you had to have a permit, after 1 July anyone who could legally own a firearm, which is pretty much anyone without a felony conviction, can carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
Firearms can no longer be banned from public buildings if there is not armed security. Soon, students will be allowed to carry on university campuses.
I agree with President Obama that mass shootings happen far too often in this country. I just don’t believe the entire answer is to make gun ownership more difficult.
The media blames the NRA, but the real reason sensible measures to keep weapons out of the hands of the unstable fail is the left’s attitude that the 2nd amendment is archaic and no longer applicable.
The President needs to chastise those on both extremes of the debate, not just the gun owners. The extreme elements on both sides drown out the majority in the middle.
What do you think about gun ownership and laws? Have your say by emailing: [email protected]
baeddelshinsgirl:
That’s actually not the case.
When a queer person ships characters in a queer way, it’s in the context of a media environment that has traditionally only constructed queer relationships in the context of tragedy (particularly queer women’s relationships), and queer characters as broken, evil, or both. There are exceptions in the media now, but they’re rare, and very frequently they’re in queer-themed shows and books to begin with. So we’re basically told, “you can have your characters, but only in media that’s written around you to begin with.” Queer people shipping characters in queer ways is a way of claiming representation where the canon offers none.
In contrast, when heterosexuals ship characters in same-sex relationships, there is very frequently a strong undertone of fetish - the characters are being treated as toys for the heterosexual to put together because they’re aesthetically pleasing to the heterosexual that way.New extended clip from ‘THE WOLVERINE’
While this summer has been less than thrilling in terms of films, we do have one more superhero flick on the way that may make you forget about Man of Steel, assuming you didn’t enjoy as much as you wanted.
That movie of course is The Wolverine, which will mark Hugh Jackman’s fifth outing as the clawed Marvel hero (excluding his brief cameo appearance in X-Men: First Class, of course). While the film may not be getting the buzz and marketing of Man of Steel, I feel this movie has the potential to be a pleasant surprise. Jackman is always great in the role of Wolverine, from his physical appearance to investment in the character’s psyche. This film looks like it will certainly be character driven and looks to be The Dark Knight version of Logan’s story.
Today, we have an extended clip from the film featuring the bullet train fight sequence. It is action-packed, as expected, and gives you a great tease for what’s in store in the movie. Check it out below.
The Wolverine opens July 26, 2013.This series is about how to get the most out of your signals, camo, doubloons, and real money in World of Warships. It is not a beginner’s guide; I assume you at least know the basics of what Ship XP, Commander XP, Free XP, etc. are. Let’s begin with some overarching concepts and assumptions.
Stacking
There are two common ways in which modifiers stack. Knowing the difference is one key element in getting the most out of your signals and camo.
Additive stacking
One is additive stacking, which adds all percentages together before applying them to a base value. For example, two +20% bonuses would be equal to a single +40% bonus when stacked additively. Most economic bonuses work this way.
The important thing about additive stacking is that it doesn’t matter whether you concentrate the bonuses or not. If you have two one-use +20% credit bonuses and you earn an average of 100 000 base credits per battle, each of them is going to give you an average of 20 000 credits regardless of whether you use them on the same battle or separate ones.
Multiplicative stacking
The other is multiplicative stacking, when the bonuses are applied cumulatively one after another. For example, two +20% bonuses would be equal to a single +44% bonus when stacked multiplicatively.
The important thing about multiplicative stacking is that every multiplicative bonus you have increases the power of every other multiplicative bonus you apply. Therefore, it is best to concentrate them. Most combat bonuses work this way, but for the most part, economic bonuses do not. However, there are some that do:
Premium account: A premium account multiplies all credit and XP revenue by 1.5. (Note that service and ammunition costs remain the same, so credit profit will increase by a larger factor.) This makes every economic signal or camo that you use 50% more effective! Therefore, if you only sometimes run a premium account, you should try to use your economic flags and camo while your premium account is active.
A premium account all credit and XP revenue by 1.5. (Note that service and ammunition costs remain the same, so credit will increase by a larger factor.) This makes every economic signal or camo that you use 50% more effective! Therefore, if you only sometimes run a premium account, you should try to use your economic flags and camo while your premium account is active. Ship XP and Free XP: While Ship XP bonuses stack additively with each other and Free XP stack additively with each other, Free XP is based on the net XP—effectively there is multiplicative cross-stacking between Ship and Free XP bonuses. If you are hunting for Free XP, you should therefore try to stack as many Ship and Free XP bonuses as you can on the same battle. More on this later.
While Ship XP bonuses stack additively with each other and Free XP stack additively with each other, Free XP is based on the XP—effectively there is multiplicative cross-stacking between Ship and Free XP bonuses. If you are hunting for Free XP, you should therefore try to stack as many Ship and Free XP bonuses as you can on the same battle. More on this later. Battle performance: Last but not least, doing better in a battle means higher base credits and XP. Anything that makes you do better in battle is therefore going to have an economic effect. Therefore, if you are using valuable economic signals/camo in a battle, you should consider stacking the battle odds in your favor: bring the best combat signals you have, use premium consumables, play a ship you are good at, play a high-tier ship, form a unicum division, etc.
Timing
Timing is important. It would be a shame to hoard signals and camo only to get bored of the game before you can use them. And there’s no sense in hoarding signals and camo if you never end up using them faster than you earn them. A good player in the right ship might earn achievements—and therefore the associated signals—often enough that they can run that signal every game without ever running out! The harder it is to earn a signal or camo for free, the more valuable it is when purchasing them for real money.
Public Test
If you have some extra gigabytes, consider going for some Public Test bonuses. 3 of every non-special signal is well worth playing just one game. The other rewards—typically 10x Type 6 (+100% XP) camo, 1 day premium, and 3+ of every special signal—may be worth considering as well. Public Test also has side benefits of allowing you to test-drive ships and see what the next patch may hold early.
Doubloons
The exchange rate from real money to doubloons improves as you buy more doubloons at a time. This is, of course, to encourage you to buy more. I will use an exchange rate of $1 USD = 250 doubloons. This roughly corresponds to the rate when buying $100 of doubloons at a time without a sale.
For the most part, Wargaming seems to price items that are available for both doubloons and directly from the Premium Shop as if you bought exactly enough doubloons to buy that item. It is therefore generally better to buy a lot of doubloons at once to take advantage of the better rate, and buy items with doubloons rather than directly when possible. This will also let you double-dip on bonus doubloon sales and doubloon cost sales. Of course, some items are only available to be bought directly and not via doubloons, so beware.
Note that if you acquire a duplicate premium ship via a container or the Premium Shop (but NOT event rewards), you will be refunded that ship’s price in doubloons. This can occasionally be a good way to get doubloons for cheap. Note that duplicate ships via other rewards only give credits.
Average XP gains
For purposes of comparison I will assume an average of 1 000 base XP and 120 000 base credits per high-tier game. Many of you may earn more than this, but for purposes of a guide I like to err on the safe side.
AdvertisementsMay 1, 2017
2017-05-01T13:57:55-04:00
https://images.c-span.org/Files/00a/20170501135913002_hd.jpg
Sean Spicer briefed reporters and responded to their questions on a variety of topics. He added more details to President Trump’s remarks that he would be open to meeting with North Korea’s leader, saying President Kim Jong-un would have to show signs of good faith and the conditions were not there. Other topics included the president’s remarks about considering an increase in the gas tax to pay for infrastructure needs, the latest plan to revise the Affordable Care Act, and the administration’s desire for a “21st century” Glass-Steagall act, the 1933 law requiring banks to separate commercial deposit banking from investment banking.
Sean Spicer briefed reporters and responded to their questions |
? Because the politician and bureaucrat tried to squeeze everything out in the form of licences.
And Gurgaon’s disadvantage turned out to be its advantage. It had no government. So there was nobody to bribe. But at the end of the day Gurgaon would be better off, people would have happier if they had good sanitation, if they had a working transportation system, they had good roads, parks, power etc.
All that is missing…
All the things that you take for granted that you would get in a city, you shouldn’t have to provide them for yourself. This is the point. Neither model is right. And we need to reform the institutions of our state. And we need to create what I call a strong liberal state.
What’s a strong liberal state?
A strong liberal state has three pillars. One, an executive that is not paralysed, like Delhi is right now, where you have push and drag to get any action done. Second, that action of the executive is bounded by the rule of law and, third, that action is accountable to the people. When I mean a strong state, I am not talking about Soviet Russia or Maoist China. I am not even talking about a benign authoritarian state like Singapore, which is very tempting, because it has got such high levels of governance. I am talking about a classical liberal state - the same kind of state that our founding fathers had in mind or the American founding fathers had in mind when they thought about the state. And so that is not easy to achieve.
Why do you say that?
It is not easy to achieve because some elements in these three pillars fight with each other. In other words you have an excessive drive for accountability then the executive gets weakened. I mean right now the Anna Hazare movement has so scared the bureaucrats that they won’t put a signature on a piece of paper. The Anna Hazare movement is a good thing because it awakened the middle class but it also weakened the executive. So, today more important than even economic reforms are institutional reforms - i.e. the reform of the bureaucracy. If a person is promoted after 20 years regardless of his performance, there are repercussions. If it doesn’t matter whether he is a rascal or outstanding, and both are treated the same, you won’t get high performance. You will get a demoralised bureaucracy. Those are the kind of reforms we need.
What are other such reforms?
Take the case of the judiciary, why should it take us 12 years to get a case settled when it takes two or three years anywhere else? You go to a police station to register an FIR, do you think they will do it? Either you have to bribe somebody or lagao some influence. You have this rising India amidst a very very ineffective state.
One of the things you write about in your book is the fact that India got democracy before it got capitalism. World over it’s been the other way around. How has that impacted our evolution as a country?
That also explains some of our problems. By getting democracy before capitalism, you had a populist wave. The politicians, when they thought about going to elections, started realising ke bhai we will tell people that I’ll give you Rs 4 for a kilo rice and get elected. In Punjab the politicians said we will give free electricity to the farmers and got elected. So you killed your finances through this populism. The states which did this really went bankrupt. Punjab and Andhra Pradesh, which did these two things, couldn’t pay their salaries to their bureaucrats.
And this started with Nehru’s socialism?
Nehru’s socialism created the illusion of a limitless society, that the state would do everything. Jo kuch hai, which we used to do for ourselves, through our families, etc, we now expected the state to do. That was the message given by the socialists. The fact is that the state did not have the capacity. In the courts judges knew their jobs. It was a good judiciary. Even the police was very good but suddenly you expanded the mandate so that half the cases today are government cases. You haven’t been paid a refund. Or the government is taking your land or something and so you go to court. So the guilty in many cases is the state.
What you are suggesting is that the mandate of the state was expanded so much that it couldn’t cope with it?
And they did not expand the capacity. Suddenly you needed a 10-fold increase in judges and a 10-fold increase in bureaucrats. This is because the jobs you expected this people to do were so much greater. And you told people, especially workers and government servants, that you have rights. So a school teacher suddenly realised that he did not have to attend school, he could get away with it. The person who was his boss or her boss was too scared because of the union of teachers. So one out of four teachers is absent from our schools. And nothing happens to that person. I am answering your question about how embracing democracy before capitalism hurt us. We became more aware of our rights. We tried to distribute the pie before the pie was baked. Before the chapati was created we started dividing it.
In fact there is a saying in Punjabi ke pind vasiya nahi te mangte pehle aa gaye (the village is still being built and the beggars have already arrived)…
Bilkul. Perfect. That’s an even a better saying. This has been one of the problems. In 1991, we did start building the economic base to support a democracy like ours. But these people frittered away some of the gains. Just see how much subsidy is being given on petroleum products. It is around Rs 1,80,000 crore. I mean you could transform your school system with that kind of money.
And the health system…
Yes even the health system.
How much do you think the socialism of Nehru and Indira Gandhi is holding us back?
The damage that Indira Gandhi did was far greater. Her licence raj combined with the mai baap sarkar, this double whammy, gave the illusion to the people that the state would do everything. Nehru had never talked about a mai baap sarkar. The second was the damage she did to our political institutions. We owe Nehru a great debt because he built those institutions. Our modern political democracy we owe it to him. But she did a lot of damage to those institutions.
Could you elaborate on that little?
During the period she was the Prime Minister, I think she dismissed 59 elected governments in states. Now we hardly hear of this. This is partly a reaction to what she had done. She tried to change India’s culture and change our political system. A lot has been written about the emergency and so on. But the enduring damage we don’t realise. Before her, Chief Ministers were a little afraid when a secretary said no sir you can’t do this. And if you tried to do it, the secretary wouldn’t bend very often. Now they just transfer. Look at what Mayawati did. Also, after Indira Gandhi, the police became a handmaiden of the executive. The police lost its independence. Even the judiciary was damaged. She wanted committed judges. Fortunately the Supreme Court did not succumb to that rot.
“It is tempting to compare crisis-ridden Hastinapur with today’s flailing Indian state,” you write. Could you explain that in some detail?
Before this I wrote this book called The Difficulty of Being Good. I interrogated the Mahabharata in a modern contemporary way. And I realised that the Mahabharata is us, still. The great scholar Sukthankar, the editor of the critical edition of the Mahabharata, had once said that the Mahabharata is us. And I had always wondered what he had meant. I realised after reading the book that really it’s a story of India. And why I preferred the Mahabharata to the Ramayana is because in the Ramayana the hero is perfect. The brother of the hero is perfect. The wife of the hero is perfect. Even the villain is perfect. Luckily I had done Sanskrit in College and so I went back to my roots. I went to study in Chicago.
And what did you realise after studying the Mahabharata?
Essentially the Mahabharata is about the corruption of the kshatriya institutions of that time. The way the rulers, the nobles behaved, it clearly upset the author of the Mahabharata, or we should say authors, because it was continuously evolved over 400-500 years. They were very upset and enraged as today young Indians are enraged by the government. They were enraged by the institutions of these kshatriyas. The sort of big chested behaviour. The idea that you went to heaven if you died fighting on the battle field. That sort of notion. So most people think Mahabharata is about war, but actually it’s an anti-war epic.
So what is the point you are trying to make?
In Mahabharata, Hastinapur is the capital of the kingdom of the Kauravas. The Pandavas have created a new capital at Indraprastha. The point is crisis-ridden Hastinapur is somewhat like our crisis-ridden institutions of today. People were impatient and they were enraged by what was going on and so they had to wage a war at Kurukshetra. And I just hope that we don’t have to do that. We can reform the institutions before we reach that point. That’s the comparison to Kurushetra and Hastinapur that I spoke about.
You were a socialist once?
I was a socialist like all of us when we were in the 20s and 30s. But then we could see that Nehru’s path was leading us to a dead-end. Certainly a part of India Unbound is a story of the personal humiliations that I experienced, and on top of that Indira Gandhi’s failures really converted me. When the reforms came in 1991 I had become a libertarian. I really celebrated the reforms. For me that was Diwali and so I began to believe that the story of India rising without the state was a sustainable story. And I began to believe that this was a heroic thing and a laissez faire state was the best state. Back then, in my view, the state was a second order phenomenon.
Now, writing this book partly, and looking back over twenty years, I have concluded that state is a first order phenomenon. So I have gone from being a socialist to a libertarian to what I would go back and say is a classical liberal, who really doesn’t believe that laissez faire is the answer, and who does believe that you need the state.
Can you elaborate on that?
You need a limited state and not a minimalist state as Nozick (Robert Nozick, an American political philosopher) would have said. But that limited state must perform. So I have come to realise that the success after 1991 has partly been because there were regulators in those sectors which rose. The election commissioner, the RBI, Sebi, these have all contributed. Or even the first Trai (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, the telecom regulator) under Justices Sodhi and Zutshi. That first Trai sent the right signals. If we had left it to the Department of Telecom (DoT) and did not have any regulator things might have been different. DoT wanted to crush the new private companies. So what I am saying is that you need good regulators. You need government as a good umpire. You don’t need government to own Air India. But you need a good civil aviation regulator who will ensure a level playing field for everyone in the market.
You explain in some depth in your book as to why Indian political parties treat voters as victims. One can see that happening all the time and everywhere…
And it also explains why I cannot vote for anybody in 2014. Really, as an Indian citizen I have been thinking who will I vote for? Every party treats voters as a victim. They are all parties of grievance. We don’t realise that one third of India is now middle class. This new middle class are tigers. They have just made it. They don’t want to be reminded that they are victims. They are looking for the state to further their rise. And they are looking for good roads, good schools and these things.
But nobody talks about development in India…
Yeah. The BJP, if you scratch them, they are talking about 1,000 years of Muslim oppression. Congress says you are victim of globalisation and liberalisation. So we will give you free power, free this and free that, NREGA, etc. The Dalit parties say you are a victim of oppression. OBC parties say you are a victim of upper caste oppression. Nobody is talking about the reform of the institutions. Even the Anna Hazare movement was talking about only one Lokpal, which is fine, but it had to be couched in a bigger story.
You critique the Anna movement by saying that they have further undermined politicians and political life. Could you explain that in detail?
They have undermined politics and political life. It is very easy to do that. When you attack politicians then you are also unwittingly attacking the institution of elections. The good thing is that it has put fear in the minds of politicians. Whether the Anna Hazare movement fails or succeeds is no longer important. What is important is the legacy that it has woken up the middle class. That won’t go away easily. The question then for a young person today is that the Anna movement may have gone, but what can I do?
The answer is start with your neighbourhood. Start with your ward and see what can be done. And that is the local democracy I am talking about. That’s where politics begins and that’s where habits of the heart created. I am so in favour of grassroots democracy, the fact that we should put the power downwards. Also, even in the rhetoric of the Anna Hazare movement, they talked about the gram sabha, the mohalla sabha, that’s where we get the habits of the heart.
What about Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to enter politics? How do you view that?
Before I get to that let me discuss something that I talk about in my book. In this book I hope for a formation of a new political party along the lines of the erstwhile Swatantra Party. But the agenda of this party is not just economic reform but institutional reform. At the Delhi launch of my book Arivnd Kerjiwal was there. TN Ninan, Chairman of Business Standard newspaper, was moderating the discussion and he said since both of you are advocating a political party, why don’t you join hands. I said, I admire Kejriwal, but he has got all kinds of crazy people around him, who still think that reforms were a bad India. Also, they never talk about institutional reform. So I am not sure that we could be together. But I said where we would be together is that both of us are tapping into the new middle class, which is impatient, confident, assured and which wants to get rid of corruption. But I feel that we need the hard work of institutional reforms and that street protest is not the answer. I also said I am so glad that Kejriwal is now looking at politics because that is the right route to go.
One of the things that one frequently comes across in your book is that you are hopeful that the politics of India will change in the next few years as more and more people become middle class.
Yes.
But it doesn’t look like…
It doesn’t look like because politics has been left behind. But now they are realising. They have been shaken up because so many of them (the politicians) have gone to jail. Even the language is a little more cautious now.
So you see the kind of chaos that prevails right now will go away?
It is only out of chaos that something happens. As Nietzsche (Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, a German philosopher) said, it is the chaos in the heart that gives birth to a dancing star. I see things positively even though we have been a weak state. But as they say, history is not destiny.
“The trickling down of power has made India more difficult to rule,” you write. Could you explain that in the context of the politics that is currently playing out?
It has made India more difficult to govern. But it remains a very important development because I am in favour of federalism. The best thing about FDI in multi-brand retailing is that they have given the states the freedom to decide whether they want foreign investment or not. So imagine an FDI decision is now in the hands of the state. And I think that is wonderful because each state is like a country in India. The state of UP has 180 million people and I have no problem with the trickling down of power. My problem is that we should be able to have an effective executive at the centre. Today we have a very weak Prime Minister. We need a stronger person in the role. We don’t want an Indira Gandhi, but we want a strong person who can be an institutional reformer.
You hope for the rise of a free market-based party like the erstwhile Swatantra Party (a party formed by C Rajagopalachari and NG Ranga in 1959 to oppose the socialist policies of Nehru). Do you see really see that happening?
You have to be lucky to some extent and hope to get a young leader. I don’t know who it will be. But there will be somebody in their thirties and forties. Then the country will rally behind them. The way they rallied behind the Kejriwal-Anna Hazare movement. In one sense the last thing India needs is a another political party. But I also see that I cannot vote for any political party. I see that there is a wing of the Congress which does not like this free power and entitlement culture and the corruption that is being bred in the Congress. There are people even in the BJP who have faith in the past, but they are not anti-Muslim necessarily. So I think they will come together for a secular political liberal party.
Similarly there are people in the regional parties. And this is a good time for a liberal party. Swatantra Party was at the wrong time. They were too early. They were ahead of their time. So if we are lucky we will throw up a leader, but you can’t depend on that. But the hopeful thing is the rise of the middle class which will make the politics change.
Vivek Kaul is a writer. He can be reached at [email protected]
Firstpost is now on WhatsApp. For the latest analysis, commentary and news updates, sign up for our WhatsApp services. Just go to Firstpost.com/Whatsapp and hit the Subscribe button.– A federal jury has convicted former Connecticut Gov. John G. Rowland on charges that he conspired to be paid for work on two political campaigns while disguising those payments in business deals.
It is the second felony conviction for Rowland, who resigned as governor a decade ago in a scandal over illegal gifts he received while in office, WCBS 880’s Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau reported.
Former Connecticut Governor, John Rowland, Convicted Of Conspiracy
Prosecutors say Rowland was paid $35,000 to work on the 2012 campaign of Republican congressional candidate Lisa Wilson-Foley and conspired to hide those payments through a consulting contract with a business owned by her husband. They say he tried to strike a similar deal with another candidate in 2010.
The key to the government’s case was the testimony of millionaire businessman Brian Foley, who said he paid Rowland $35,000 to work on the 2012 congressional campaign of his wife, Republican Lisa Wilson-Foley, but hid those payments through a consulting contract with Apple Health Care Inc., the nursing home chain he owned.
The Foleys each pleaded guilty in the spring to a misdemeanor of conspiring to make an illegal campaign donation in the form of the $35,000 in payments to Rowland.
Rowland’s attorney said the contract with Apple was legitimate and the campaign work strictly voluntary.
Mattei said Rowland had tried to strike a similar arrangement in 2010 with another candidate, Mark Greenberg. Greenberg testified during the trial that he rejected hiring Rowland as a political consultant after the former governor asked to be paid up to $35,000 a month through his animal-rescue business.
Rowland, who had rebuilt his life as a radio show host after serving 10 months in prison, now faces the possibility of several years behind bars.
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(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)The developer of Let Them Come [Steam, Official Site], has said that they are looking into a Linux version of this rather fun sounding shoot ‘em up.
When asked about a Linux version on Steam, the developer replied with this:
I'm looking into it!
If it seems like your sort of thing, if you want to show your support you can do so in this forum post.
About the game:
Let Them Come is a fast paced pixel art shoot ‘em up. Twitchy trigger fingers and focused battle tactics are the order of the day as wave after wave of alien-like creatures try to take you down. Gameplay is simple to pick up but hard to master - only the best of the best will survive to fight another day. With a variety of alien creatures to mow down and cool weapons to do it with, stylish retro backdrops and a hard rockin’ soundtrack, Let Them Come is a fast and furious pixel style shooter on steroids.
The idea behind the game seems pretty simple, with your character being unable to move, but it does look really quite fun. The style of it is great, with the sweet pixel art style, with a little gore thrown in looks like my kind of game.
Something about it reminds me of the scene from Aliens where the automatic turret is just firing away in the corridor, love it.
Thanks to HexDSL for telling me about it.While thousands were singing along to "Shake It Off" at last night's Taylor Swift performance, one mom had to tell her daughter they couldn't go.
Wendy Anderson contacted our whistle blower hotline saying she was scammed while trying to buy tickets. "She must be a con, she must be a pro, because she was going to turn around and do the same thing again."
She wants to warn others after she lost 200 dollars, and missed out on a fun experience with her daughter.
A lot of young girls are calling it the concert of the year, like Anderson's 11 year old daughter. "Like, I was going to take you to Taylor Swift today, and she was like what, but something fell through," says Anderson who decided last minute to take her daughter to the concert, so she went online to look for tickets.
"There really were not any tickets left in the price range that I wanted, so I went to craigslist to look for more reasonable tickets," say Anderson explaining why she went to Craigslist. She found an ad from a woman claiming she was out of the state, and didn't need her two tickets anymore.
"I said 2 for 200, and she said yes, I said can we meet, and I had her send me pictures of the tickets so I knew they were actually there," says Anderson, reading her text messages. "I've never done this before so I kinda asked her, how do you suggest we go about this, and how do I get the tickets."
The seller had Anderson go to Walmart and wire the money, saying she would send the tickets in a file over the internet. The tickets never came, and the seller stopped responding to Anderson. "Can I have you email them, can you please send the tickets, so I just assumed, that you are not sending them, I am a fool," she says.
Anderson filed a police report, notified craigslist, and wants others to learn from her mistake, regardless what event you're looking forward to, beware of scammers. "They are just good at what they do, they make it sound so real, so legit, and I guess I was just too gullible, you just fall for it sometimes when it sounds so good."
If you're thinking about buying tickets to a concert or sports game, the better business bureau says if you buy online or from a scalper you always run the risk of getting fake tickets. Their advice, only buy from reputable brokers, never wire money to someone you don't know, and always use common sense, saying if it seems too good to be true it usually is.Hey there YGO Community,
For my first article back, I decided that I should give you guys/gals a proper explanation as to why the YGO secondary market is so hectic and how to read and hopefully make some money off of the instability. First thing's first: With the exception of a VERY select few people, you WILL NOT get rich off of hustling some cardboard, but it might help you pad your wallets a little or at least make your hobby sustainable with minimal continuous investment. The main things I'm going to talk about here are: hype, buyouts, and impulsive buyers. I know that these three things are very closely related, but they are all different in their own ways. Don't worry though, I'll give you a speculation target at the end, ya know, since that's why 90% of y'all are here.
Hype
Buyouts
Deck Devastation Virus. As I was writing this, and I had written an entire paragraph about the DDV buyout, I became aware of a buyout occurring on TCGPlayer. Every copy of A buyout is exactly that, either one individual or a group of likeminded people make a run on a certain card with the intent of causing the price to spike. Buyouts tend to be more of a MTG thing because the player-base tends to be older and they tend to have more disposable income, so making a run on a new, hot card in order to artificially inflate the price is more easily done. But that doesn't mean that buyouts don't happen in Yugz. There have been multiple cases of people buying up all the copies of cards only to re-list them for mega juice prices. And while I have never orchestrated a buyout, I have certainly profited from them multiple times throughout my Yugi career, the most recent occasion being. As I was writing this, and I had written an entire paragraph about the DDV buyout, I became aware of a buyout occurring on TCGPlayer. Every copy of Tatsunoko was bought up and copies were re-listed for $65+ before dropping to $35, and eventually to $20ish. Don't get me wrong, the card is very good and should probably be more than the $9 that it was before the buyout, but it was talk about Chris Leblanc's Synchro Fusionist deck hyping it, followed by a buyout that caused the current price spike.
Impulsive Buyers
There are a large portion of Yugi players who are incredibly impulsive, quickly jumping on the newest thing that any "pro" says is good and buying their playset. This has caused certain less reputable people in the past to say how "broken" a certain card is in a deck in order to get them up to a crazy price and let them cash in on the hype before people realize that the card isn't good after all. The most recent case that comes to mind was Spell Chronicle and how amazing it was in Shaddolls. People hyped the card up, knowing full well that it didn't trigger their effects because it was cost to send them, and when confronted about it, they called it a "social experiment" in order to justify their greed. They cost unfortunate, misinformed, impulsive players so much money for cards that were actual trash and should have been left in the bulk box. I know that I don't do these for no benefit to myself, it's not just keeping the public informed about a card. I make money off of selling cards after they go up, so before I write about a card, I make sure to buy at least a few copies, depending on how many I already have. I may be wrong about a card, (given my track record, it is unlikely)
and I might make money after they go up, but I will NEVER knowingly lead you astray. If I'm writing about a card, I believe it is the genuine article. The card might not break the game, but I genuinely believe in everything I write about as money makers.
Speculation Target
The card I want to talk about this week is XYZ Encore, as suggested by my friend Cameron. Now, it's no secret that Cyber Dragon Infinity is finally being released in BOSH. This is the most talked-about card in a long damn time, and for good reason. It steals your opponent's dudes and uses them as part of its Solemn-on-a-stick effect. I don't need to tell you how to summon it, because everyone knows how at this point. I'd rather tell you how to beat it. We've seen in the past the cards that can't be responded to tend to be worth keeping in mind, I mean, Super Polymerization got banned. We've seen XYZ Encore be played before, believe me, as a long-time Evilswarm player, the Dragon Rulers players ALWAYS had the Encore... The card is currently like $3.00 and has so much room for improvement, so if you can manage to squirrel away a few extra copies in order to deal with the incoming menace, I would advise you to do so. I'm not saying that it'll be $100, but l
et's not forget that the card has been $10+ in the past and most definitely has the potential to do that again.
Have a card that you think deserves some consideration?
Hit me up via social media to let me know. If I write about it, I'll drop you some credit in the article.
Reddit: BigTymeJuice
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Keep the juice flowing,26 November 2013 | s-sougnez
2 | Worst episode ever...
I remember few years ago when I came back from work... If I wasn't very happy or a bit tired, I really liked to watch an HIMYM episode. I was laughing all the episode long and after, I felt much better...
Now when I come back from work, if I'm happy and watch an episode of HIMYM, I end up shocked and disappointed... This TV show is worst and worst at each episode... Nothing is good since the end of the sixth season... I'm so looking forward the end...
This episode is the worst one... Nothing makes the story go further. Nothing is related to the wedding... It is clearly a filler but a so bad one... For now, I think it is the worst episode ever but hey... I guess I might change my mind in one week...UFC Legend Ken Shamrock I'm a Bodyguard Now... For 50 Cent!!
UFC Legend Ken Shamrock -- I'm a Bodyguard Now... FOR 50 CENT!!
Breaking News
has SERIOUSLY upgraded his personal security team... 'cause one of the guys watching his back is UFC Hall of Famer (and ex-WWE superstar)!!!!49-year-old Shamrock was spotted on the rapper's personal protection detail at the CES convection in Las Vegas yesterday... and afterward, Ken confirmed he's now working for a company that does private security for several "high-end clients," including Fiddy.After the convention, Ken tweeted that it was a "pleasure" working for 50... and said the rapper is, "By far one of the classiest gents I have ever worked with."As for Ken's fighting career -- he may not have given up on the ring entirely... just last month, he appeared in a wrestling event in Costa Rica.But for now, don't screw with Mr. Cent... or you might end up in a nasty ankle lock.WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A U.S. government panel listed 13 countries Friday as "egregious" violators of religious freedom.
Homeless Pakistani Christians protest last month in Islamabad for protection of Christian minorities.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom's annual report named Myanmar, North Korea, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, China, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
It recommended that the Obama administration designate them as "countries of particular concern" or CPC.
The group has issued a watch list that includes Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia, Laos, Russia, Somalia, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Venezuela, countries that don't rise to the level of a CPC but need to be monitored.
"Unfolding events in Pakistan make clear the relevance of this theme to the 2009 Annual Report. At the time of writing, emboldened Taliban-associated extremists had advanced to within 60 miles of the Pakistani capital of Islamabad," the report said.
"In the areas they already control, these groups are imposing draconian restrictions on human rights and religious freedom and engaging in brutal acts against individuals, particularly women and local police, who refused to accede to their repressive policies."
The federal commission is bipartisan, and its commissioners are appointed by the president and members of Congress.
A CPC designation gives Secretary of State Hillary Clinton "a range of specific policy options to address serious violations of religious freedom."
It requires the secretary "to enter into direct consultations with a government to find ways to bring about improvements in the respect for religious freedom."
The report covers the period May 2008 through April. The commission was created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
"While sanctions are a possible policy option, the secretary may decide to develop a binding agreement with the CPC government on specific actions that it will take to end the violations that gave rise to the designation or take a commensurate action," the commission said. "The secretary may determine that pre-existing sanctions are adequate or waive the requirement of taking action in furtherance of the Act."
All About Hillary Clinton • The Taliban/r/canada gets slammed by /r/all and /r/worldnews *again*. At least we can take solice in knowing that the general reddit community is fully aware of how shitty our national sub has become.
120 · 3 comments
Why The Right Is So Dishonest About American History.
54 · 5 comments
This Conservative Politician Said Weed Is Just As Deadly as Fentanyl
24 · 1 comment
Anti-fascist and anti-Israel; Jewish antifa talks views on Israel and Jews
56 · 21 comments
"If you're here as a refugee, immigrant, and there's reasonable grounds to suspect you were involved in a crime you should be kicked out of our country." [+124]
89 · 31 comments
Metacanada Manager Ham_Sandwich77 encouraging his followers to reject conspiracies and embrace verifiable evidence
35 · 20 comments
why does r/canada allows opinion posts?
48 · 13 comments
Gavin McInnes gave us "The Proud Boys", now Jordan Peterson introduces "The Thirsty Bois"
20
Whiteout conditions experienced in Montreal mayor's cabinet
77 · 34 comments
r/Canada's latest conspiracy about the CBCThere were some notable injuries in Week 12 at the tight end position. Two of the best in the game in Rob Gronkowski and Jordan Reed headed to the locker room during the first half of their games. As a Reed owner, when I saw him on his back clutching his shoulder some of the language that spewed from my mouth would make even the most hardened sailor blush. Much to my surprise, he returned and I was able to resume enjoying my Thanksgiving feast. After he caught his first touchdown I banged two turkey drumsticks together in a celebratory fashion. After the second touchdown, I lined up some gravy shots and pounded them like it was my 21st birthday. It was a good day.
I woke up the next morning with a massive hangover. It wasn’t from the gravy shots, but rather seeing the news that Reed had suffered a Grade 3 AC joint separation in his left shoulder and he might be forced to miss some time. The combination of adrenaline and whatever drug they shot into his shoulder got him through the rest of that game. However, once the swelling settles in, it is hard to say what his range of motion will be. Having 10 days between games definitely helps, but it is too early to know for sure what his status will be in Week 13.
While the short-term wasn’t as pleasant for Gronk owners, the long-term news might be better. Although Gronk didn’t return to the game against the Jets, it is being reported that the injury doesn’t appear to be serious and he isn’t expected to miss anymore time because of it. Again, with it being so early in the week it is hard to say for sure. Fantasy owners should have a backup plan in place in case Reed or Gronk are down for Week 13.
Week 13: Workin’ the Wire
Fortunately, for Reed owners, his direct replacement Vernon Davis is only owned in about 22% of leagues. Earlier in the season, he shined while Reed was on the shelf. Even with Reed back in the lineup he has been a solid contributor scoring at least six fantasy points in five of his last six games.
For Gronk owners, the situation is a bit more cloudy. Martellus Bennett is owned in 85% of leagues. Although he is coming off back to back poor outings, he would still be worth a start if Gronk was out of action in Week 13.
Guys who have been mentioned in this section before like Cameron Brate, Ladarius Green, Vance McDonald, and Lance Kendricks would be nice spot plays and depending on your league size/waiver activity might be available.
If you are in a big time crunch this week I am sure Saints tight end Josh Hill is available on your wire. He cashed in on all six of his targets turning them into a career high 74 yards in Week 12. This boost in production was dictated by coverage designed to not let Brandin Cooks get deep. If teams continue to take away Cooks then Hill should get some looks. Having Drew Brees as your quarterback doesn’t hurt either.
I would normally be all over a quarterback who in his first start of the season dropped 316/3/2, but I am passing on Matt Barkley. While I would like to endorse someone with a name so similar to mine, I just can’t do it. His play will be too inconsistent to be counted on, especially with the fantasy playoffs looming.
Start’em
Drew B |
What is LIGO?
The 2015 detection and subsequent 2016 papers involved more than 90 institutions across 15 countries, including MIT and Caltech, working with LIGO data and its interferometers are spread across two sites in the US, in Washington and Louisiana.
LIGO is essentially a large-scale physics experiment, where astrophysicists convene to monitor and observe gravitational waves. It is funded by the National Science Fund (NSF), and holds the distinction of being the largest and most ambitious project to be funded by the body.
The Advanced LIGO project, which began shortly after the first detections were made in October 2015, features an interferometer with two 2.5-mile-long "arms". Laser beams are passed across these arms and hit mirrors at each end. Changes in the way these beams travel along these arms generate patterns that hint at the presence of gravitational waves, while changes in these patterns can suggest different types of gravitational wave source.
READ NEXT: The laser changed everything. This is its story
For the recent, fourth detection (announced last month), the signal was detected by the two advanced LIGO sensors in the US, and, for the first time, by the Virgo detector near Pisa, Italy.
Virgo isn't as sensitive as LIGO but the combination of all three magnified the precision by a factor of 10. Virgo was completed in 2003. It features a €300 million interferometer with 2-mile-long arms and was funded by the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN).
Researchers from the LIGO and Virgo projects joined a data-sharing agreement in 2007 and then in August, Virgo joined LIGO in the search for gravitational waves.
Why should I care?
Following the first detection last year, we put together a list of six reasons why you should be excited about gravitational waves. And you really should. But astrophysicist Katie Mack sums up the significance of this latest discovery much more succintly than we can:
Some reflections on the #NeutronStar #GravitationalWaves discovery, #GW170817:
1) This really is a very big deal for physics & for astronomy — Katie Mack (@AstroKatie) October 16, 2017
Images: Murguia-Berthier et al., Science/Hubble/UC Santa Cruz & Carnegie Observatories/Ryan FoleyRate this poem Sending User Review 5 ( 4 votes)
Christmas in Puerto Rico
written by: Natalia Aeschliman
@NataliaAeschlim
I close my eyes,
On this cold winter's night
Remembering the days of my youth
Taking me back to the warm nights
Of that island paradise
That I call home, even if I am far
Remembering the night
Our mother would take us outside
To collect grass
As we celebrated the 3 Kings day
I still remember the magic
The smile on our faces
As we picked grass to leave the camels
Those childhood days
When everything seemed possible
And never-ending
I still can taste my grandmother's cooking
I still can hear my grandfather's laughter
As she helped us put our toys together
I still remember the excitement
In my mother's eyes.
Oh if I could only go back
Just one more time
To those days of childhood delight
The coqui singing outside my window
The warm sand
The parrandas of the neighbors
The love that never ended
The time of coming together
And forgetting differences
Forgetting everything
Because we were all in that moment,
Those Christmas days
In paradise island
And there we remained frozen
Now I have little feet of my own
Tiptoeing through the night
Digging through the snow
Finding bits and pieces of grass,
Keeping that tradition alive,
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Dia de ReyesAnyone ever visited a museum and
fancied having your own mini-May to guide you around the exhibits? Well it’s
good news for such committed May-o-philes: this is now a reality.
Or, we should really say, an ‘augmented reality’.
As part of its Making of the Modern World exhibition, the Science Museum has created an app featuring a 3D Captain Slow,
complete with funky shirt, to act as your own personal tour guide.
Simply point your iPhone or iPad at an
exhibit and the slightly unsettling James avatar comes to life. You’ll then be
treated to our man’s unique and presumably very, very detailed insights into
nine of the engineering marvels on show, including the Ford Model T, the
Puffing Billy (an Aussie steam train) and the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine.
To get started, download the James May’s Science Stories app from
iTunes, then make your way to the Science Museum in South Kensington. And if
you can’t get there in person, don’t fret, because you can recreate the
experience at home – just download the app, print the augmented reality
“triggers” from the Science Museum website and you’ll get May in your living
room instead. You lucky buggers.
The last time May had a go at augmenting reality,
it ended with people getting annoyed, walking around in circles and generally facing
a worse reality than the one they had before. This time, on the basis of the video below, it looks like he’s done it properly…UFC announced Nakisa Bidarian as the organization’s new Chief Financial Officer effective January 4, 2016. Formerly UFC’s Executive Vice President of Strategy and Business Ventures, Bidarian will now focus on key financial initiatives, strategic goals, and supporting the organization’s overall growth by guiding business decisions and analyzing their financial components.
“Nakisa has been a key contributor to UFC’s success throughout the last four years since he joined the organization,” UFC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Lorenzo Fertitta said. “His diverse finance and strategy experience, coupled with the impact he has had with the organization, make him an ideal candidate for the CFO position.”
“I’m excited and humbled to accept this new opportunity with UFC,” Bidarian said. “The organization is coming off a record year in 2015, and I am confident that the finance, accounting and strategy teams will continue to deliver at the highest level and help to take the organization to new heights.”
Bidarian was formerly responsible for Group Strategy which includes Corporate Development, Strategic Planning, Research, Analytics, and several joint ventures, including UFC GYM. Under his leadership, UFC made significant strides in improving internal processes to improve its operating model. Bidarian has also championed the evolution of UFC’s people management practices, ensuring the organization continues to invest in its team members.
Prior to joining UFC, Bidarian led international real estate and hospitality investment and asset management for Mubadala Development Company, a multi-billion dollar sovereign investment company. Before Mubadala, he was an investment banker at Morgan Stanley and Citigroup, specializing in merger and acquisitions. Beginning his career at Accenture, Bidarian advised global financial institutions on financial and performance management. Bidarian received a Bachelor of Arts degree in financial economics from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Business Administration from Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, where he graduated as a Tuck Scholar.
Eric Kowal https://www.mymmanews.com Founder of MyMMANews.com
– After writing for Ultimate MMA magazine and serving as the editor for U.S. Combat Sports, both of which went on hiatus, I decided to venture out on my own and enlist a staff of writers and photographers that could help me achieve my goal of telling stories that would otherwise go untold. We pride ourselves in taking a deeper look into the fighter, and understanding what makes them tick.
– #1 Dad, Marine Corps Veteran, 80’s and 90’s Pro Wrestling Fan, MMA Commentator, Beer Lover, and avid movie watcher. Seriously….. I watch a lot of movies. See author's postsResearchers discover rare new species of deep-diving whale Feb 05, 2014
Enlarge Male specimen of Mesoplodon hotaula that washed up on Desroches Island in the Seychelles in 2009, whown with men formt eh siland. It was found by Wayne Thompson (far right in picture) and Lisa Thompson of the Island Conservation Society of the Seychelles. Credit: Lisa Thompson
http://phys.org/news/2014-02-rare-species-deep-diving-whale.htmlResearchers have identified a new species of mysterious beaked whale based on the study of seven animals stranded on remote tropical islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans over the past 50 years.Beaked whales, a widespread but little-known family of toothed whales distantly related to sperm whales, are found in deep ocean waters beyond the edge of the continental shelf throughout the world's oceans."They are rarely seen at sea due to their elusive habits, long dive capacity and apparent low abundance for some species. Understandably, most people have never heard of them," says international team leader, Dr Merel Dalebout, a visiting research fellow at UNSW.The study of the new species, is published in the journalThe first specimen was a female found on a Sri Lankan beach more than 50 years ago.On 26 January 1963, a 4.5 metre-long, blue-grey beaked whale washed up at Ratmalana near Colombo. The then director of the National Museums of Ceylon, P.E.P (Paulus) Deraniyagala, described it as a new species, and named it, after the local Singhala words for 'pointed beak'.However, two years later, other researchers reclassified this specimen as an existing species,, named for the tusk-like teeth of the adult males that are shaped like the leaves of a ginkgo tree."Now it turns out that Deraniyagala was right regarding the uniqueness of the whale he identified. While it is closely related to the ginkgo-toothed beaked whale, it is definitely not the same species," says Dr Dalebout.The researchers used a combination of DNA analysis and physical characteristics to identify the new species from seven specimens found stranded in Sri Lanka, the Gilbert Islands (now Kiribati), Palmyra Atoll in the Northern Line Islands near Hawai'i, the Maldives, and the Seychelles.The new specimens are held by various institutions and groups, including the US Smithsonian National Museum in Washington DC, the Island Conservation Society in the Seychelles, and the University of Auckland, New Zealand. The genetic analyses were conducted as part of an international collaboration with the US NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center and Oregon State UniversityThe researchers were able to get good quality DNA from tissue samples from only one specimen. For the others, they drilled the bones of the whales in order to analyse short fragments of 'ancient DNA' relying on techniques commonly used with old sub-fossil material from extinct species.The researchers also studied all other known beaked whale species to confirm the distinctiveness of Deraniyagala's whale, including six specimens of the closely related, gingko-toothed beaked whale."A number of species in this group are known from only a handful of animals, and we are still finding new ones, so the situation with Deraniyagala's whale is not that unusual," Dr Dalebout says."For example, the ginkgo-toothed beaked whale, first described in 1963, is only known from about 30 strandings and has never been seen alive at sea with any certainty. It's always incredible to me to realise how little we really do know about life in the oceans. There's so much out there to discover. "Over the last 10 years or so, two other new beaked whales have come to light; both through research in which Dr Dalebout was involved. In 2002,or Perrin's beaked whale, was described from the eastern North Pacific, and in 2003,, the spade-toothed whale, was described from the Southern Ocean. Both species are known from only about five animals each.With the re-discovery of, there are now 22 recognised species of beaked whales.Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2014-02-rare-species-deep-diving-whale.html#jCpA report from Chosun Ibo may have just shed some light on why we haven’t seen the Samsung Galaxy S II launch in the United States just yet. As you know, Samsung has launched it other parts of the world with great success and it will be launching in Canada later this month but we still don’t have a firm date for a U.S. launch. The reason? Well, according to a Samsung executive, it’s because negotiations with U.S. carriers have dragged on.
The report cites a Samsung executive saying this in regards to the Galaxy S II’s launch in the United States:
Negotiations with American telecom companies have dragged on.
It also goes on to say that the reason the Galaxy S II isn’t attractive to U.S. carriers is because Motorola makes phones that work best with the United States’ CDMA network meaning carriers have a better alternative and less of a reason to sign on board with Samsung even though the device is wildly popular elsewhere in the world.
Now, we’re pretty sure that the Galaxy S II will indeed be coming to the United States but the question now is whether it’s going to be too late? Motorola is preparing to release the 4G LTE enabled Motorola Droid Bionic and Apple is going to be launching a new iPhone in the fall. And for some people, that might mean taking a pass on one of the best Android phones to date.
And, as the report says:
When the Galaxy S smartphone was launched last year, no competing new models by Motorola and HTC of Taiwan were available. As far as U.S. telecoms were concerned, the Galaxy S was the only alternative to the iPhone last year. But the new model faces much tougher competition.
Not looking good at all for those in the U.S. who want the Galaxy S II and want it now and it appears that you have Motorola to thank for that.
(Thanks to Zarchek for the tip!)Archived News » Playtest 20140927
Posted by Paul Chote at 2014-09-28 00:00 +1200
The first playtest for our next big release is now available!
The biggest change in this playtest compared to our July release is the overhauled in-game interface:
The RA mod has received a brand new sidebar.
A new end-game score screen appears once a game is complete.
The in-game menu now shows an objectives panel in all mods (previously only available in the TD mod).
New keyboard shortcuts have been added, and the default keys have changed to match Tiberium Wars and Red Alert 3.
The Red Alert sidebar interface has been given a much-needed facelift and a more compact design.
These UI changes are still a work in progress, and further refinements will be made before the final release. If you have feedback on the new design then please let us know during this playtest period!
The full Changelog lists many of the other improvements, bug fixes, and balance changes that are included in this playtest. A few notable improvements include:
The lobby now prevents players from choosing colors that are too similar to each other or the terrain.
Veteran units gain improved reload time and accuracy, and elite units will now heal over time.
Planes will maintain their distance from each other in a similar fashion to helicopters.
Several of the Tiberian Dawn campaign missions have been updated with mission objectives.
A number of small balance changes to the Red Alert and Tiberian Dawn mods.
A lot of work has gone into our new Lua API for scripted maps that was introduced with our June release. This new API offers improved performance, stability, and integrates with the new mission objectives system. If you have written any scripted maps then please use this playtest as an opportunity to port your maps to the new API, and please file a bug if there are any missing features. The old API will be removed in the near future.
Several Tiberian Dawn campaign missions have been overhauled with objectives and other improvements. Planes no longer bunch together, which makes them much less vulnerable to enemy AA.US President Donald Trump's Muslim ban is nothing new to the rulers of Kuwait.Syrians, Iraqis, Iranians, Pakistanis and Afghans were not allowed to obtain visit, tourism or trade visas to Kuwait in 2011, in a move which pre-empted US restrictions on seven Muslim-majority countries Passport holders from the countries were not allowed to enter the Gulf state while the blanket ban was in place, and had been told not to apply to visas.Kuwaiti sources originally told local media at the time that the restrictions were in place due to the "instability" in the five countries and that the ban would be lifted once the security situation improves.Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to witness violence from extremist groups, while Syria and Iraq are embroiled in internal conflicts.The ban, which was covered by a number of outlets including the BBC, appears to have been imposed unofficially. Local sources have told us that in 2011 and 2012, they attempted to bring in speakers from these countries for various events and were told that they could not. In certain instances, personal favours were granted by senior government officials allowing some visitors.Although mainly peaceful, tensions between Iran and the Gulf have ratcheted up over the past year, with the GCC powers accusing Tehran of attempting to destabilise the region.The State of Kuwait rejected reports that it planned to stop issuing visas to certain countries, but made no mention of what was reported by a number of agencies in 2011.Kuwait is concerned about the threat of extremist groups such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, and both militant organisations have offshoots in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.But the ban on citizens from fellow Muslim-majority nations failed to prevent the Gulf state from being targeted in a number of militant attacks over the past two years - including the bombing of a Shia mosque in 2015 which left 27 Kuwaitis dead. It is worth noting that Kuwaitis were the perpetrators of this attack.Kuwait responded by arresting dozens of suspected IS sympathisers and rolling out a mandatary DNA testing programme and database for the Gulf state's four million population.Kuwait has issued a number of laws targeting foreigners in recent years, making it one of the most unfriendly Gulf states towards expatriates.In 2015, Kuwait was named as the worst place in the world for expatriates in a 64-country InterNations survey.Meanwhile, Trump's Muslim ban has been met with widespread outrage since it was signed on Friday, although most Gulf states have largely remained quiet on the issue.Dubai security chief Dhahi Khalfan outraged Syrians and other nationalities included in the ban when he backed Trump's decision, and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan said the ban was "not Islamophobic" This article has been updated to reflect the fact that the ban came into force, unofficially, in 2011 and was not a reaction to Donald Trump's recent executive order. Sources have told The New Arab that citizens from a number of countries mentioned above and in particular Syrians, have great difficulty in obtaining visas for Kuwait even if they have family members there and fulfill all visa requirements.The death of a NASA scientist has sent conspiracy theorists into overdrive
Conspiracy theorists have been widely condemned condemned for dreaming up madcap theories around Tiffany Huan Moisan’s death, including another suggestion she may have died after getting too close to government secrets.
Social media users have condemned the speculation, ordering the bizarre theories to stop as those close to her try to come to terms with their loss.
The NASA climatology scientist, 48, was reported missing on June 4, with her body found the next day behind a branch of budget supermarket Food Lion in Princess Anne, Maryland, US.
Local police have ruled out any foul play, but the cause of death has yet to be released and this has led to wild suspicions over what happened to her.
Conspiracy theory website Clapway.com claims the case is suspicious and NASA scientists have gone missing or died in mysterious circumstances before.
In a report, the website suggested: "Signs of suspicion, however, are rampant. Some claim aliens are to blame, while others think she was getting a bit too close to government secrets."
Ms Moisan worked at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Wattsville, Virginia.
According to an obituary on www.legacy.com, she was Born in Taiwan and adopted by an American couple after her mother died in childbirth.
Her adopted father Rodney "Butch" Ashworth was an officer in the US Navy.
She is survived by her husband, John R Moisan and two daughters adopted from China, Katherine Lin Moisan, 12, and Alyssa An Moisan, 9.Clad in yoga pants sipping all-natural GMO-free lattes, we think ourselves beyond making primitive decisions based on fear. But out of the jungle and into bigger villages, with smoke signals cleverly disguised as iPhones, we’re still a species letting fear-based decisions severely fuck up our lives.
This way of thinking has backfired before. In 1974, rumors falsely circulated around Japan that the pertussis vaccine had caused myriad side effects. People were told they no longer needed the vaccine because pertussis was rare anyway, and nobody had died from the disease in recent memory. In the ensuing carnage, pertussis vaccination rates plummeted by nearly 90 percent. By 1979, a mere five years later, a previously manageable few hundred cases skyrocketed to over 13,000 infected patients and 41 deaths.
By 1981, the fervor to bring back diseases formerly long forgotten had left the island nation, but the tradewinds drift west.
Here in Los Angeles, where some schools have the same vaccination rates as the Sudan, the government has had to take action. Children were getting sick, and even the power of Disney magic doesn’t prevent measles.
Like an immune response to a viral epidemic, SB-277 took aim at inoculating California against the lethal anti-vaccine movement. The state bill was was introduced in February and signed into law last month, and will go into effect January of 2016. Bolstered with widespread support from the medical community, the law eliminates non-medical vaccine exemptions for children attending school, preventing parents from allowing their children to become vectors for a long list of preventable communicable diseases.
Predictably, the passage of the law sparked backlash. A vaccine reaction, if you will.
A Google search of “SB-277” reveals websites calling the law “Draconian,” a “science fraud,” and comparing vaccinating school children to the types of experiments conducted at Tuskegee. Efforts to repeal the law have already gone into full swing. Rounding out the bevy of celebrities without immunology degrees in full support of the return of polio, the maelstrom of internet outrage included productive and well-informed tweets from Jim Carrey, Kirstie Alley and Erin Brockovich.
So where does this leave parents who aren’t sure where to turn for advice on vaccines or SB-277? I talked to some experts to find out.
Safety In Numbers
“Doctors are parents too. We’re on the same side,” Dr. Paul Offit, co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine and the director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, told me. It’s been an uphill battle for Offit and his colleagues to communicate the realities of vaccines.
“Vaccines are held to the highest standard of safety that we have for medical products,” Offit said. “They’re tested in tens of thousands of children before licensure. The two rotavirus vaccines were tested in 130,000 children before licensure. Then, after they’re licensed, they’re tested prospectively back through the Vaccine Safety Datalink.” Offit said that there’s no Drug Safety Datalink; this is a level of monitoring that’s only performed for vaccines.
So why, even with so much testing, are parents made nervous by these disease-preventing potions? After all, how often do you hear parents rejecting Benadryl and Advil? As Offit told me, “It’s about perspective.” Unlike these medications with predictable side effects at normal dosages, “when vaccines work, nothing happens.” You just proceed... to not get sick.
Alarmists will commonly cite vaccine ingredients such as aluminum and formaldehyde as reason for concern. However, there is only 0.25 mg of aluminum in a vaccine; you’ll consume 800 times more aluminum in an antacid. And though formaldehyde may invoke mental images of disemboweled frogs in biology class, there’s far more formaldehyde in a pear than a vaccine, and we even naturally process formaldehyde in our bodies. The vaccine components that self-declared internet experts hotly debate are not of concern to immunologists who have been through decades of schooling; that alone should tell you a lot more than anything a failed comic actor ever will—yet parental fears persist.
The Cause That Wasn’t
Despite all the testing and meta analysis supporting the safety of vaccines, a vocal group of non-scientists with a talent for sticking their fingers in their ears and humming has their doubts. The most commonly cited fear is a risk of autism. While there has been a rise in diagnosis in recent years, there are multiple reasons. And none of which has to do with Jenny McCarthy’s “frickin’ mercury.”
Try to envision autism as anything else that needs diagnosing. We’re at a point where we can correctly define and diagnose it. For comparison, various cancer detection methods were invented throughout the twentieth century; cancer was always there before the early diagnostic tests, but we’re better at diagnosing it now, so when someone just died of “old age” or “just got sick” in 1915, today we can diagnose the cancer as esthesioneuroblastoma.
In the case of autism diagnosis, a number of factors have impacted this rate increase, including a revised criteria and better access to care. Autism awareness has risen at the same time; It would have been naive not to expect more children to be diagnosed. And when looking at the history of autism diagnosis, it becomes abundantly clear that this has been with us all along.
Offit sees opposition to the new law as opposition to something very disconnected from reality. “When parents who were against this measure got up to speak against SB-277, what did they say? ‘I’m the parent of a vaccine-damaged child,’ and proceeded to talk about things that vaccines don’t do. ‘My child has developmental delays or autism or diabetes because of vaccines.’ Vaccines don’t do that, so therefore their concerns are ill-founded. Therefore, their choices not to vaccinate are ill-founded,” he said.
Part of the Herd
Dr. Michael Ginsberg, a board-certified pediatrician based in Fairfield, CA, has very tiny, very precious reasons to fight against this movement in his practice. “I have a few kids who are on chemotherapy for leukemia and also some preemies with chronic lung disease and/or congenital heart disease,” he said. “These children either cannot be vaccinated or can be vaccinated are still at risk from severe complications, including death, of vaccine-preventable diseases.”
Ginsberg’s adherence to practicing evidence-based medicine includes not accepting patients who arbitrarily opt out of vaccinating; this policy is in place to protect children who are unable to vaccinate. “In herd immunity, you are trying to make it so that a disease has nowhere to go. So if 98 percent of a population is immune to, say, measles, then only 2 percent of people are susceptible. So measles has to find the 2 percent of the population that is susceptible,” he said. “This becomes very unlikely, very quickly and so the disease cannot spread. If vaccination rates are lower, say only 90 percent, then it becomes much more likely that that the disease will spread.”
If patients with legitimate medical reasons not to vaccinate are surrounded by more and more people who choose to avoid vaccines, what do you think will happen to their very susceptible immune systems? Why should a doctor choose to subject a patient to that risk?
Legalities and Loopholes
So will SB-277 help California’s low vaccination rates? Dorit Reiss, a law professor at UC-Hastings who frequently lectures and writes on vaccine law, is hopeful, but with reservations. Poring over the law, she told to me that “to get a medical exemption, the doctor does have to explain why the child is exempt, but if the doctor does that there really isn’t any supervision right now or anyone authorized to challenge. That can change, if needed, but abuse is possible.”
Unfortunately, she’s right about finding a doctor who will give medical exemptions. Dr. Bob Sears, notorious anti-vax doctor in Southern California who doesn’t grasp the term “do no harm,” is providing anti-vaxxers such a safe haven in the confines of his office. Already on his facebook page, advice is being given that’s beyond reprehensible. “Get a medical exemption starting NEXT year. Understand your options.” All of this without a word on how to recognize if the person next to your unvaccinated vector is immunocompromised (hint: there isn’t) or how to care for your infant with rib-shattering whooping cough.
Ginsberg isn’t having it. “I wonder how much rogue physicians like Bob Sears, Dr. Oz, and Jay Gordon get paid to advertise the products they do and how much they charge to speak at events. I’ve never been paid by or accepted any gift from a vaccine manufacturer and nor would I,” he said. “You simply cannot bribe me to do something that I think might hurt one of my patients; I will not do it no matter the price. In fact, we lose money on giving vaccines to our patients. We do it because it’s the right thing to do.”
Diseases are Bad. Vaccinations are Good.
So where does this all leave you, parents? When an anti-vaccine doctor, who has never seen a ruptured smallpox pustule, isn’t sure what all the complications of measles are, and can’t tell you how to strap your child into a leg brace, imparts to you the wisdom that it’s okay not to vaccinate because those diseases are “rare?”
The paradox that’s escaped these monsters is that they’re rare because of vaccines.
Illnesses that crippled my parents’ generation are diminished to a quick jab in the arm and a SpongeBob bandaid.
Smallpox is gone because of vaccines.
But polio? It’s not gone. It’s actively crippling people just a little bit out of sight. Someone could easily hop a flight to our little village here in L.A. And cough.
Near your child for whom you worked so hard to get that fake medical exemption.
If the mandate went out to stop vaccinating today, and everyone used the same actions as the anti-vaxxers, within a few years all these diseases would come surging back with a vengeance. Diseases that anti-vaxxers refer to as “harmless childhood illnesses” will be joined with diphtheria and polio, and there will be a boom in two industries; leg braces and teensy tiny baby coffins.
Draconian, indeed.
Before that ever happens, when patients file into waiting rooms and voting booths, let it be remembered that many doctors and scientists are parents, too. They’re on the same side.
Yvette d’Entremont holds bachelor’s degrees in theatre and chemistry along with a master’s degree in forensic science. With a background working as an analytical chemist, she currently runs Science Babe full time. Her site has become a reliable mix of debunking pseudoscience with humor and science. She lives in southern California with her dog, Buddy. Follow her at fb.com/sciencebabe and scibabe.com.
Pic via APIn 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed Louisiana remained number 1, among the 50 states, with 38,030 in prison, a rate of 816 per 100,000 over 100 points ahead of next highest state Oklahoma. Because the US leads the world in incarcerating its people, this means Louisiana is number one in the world. Compare Louisiana's rate of 816 people per 100,000 with Russia's 492, China with 119, France with 100, and Germany with 78.
Louisiana first became number 1 in the nation in 2005 when it was imprisoning 36,083 people. Louisiana remained number 1, in 2010 with 35,207 in prison, an incarceration rate of 867 per 100,000 people, over 200 points head of the next highest state Mississippi.
It was not always so. In 1965, Louisiana ranked 13th nationally in putting its citizens in jail with a rate of 109 prisoners per 100,000 people. In 1978, Louisiana only held 7,291 people behind bars. By 1986, Louisiana was 5th highest in the nation in putting its own citizens in prison, with 14,580 behind bars, a rate of 322 per 100,000, according to the US Department of Justice. In 1990, Louisiana rose to 3rd highest in the nation, putting 18,599 behind bars, a rate of 427 per 100,000. In 2000, Louisiana moved to 2nd highest in the nation, imprisoning 35,047 behind bars, a rate of 801 per 100,000.
The number of prisoners expanded nation-wide as a result of the "war on drugs" which was conducted in a racist way to target blacks. But in Louisiana, the prisons also backed up when the practice of releasing prisoners for good behavior after 10 years and 6 months of their life sentences was ended in the 1970s.
Louisiana has long been much more severe in sending black people to prison than whites, at least after black people were no longer slaves. In 1860, when the Civil War started, the population of the Louisiana penitentiary was two-thirds white. But by 1868, the population of Louisiana's penitentiary was two-thirds black.
Angola Penitentiary remains the largest maximum security prison in the United States. There are over 5000 prisoners at Angola alone. The average sentence for prisoners there is 93 years. About 95 percent of people serving time at Angola will die there under current laws.
It costs taxpayers an average of $23,000 a year for each inmate at Angola. Over 400 people, about 9 percent of those serving life in Louisiana, were convicted of non-violent offenses.
There are an additional 69,000 people in Louisiana on probation and parole.
In addition to locking up the most, Louisiana has a long history of running abusive prisons. In 1835, Louisiana was described as having "the worst prison in the United States." In 1952, after dozens of Angola inmates slashed their heel tendons in protest of barbaric conditions, Colliers magazine called Angola "America's worst prison." In 1970, the American Bar Association said conditions at Angola were "medieval, squalid and horrifying." By 1975, conditions were so terrible, a Federal judge declared Angola a "state of emergency."No.
Definitely no.
It’s just a combination of sand and wind that has caused a rock to have a similarity to a femur. But its not a femur. Its a rock.
But let’s just get this conversation out of the way once and for all.
Aliens and archaeology have had a weird relationship for decades. Human remains in particular have been subject to this fanaticism. On the one hand, alien enthusiasm has caused for increased interest into certain topics like cranial modification and the Nasca lines. On the other hand, it can be extremely frustrating having to deal with questions about the alien involvement in the construction of the pyramids or creation of crystal skulls. Humans are fascinating and amazing creatures that have been able to pull together to create highly imaginative and awe-inspiring monuments. Since the beginning of our species, we’ve been creatively solving problems, pushing limits, and shaping the world in fantastic ways. But for many people, human creativity and awesomeness isn’t the reason why we were able to create aqueducts or construct sky high monuments before the industrial revolution. Aliens. Aliens are the answer. Perhaps it is because we’ve hit a point in our human existence where our own earth is not as unknown as it was before. Perhaps they are searching for the Lost World of Sir Conan Doyle or the great adventures of Allan Quartermain. For me, our past is the lost world that we can explore. For others, its space. It is the unknown that encompasses our planet. And the way of connecting to this unknown, to finding the lost adventures of our Victorian forefathers, to exposing the truth- the real truth- Aliens.
Here are some of the more popular ‘alien’ related bioarchaeology finds.
The Paracas Skull
In 1927, a necropolis was discovered by respected Peruvian archaeologist Julio Tello. He was able to recover 429 mummy bundles that contained remains dating to from around 800 to 100 BCE. The mummies were some of the best preserved to be found in Peru, and the find led to a better understanding of burial practices for this period. Each mummy was wrapped in cotton cloths with detailed embroidery, placed in a sitting position facing north, and buried in the Necropolis. All were male and all had high quality grave goods suggesting that they were of higher status than the average person. Another way that there high status was recognized, is that many of them had skulls that were heavily altered and elongated. The cultural deformation of skulls is well understood and documented in a number of cultures (you can learn more about the actual process here).
However, this explanation wasn’t enough for some people. Some theorized that the deformation in the skull was a natural phenomenon, and these elongated skulls were evidence for a new type of species, likely with alien origins. Over the last few years, there have been a number of pseudo-archaeologists who have gotten their hands on tissue samples from these skulls and argue that they have DNA proof that these are alien species. Sadly for us, they aren’t actually sharing any of the DNA tissue results, nor are we given any actual data- just their final conclusion that these are aliens. If you’d like to learn the whole story, and just how bad their investigation was, I’d suggest checking out this amazing article about it on Bad Archaeology: The Paracas Skulls.
They are not. They are humans with modified crania- no need to jump to alien conclusions.
Starchild
With that name alone, you know this one is going to be dreadfully awesome.
In 1999, a paranormalist claimed to have obtained a child’s skull from a couple in El Paso, Texas who originally acquired it from a mine tunnel in the 1930s in Mexico |
qualified success.
I have been involved with and following the astronomy scene in Pakistan for close to thirty years. I was part of a group of FSc. Intermediate students in Karachi who started Amastropak, the first amateur astronomy society in Pakistan back in 1988. While there were ups and downs in the activities of the society over the years, it could never muster a critical mass of active members, and it eventually shut down in the late 1990s. But now things are different and I have never seen the state of amateur astronomy in Pakistan so lively and so strong. Last month I had the pleasure of meeting astronomy enthusiasts in Lahore and Karachi, and what a treat it was! Both the Lahore Astronomical Society (LAST) and the Karachi Astronomers Society (KAS) boast an active membership of well over a hundred each and they are passionate devotees of the night skies. Most of the members have day jobs unrelated to astronomy, but they squeeze every last second of their free time (or not so free time) for astronomy.
The dark skies of Balochistan or rural Sindh are also a boon for those interested in deep space astrophotography
The centre of gravity for LAST is Umair Asim and his Zeds Astronomical Observatory, built in 2003 on a residential roof. Named after his mother, Zahida, the observatory houses a state of the art 14-inch telescope (the size of the telescope is measured by the diameter of its main mirror). Some of the photographs taken from the telescope have been selected for the international Lunar Photo of the Day (LPOD) page – a first for Pakistan. While astrophotography is the observatory’s mainstay, Umair has recently added a spectrograph to the telescope. This instrument allows him to break the light coming from stars and planets into different components, and identify elements that make up these objects. Professional astronomers have historically used this technique to classify different types of stars. In fact, it is precisely because of this technique that astronomers know that we are made of ‘star stuff’. Instead of intuitively beautiful astronomy pictures, the beauty of spectroscopy can only be appreciated through understanding its underlying physics. It is in this tradition that Umair and his band of amateur astronomers recently replicated the classification system of stars, even while observing through the light-polluted skies of Lahore.
It would have been hard to sustain this kind of enthusiasm had Umair been alone. Instead, he found others who love astronomy with the same passion and intensity. Indeed, he is now training some of them on how to use the telescope and take astronomical data. Four LAST members, including three women, are currently doing a telescope internship at Zeds Astronomical Observatory. Working with Umair, Amna Saleem and Roshaan Bukhari have already contributed over three hundred observations to international organisations such as the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO). One of these interns, Roshaan Bukhari, is a former medical student, who left medical college in his fourth year with the aim of pursuing astronomy full-time. He hopes to start his undergraduate study in astronomy early next year. “I want every curious kid out there to know more about astronomy and their ‘place in space’,” he told me. “My ultimate goal is to help set up astronomy departments across all major universities in Pakistan. But first, I need to get the appropriate academic ‘miles’.” Amen to that.
If astronomers in Lahore are focused on obtaining scientific data, then the ones in Karachi are into building their own telescopes and organising observing sessions from dark skies outside of the megacity. The focal point for Karachi Astronomers Society (KAS) is Kastrodome, an observatory that houses a 12.5-inch Newtonian telescope. A team of brothers, led by Mehdi Hussein, has been responsible for constructing the dome and building the telescope (the primary mirror was donated by a British astronomer, David Rutledge). If LAST holds training sessions on how to take data from the telescope, then KAS astronomers hold workshops on how to build your own telescope. One KAS member even started a business of importing telescopes and then selling them to astronomy enthusiasts in Pakistan. This is a thankless job, as getting a telescope through Customs as an individual can be harder than escaping the gravitational pull of a black hole. No doubt, the availability of telescopes in Pakistan has played a large role in the blossoming of astronomy in the country.
One of the most exciting activities of KAS is Rutjaga (“stay up all night”). Once a month, KAS takes its members to a dark site, away from the lights of Karachi, for a night of astronomy and astrophotography. This started as a smaller activity in 2009, but now it attracts over a 100 people for each Rutjaga session. There is now so much interest, that the organisers have to place a cap on the numbers who can attend these night sessions. No doubt, some join these sessions for a sense of adventure, but a large fraction wants to get the best look at the rings of Saturn or to catch the glory of objects such as the Orion nebula, away from Karachi’s light pollution. Indeed, the dark skies of Balochistan or rural Sindh are also a boon for those interested in deep space astrophotography (you can learn more about it at rutjaga.com).
The availability of telescopes has allowed Pakistanis to go beyond simply learning about the skies from books
It is not just the night sky that has been the target of these astronomers. Both KAS and LAST have sophisticated telescopes for looking at the Sun (Readers: please don’t look at the Sun without a solar filter!) In fact, the nickname of one KAS member is Chacha Shamsi (Uncle Solar), as he specialises in taking pictures of the Sun. The Zeds Astronomical Observatory also hosts one of the largest solar telescopes in the country and has captured some spectacular images of the activity on the surface of the Sun.
Perhaps one of the most awesome parts of the current astronomy scene in Pakistan is the desire of amateur astronomers to share with the public. It is easy to keep the telescopes to themselves. But public outreach is a cornerstone for both LAST and KAS, and it is not unusual for them to get 500 or 1,000 individuals show up for observing. LAST has been taking telescopes to public schools all over the country. The sight of young students (and their teachers) standing in long lines to glimpse at the Sun not only bodes well for the future of astronomy in country, but also shows that given an opportunity, students get excited about the sciences. In fact, Umair Asim received the 2014 Jon Wood award, from the international Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project, in recognition of his public outreach work. The award came with a solar telescope. One LAST member, Roshaan Bukhari, recently gave lectures in schools all across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, and received an outstanding response. Similarly, KAS has been taking a slew of telescopes for viewing at public parks and the Karachi Planetarium.
KAS and LAST are not the only astronomy societies in the country, but they are certainly the most active. Apart from individuals pursuing this in different cities, you have the Pak Astronomers Islamabad (PAS), the Hyderabad Astronomical Society and Peshawar Astronomical Society. Then there is an active Khwarizmi Science Society (KSS), a Lahore-based group, which has often worked closely with LAST in organising public events.
All this leads to the question: Why are we seeing such a flourishing interest in astronomy in Pakistan? After all, there is no significant State support for such an endeavor nor are there any organized activities at the school level.
I think we can point to several reasons for this success. First, astronomy has an intrinsic broad public appeal. It doesn’t hurt that the spectacularly beautiful photographs from the Hubble Space Telescope garner worldwide attention, and force us, however briefly, to ponder about our place in the universe. Furthermore, science popularisers such as Carl Sagan and Neil deGrasse Tyson have globalised astronomical wonder, and their respective versions of Cosmos have been available to television audiences in Pakistan as well. My own path to astronomy was paved after watching Sagan’s Cosmos when it aired in Pakistan in 1984.
Second, the internet provides more than enough free information about astronomy. One of the challenges we had in the 1980s was the lack of astronomy books in our bookstores and libraries. Today, however, you can find not only the latest news about astronomy, but also, if you look carefully, detailed lessons about the foundations of astronomy online.
The availability of telescopes in Pakistan has allowed people to go beyond simply learning about the skies from books, and gain practical experience. You can appreciate all the beauty of Saturn’s rings, taken by orbiting spacecraft, on your computer screen. But a glimpse of the rings through even a small telescope is a transcendental experience. If the government can make the import of telescopes and related accessories relatively pain-free, we may see a whole new generation of science and astronomy enthusiasts in the country.
Perhaps the biggest reason astronomy is flourishing is that there is now a committed community of astronomers around and they are eager to spread their own knowledge and passion. This community did not materialise overnight. No one guided the process. No one pressed for any direction. But there has been a thread of continuity, sometimes tenuous and sometimes strong, over the past three decades, and it is that thread that provided comfort in knowing that are others who share common interests across local space and local time.
We are now seeing a maturation of amateur astronomy in Pakistan. The formation of The Astronomical League of Pakistan (ALOP) is the logical next step. Given the enthusiasm of these astronomers and their eagerness to communicate wonders of astronomy to a wider audience, it is likely that in a couple of decades, we may see the development of a thriving astronomy scene at a professional level as well.
In the mean time, let’s celebrate the renaissance of amateur astronomy in Pakistan.
Salman Hameed is Associate Professor of Integrated Science and Humanities at Hampshire College, Massachusetts, USA. He hosts an astronomy show in Urdu called Science ka Adda (sciencekaadda.com) and co-hosts, with Umair Asim, another show in Urdu, Hamari Kainaat (hamarikainaat.com). He runs a blog at irtiqa-blog.com.
This article was originally published by The Friday Times.Are the police departments of Ferguson and St. Louis County, Missouri, involved in a conspiracy to obstruct justice in the case of Michael Brown’s murder? It seems disturbingly possible, given their actions over the past month, hiding basic evidentiary information from the public in direct violation of the state’s sunshine laws—and perhaps not even gathering it in the first place. This raises the further possibly that evidence is being hidden from criminal investigators as well, particularly since the investigators have shown no great interest, much less zeal, in getting to the truth of the matter.
On Aug. 15, the world saw Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson belatedly release Darren Wilson’s name—and no other information at all about the killing of Michael Brown—while at the same time releasing a report (followed by a video) on an unrelated robbery that Brown was apparently involved in. On Aug. 20 and 21, first St. Louis County, then Ferguson released incident reports on the shootings—reports virtually devoid of any information. These highly questionable revelations stirred a fair amount of public outrage, but few people seemed to realize how truly sinister they were, or how they connected to much broader patterns of official lawlessness that have long bedeviled St. Louis County, and Missouri more generally, as well as many other jurisdictions across the land.
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On Sept. 5, TheBlot magazine reported that Chief Jackson had lied on Aug. 15, when he claimed that he released the robbery report and video because of numerous media requests. Public records released to TheBlot showed that no one had specifically asked for either of them, while many people had asked for information about the killing of Michael Brown, which Jackson refused to release at that time.
Chief Jackson’s press statement at the time thus contained at least two big misstatements—first that information about the robbery was released because of media requests, and second that he was releasing all the information requested relative to the shooting of Michael Brown:
“So, we’ve had this tape for a while, and we had to diligently review the information that was in the tape, determine if there was any other reason to keep it, anybody else that would be charged with a crime, and we had determined that that was not going to be the case. We got a lot of Freedom of Information requests for this tape, and at some point it was just determined we had to release it. We didn’t have good cause, absent any other reason to not release it under FOI. So we decided, the same time, wouldn't be prudent to release that information, which could be a little bit...i don't know... well, we needed to release that at the same time we would release the name of the officer who was involved in the shooting, so that we could just keep open, give you all the information that we have. We've pretty much given you every bit of information that we have now, I don't think there's anything else that we have to give out.”
But while Jackson’s high-profile statement may have been outrageously false and misleading, it’s the underlying actions of his department in the shadows that are downright criminal, part of a seemingly routine pattern of actual lawbreaking by the police themselves, both in Ferguson and St. Louis County—a persistent pattern that hasn’t stopped, according to emails provided to Salon even though the Department of Justice has announced it’s going to investigate both organizations.
In fact, police are now using the DOJ investigation itself as an excuse for further violations of the sunshine law, relating to arrests of protesters who continue demonstrating in Ferguson, according to emails provided to Salon (details below). The emails come from Charles Grapski, a legal and political theorist and political scientist, as well as an active citizen with decades of experience filing public records requests, including work with local activists and lawyers in different states across the nation.
“It's made me public enemy number one in the state of Florida,” Grapski said. It was Florida that first enacted sunshine laws, giving them their name. But that doesn’t mean public officials love them any more there than they do elsewhere.
It was Grapski, who now blogs for Photography Is Not a Crime (PINAC), who aggressively pressed for the release of police documents after the ACLU and others had been stonewalled, and the ACLU had filed suit—a suit that is still pending.
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Anthony Rothert, of the Missouri ACLU, explained that the lawsuit only reflected one aspect of the ACLU’s concerns. “When this incident happened in Ferguson, the ACLU had several concerns,” he said, “among them being the First Amendment rights of protesters, and the militarized police response, but one of the pieces of it was transparency in the investigation.”
This was not an unusual situation, he explained:
I don't think it's unique to this story that police departments often operate with lack of transparency, and that really deteriorates the trust that the community has in the police departments. So you have a pretty good law in Missouri, on paper, the Sunshine Law requires incident reports to be made public, and arrest records to be made public, right away, and requires investigative reports to be made public at conclusion of investigations. But time and again police departments do not release those records unless it is favorable to them.
The ACLU, though a thorn in the side, is part of the legal system. Working through the courts is the lifeblood of what they do. But Grapski’s approach is more of an outsider’s one—and thus, more blunt. Thus, he unabashedly points out that both Ferguson and St. Louis County police have clearly broken the state’s open records law by holding back incident reports about the shooting, which should have begun with a report by the officer involved, Darren Wilson, while Ferguson is also withholding a use-of-force report, which should have been generated by Wilson’s commanding officer and gone up the chain of command all the way to the chief. Grapski has posted highly detailed accounts of both failures in two blog posts at PINAC (incident reports, Aug. 25/use of force reports, Aug. 29), with extensive documentation, including pdfs of relevant rules and regulations, as well as the correspondence involved. (More on these below.)
“Ferguson is deliberately violating both the laws and its own policies to prevent any information from being produced and made public that could be used to hold Officer Wilson to account for his actions,” Grapski wrote in the Aug. 29 post, and he repeated this in interviews with Salon.
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“They are committing criminal offenses themselves,” Grapski said of both police departments’ public records violations. “It's not a high crime, but it is class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to year in prison, and a pretty significant fine, by withholding, by knowingly not complying with the public records law. The records law has teeth, and that is it has criminal sanctions.”
Rothert told Salon something similar, but slightly different. “From what we can tell right now it looks like the Ferguson Police Department never did an incident report,” he said, “which would be contrary to their policy, it would be contrary to the law, and quite, quite suspicious, not to take even an initial statement from someone who’s killed another person.”
Grapski believes the report was created, but then buried. Originally the ACLU was told that the report existed, but that it could not be released due to the bogus claim that it was an investigatory document (which it is not, under Missouri law). However, it may take a trial, with full discovery, to finally settle the matter of what was created when. Either way, however, the police have not followed procedure, violating both their own internal policies and Missouri state law. Is there a sinister conspiracy involved as well? Or is this just business as usual? Or does business as usual include and promote sinister conspiracies as a matter of course? These are the questions raised by the ongoing cover-up of public records surrounding the killing of Michael Brown, and the ongoing protests as well.
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Two distracting lies have been floated with particular damage to public understanding of the ongoing cover-up, both of which Grapski has meticulously refuted. First is the claim that such reports were not public records—a claim that depends on confusing standard police reports identified as public records under law with investigative reports undertaken in special circumstances, which rely on standard reports as their starting point. Second is the claim that no report had to be filed, because of Wilson’s Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination. This neglects the existence of the use-of-force document, which should have been created by another officer by direction of his watch commander, and it misconstrues Wilson’s obligations as an officer, which require him to file an incident report, even if it implicates him in a crime. He can, of course, refuse to file that report. But that refusal is itself a policy violation, and grounds for immediate firing—none of which consequences Wilson has faced.
Although such details have remained obscured from public view, they are well understood by insiders. For example, the ACLU’s initial Aug. 12 request for the incident report on Michael Brown’s shooting clearly distinguished the report they were asking for from the any investigative report which properly could be withheld until the investigation was complete. In a footnote, the ACLU specifically noted that "Unlike 'investigative reports,' which may be closed until the investigation becomes inactive, '[a]ll incident reports and arrest reports shall be open records.' Mo.Rev.Stat.§ 610.100.2."
Yet, despite this clear presentation of the law—with a specific citation—police officials not only ignored what was legally required, they pretended to the broader public that there was not even a question to be raised.
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But it’s the work of Grapski, who speacializes in the use of sunshine laws to empower citizens and hold government officials accountable, that illuminates the big picture of what’s going on in this case.
“We cannot wait for ‘leaders’ to do the job for us. In fact that notion of leadership--or authority--is part of the problem that got us here in the first place,” Grapski told Salon. “We all must ‘lead’ as citizens--which is the highest office in a democratic society.”
Grapski’s Aug. 25 blog post documents a detailed investigation, first aimed at trying to get public information about the shooting, then at documenting the lawbreaking involved in thwarting that effort. At the beginning of his post, Grapski explains:
Let me explain how these reports were released in response to citizens filing legal demands under Missouri’s Sunshine Law – and then show how further public records requests have revealed that the Police officials are “knowingly” refusing to comply with the law and the rules on what these reports MUST contain and that the public is ENTITLED BY RIGHT to have that information. The unlawful denial of the records is a civil violation of the law – but the “knowing” violation constitutes a Class A Misdemeanor in Missouri.
Grapski begins by laying out how others initiated the process. (He explained to Salon that he had been heavily involved in ongoing activities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, since May—the site of almost 30 police killings since 2010, and the subject of a scathing DOJ report—but was keeping on eye on things in Ferguson, until he saw the system failing.)
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The story begins on Aug. 12, when the Missouri ACLU made a public records request under Missouri’s sunshine law--asking the St. Louis County Police Department for its incident report of the shooting. In its request, the ACLU specifically asked, "If any part of this request is denied, please send a letter listing the specific exemptions upon which you rely for each denial and provide the contact information for the official to whom I may appeal. Mo. Re. Stat. § 610.023.4,” and—as noted above—in a footnote it stated that "Unlike 'investigative reports,' which may be closed until the investigation becomes inactive, '[a]ll incident reports and arrest reports shall be open records.' Mo.Rev.Stat. § 610.100.2."
Nonetheless, the next day, the request was denied with a handwritten note signed "St. Louis County PD -- Record Room" which simply said: “in ref to your request for incident report involving Michael Brown. This is an on-going investigation and we are unable to release a copy at this time.”
The next day, the ACLU filed a lawsuit to compel the county to produce the record -- and for other relief. The National Bar Association also filed suit on Aug. 18.
In his post, Grapski comments, “At that point in time – the Police Department DID NOT produce the record because of the lawsuit – but was ready and willing to use that process of DELAY to keep denying production. This was soon to change.” It changed because Grapski became involved. On Sunday, Aug. 17, he submitted his own public records request, adopting a much more no-nonsense tone:
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THIS IS NOT a request for records of the INVESTIGATION into this matter. Thus if you respond to this that these records are not available at this time because of an ongoing investigation -- you will be VIOLATING THE LAW and as this is notice to you that there is no such exemption pertaining to INCIDENT REPORTS in Missouri law -- if you make such a claim -- your violation will be KNOWING and WILLFUL -- and will constitute not only an offense under Missouri Law but will constitute a knowing and willful violation of your OATH OF OFFICE.
At the same time, Grapski told Salon, “I took a weekend to try something I'd never done before, but I've been planning on doing.” He reached out “to get a lot of people making the request, because it proves people are watching, and people are interested. It proves that this is an issue of great public importance, and it adds potentiality for multiple litigants, which puts them on guard.” First via PINAC, and then other channels, he spread the word, “and by Monday morning we had about 160 people making the request.”
Grapski then did what he always does when officials are already playing games—he put in a phone call to the responding official, Lt. Burk. Burk’s initial response was “a little offputting,” Grapski said: Burk claimed that the county PD’s email had been down all weekend. “Later it turned out that they were blaming this on an alleged anonymous attack, but I actually don't think they were attacked,” Grapski added. “I think they actually turned their email system off over the weekend.” So he had to resubmit his request, and re-contact everyone else who had participated as well.
But once Burk acknowledged receiving the email, he seemed to strike a much more conciliatory tone. “He said to me on the phone that day, it is a public record and it's not exempt, contrary to what was sent from his office to the ACLU,” Grapski said. Things still got delayed—Burk explained that he got called out into the field to Ferguson on Tuesday, but emailed Grapski to say “they would have it next thing next Wednesday morning, which is when I got it.” But then came the next couple of hitches. First, the timing, then the content.
“When I looked at the document, it doesn't even get created until that Tuesday and then it's signed off on by the supervisor that Wednesday, so there's all sorts of games going on. And then when I got it, I immediately called him and I said, ‘This is the most ridiculous looking thing I've ever gotten in response to a public records request. There's nothing in it!’ He said, ‘Well that's what's legally required.’ And I'm like, ‘That's just not the case.’”
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In his blog post, Grapski explained:
He stated to me that the Legal Division had stated that Incident Reports only contained THREE items of information: Date, Time, and Location. I told them that was not the case – at least not in any agency I had ever seen. In fact I brought to his attention the Incident Report of the alleged robbery by Brown that the Ferguson Police eagerly released [pdf here] – with no purpose other than to discredit Brown and portray him in a bad light – in the “defense” of the officer. Clearly if that Report was routinely filed, this one should be. If that Report was releasable and not exempt from the Public Records Law, this one too should be.
Going further, Grapski then researched Missouri’s sunshine law, the relevant portion of which reads as follows:
610.100 Revised Missouri Statutes: (4) “Incident report”, a record of a law enforcement agency consisting of the date, time, specific location, name of the victim and immediate facts and circumstances surrounding the initial report of a crime or incident, including any logs of reported crimes, accidents and complaints maintained by that agency;
Obviously, the police were still playing games, placing themselves above the law.
The local police were playing games as well. “Ferguson, if you remember, told the press, and told people requesting it from them, that because it hands the incident over to the prosecutor there was no report. Well, they then released a report, but it was heavily redacted; they redacted everything out to comply with this three-item idea that was put forth by the County police – day, time, location. So they stripped everything else out, but left in was the date it was created; and I've also got another record to show that there was something created on the ninth, as a report,” but it apparently wasn’t completed.
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If you’re getting confused, you should be. The creation of confusion seems to be part of the intent. Clarity would lead to Darren Wilson’s arrest and conviction. Clarity would lead to justice. Obfuscation is the order of the day. But even those pursuing the hidden records are seemingly not immune to the confusion being spread. As already noted, Grapski argues that the St. Louis County report was created after he requested it—and hence is not the same report that the county previously refused to release to the ACLU.
But according Rothert, the ACLU itself isn’t so sure. “Yes, I think it's possible,” he said of Grapski’s account, but quickly warned, “We're not sure what the dates mean. Maybe the dates are when they printed them out.” This stands in sharp contrast to what he said above regarding the Ferguson police—that the ACLU doubts they ever did an original incident report. But they intend to find out. “One of the benefits to being in litigation about it is we will be able to do some depositions and ask,” he added.
Grapski’s post also shared what he uncovered in Ferguson’s policy on police report procedures, regarding incident reports. “And this really spells trouble for the Ferguson Police,” he noted. Here’s what the policy says about when incident reports are required:
406.02 REPORTS A. When Required: Officers are required to complete written police reports when the following incident(s) are reported: 1. violations of law or ordinance 2. arrests for any charge 3. use of force 4. motor vehicle traffic crashes as defined in General Order 486.00 5. protective custody 6. damage to city property 7. any situation which may result in civil action or complaint against the department
After presenting that information, Grapski wrote: "Clearly (1), (3), and (7) – and possibly (2) since the clear intent was to make an arrest of Brown – apply to Darren Wilson and this incident. Thus HE was REQUIRED to file – at minimum – an Incident Report (also a Use of Force statement – which is also pending production upon a request that I have filed…)."
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The requirement for the missing narrative details is underscored by another section Grapski also quotes: "C. Information required in reports: The I.T.I. computer report system has required fields for data entry. In addition to completing these fields, an officer’s narrative as to the nature, facts and officer actions are required in all reports."
Thus it is clear from multiple sources, in both state law and Ferguson police policy, that public information is being illegally withheld.
In his post, Grapski also goes into more detail about what Missouri law says regarding penalties, and he takes up the issue of Wilson’s purported Fifth Amendment defense, as mentioned above. He explains why it fails in greater detail, noting that “an Incident Report is not testimony in an investigation by the government agency into the actions of the officer,” which is why it can be compelled. Refusal to complete it is grounds for firing. Furthermore, a Fifth Amendment claim would also create a public record, which does not exist:
[I]f an officer does invoke their fifth amendment right, they must do so explicitly and formally. Thus if such an invocation of the right against providing self-incriminating testimony occurred on the part of Officer Wilson there would, again, have to be a public record to this effect. So I made that request of the Ferguson Police Department. In their response, that there was no such record, they have thus answered the question: No, Wilson has not invoked the fifth amendment.
In the end, he concludes:
This is thus evidence that both agencies – and thus their commanding officers – deem themselves to be “above” the law. Evidence that they approach the law, and law enforcement, without an actual respect for the law. And that they believe there are “two sets” of laws – one that they enforce on “us” the citizens, and another for “them.” Herein lies the core of the problem with the out-of-control police across the country. It thus becomes incumbent on the Citizenry itself to hold them to account and to force the system to enforce the law upon the agencies they entrust with authority and the power to exercise it.
Grapski’s Aug. 29 post looking at use-of-force documents is similarly revealing, with multiple, intricate twists and turns. However, the key take-away is strikingly simple: Not just officer Warren, but his entire chain of command was derelict in its duties to file a use-of-force report. The regulations Grapski obtained clearly spell this out, when a weapon is discharged:
3. The watch commander shall respond to the scene and be responsible for the command and protection of the scene until the arrival of the Bureau of Investigations investigator(s). He shall assist, as necessary, in the investigation of the incident and arrange to have a police officer, not involved, prepare the original report. 4. The watch commander will complete the Use of Force Report F-080 and forward it through the chain of command to the Chief. 5. The Chief of Police will direct the Professional Standards Officer to conduct an administrative review of all incidents where a gunshot wound is inflicted.
So far, no reports have been furnished. Whether any of the required procedures were followed remains to be seen. At the end of this post, Grapski concludes:
We have proof of one thing: the entire department (actually two departments) are actively defying the law and their policies to cover-up the facts of what Officer Wilson did that day. And to deny the right of the public to obtain those facts in the records the police are required to keep. In this case, therefore, there is ample reason – in fact actual evidence – for the public to have no faith or confidence in anything these Departments, their officials, or the officers employed therein do or say. And certainly there is no reason to trust that they can honestly and faithfully participate in the process inquiring into and investigating the shooting by Officer Wilson.
The problem is not limited to these two entities, of course. As Rothert noted, “time and again police departments do not release those records unless it is favorable to them.”
Grapski’s big-picture view is clear. “We must become fully committed to becoming ACTIVE Citizens once again within a democratic society and with a democratic form of governance,” he told Salon in a followup email. “Democracy is still ‘self-governance’ even when we add to it mechanisms of representation or delegation of authority. The ultimate responsibility still lies with the Citizens to be the driving force in society. Those other ‘official’ actors are not the leaders of our society/nation -- but the means whereby the Citizens themselves direct our present and shape our future.”
Sunshine laws are crucial to this process—without them citizens can’t possibly direct anything significant, except in the most broad-based terms, and that low-resolution standard is what we’ve been told we should be overjoyed with. And if it requires human sacrifice from time to time…
Well, usually it doesn’t, right? Usually it’s much more low-key. When the national attention fades away, and things return to “normal.” Which is what’s now happening in Ferguson, as the same old patterns continue—but with a new twist.
On Sunday, Sept. 7, protesters were arrested for “Manner of Walking"—which is not an arrestable offense, and "failure to comply," which Grapski explains is how traffic-law style violations are turned into arrestable criminal offenses, thus intimidating protesters as a whole, as well as the wider community. Grapski sent a public records request for incident reports the following day, Sept. 8. Three days later, Grapski received a response from Stephanie Karr, a private attorney who serves as Ferguson’s city attorney—a common practice in St. Louis County, stating in part:
Please be advised that it will take longer than three (3) days [the legal maximum] to process the request. The Department of Justice is currently reviewing those same records and they will not be available for City officials to retrieve, review and copy them until sometime later. The Justice Department has not provided a date by which their review of those records will be complete.
To which Grapski responded the same day: "The DOJ reviewing of those records should not prevent your compliance with the state's Sunshine laws. Your responsibilities remain -- and you need to get a COPY of the records from the DOJ to be in compliance with MO law."
In short, Ferguson is not only continuing its pattern of violating Missouri’s sunshine laws, it is now seeking to implicate the DOJ as co-conspirators! Apparently, such is the depth of its institutional commitment to lawlessness.
But the actions of those responding to the emails are only symptoms of the real problem, Grapski said. “I believe the ‘front people’ are not the core of the problem. I believe they are being given ‘instructions’ at every step as to what to respond -- by the lawyers for the different agencies. And those lawyers know exactly what they are doing.”
In light of this pattern, Salon asked Grapski just how useful the DOJ investigation could be, and how much trust could be placed in the façade of inter-agency cooperation that the DOJ and the two local police departments have presented recently.
“The DOJ investigation is a step in the right direction, but it's not the solution,” Grapski said. He noted that he’s still active in Albuquerque, again citing the DOJ’s “scathing review” of local law enforcement. But, he noted, due to lack of transparency, the community there still doesn’t feel it’s a part of process of correcting the system.
It’s not something others can do for us, Grapski argues. It’s up to us, as active citizens, to do it for ourselves.
Looking forward in Ferguson itself, Grapski has secured a lawyer to pursue legal action against police departments, with his sights set on going all the way to Missouri’s supreme court, if necessary. The law may be very good on paper, as the ACLU has said, but to give it teeth, the highest court in the state may well need to weigh in. The lawyer has offered to do most of the work pro bono, Grapski told Salon, but he’s opened a fundraising site to raise the initial $5,000 retainer. The continued shenanigans, trying to use the DOJ investigations as a shield, are just the latest indication of how deeply entrenched the resistance is, and how great the need is for a sweeping change.Homes at risk as families are billed for medical care repayment after loved ones die.
Richard Pfieffer shows the $25,347 bill from Medicaid for home-based medical care his mother received before her death at age 92. The repayment is allowed as part of Medicaid estate recovery. (Photo11: Bob Bielk, Asbury Park (N.J.) Press) Story Highlights States can force families to repay benefits as part of Medicaid estate recovery
Repayment is more than 20 years old, but received new attention with Affordable Care Act
More people with homes and retirement nest eggs can qualify for Medicaid since it is income based
ASBURY PARK, N.J. — After their 92-year-old mother died, Richard Pfieffer and his siblings were set to sell her New Jersey home when a bill for $25,347 brought them up short.
The amount was the total cost of the home-based medical care their mother |
that!
Strategy for Visual Basic
We will keep Visual Basic straightforward and approachable. We will do everything necessary to keep it a first class citizen of the.NET ecosystem: When API shapes evolve as a result of new C# features, for instance, consuming those APIs should feel natural in VB. We will keep a focus on the cross-language tooling experience, recognizing that many VB developers also use C#. We will focus innovation on the core scenarios and domains where VB is popular.
This is a shift from the co-evolution strategy that we laid out in 2010, which set C# and VB on a shared course. For VB to follow C# in its aggressive evolution would not only miss the mark, but would actively undermine the straightforward approachability that is one of VB’s key strengths.
In VS 2015, C# 6.0 and VB 14 were still largely co-evolved, and shared many new features: null-conditional operators?., NameOf, etc. However, both C# and VB also each addressed a number of nuisances that were specific to the language; for instance VB added multi-line string literals, comments after implicit line continuation, and many more. C#, on the other hand, added expression-bodied members and other features that wouldn’t address a need or fit naturally in VB.
VB 15 comes with a subset of C# 7.0’s new features. Tuples are useful in and of themselves, but also ensure continued great interop, as API’s will start to have tuples in their signatures. However, VB 15 does not get features such as is-expressions, out-variables and local functions, which would probably do more harm than good to VB’s readability, and add significantly to its concept count.
The Visual Basic design process unfolds in the dotnet/vblang GitHub repository, and VB design discussions happen on the vblang mailing list.
For more details on the VB language strategy see this post on the VB Team Blog.
F#
F# is used by tens of thousands of people and shows great actual and potential growth. As a general purpose language it does see quite broad and varied usage, but it certainly has a center of gravity around web and cloud services, tools and utilities, analytic workloads, and data manipulation.
F# is very high on the most loved languages list: People simply love working in it! While it has fantastic tooling compared to most other languages on that list, it doesn’t quite measure up to the rich and polished experience of C# and VB. Many recent initiatives do a lot to catch up, and an increasing share of the.NET ecosystem – inside and outside of Microsoft – are thinking of F# as a language to take into account, target and test for.
F# has a phenomenally engaged community, which takes a very active role in its evolution and constant improvement, not least through the entirely open language design process. It’s been an absolute front runner for open-source.NET, and continues to have a large proportion of its contributions come from outside of Microsoft.
Strategy for F#
We will enable and encourage strong community participation in F# by continuing to build the necessary infrastructure and tooling to complement community contributions. We will make F# the best-tooled functional language on the market, by improving the language and tooling experience, removing road blocks for contributions, and addressing pain points to narrow the experience gap with C# and VB. As new language features appear in C#, we will ensure that they also interoperate well with F#. F# will continue to target platforms that are important to its community.
On top of the strong functional legacy from the ML family of languages and the deep integration with the.NET platform, F# has some truly groundbreaking language features. Type providers, active patterns, and computation expressions all offer astounding expressiveness to those who are willing to take the jump and learn the language. What F# needs more than anything is a focus on removing hurdles to adoption and productivity at all levels.
Thus, F# 4.1 sees vastly improved tooling in Visual Studio through integration with Roslyn’s editor workspace abstraction, targeting of.NET Core and.NET Standard, and improved error messages from the compiler. Much of the improved Visual Studio tooling and especially the improved error messages are a direct product of the strong F# open source community. Looking down the road, we intend to work both with the F# community and other teams at Microsoft to ensure F# tooling is best-of-breed, with the intention of making F# the best-tooled functional programming language in the market.
F# language design unfolds in the language suggestion and RFC repositories.
Conclusion
Hopefully this post has shed some light on our decision-making framework for the.NET languages. Whenever we make a certain choice, I’d like you to be able to see where that came from. If you’re left to fill in the gaps, that easily leads to unnecessary fear or speculation. You have business decisions to make as well, and the better you can glean our intentions, the better informed those can be.
Happy hacking!
MadsRyskamp. Finding Your Hispanic Roots -- this is the classic textbook on researching Hispanic ancestors
Herrera Saucedo, George E. An introduction to Hispanic genealogical research: a manua l -- primarily covers records of Mexico and Spain
There isn't a Research Outline for Spain at familysearch.org --let's hope they remedy that soon! They suggest you use the SpanishLetter Writing Guide.
Brigham Young University offers a Spanish Extraction Guide online; it is not specific to Spain, but is an excellent guide to working with records written in Spanish. They also have a Spanish Town List, a list of Spanish given names and a list of Spanish surnames (but the link is broken)
World GenWeb: Spain -- note it is in Spanish and there is no English version of the page.
Spain's National Library is the Biblioteca Nacional. (They also offer an English version) Try searching their catalog (alphabetical indexed) by using the dropdown "subject" and word "genealogia")
How to investigate in Spain
Spanish Genealogy is a bilingual site with some very helpful informtion.
I don't usually link to About.com sites because of the intrusive advertising on the site, but I'm going to make an exception for these 2 pages (Be sure your pop-up blocker is on) : Spanish Surname Meanings and Origins and Researching Your Hispanic Heritage
Spanish and Portuguese Heraldry
Index to the Enciclopedia Heráldica Hispano-Americana of Alberto and Arturo García Carraffa
Spain: Kingdoms and Provinces
See maps at Map of Spain.com Notice on the right you can click to get maps of regions and cities.
Spanish Censuses of the 16th Century. BYU Family Historian vol. 1 no. 1
Local Catholic Church History and Ancestors: Spain
Hispanic Family Research includes a bibliography for Spain.
Read or leave a query at the the GenForum for Spain or the Ancestry/Rootsweb
More Links...
Cyndi's List: Spain and the Basque Country
GenealogyLinks.net Spain GenealogyVIENNA (Reuters) - The fallout from the Harvey Weinstein scandal spread to Austria on Saturday as one of the country’s best-known politicians said he would give up his seat in parliament over an allegation of sexual assault.
FILE PHOTO: Former member of the Greens Peter Pilz addresses a news conference in Vienna, Austria July 25, 2017. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger/File Photo
Veteran left-wing lawmaker Peter Pilz, 63, has been a fixture in Austrian politics for decades, having made a name for himself railing against arms deals with countries accused of human rights abuses and leading investigations into corruption like one this year connected to Austrian fighter-jet purchases.
He also recently pulled off a political coup - leaving the Greens this summer to form his own party, Pilz List, which not only beat the Greens in last month’s parliamentary election, it also passed the 4 percent threshold for entering parliament, which the Greens fell just short of.
Weekly newspaper Falter reported on Saturday that Pilz had repeatedly groped a female employee of the center-right European People’s Party during a conference in the Alps four years ago. The article included her description of the incident. She said Pilz was “relatively drunk” at the time.
Pilz — one of the more colorful figures in Austrian politics, a straight talker fond of singing rock songs like “Wild Thing” at party events — said he could not remember what happened.
“Not remembering is no excuse,” Pilz told a news conference, adding that Falter’s editor in chief had assured him the report was thoroughly researched.
“Because of these accusations, which I take extremely seriously, even though I do not remember, I will not take up my mandate in the coming parliament. I will not be at the swearing-in ceremony on Thursday,” he said.
In the wake of the Weinstein scandal and the resignations over inappropriate behavior that have followed, including that of British Defence Minister Michael Fallon this week, Austrian media had begun to ask whether there were previously unreported cases of sexual harassment by influential Austrians.
U.S. movie mogul Weinstein has been accused by numerous women of having sexually harassed or assaulted them in incidents dating back to the 1980s, including three who said they were raped. Weinstein denies having non-consensual sex with anyone.
Pilz said he would work to bring all the facts to light in the accusations made against him. But he also said he rejected separate allegations by a former colleague that he sexually harassed her on dozens of occasions. That case was first reported by Austrian media on Friday.
Pilz said he would support his party’s work in parliament “from the outside”, though he did not say specifically that he was stepping down as party leader.
A spokeswoman for Pilz was not immediately available for comment.
(Refiles with Vienna dateline)NEW THING ONE: Dinosaur Comics has an official forum for the first time in many years! I created it just yesterday, and it's taking the form of a subreddit on Reddit.com. Here it is! It will hopefully be self-moderating and also awesome.
NEW THING TWO: Jon has a new comic and it's called Scenes from a Multiverse! I wanted to link to it when there were plenty of comics for you to read and now there TOTALLY ARE. Enjoy!
GUESS WHAT JUST CAME OUT: IT'S MY NEW BOOK!! If you've ever wondered what you'd do if you were stranded in the past, wonder no longer! With HOW TO INVENT EVERYTHING, you'll reinvent civilization from scratch, no matter what time period you're in. You'll become the single most influential, decisive, and important person ever born. You'll make history...
...better.
Here's the trailer!
One year ago today: i've mentioned this oxygen molecule death before, but i feel the people must be informed. only just now i looked it up and SCIENCE says that it takes a few minutes to suffocate in a vacuum, so you wouldn't die instantly if you were this cosmically unlucky chap to have all the oxygen randomly bounce away from him! awesome, man, that's one life fear assuaged
– RyanSome of the most passionate fans come from the world of science fiction. If you talk to any sci-fi fan, you can almost guarantee they’ve gotten into some kind of heated debate about whether the Millennium Falcon is better than the U.S.S. Enterprise or whether Doctor Who could take down Doctor Strange. But how about which sci-fi weapon is the best?
Well, a new infographic may be able to help with that argument as it has laid out a chart showing the most powerful weapons in the sci-fi universe. So if you’ve ever wondered if a lightsaber from Star Wars is more powerful than the noisy cricket from Men in Black, now we have the answer. And you might be surprised to see that the Death Star isn’t #1. Check out the infographic below!
Here’s Foundation Digital‘s breakdown of the top sci-fi weapons for Fat Wallet:
As the infographic says, they consulted physicists and engineers to put this one together. Of course, that only means so much when we’re dealing with weapons that defy the laws of physics, but this is still fun to think about. Some real world reference points were used to figure out some of the measurements for the weapons, but others are more educated guesses based on seeing what they can do in movies and TV shows.
So the next time someone tries to tell you that Baymax from Big Hero 6 is more powerful than EVE in WALL-E, even though neither of them are straight-up weapons despite being equipped with them, you can slap this link in their face. Or you can just go on living your life. Whatever works.There’s a new FCC in town and it isn’t wasting any time. Mobile carriers can rest easy today knowing that the Federal Communications Commission is no longer pursuing an investigation into mobile plans that don’t count services like streaming video or music against a user’s data consumption. The practice is more commonly known as zero-rating.
Providers putting forth these plans, which let them deem particular data streams exempt from a consumer’s data bucket, have found themselves in hot water among proponents of net neutrality. Now, that’s all about to change.
Today in a press release, the FCC declared that it would drop the issue altogether. In strong language, the statement said that the FCC will “recommit to permissionless innovation,” letting companies act “without fear of Commission intervention based on newly invented legal theories.”
In a separate statement, new FCC chairman Ajit Pai explained the move:
“Today, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau is closing its investigation into wireless carriers’ free-data offerings. These free-data plans have proven to be popular among consumers, particularly low-income Americans, and have enhanced competition in the wireless marketplace. Going forward, the Federal Communications Commission will not focus on denying Americans free data. Instead, we will concentrate on expanding broadband deployment and encouraging innovative service offerings.”
T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon were individually informed of the decision in a short letter:
“Through this letter, I am notifying your company that the Bureau has closed this inquiry. Any conclusions, preliminary or otherwise, expressed during the course of the inquiry will have no legal or other meaning or effect going forward.”
As recently as January, former FCC chairman Tom Wheeler had pressed inquiries into these zero-rating deals, arguing that they could create unfair advantages when companies aggressively zero-rate their own services. Of course, with a new administration comes a new attitude toward such regulatory measures, and Pai doesn’t seem to be wasting any time making moves to deregulate the mobile industry.The faith-healing parents of a baby who died earlier this year just hours after she was born have been charged with murder in connection to her death.
Sarah Mitchell, 24, gave birth to twin girls March 5 at her parents' Oregon City home. She and her husband, 21-year-old Travis Mitchell, are part of the Followers of Christ church - a group that doesn't believe in medical care and instead relies on prayer and anointment with oil for healing.
One of the infants, Ginnifer, died just hours after birth due to breathing problems.
State Medical Examiner Dr. Karen Gunson told KATU News she isn’t sure if Ginnifer would have survived if she was taken immediately to the hospital, but said it would have given her a chance.
Dr. Gunson performed Ginnifer’s autopsy and ruled the infant died of complications of prematurity, specifically relating to oxygen intake from the lungs. She’s not sure how premature the baby was, but estimates Mitchell gave birth about two months early.
Travis and Sarah Mitchell have been charged with murder and criminal mistreatment in Clackamas County.
Only Mitchell's family, fellow Followers of Christ members and three midwives were present at the birth of the two girls.
Church members Dale and Shannon HIckman were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced in 2011 to six years in prison for the death of their newborn baby in Oregon City. Shannon Hickman is Sarah Mitchell's sister.The Justice Department has formally launched an investigation into whether Harvard University uses discriminatory policies when admitting new students.
According to The Washington Examiner, the investigation was confirmed in a recent letter to American Oversight, a nonprofit watchdog organization, in response to the group's Freedom of Information Act request.
"Asian-American applicants...have increasingly experienced discrimination in the admissions process."
[RELATED: Texas A&M shows that affirmative action isn’t necessary]
In its letter to the watchdog group, the Justice Department explained that the government would not be able to release documents related to the ongoing investigation since they contain “information compiled for law enforcement purposes,” the release of which “could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings.”
The official confirmation of the probe comes in the wake of a New York Times report in August that outlined the Trump administration's intent to launch a probe into the allegedly racist school admissions policy.
At the time, the newspaper claimed to have an internal document announcing the Department’s intent to hire lawyers to conduct “investigations and possible litigation related to intentional race-based discrimination in college and university admissions.”
Following the initial reports that the document alluded to “policies deemed to discriminate against white applicants,” the Trump administration maintained that the probe would be launched on behalf of Asian-Americans who penned a formal complaint against the policy in 2015.
[RELATED: DOJ: Affirmative action challenge focused on Asians, not whites]
“This Complaint is filed on behalf of the constituents of the undersigned Asian-American Associations and Organizations including Asian Americans who, because of their race, have been unfairly rejected by Harvard College because of such unlawful use of race in the admissions process, and/or who seek the opportunity to apply for admission without being discriminated against because of their race,” the 50-page document read.
“Over the last two decades, Asian-American applicants to Harvard University and other Ivy League colleges have increasingly experienced discrimination in the admissions process,” the complaint continued.
“Many Asian-American students who have almost perfect SAT scores, top 1% GPAs, plus significant awards or leadership positions in various extracurricular activities have been rejected by Harvard University and other Ivy League Colleges while similarly situated applicants of other races have been admitted,” it added.
[RELATED: Harvard med students demand diversity, but no more Asians please]
American Oversight Executive Director Austin Evers, however, slammed the Trump administration for continuing “to invoke civil rights only to further their own political agenda” in a statement to the Examiner.
“It speaks volumes that Jeff Sessions’ Justice Department is prioritizing attacking affirmative action at a time when white nationalists are marching openly in the streets,” Evers added.
Follow this author on Facebook: Nikita VladimirovAncient Greece
Around 2000 years ago the Ancient Greeks, with their infinite wisdom, considered philosophy a science. We don’t do the same today, however, so why would the Greeks have done so when their science was so developed, creating the first models of things like vending machines, fire hoses and alarm clocks? Well, quite simply, they thought that the study of knowledge was essential to a creating a broad and knowledgeable mind.
As a student who has been studying philosophy for the past year or so, I feel that it has broadly widened my boundaries of thought which, as I look back to before I had started the course, was very much restricted. Now, I have learned about the wonders of free will and determinism to Plato’s speculative idea of ‘The Forms’. A truly riveting subject philosophy is.
Philosophy and science
Does this mean that it should be entrenched as a science though? It’s still up for debate. Obviously, at the moment, it is considered more a sub-science, and in the words of the dictionary it is said to be the “investigation of nature, causes, or principles of reality, knowledge or values, based on logical reasoning rather than empirical methods.” This suggests, contrary to science, that a philosophical idea isn’t gathered by the senses, but by rational thought. Darwin didn’t rationalize in his armchair, at home, and, thus, theorized evolution, did he.
I feel, however, that philosophy helps analytical and logical thought, which are a couple of the characteristics that constitute a good scientist. I’m 99% sure that most of the greatest scientists who have ever lived didn’t study philosophy, though. I think that this is because most scientists like solid scientific facts (the clue is in the name ‘scientist’), so why should they bother studying a discipline that doesn’t answer anything? Well, what these proclaimed genii are incredulous to is that philosophy encompasses an incalculably broad range of things, from a thought about the world around you that randomly passed across your mind, to a new scientific idea.
Philosophy and religion
But perhaps philosophy is relevant today as religion is. From some perspectives it is a false claim to control the masses, but others might say that it instills moral precepts that can be transferred to any human being to make them live a virtuous life. In other words, views of philosophy are subjective and differ greatly. Also (carrying on the religious analogy), religion was once a huge part of our lives that was necessary for us to function in a working society, because it gave us hope about death. At the same time philosophy gave us hope about dark things that needed light shed upon them, because we were scared. An example of this is life itself, which so many philosopher have philosophized about in the past. Plato suggested, in ancient times, that life as we see it is like shadows on a cave wall. The full analogy was that we are prisoners trapped in the clutches of chains inside a dark cave, save for the area of light on the wall which shows silhouettes of the world behind us. In other words, we aren’t seeing the full picture of life. Why did Plato think of this? To give hope to the masses about an unfulfilled life.
The essence of what I am saying is that I believe philosophy is capable of broadening one’s knowledge, but that’s where we draw the line on its purpose for today. Science has shown us that philosophy is superfluous in a functioning society.
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EmailMuch like this year’s blindingly white selection of Oscar nominees, the overt lack of diverse representation in the publishing world isn’t limited to authors and their books. The Black editor attempting to navigate the intricacies of the corporate publishing system is, by default, a unicorn, simply because Black voices are routinely undervalued and dismissed. In the eyes of white publishing, the universality of a narrative is dependent upon its connection to whiteness. The default modus operandi in publishing is that of the white gaze, where the white protagonist is held as the standard of authenticity, likability, and familiarity. Narratives that defy this white-centered tradition are considered Other. Fiction that prominently focuses on the lives of Black characters are often shelved in the “African-American Fiction” section, as though fiction that casts a spotlight on Black characters is a deviation from the expected norm. Books such as The Coldest Winter Ever are peddled to the public by hungry publicists as “street lit,” a term for stories about Black people set in an urban environment. The word diversity has become a circular conversation piece that separates those involved into two different camps: POC writers, agents, editors, and readers who demand equal representation and hold the industry accountable, posited against white writers, agents, editors, and readers who refuse to bend, who deny maintaining a system of exclusivity. These are the same white publishing executives who want to benefit off diversity, but do not possess self-awareness. They want to reap the monetary rewards of bowing to diversity without changing their all-white masthead. They want the credit and the positive publicity without implementing changes. They are so trapped in their fear of the unknown and love of the almighty dollar that they would rather sacrifice talented writers at the altar of consumerism.
I know what they’d say: We only pick the best people for the job. We didn’t have any minorities apply. We just want someone who fits into our work culture, regardless of race. These are all lies, fairy tales, and fallacies to deflect the issue. Some would like to argue that the lack of Black editors is not the fault of the industry itself, that the low turnout is simply a reflection of the overall tastes of Black people. They find convenient excuses to hide behind like titanium armor, refusing to believe that the current model rewards those who have the privilege to access (internships, a liberal arts institution with a hefty price tag, industry networking) deemed necessary to even earn an entry-level position. It’s not that Black people aren’t interested in literature or adding their own contributions. Rather, it’s the people in positions of power, the so-called gatekeepers, the all-white publication mastheads, and their reluctance fueled by either ignorance or racism or some combination thereof, that effectively derails both opportunity and career mobility.
I cannot help but think of Kiese Laymon’s brilliant essay, “You Are The Second Person,” which originally appeared on Guernica. The essay, told in second-person POV, recounts Laymon’s rough and uncomfortable road to publishing his first novel, Long Division. The novel is a coming-of-age tale in which a young, Southern Black boy named City Coldson inherits a strange book which allows him to time travel. Despite some of the harrowing moments of the story, including encounters with Klan members, the story is humorous, utilizing AAVE and modern slang to emphasize the City’s youth and upbringing. Unfortunately, Laymon’s editor didn’t think that the “race issue” was an essential element of the novel. The editor exposes his myopic vision in a slightly reprimanding e-mail:
“The success of your book will be partially dependent on readers who have a different sensibility than your intended audience…As I’ve already said to you, too many sections of the book feel forced for the purpose of discussing racial politics. Think social media. Think comment sections. Those white people buy books, too, bro. Readers, especially white readers, are tired of black writers playing the wrong race card. If you’re gonna play it (and I think you should) play it right. Look at Tarrantino [sic]. He is about to fool all these people into believing they were watching a black movie with Django. I guarantee you that whiteness will anchor almost every scene. That’s one model you should think about.”
What’s even more shocking (heartbreaking) is that this editor was not white, but Black. He later goes on to say that “black men don’t read” and that “bougie black women love plot.” Then, after getting fired from his original company and joining an unnamed Top Five Publisher, he crawls back to Laymon, acting as both advocate and naysayer. He tells Laymon, “Does the narrator really need to be a black boy? Real black writers adjust to the market, bro.” In order to be a “real” black author, it seems that one must adopt the colorblind philosophy and write with both hands tied behind one’s back. In order to be a “real” black author, one must appease whiteness, feed it tenderly like a feral dog, coddle it like a crying newborn. Ultimately, Laymon parted ways with his editor and reworked his novel, then sent it out again. It was eventually picked up by Agate Bolden and published to critical acclaim.
As a working writer and editor who is also the result of an interracial marriage (Black and Asian, for inquiring minds), I was disgusted by the treatment Laymon received. I’d experienced, to a degree, the same treatment. When I finished my literary fiction novel about a Black girl in her freshman year of college who must come to terms with her racial identity, I was told to “stop focusing so much on race. The novel can’t just be about the girl being Black.” I was told by multiple white agents that the story wasn’t marketable, that it wasn’t “relatable,” that the editors couldn’t understand the character or her motivations. They wanted it to have “universal” appeal. It should be noted that none of them had a problem with the actual quality of my writing. I was a great writer, they said, but who would buy a book about a Black girl dealing with race and racism?
I could remain silent and take the crumbs and table scraps handed to me. Pretend to be so desperate and grateful that I will drop an entire project to suit the needs of the white gaze. Sell a bunch of books and silence myself in the process, fade into the shadows, write with a hollow heart. In his essay, “Self Portrait Of The Artist As Ungrateful Black Writer,” poet and BuzzFeed Literary Editor, Saeed Jones, discusses what it means to be a Black, gay writer in an industry that is 89% white. He writes, “You can make yourself crazy simply by paying attention…it’s difficult for me to speak up in the moment, or even months later, because I want to have a career, not just one book…I have no desire to burn bridges, but there are so many of us stumbling and bumping into each other along unlit paths.”
I have no intentions of burning bridges, but I am tired. And I’m tired of feeling that speaking out against industry microaggressions and blatant racism will blacklist me for life, make me a persona non grata in publishing.
As Jones says, I’m no longer settling for the smile and dance of “just happy to be here.”Arlington Heights police said a man attacked another man with a chainsaw in the parking lot of an office park Monday afternoon.Police said the attack happened in the 500-block of Golf Road, and that the attacker and the victims knew each other.Witnesses said the attack was as odd in the moment as it sounds afterward. They said that just after lunch time, they saw a man sitting in a blue car with a chainsaw. When another man in a silver car pulled into the parking lot, the man in the blue car rammed him and then jumped out and began attacking him with the chainsaw.The victim then tried to get away by running into his place of business, witnesses said. Paramedics raced him away on a stretcher, profusely bleeding from the arm. Witnesses said the chainsaw jammed when the attacker went for the victim's leg. Police said the victim sustained a critical but not life-threatening injury and is expected to be okay.Filming on his cell phone throughout the incident, Brandon Biel found out how the scene straight from a horror movie played out just after the lunch hour."He drove his car into theirs, came out with a chainsaw, got him in the arm and he ran into his workplace," Biel said.Police said that's exactly how it played out."There's no danger to the public. Or any adjacent businesses here or other employees," said Deputy Chief Andy Whowell, Arlington Heights Police Department."There was a guy lying down over there in his underwear," said witness Troy Thompson.The barely-clothed man, clad in only his boxer shorts, police said, had been the armed attacker. The half-naked assailant was taken into custody and remains in custody Tuesday night. Police have not commented on any pending or filed charges.Ocean Girl (titled Ocean Odyssey in the UK) is an Australian science fiction TV series aimed for family audiences and starring Marzena Godecki as the lead character. The show is set in the near future, and focuses on an unusual girl named Neri who lives alone on an island, and the friendships she develops with the inhabitants of an underwater research facility called ORCA (Oceanic Research Centre of Australia). The show is an example of deep ecology science fiction.
Ocean Girl inspired an animated series, The New Adventures of Ocean Girl, which ran from 2000 to 2001, and has since been released on DVD. The animated series is in a distinct reboot separate from the original live-action show.
Plot [ edit ]
Neri – the title character – is a young girl with an affinity for water, the ability to swim long distances and super-human lung capacity. She lives alone on an otherwise deserted island, and sleeps in a nest in a tree. Early in the first season, Neri befriends two Australian boys: Jason and Brett Bates. The Bates brothers live in an elaborate underwater research and environmental protection facility called ORCA (the Oceanic Research Center of Australia), located near Port Douglas, Queensland. At the beginning of the series, their mother, Dr. Dianne Bates, has been assigned to ORCA to study whale song in the hopes of facilitating cross-species communication. A significant portion of the series takes place on ORCA itself, and looks at the activities of its inhabitants, which includes the school-aged children of the resident scientists, such as Jason and Brett. Jason initially discovers Neri while on a whale-tracking expedition with his mother. While attempting to tag a whale using a harpoon from the boat, Jason is startled by a young girl (Neri) who appears in the water and positions herself between Jason and the whale, saying "No, no!" Jason freezes and fails to release the harpoon. Dr. Bates rushes out to the ship's deck, grabs the harpoon and tags the whale, albeit missing the intended target area. Dr. Bates is furious with Jason, and doesn't believe his story about a girl appearing in the water. Actually, no one believes Jason at first and he is ridiculed by the other children on ORCA. Brett is the second character to know of Neri's existence. Brett and Jason's friendship with Neri is at first a highly guarded secret due to Neri's fear of other humans.
As the series progresses, it is revealed that Neri came to Earth on a spaceship with her father when she was young, though his death soon after the ship's crash left Neri to fend for herself. Prior to meeting Jason and Brett, Neri's only friend was a humpback whale (a jali in Neri's native tongue), whom she names "Charley", and with whom she can communicate. Later in the series, Neri's curiosity leads her to explore ORCA, while Dr. Bates's study of Charley's whale song helps her identify Neri as the intended recipient of that song. Eventually, Dr Bates and her assistant, Dr. Winston Seth, become embroiled in Jason and Brett's effort to keep Neri a secret, while also performing numerous tests on Neri to understand how she's able to communicate with whales.
At the same time that the Bates family learn about Neri, a rival research organisation, the UBRI Corporation, are introduced. Headed by the sinister Dr. Hellegren, UBRI have learned that a spacecraft landed somewhere in the vicinity of ORCA, and begin their own search for any personnel that may have survived. Simultaneously, they work on other projects which threaten the natural ecology of the ocean around ORCA. Eventually, they put in play an effort to build the so-called "ORCA City", an elaborate underwater construction that will likely eradicate much of the natural life on the seabed. In response, Dr. Bates's mission changes over the course of the series from cetologist to environmental protectionist. This role becomes more prominent beginning with the third season, when UBRI representatives establish themselves on board ORCA. Accordingly, the series shifts to a more serious tone in its later seasons.
As Neri gradually discovers more of her island and ORCA, she also begins to understand her greater purpose. This self-awakening is particularly enhanced by encounters with others of her kind. In the second season, she discovers her sister, Mera, and the two are given the opportunity to return to their home planet. Mera avails herself of this option, but Neri stays, feeling that she must discover what her father was trying to do on Earth. In the third season, she gains entry into the downed spacecraft that originally brought her to Earth. There, she finds another of her people in suspended animation. The new character, Kal, proves to be the son of the commander of the vessel, and helps her tap into the ship's memory core. She finds the ship's log, in which Kal's mother explains that Neri's father was to repair the damage done to Earth's oceans with an advanced device called the Synchronium. She then dedicates her life to her father's cause, giving her a genuine sense of purpose that she had perhaps lacked earlier in the series. Kal grows jealous of the strong bond between Neri and Jason Bates, and begins hating Neri's friends on ORCA. As protest, Kal leaves the island. Neri and her ORCA mates go looking for him, but are unable to find him as he's been captured by UBRI. UBRI tricks Kal into believing that the male should lead (as he had been indoctrinated into the matriarchal social mores of his people), and he creates an alliance with Dr. Hellegren to steal the Synchronium pieces that Neri and Mera have hidden in a secret cave.
While the primary cast gets new motivations by UBRI's move to ORCA and Kal's appearance on the island, the secondary cast radically changes at the outset of the third season. All of the original kids are replaced by a new crew, and more adults are added to the ORCA staff.
As Neri begins her father's mission, she is drawn farther and farther away from her island. Beginning in the middle of the third season, some episodes are primarily based on land. By the fourth season, some episodes are set in Egypt, and her father's quest eventually leads her back to the "Ocean Planet", her home planet. Most of the plots involving the secondary kids on ORCA are reduced in the final season, in order to allow for greater exploration of Neri's homeworld. Several new characters of Neri's species are introduced. Likewise, the threat of UBRI fades, to be replaced by a new organization, PRAXIS (Preventative Response And eXtraterritorial Intelligence Service) and by rebels on the Ocean Planet. This group is dedicated to protecting against any threats posed by extraterrestrial life, and its agents comes to believe Neri and her people are a problem for Earth. They thus chased Neri and the Bates boys around the world. When a mysterious underwater pyramid is discovered in the ocean, Neri and the Bates boys enter it and discover more about the Ocean Planet, and Neri's mission on Earth.
When the rebellion in the Ocean World is growing, Mera escapes to Earth and is reunited with Neri. But PRAXIS sees this pyramid as a danger to the Earth. Much of the final season is thus concerned with PRAXIS' attempt to attack the pyramid, as well as with a "Red Virus" which is spreading in the oceans of Neri's homeworld, the Ocean Planet. Eventually, in the series finale, Jason, Brett, and Neri are able to repulse PRAXIS' efforts and the rebellion, and Earth is saved. Neri remains on Earth as the ambassador of the Ocean Planet, and she and Jason finally become a couple.
The Bates family, Winston, Neri, Charley, and the ORCA computer H.E.L.E.N. (Hydro Electronic Liaison ENtity) are the only constant characters for the show's entire run. However, the part of Dr. Bates is recast with Liz B |
he said.
Ramon Cortines, the superintendent of the Los Angeles school system, which recently agreed to shorten the school year by five days to help avert layoffs, also testified in support of the measure. He said it could save as many as 3,000 jobs in his district alone.
“Our students and teachers are losing instructional time and taking a pay cut,” Mr. Cortines said. Layoffs are still expected, he added.
Race to Top Complaints
During the hearing, lawmakers began to push back on the Education Department’s approach to the $4 billion Race to the Top competition, which rewards states for making progress on teacher quality and distribution, standards and assessments, state data systems, and low-performing school turnarounds. The Obama administration has asked Congress to provide $1.35 billion in fiscal 2011 to extend the program.
Forty states and the District of Columbia applied for the first round of funding, but only Delaware and Tennessee were awarded grants. States have the opportunity to compete for a second phase of funding, which will be allocated later this year.
Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., whose home state was a finalist for the program and was considered a front-runner, sharply criticized the judging system for the competition. She said her state, which placed eleventh in the competition, would have done better if the department had discarded each state’s highest and lowest scores.
Ms. Landrieu also said she was dismayed that the competition placed a premium on getting districts and unions to support state plans. While both the winners had near-universal backing from districts and unions, Louisiana was only able to get 67 percent of districts and 78 percent of its unions on board. That shouldn’t have cost the state its grant, she said.
“Nothing in our application was watered down,” Sen. Landrieu told Mr. Duncan. “The problem is that if you push to get everyone there, you will give us no choice but to water down. … There are many members [of Congress]... that are absolutely taken aback by the posture of this department.”
Sen. Shelby pointed out that states only receive an additional 15 points out of a possible 500 for having a plan to boost education in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology.
“That seems to be low and is troubling to me,” he said. “Fifteen points out of 500 [for an area that will] drive the nation and the world in the future. …. It seems like it’s upside down; this needs to be changed.”
Sen. Harkin promised to “look into” that issue.
“That doesn’t sound like it should be,” he agreed.
Vol. 29, Issue 29
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Back to TopIn this tutorial we’re going to develop a currency converter with the help of Yahoo Currency API. We are going to create this in different programming languages like php, python, javascript and jquery. All Currency formats follows ISO Standard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_4217)
Using PHP + cURL
Please note that cURL must be enabled on your web server for this method to work, if cURL is not enabled we can use the second method file_get_contents instead of using cURL.
Code
<?php function currencyConverter($currency_from,$currency_to,$currency_input){ $yql_base_url = "http://query.yahooapis.com/v1/public/yql"; $yql_query ='select * from yahoo.finance.xchange where pair in ("'.$currency_from.$currency_to.'")'; $yql_query_url = $yql_base_url. "?q=". urlencode($yql_query); $yql_query_url.= "&format=json&env=store%3A%2F%2Fdatatables.org%2Falltableswithkeys"; $yql_session = curl_init($yql_query_url); curl_setopt($yql_session, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER,true); $yqlexec = curl_exec($yql_session); $yql_json = json_decode($yqlexec,true); $currency_output = (float) $currency_input*$yql_json['query']['results']['rate']['Rate']; return $currency_output; } $currency_input = 2; //currency codes : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_4217 $currency_from = "USD"; $currency_to = "INR"; $currency = currencyConverter($currency_from,$currency_to,$currency_input); echo $currency_input.' '.$currency_from.' = '.$currency.' '.$currency_to;?>
Using PHP (file_get_contents)
If cURL is not enabled in the web server, we can use file_get_contents function to fetch our json response. Since our api call doesn’t require authentication we can alternatively use file_get_contents function.
Code
<?php function currencyConverter($currency_from,$currency_to,$currency_input){ $yql_base_url = "http://query.yahooapis.com/v1/public/yql"; $yql_query ='select * from yahoo.finance.xchange where pair in ("'.$currency_from.$currency_to.'")'; $yql_query_url = $yql_base_url. "?q=". urlencode($yql_query); $yql_query_url.= "&format=json&env=store%3A%2F%2Fdatatables.org%2Falltableswithkeys"; $yql_session = file_get_contents($yql_query_url); $yql_json = json_decode($yql_session,true); $currency_output = (float) $currency_input*$yql_json['query']['results']['rate']['Rate']; return $currency_output; } $currency_input = 2; //currency codes : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_4217 $currency_from = "USD"; $currency_to = "INR"; $currency = currencyConverter($currency_from,$currency_to,$currency_input); echo $currency_input.' '.$currency_from.' = '.$currency.' '.$currency_to;?>
Using Python
To acheive the same in python we use 2 python modules “urllib2” and “json”. “urllib2” module is used here to fetch the json response from Yahoo Currency API and “json” module is used to parse the json response.
Code
import urllib2 import json def currencyConverter(currency_from,currency_to,currency_input): yql_base_url = "https://query.yahooapis.com/v1/public/yql" yql_query ='select%20*%20from%20yahoo.finance.xchange%20where%20pair%20in%20("'+currency_from+currency_to+'")' yql_query_url = yql_base_url + "?q=" + yql_query + "&format=json&env=store%3A%2F%2Fdatatables.org%2Falltableswithkeys" try: yql_response = urllib2.urlopen(yql_query_url) try: yql_json = json.loads(yql_response.read()) currency_output = currency_input * float(yql_json['query']['results']['rate']['Rate']) return currency_output except (ValueError, KeyError, TypeError): return "JSON format error" except IOError, e: if hasattr(e, 'code'): return e.code elif hasattr(e,'reason'): return e.reason currency_input = 1 currency_from = "USD" # currency codes : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_4217 currency_to = "INR" rate = currencyConverter(currency_from,currency_to,currency_input) print rate
Using Javascript
We can use plain javascript to make ajax calls, but jQuery method is preferred because of browser compatibility.
Code
<script> function httpGet(theUrl) { var xmlHttp = null; xmlHttp = new XMLHttpRequest(); xmlHttp.open( "GET", theUrl, false ); xmlHttp.send( null ); return xmlHttp.responseText; } function currencyConverter(currency_from,currency_to,currency_input){ var yql_base_url = "https://query.yahooapis.com/v1/public/yql"; var yql_query ='select%20*%20from%20yahoo.finance.xchange%20where%20pair%20in%20("'+currency_from+currency_to+'")'; var yql_query_url = yql_base_url + "?q=" + yql_query + "&format=json&env=store%3A%2F%2Fdatatables.org%2Falltableswithkeys"; var http_response = httpGet(yql_query_url); var http_response_json = JSON.parse(http_response); //console.log(http_response); return http_response_json.query.results.rate.Rate; } var currency_input = 1; var currency_from = "USD"; // currency codes : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_4217 var currency_to = "INR"; var rate = currencyConverter(currency_from,currency_to,currency_input); console.log(rate); </script>
Using jQuery
Using jQuery is a good method because it is cross browser compatible. This method uses jquery get function. We can also use jquery ajax or getJSON functions.
Code
jQuery(document).ready(function($) { var currency_input = 1; var currency_from = "USD"; // currency codes : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_4217 var currency_to = "INR"; var yql_base_url = "https://query.yahooapis.com/v1/public/yql"; var yql_query ='select%20*%20from%20yahoo.finance.xchange%20where%20pair%20in%20("'+currency_from+currency_to+'")'; var yql_query_url = yql_base_url + "?q=" + yql_query + "&format=json&env=store%3A%2F%2Fdatatables.org%2Falltableswithkeys"; var op_data =0; $.get( yql_query_url, function( data ) { op_data = data.query.results.rate.Rate; console.log(op_data); }); });
Download the code
Download From GitHub Download from BitbucketWell, there’s no other way to say this, and as hard as it is, this isn’t about me. This is kind of a big deal, no way around it. JEN HAS WALKED HER FIRST 100 MILES!
It bears repeating, maybe not in all caps. Jennifer Lynn Barrus Raydon, first of her name, Queen of the Trail, not only walked 100 miles, but she did it pretty early in the morning. And, she looked better doing it than these guys,
If you’re not impressed, you’re high on codeine.
Or whatever this guy is on. Which is way stronger than any heroin based cough syrup.
She’s now knocking out 15, 20 miles a day, and way ahead of where we’d thought she’d be. I’ve had to change by camp plan to accommodate her. Awesome sauce.
What I’ve been up to has been way less Bill Murray, and more, I don’t know, Carrot Top? Maybe Gallagher. If you’re not into Jiu Jitsu, this is maybe the part where you go find some pictures of kittens falling down on ice or something, ‘cuz if I wasn’t into Jiu Jitsu, I’d be doing that. Remember that video of the Viking Kittens? Yeah, Internet rulez/
But I did train twice in a day! I moped a bit after dropping Jen off, and was able to hit up Ribeiro BJJ in Carlsbad. I mentioned this, but it was really cool how Joao showed me some stuff that I’d studied in the Jiu Jitsu University book (bible?), and made it real and showed me some cool details that make it work. I won’t say what it was, (back escape, shhh) since I want to use it. Awesome Sauce? SECRET sauce.
Molho Secreto in bad Portuguese.
Variety is the spice of life, at least other peoples’, as my stomach gets funky if I eat too much of it, or miss watching reruns of Matlock, but I hit up Studio 540 for a session the next day. Very cool, bigger school, really fancy. They don’t have showers, they have some kind of spa in there. With, I kid you not, towels. For you to use.
The session was a lot of takedowns from
I paired up with a guy who was older, thicker, and less handsome (maybe, hard to tell) than either Jeff Higgs or myself. Nice guy, didn’t go all Worlds on me, but he was heavy and I was totally thinking he was going to land on me and break all my ribs, or my legs, whatever. I was being a baby, he didn’t do anything wrong, but I was a bad partner. There, I said it, now we’re moving on.
It was a little weird because we drilled, but there wasn’t much rolling after. I’m used to about an hour class, and then fifteen minutes of rolling after, followed up by some of us sitting around, drilling new stuff, talking BJJ, talking crap to each other, dodging work. So I had some energy to burn, and instead of eating cookies and drinking liquor, I took the dogs out, and then hit Ribeiro with Joao again.
He had some gigantic army guy white belt in there, and a father/son on their first days. Cool. I had the chance to show my super purple belt skill by not crying when this 250 pound man was laying on me. I passed. They wouldn’t let me grapple the 16 year old kid, who in spite of being a boy and not a girl, I still think I could beat.
After that, I was ready for bed, but got a surprise message from my brothers’ old roomie Fast Eddy, how was in SD for business, and being a cautionary tale for why you don’t invest in franchises. At least not sandwich based ones. We had an awesome dinner, good convo, talked about being old and how his late teenage kids were not as bad as we were at that age. After that, I headed back to the trailer, where Joe, of PCT fame, was crashing on his way home.
There may be from time to time moments when I complain that my beautiful and accomplished wife snores. Please remind me that it is nothing compared to the horrible sounds that emanated from Joe as he slept on the convert bed in the trailer. Holy crap, that doesn’t sound healthy.
Thankfully Joe took pity on me and took an Uber to the airport at 4 a.m. rather than holding me to my promise of driving him. I was grateful that he’d hiked some with Jen, although I know he loved it the whole time, and wanted to do him a solid, but man, 4 a.m. is early.
I slept in, and caught a good recommendation to go train with the great Tim Sledd at Small Axe BJJ at ten. I was pretty excited, Tim is known as a great teacher, and they’re an Atos affiliate but don’t charge like $50 to drop in. Even training with Sonny Brings only costs you like $20.
Unfortunately, while Tim is a legend in teaching and BJJ, he neglected to mention that HE’D MOVED TO THE MIDWEST A YEAR AGO!
Oh, and the school closed sometime in March or April. Fuck. They website is up, the facebook page says nothing, they even still have a Google phone message, none of which mentions that the school is now an empty bay in an industrial park.
I was up that way, so I dropped in at Oceanside BJJ. http://oceansidejiujitsu.com/ In spite of being the only guy NOT in a white gi, I had a good time. Plus drop in was a reasonable $20. Again, class goes, the instruction is good, from a solid Ribeiro black belt. Nate Solis. Plus, he has a gym dog.
Really nice lapel feed under the head from cross sides, which I’ve been working on, but they take it to a deep knee on belly (Neon belly), which leads to a tight pin, and eventually a baseball bat choke. But no rolling during class.
Fortunately, their schedule isn’t tight, so a bunch of guys stay after and roll. I’ve been surprised that the moderate pace and aggression level here. I guess I thought that ever guy here, in a big BJJ city, would treat every roll like Worlds, and it’s just not true. These was definitely a competition school with serious guys, but they all rolled technical and with a learning focus.
After that, it was all about chilling out with the pooper dogs, plus Jen called me to tell me that not only did she make the 100 mile mark, she also had her first 20 mile day. So, like I said, all that choking stuff was super fun for me, but not as impressive as what she’s doing!Michael Kruse is a senior staff writer for Politico.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Her husband, the governor, had made her the chair of a committee charged with the critical task of proposing more stringent standards for education in their state. “It is indeed an honor for me to have the opportunity to work with you,” she wrote in a letter to the 15 members of the group in late April 1983. She told them they had a chance “to make recommendations that will enable our public schools to offer improved educational opportunities for all our children.” Somebody had typed up a rough draft. The name at the bottom was Hillary Clinton — but she added a correction, in pen, inserting between the two names a third. Rodham.
If the interminable central question about the most-pulled-apart, most-argued-about, most-listened-to, most famous woman in the world has to do with who she actually, authentically is, and if her just-announced campaign needs to be the latest effort to “reintroduce” her, as insiders and advisers have said, it’s worth assessing the busy year here that in many ways introduced her in the first place.
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For Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Arkansas education reform of 1983 was her first high-profile public policy initiative. It was a singular, pivotal window of time, too, between who she had been and who she hoped she would be. According to those who knew her and worked with her, it shows who she is because it shows who she was, before Whitewater, before Gennifer and Monica, before the health care crash-and-burn and the constant scandal smolder in Washington.
She was more open and more accessible. She was demanding, exacting and exhausting. And she was policy-first but politically astute, pragmatic, even calculating.
It worked.
“She can’t run for president because of what she did in Arkansas in 1983,” veteran Democratic strategist Bob Shrum said. “But what she did in Arkansas in 1983 has to be a kind of a template.”
HRC, pre-“re.”
***
The article in the Arkansas Gazette after Bill Clinton married Hillary Rodham in Fayetteville in 1975 pointed out in the second paragraph that she would be keeping her maiden name. The last two paragraphs reminded readers of his political promise.
After he was elected governor the first time, in 1978, an article in the Arkansas Democrat wondered about her last name while misspelling her first, using only one l.
“I need my own identity, too,” she said.
In November 1980, though, Clinton was ousted from office, making Rodham even more of an issue. Who she wanted to be had gotten in the way of who he wanted to be. She wanted to be Hillary Rodham. He wanted to be Governor. President.
She came reluctantly to this understanding. So in February 1982, when he announced he was running to win back the office, she made an announcement as well. She would be using his last name.
Nine months later, he was the governor again. Six months after that, he put her in charge of the Arkansas Education Standards Committee. He has said it was her idea. She has said it was his. Safe to say it was theirs. He justified it by saying, “I will have a person who is closer to me than anyone else overseeing a project that is more important to me than anything else.”
She had changed more than her name. Gone was the practically dowdy garb and the frizzy, I-don’t-care hair, and she had traded her thick, hide-behind glasses for contacts. People wanted her to be Mrs. Bill Clinton? Fine. Watch.
Hillary celebrates with her husband, as they learn of his victory in the 1982 Democratic runoff in Arkansas. | AP photo
The schools in Arkansas were dismal, by many measures the worst in the country — last or close in per-pupil expenditures, teacher salaries, the percentage of high school graduates who went on to college. The state had more illiterates than college graduates. She was forthright in her assessment. This was unacceptable. School here, she stressed, was going to get harder because it had to get harder.
Sports were fun, she said, but “I think it’s time we started getting a little fanatic about math and science, not just athletics.”
“High school activities don’t last forever,” she said, “and life goes on after age 17.”
“I would be happy if what we came out with,” she said, referring to the work of the committee, “caused absolute panic, even in my house.”
Somehow, though, she managed to say all this without coming across as a Wellesley-educated, Yale Law-educated, all-work, no-play, know-it-all outsider.
***
It was a brutal summer in the middle South. Hundred-degree days, from the capital to Hot Springs to Pine Bluff, slowed life almost to a halt. The Central Arkansas Area Agency on Aging opened a heat shelter in North Little Rock.
Hillary Rodham Clinton called her committee to a conference room at the Arkansas Department of Education on Capitol Mall for the first of many meetings and subcommittee meetings, in May, in June, in July.
They were from all over Arkansas, the 15, teachers and retired teachers, college professors and administrators, men and women, black and white. They knew of her, most of them, because she was the governor’s wife, because she was an attorney, and the only woman, at the capital’s oldest, most powerful firm, and because she had helped bring to the city’s children’s hospital the state’s first neonatal clinic.
The standards committee, said Betsey Wright, who had met her in 1972 and served as her husband’s chief of staff after she helped get him re-elected in 1982, “was an extension and continuation of her longtime commitment to providing the best opportunities to children.”
And the members of the committee knew she was a parent. Chelsea was 3. She would be attending Little Rock’s public schools.
For almost all of them, though, this was their first experience actually working with her. For her. It didn’t take long for them to understand what she expected.
As a student in Park Ridge, Ill., Wellesley, Mass., and New Haven, Conn., her intellect stood out, but not as much as her industry and stamina — those, more than her smarts, were her separating traits. Of her post-law school participation on the Nixon impeachment inquiry staff, she once said, “We would work 10, 15, 20 hours a day or all night,” calling that “wonderfully exciting.” As a law professor at the University of Arkansas, she quickly earned a reputation as a stickler, not understanding why she shouldn’t hold her students to the standards to which she held herself.
Now, starting the process of crafting new standards for the schools, she was businesslike, no-nonsense and hyper-focused, committee members thought.
“I would say she was,” Cora McHenry said the other day in her home here, pausing, laughing, searching for the right description, “… task-oriented.”
“She was well-planned, she was organized, she knew exactly what she wanted, and that’s how she worked it,” Wanda B. Banks said.
“She was very careful to make sure everybody had the time to make their points and make their case,” Bill VanZandt said. “She was very democratic about it.”
“There were times people on the committee had very different ideas, and she’d let those discussions take place,” McHenry said.
Until she wouldn’t.
“She knew when to cut it off,” she said.
Said Charlie Chaffin: “She was in control.”Joe Biden hugs a supporter at a rally in front of the Detroit Public Library on Sunday. Biden's strategy: Go easy on Palin
If Sarah Palin goofs, flounders, stumbles or blunders during her debate against Joe Biden on Thursday night, Biden is going to let it slide.
“If she makes a gaffe, he underplays it,” one of the people prepping Biden for his vice presidential debate told me. “At most, he says, ‘I am not sure what Gov. Palin meant there.’”
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There are three reasons for this. First, Biden does not want to look condescending. For the same reason, he plans on referring to Palin as “Gov. Palin” during the debate and never as “Sarah.” (He will sometimes refer to John McCain as “John,” however, because they have been senators together for many years.)
Second, Biden knows the press is going to pounce on any mistakes, and so he does not need to.
Third, and most important, Sarah Palin is not Biden’s true target.
“Joe Biden’s No. 1 job during the vice presidential debate is to keep the focus on the top of the ticket,” the Biden debate prepper told me. “He is going to keep the focus on John McCain.”
This is an arguable strategy. After all, McCain is the experienced one on the Republican ticket, the one whose credentials to be commander in chief from Day One are not in much question.
So why attack him instead of Palin, whose lack of readiness has been the subject of endless discussion as well as late-night comedy?
Because, at least in the past, Americans have not concentrated on the bottom of the ticket when it comes time to vote. They care about who the president is going to be, not who the vice president is going to be.
Dan Quayle had a disastrous debate against Lloyd Bentsen in 1988. Even before Quayle stumbled into the trap of comparing himself to John F. Kennedy, Quayle had enormous difficulty answering this basic question from Brit Hume: “Let us assume … the president is incapacitated for one reason or another, and you have to take the reins of power. When that moment came, what would be the first steps that you’d take and why?”The US and EU have advised Israel to drop its plans to construct an additional 450 settlement homes in the West Bank, warning that failure to do so would further destabilize the situation in the region and diminish prospects for peace.
On Friday, Israel announced tenders to build new settlements on the Palestinian territories in a move that has been deemed illegal under international law.
In particular, the announced projects include 156 units in Elkana, 114 homes in Geva Binyamin, 102 in Kiryat Araba, and 78 in Alfei Menashe, according to Jerusalem Post. Some of those tenders are being reissued, however, since contractors refused to take many of the projects in the past.
If Israel proceeds with construction, it will become “an obstacle to peace,” the European Union said in a statement. In addition, it will further “undermine the viability of the two-state solution.”
“Israel should reverse these decisions, thereby putting an end to settlement expansion,” the Europeans warned. By refusing to do so, Israel faces the risk of “inflaming the very tense situation on the ground.”
Meanwhile, Washington – Israel’s closest ally – has also voiced concern, warning that it would undermine security. The move will not improve Israel’s security, but will have the opposite effect, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said.
“I can tell you that issuing tenders like this does nothing to bolster Israel’s security, does not increase its prosperity, and it does not further the cause for peace. In fact it does precisely the opposite,” Earnest said.
The US believes Israeli settlement activity is “illegitimate and counterproductive” to achieving a two-state solution, Earnest told reporters.
The construction of new homes, the spokesman warned, will have “detrimental impacts on the ground,” inflaming tensions with the Palestinians, and will “further isolate the Israelis internationally.”
Israel claimed the West Bank and East Jerusalem – which Palestinians see as part of their future state – during the 1967 Six-Day War, with annexation never being recognized internationally. Since then, Israel has built numerous settlements which are now under military regulation, with different laws applied arbitrarily to certain areas.
Some 500,000 Israelis have settled in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, among 2.4 million Palestinians. The Israeli occupied territories have been seeking full Palestinian statehood and independence from Israel for decades. However, despite international criticism, the Israeli government encourages the Jewish population in the West Bank to build new settlements.Former Huck boosters host Perry kosher fundraiser
Rick Perry is making a two-day fundraising swing with four events in New York City next week, including one that's being billed as a kosher-food reception by three former prominent Jewish Mike Huckabee backers.
According to the invitation, among those involved in hosting the event is Dr. Joseph Frager and Dr. Paul Brody, both of whom helped arrange portions of at least one of Huckabee's many trips to Israel.
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It's a $2,500-a-head reception at the San Carlos Hotel in Manhattan on Monday evening.
In the wake of NY-9, the Jewish vote - which nationally is a rather small slice of the electorate - is getting a bit of an inordinate amount of focus.
A question has been how much Perry will be able to appeal to religious Jews, who admire his stand on Israel but who, in some cases, are concerned about things like his massive prayer rally "The Response."
This article tagged under: Rick PerryWritten by Emmy Mack on April 12, 2016
Sit the fuck down because we may have some big news.
It seems a whoooooooooole lot like AJ Maddah, boss of the former best music festival in Australia Soundwave (RIP), just teased a motherfucking SLIPKNOT tour for this year.
As per Maddah’s usual M.O., the whole thing went down on Twitter:
Replying to a series of tweets from fans, the festival mogul also gave us a few more tidbits of info.
For starters, according to AJ, we can rule out Australia getting its very own Knotfest (at least for now):
And Corey Taylor & co sure as shit won’t be playing Splendour In The Grass (which on second thought is kind of a shame, that place could use a bit of metal).
Maddah’s not sure whether The Nine’s current US tour-mate Marilyn Manson will be tagging along, but he hasn’t ruled it out:
And it seems like Slipknot have a show locked in at New Zealand’s Vector Arena:
Finally, for all of the AJ haters out there, the Soundwave captain says he won’t be involved in the tour:
Which means he’s probably just privy to some super secret insider info.
So let’s recap: According to not-so-cryptic AJ Maddah tweets, it looks like Slipknot will be embarking on a headlining tour of Australia before the year is out. They won’t be playing SITG or brand new heavy player in town Legion Festival (that’s happening in 2017, not 2016) or bringing their own Knotfest extravaganza to town *sob*. Marilyn Manson may or may not be supporting, a NZ show will supposedly happen at Aukland’s biggest arena, and AJ Maddah knows about it but isn’t involved.
It almost seems like Slipknot were just here, after putting in a monster headlining performance at the final ever Soundwave in 2015, and they haven’t released a new album or anything major since then, but look, why would you complain.
It’s fucking Slipknot.
The maggots are ready.
UPDATE 13/05/16: It’s official, Slipknot have announced 2016 Australian headline tour dates!
Gallery: Slipknot @ Soundwave 2015 Melbourne / Photos By Brett Schewitz
08SlipknotSoundwave001 08SlipknotSoundwave002 08SlipknotSoundwave003 08SlipknotSoundwave004 08SlipknotSoundwave005 08SlipknotSoundwave006 08SlipknotSoundwave007 08SlipknotSoundwave008 08SlipknotSoundwave009 08SlipknotSoundwave010 08SlipknotSoundwave011 08SlipknotSoundwave012 08SlipknotSoundwave013 08SlipknotSoundwave014 08SlipknotSoundwave015 08SlipknotSoundwave016 08SlipknotSoundwave017 08SlipknotSoundwave018 08SlipknotSoundwave019 08SlipknotSoundwave020 08SlipknotSoundwave021 08SlipknotSoundwave022 08SlipknotSoundwave023 08SlipknotSoundwave024 08SlipknotSoundwave025 08SlipknotSoundwave026 08SlipknotSoundwave027 08SlipknotSoundwave028 08SlipknotSoundwave029
Watch: Slipknot – KillpopAfter leaving a trail of crumbs at other college campuses, a cookie company is heating up the late-night delivery market at VCU.
Campus Cookies, a cookie delivery business founded seven years ago in Harrisonburg, Va., opened its newest location this week at 935 W. Grace St. – prime territory for pursuing hungry Richmond college students.
Campus Cookies sells 20 flavors of cookies, as well as drinks, ice cream and other baked goods. It delivers orders around the city and will sell retail from its storefront. A chocolate chip cookie costs $1.19. Deliveries typically start around 6 p.m. and run until the early morning hours.
Founder Scott Davidson launched Campus Cookies in 2007 while studying information technology at James Madison University. He targeted Virginia Tech with an expansion into Blacksburg in 2010, went after UVA appetites with a Charlottesville location in 2012 and hit East Carolina University earlier this year.
Davidson was born in Richmond and said he has been aiming for a return to his home town.
“It was only a matter of time,” he said. “I don’t think this is our last stop.”
The company will face competition from the start in Richmond with at least one other late-night cookie delivery service already up and running. Locally based Red Eye Cookie Co. launched in March and sells more than 1,000 cookies a night between its catering services and retail sales, owner Brayden Pleasants said.
“I wish him the best,” Pleasants said of his new competition. “We’re both within a niche, emerging market, but we differentiate a fair deal.”
Red Eye makes its own dough in Sally Bell’s Kitchen near VCU, uses its own recipes, and wholesales to 15 shops around Richmond, in addition to delivery. Its price for a chocolate chip cookie is slightly higher than Campus Cookies’ at $1.50.
Campus Cookies buys its dough from other vendors and has a 1,200-square-foot storefront of its own that it leased after a Chinese restaurant and a leasing office moved out, Davidson said.
Red Eye also sells from a mobile food truck at events like the Richmond Folk Festival and the Washington Redskins Training Camp. And it delivers to the West End on orders of $35 or more.
Campus Cookie’s delivery range extends as far west as the Museum District, according to its website.
Pleasants, 29, started Red Eye after realizing he wasn’t alone in his late-night cravings.
“I like cookies and stay up late,” Pleasants said. “I figured I wasn’t the only one.”
Davidson started Campus Cookies after a bit of old-fashioned market research as a sophomore at JMU.
“The idea came to me from passing out surveys in a few of my biggest classes asking (students) what’s missing from their college experience,” he said.
Davidson said the response was that pizza and Chinese food delivery was abundant, but students still lacked a way of getting something sweet delivered.
On his first night in business in Harrisonburg, Davidson said he had one order to fill. Now the company fills between 50 and 100 orders a day there.
“It’s pretty sporadic,” Davidson said. “The product is fairly impulse-based.”It was only the next day, when a male colleague took me aside, to tell me about a situation that he'd "handled" because he thought I would soon hear about it anyway, that I learned I was the subject of their laughter. Or more accurately, my crotch was. They'd been filming, when someone decided it would be a fantastic idea to zero in on my pinstripe-panted groin region, in its first, and hopefully only, extreme close-up. I didn't know what to do, so I laughed it off. After all, everyone else was. I was told it wouldn't go any further, that it was just guys blowing off some steam. I wasn't sure how to take it further, even if I wanted to. I, like every other female journalism student, had heard a tale of a woman who'd attempted to address an uncomfortable situation, or whatever else you want to label sexism, and lost, even when they won. So instead, I did nothing. My time finished in that region, and I left. But the scars, the discomfort, it came with me. I've rarely worn trousers to work since.
Not that it matters. In the decade-and-a-half since then, I've been called a "temptress", a "nice sort", "bewitching", asked out and had my appearance commented on more times than I can count. All while I've been at work, just doing my job. I've been told it's surprising when I go after a tricky or uncomfortable line of questioning, because I look "like such a nice, sweet girl", despite having reached my majority many, many, many moons ago. My time finished in that region, and I left. But the scars, the discomfort, it came with me. I've rarely worn trousers to work since. I've had men I come into contact with in the various rounds I've covered - general, police, court, politics, to name a few - comment to other colleagues about my appearance, my level of attractiveness, or what I'd need to do to be attractive in their eyes.
I've become better at addressing it, either with a dressing down, or a frank discussion about why their comments are inappropriate. This is not about whether I am attractive or not, or even whether I think I am. But I know that there will |
of thing where the ecosystem may be better off letting it stew in a 3rd-party lib for a while.
Presumably the point of giving asyncio a curio-style API is that it would make it easier to mix together curio-style code and callback-style code in the same program (since I assume asyncio's current APIs wouldn't be going away – this would be supplemental). But – my whole argument in this essay is that for the most part, you don't want to mix these. So it's not clear what the point would be, really. If we're going to end up with two separate-but-equal APIs that only communicate at arms-length, then sticking them into two separate namespaces seems like it would be a lot less confusing. So maybe this wouldn't be the best idea? I'll be very interested to see what the asyncio developers think. One possible future would be: asyncio remains as the standard-bearer for the callback/hybrid approach – which is obviously going to remain viable and in use indefinitely – while eventually fading into becoming a legacy library as async/await-native approach matures and takes over for new code. (This is a not-unfamiliar trajectory for stdlib libraries – see urllib2.) Okay, then should curio switch to using asyncio as a backend? Or what will the story be on cross-event-loop compatibility? I thought asyncio was supposed to be the event loop to end all event loops! Indeed, one of the original, compelling motivations for adding asyncio to the stdlib is that it could become a standard foundation layer, so we could start up one event loop in one thread and then use it to simultaneously run libraries written for twisted, tornado,... well, mostly twisted and tornado. And as a secondary benefit, we could swap in different backends to work on Unix vs. Windows, or on a headless server vs. embedded in a GUI app where the GUI framework imposes a particular event loop. Plus it's nice if different libraries can share code, so not everyone has to implement, say, IOCP handling from scratch. Of course, this vision is rather predicated on the fact that until async/await came along, all these different event loops basically worked the same way, and the idea that there are lots of existing libraries that we want to use together. It's not clear that curio could run nicely on top of asyncio – in particular, it seems difficult to reconcile their different ideas of how to manage the lifecycle of the event loop itself, and as we've seen, asyncio's higher-level abstractions are not useful to curio. They do already share code in the form of the selectors module (which is a great addition that asyncio brought to the stdlib!). Unfortunately, selectors isn't high-level enough to abstract over the differences between Unix and Windows, and as a result curio doesn't currently have great Windows support... but unfortunately there currently is no such abstraction layer that could be shared between curio and asyncio, because as mentioned above, asyncio's IOCP abstractions rely on the transport interfaces, and those are not useful to curio. It would be great if there were a library that abstracted over these platform differences at a lower level than asyncio does – maybe libuv could serve as an inspiration. In addition, the main theme of this essay is that libraries written using async/await natively will be simpler and higher-quality than libraries written using callbacks, with or without an async/await layer added on top. So ideally we want to throw out those old libraries using the old APIs and replace them! This might be particularly true given the current interest in migrating to Sans I/O-style protocol libraries – which, in addition to their advantages in terms of design and maintainability, also make it much easier to migrate between incompatible I/O APIs, which makes direct interoperability less urgent....but of course, while the "throw out all the legacy code" strategy might work okay for green-field projects using popular protocols like HTTP, it doesn't help with that legacy tornado app, and it's probably going to be a while until we see an async/await-native client for NNTP or IMAP4. So it would be nice to have some kind of interopability story. One approach would be: start two OS threads. In one thread, run your async/await-native event loop; in the other thread, run your twisted reactor. Communicate by message passing. This approach is really crude... but, the programming models are different enough that message-passing might be what you want to use anyway. (I mean, curio doesn't even have a Deferred / Future concept, and for good reasons.) So even this crude approach might give you 90% of what you'd get by merging the underlying event loops, and with much less fuss? This suggests that a library for cross-event-loop message passing might be an interesting short-term target for those who are worried about interoperability. As for plugging in different backends, like for GUI framework interoperability: I'm not sure how that might work, and am not enough of a GUI programmer to have any useful insight into how async/await affect GUI programming. Definitely an interesting open question.All photos by Anthony Tafuro
There's a grown man in Hoboken, New Jersey who rides around all year wearing a Batman costume on a bicycle adorned with Batman flags and streamers. He swerves through the streets, honking a horn and looking for the Joker, all the while screaming, "Happy New Year!" at the wrong time of the year. He doesn't do it for fame or money, he won't charge you for a photograph with him; he simply does it because he likes to pretend to be Batman. Like a child and the sound of an ice cream truck, when I hear his honking coming down Hudson Street, long before I see him, I feel giddy. When I finally lay my eyes upon his cape and cowl and he waves at me I am overwhelmed with a sense of hope and optimism that the world has not yet vanquished all the colorful characters into hiding, that there are still those who march to the beat of their own drum amongst us to inspire our children to be something different, something special.
But there aren't enough Batmans out there for my liking and so I tend not to concern myself with the happenings of the outside world and instead insulate myself within the skateboarding community. And while there are many rebellious factions of skateboarders out there, as its popularity has grown it has become increasingly infiltrated by opportunistic outsider athletic brands that want to turn a lifestyle once fueled by drugs, booze, and rebellion into the next drug-tested, uniform-wearing Olympic sport.
All skateboarding can do at this point is batten down the hatches and prepare itself for The Great Kook Epidemic of 2016, while championing those who truly do not give a fuck. For example, take Vancouver B.C.'s Barrier Kult. The "BA. KU." is a collective of like-minded professional and amateur Canadian skaters who were displeased with the direction skating was headed and decided in 2003 to don ski masks, create Black Metal-inspired identities, and dedicate their existence to skating only one obstacle: the Jersey Barrier. For more than a decade I've been keeping tabs on the Kult, getting as excited by their "evil" web videos as I do when I see Batman on his bicycle.
I've always wanted to interview them, but there's an age-old Big Brother rule that forbids interviewing people with whom you are too obsessed to keep a professional journalistic distance (as a result, I've refused three Ghostface interviews in my life). But after speaking with Anthony Tafuro about his new book, BA. KU. Kult Skating/Dark Rituals,I decided I'd break the rule just this once. Luckily Barrier Kult founding member, Depth Leviathan Dweller, only does email interviews so I was able to avoid fanning out too hard.
VICE: What is the story with these Canadians running around hiding their faces in ski masks, skating on Jersey Barriers? Are they embarrassed to be Canadian?
Anthony Tafuro: When they first agreed to let me shoot them they set some ground rules of no tropes of fire, no women tropes. They wanted everything to be about skateboarding and the barrier. I wanted to focus on why they were only skateboarding this one surface, the Jersey Barrier, and not stairs or bowls or ramps. A lot of people judge this team on that, because you're restricting what you can do by only skating one surface, but to them it's very ritualistic. It allows them to challenge themselves. They were all very much involved in the vert skate world, specifically Deer Man, but they have a lot of young guys on the team now so they are contemporary. They're not just this old-school skate crew that does old-school tricks on old-school skateboards. They did explain to me that they aren't into the whole street skating scene but there they are skating a barrier, a street object, but they're skating it like a ramp.
Would one get kicked out of the Kult if they skated ledges or stairs?
They all do skate as professional skaters but when they skate as Barrier Kult they put on the masks, they go as their fictional names and that's it; they're Barrier Kult.
Were you permitted to see them without the masks on?
Yeah, of course.
Would they have killed you if you included a photo of them without the masks on?
No, never. It's just not important to show them without the masks. They explained to me the only reason they put on the masks was that they wanted to have this anonymous identity. They would scratch out their faces in each frame of the footage, but it was a lot of editing work and that's why they started wearing masks.
There are lots of pentagrams and Satanic imagery going on in the photos.
In their videos, too. When I first watched their video reel I noticed they had all these old movie clips of some of my favorite ritual scenes. That's what made me realize this is so much more than just skateboarding.
[The Barrier Kult has written in all caps since 2003 for ritualistic reasons. We apologize if you feel like you're being yelled at by Depth Leviathan Dweller. - Ed.]
VICE: What's the origin of the Kult and the ski mask?
DEPTH LEVIATHAN DWELLER: BA. KU. WAS STARTED BY MYSELF, DEER MAN OF DARK WOODS, AND ANOTHER BC INTERIOR MEMBER, VLAD MOUNTAIN IMPALER. FOR US, THE HIGHWAY BARRIER WAS ALWAYS A GO-TO SPOT FOR TIGHT TRANSITION SESSIONS, TRYING TO LAND RAMP TRICKS ON THE LIPS OF VARIOUS BARRIERS. THE VIOLENCE OF THE SHALLOW END OF POOLS ARE APEX, BUT HARDER TO COME BY IN BC AND HIGHWAY BARRIERS ARE EVERYWHERE. WHEN WE MOVED TO VANCOUVER 15 YEARS AGO, WE CONTINUED OUR BARRIER ASSAULTS, BUT IT BECAME A STAPLE OF OUR 'SKATEBOARDING'—THE BARRIER BECOMING AN ALTAR THAT SIGNIFIES VIOLENT TIGHT TRANSITIONS, THE MOVEMENTS AND THE 'SKATEBOARD CULTURE' DECONSTRUCTED, OCCULT PRACTICES UTILIZED—ELITE BLACK WAR METAL STUDIED AND PARALLELED TO OUR 'SKATEBOARDING' TO KEEP THE MILITANCE AND DIRECTION IN THE MEMBERS PURE. THE BARRIER KULT'S FIRST ZINES APPEARED IN 2003. IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY, THE FACES ARE BLACKED OUT, HOODS AND BANDANAS ARE WORN. THE BALACLAVA CAME DIRECTLY AFTER THE FIRST ZINE AS IT GUARANTEED, MADE EASIER THE DISGUISE. BLACK GLOVES WERE ALSO WORN IN EARLY PRACTICES BY THOSE INVOLVED.
Skateboarding is larger than ever and a lot of younger kids are attracted to it for that jockish aspect that is motivated by fame and money. So I truly love that you guys are doing your own thing completely anonymously without hope for accolades. What is your take on the current state of skating and the infiltration of the jock-mentality?
THE ANONYMOUS ASPECT OF THE BARRIER KULT FURTHER EXEMPLIFIES THE CHARACTERISTICS THAT WE SEE MISSING FROM 'CONTEMPORARY' SKATEBOARDING. WE LIKE TO EXEMPLIFY THE TOTEMIC / FETISHISTIC ASPECTS OF SKATEBOARDING, THE APPRECIATION OF THE CULTEST OF MOVEMENTS THAT WERE GLORIFIED IN THE 80s FOR US BY ARTICLES LIKE NEIL BLENDER'S 'AGGRO ZONE' AND GSD'S 'STREET SHEET.' SIMPLE, YET POWERFUL SPOTS CHOSEN [EG. GEMCO BANK], ACCESSIBLE YET APEX MOVEMENTS CHOSEN [SLAPPY, SLASH, TAILBLOCK, 50/50 STALL, BONELESS ONE, LAP-OVER GRIND]. WE SEE TRUE 'REBELLION' AND 'SKATEBOARD CULTURE' AS APPRECIATION OF THE MILITANT CULT MOVEMENTS MADE WORSHIPPED. THE BARRIER KULT HAS A PLACE FOR 'PROGRESSION' WITH THE 'TRICKS' LANDED BY MEMBERS DEER MAN OF DARK WOODS AND BEAST OF GEVAUDAN, BUT WE INTERPRET THOSE AS SIMPLY METHODS FOR BA. KU. PLAGUE SPREADING.
WHEN STRIPPED DOWN, ESSENTIALLY SKATEBOARDING IS AN ACTIVITY, 'A FORM OF GAME' THAT ALMOST ACCIDENTALLY TRANSLATED INTO A PUNK ETHIC IN THE EARLY 80S. YES, THE CRIMINALITY OF SKATEBOARDING—FENCE HOPPING, DESTROYING 'PROPERTY,' AGGRESSIVE MOVES, ETC. MAKES IT TRANSLATE INTO SOMETHING MORE HARDCORE / AGGRO—HENCE THE INEVITABILITY OF PUNK CULTURE, BUT WE SEE THE 1990s+ CONTEMPORARY 'FREESTYLE TRICKERY' TRANSLATED TO THE STREET ADDING A COMPLEXITY TO THE ACTIONS THAT HERALD THE CONSEQUENCE OF JOCK CULTURE. WE SEE NO COINCIDENCE THAT COMPLEX TRICKS LEAD TO JOCK MENTALITY, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY CAN BE STRUCTURED AND LANDED IN FRONT OF A CROWD OR ON A TELEVISION.
THE ANONYMITY ADDS TO THE STRUCTURE OF THE BARRIER KULT AND ITS DISDAIN FOR SKATEBOARDING'S OBSESSION WITH SUPPOSED CREATIVITY AND CHARACTER. JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN LAND A 'HARD TRICK' ON A SKATEBOARD DOESN'T MEAN THAT YOU ARE A CREATIVE BEING, OR A PERSON THAT I SHOULD LISTEN TO TO HEAR POTENTIALLY MISDIRECTED AND UNEDUCATED VIEWS ON DIFFERENT SUBJECTS. THERE IS NOTHING MORE POISONOUS THAN SKATEBOARD PROS THAT USE THE PUBLIC APPRECIATION OF THEIR 'SKATEBOARD TRICKERY' TO PUSH SOMETHING LIKE RELIGION, FASHION, OR TRICK TRENDS ON OTHER SKATEBOARDERS.
I'm from New Jersey, home of the Jersey Barrier. I'm curious why you've chosen the barrier as your main canvas? Don't you feel limited by only skating one thing?
THE JERSEY BARRIER ACTS AS AN ACCESSIBLE ALTAR TO TIGHT TRANSITION SKATEBOARDING. BEING ABLE TO NEGOTIATE AND KNIFE [SKATEBOARD] THE VIOLENT TRANSITION OF A JERSEY / K-RAIL / RITUAL BARRIER RE-ENACTS THE CULT AND APEX FEELING OF SKATEBOARDING THE SHALLOW END OF A POOL OR SOME OBSCURE TRANSITIONS FOUND AT AN ABANDONED WATERSLIDE PARK. THE ELLIPTICAL TRANSITION OF THE HIGHWAY BARRIER ALSO HERALDS BACK TO THE TIME OF EARLY 80s HALF- AND QUARTER-PIPES AND THE VERT CULTURE THAT REVOLVED AROUND DUPLICATING TIGHT POOL TRANSITIONS INTO BACKYARD RAMPS.
THE CONTROL AND RITUAL OF THE OCCULT AND ELITE BLACK WAR METAL KEEPS THE BARRIER KULT MILITANT IN ITS DEDICATION TO THE RITUAL BARRIER.
How did the book come about and why let an outsider from Long Island into your fold?
WE WERE CONTACTED BY ANTHONY AND AFTER LOOKING AT HIS WORK AND HEARING HIS PLAN, WE DECIDED TO LET HIM PHOTOGRAPH US. HE WAS INCREDIBLY PROFESSIONAL; RENTING HIS OWN CAR, HIS OWN HOTEL ROOM, ETC. SO IT MADE IT EASY FOR US TO GO ON WITH OUR DAILY SCHEDULES WHILE WE ALSO WORKED OUT WHERE AND WHEN TO SHOOT. IN THE TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS HE WAS IN VANCOUVER, IT WAS THE OFF SEASON, SO THE SKIES WERE GREY AND MOST OF THE SPOTS WERE WET ADDING TO THE REALITY AND DYNAMISM OF THE SHOOTS. ANTHONY HAD A KEEN UNDERSTANDING OF OUR PRACTICES AND DIRECTION, AND HIS COLLEAGUE THAT CAME WITH HIM TO HELP ON THE FIRST SHOOT HAD A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF NEW YORK SKATEBOARDING AND THE SKAVENGER / ANIMAL BMX WORLD THAT COMPARATIVELY WORSHIPS RIDING CELLAR DOORS WHICH IS A CULTURE OF ITS OWN. BOTH OF THEM HAVE A KEEN INTEREST IN PROPER RITUAL BLACK WAR METAL AS WELL, WHICH ALSO HELPED DEEPLY WITH THE AESTHETIC AND DIRECTION. VANCOUVER IS HOME TO TWO OF THE MOST WORSHIPPED AND CULT OF BLACK WAR METAL BANDS—BLASPHEMY AND CONQUEROR—WHICH ANTHONY ALSO APPRECIATED AND LET SEEP INTO THE HISTORY OF THE BA. KU. VIA THE PHOTOS OF THE VESTS, JACKETS, LPS, ETC.
THE FINAL EXECUTION OF THE BOOK IS EXCELLENT; LIKE A VIRTUAL BLACK & WHITE JOURNEY THROUGH OUR PRACTICES, BELIEFS AND DIRECTION.
Over time I've watched the Kult grow beyond your Canadian borders. How does one become a mask-carrying member?
NON-CANADIAN MEMBERS INCLUDE CRUSADE TEMPLAR HORSE SKELETON IN SAN FRANCISCO AND LUTHER, MOSS-COVERED WITCHMAKER CANDLEMAS IN SAN DIEGO. BOTH MEMBERS WERE MET VIA COMMON ALLIES. CTHS VIA THE VANCOUVER JAK'S, LMWC VIA OUR CONNECTION WITH GULLWING TRUCKS [THE GULLWING SUPER PRO III].
How many members of the Kult are there at this point? What's the initiation process once accepted into the Kult?
THERE ARE 12 TITLED MEMBERS. NO 'OFFICIAL' INITIATION, JUST MILITANT DEDICATION, PLAGUE SPREADING. ONE FUTURE MEMBER FROM JAPAN IS STILL GAINING HIS 'TITLE' VIA REPEATED AND DOCUMENTED TAILBLOCK RITUALS.
Do you buy the masks in bulk?
MANY OF OUR MASKS WE HAVE WORN SINCE 2003. I KNOW THAT FOR A FACT, MYSELF, DMODW, AND MUSKELLUNGE OF DARK ISLAND HAVE BEEN WEARING THE SAME UNWASHED MASKS SINCE THE BIRTH OF THE BA. KU.
Recently Huf made all over print weed ski masks. What is your take on anyone else using ski masks? Do you feel that's kind of your thing and others should just leave the masks alone?
AGAIN, THE BALACLAVAS FOR US WERE AT FIRST USED TO MAKE THE PURPOSES OF ANONYMITY MORE STRAIGHTFORWARD WHEN FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHING. EVENTUALLY THE MASKS TOOK ON A LIFE OF THEIR OWN, ACTING AS A SYMBOL, EVEN AN AESTHETIC FOR THE BA. KU. OF COURSE, THE WEARING OF BALACLAVAS IN SKATEBOARDING IS NOTHING NEW [EG. SKULL SKATES HAD PHOTO SHOOTS IN THE 90s WITH ASSOCIATES ALL WEARING THE MASKS]. SO WE UNDERSTAND THAT OTHER SKATEBOARD COMPANIES HAVE THEIR OWN AGENDA IN WEARING AND MAKING THE BALACLAVAS. WE ONLY HAVE TROUBLE WITH FANATICAL GROUPS MAKING THEIR OWN BA. KU. 'TRIBUTE' CLOTHING FOR RE-SALE, ETC BUT USUALLY WE CONTACT THEM AND PROPER TRADES ARE MADE.
Do you guys eat with the masks on?
I ONCE WATCHED DMODW DRINK FROM A RIVER WITH HIS MASK ON IN NAGANO, JAPAN DURING A SKULL SKATES / BARRIER KULT TOUR.
What's next for the Kult?
FURTHER PROJECTS WITH GULLWING TRUCKS, MORE DECKS WITH SKULL SKATES. RUNNING THE BA. KU. CLOTHING COMPANY, WORKINGS WITH HEROIN SKATEBOARDS, FILMING FOR THE BARRIER KULT HORDE VIDEO TWO.
Follow @Orufat on Instagram.
Follow the Kult or buy the book here.
More stupid from Chris can be found at Chrisnieratko.com or on Twitter.The Republican nominee for lieutenant governor of Virginia, E. W. Jackson, wrote in his book Ten Commandments to an Extraordinary Life that he doesn't believe in evolution because animals don't have the ability to write or talk. Jackson wrote the book in 2008 in his capacity as minister before his failed bid for Republicans nomination for Senate in the 2012 or his current race.
The passage reads:
Scientist have made much of the fact that chimpanzees have been trained to use sign language. They take this as proof that primates are our ancestors because they, like us, have "language capacity." It is amazing the length to which people will go to prove what is so palpably false. The ability to make sounds which serve to communicate the simplest to most complex ideas is an astounding thing, almost supernatural in itself. Equally remarkable is the ability to reduce those sounds to written symbols universally understood and capable of conveying the ideas that those sounds represent. To suggest that all this is an accident of evolution belies the intellectual power language represents. Those are gifts given to mankind by God who created us. He gave those gifts to no other creature. There is an unfathomable gulf between humans and all other creatures because creation was designed that way. No amount of time or theorizing will ever bridge that gulf. Only mankind was made to represent the divinity and genius of God himself.
Jackson, responding to past controversial comments on gays, said last month, "I say the things that I say because I'm a Christian, not because I hate anybody, but because I have religious values that matter to me." Jackson made the comment to reporters at a campaign stop in Fredericksburg, according to the Washington Post.Breaking Barriers, an original America Rows program and USRowing organization geared towards inner-city Philadelphia youth, suffered a major setback yesterday when tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment was stolen.
Breaking Barriers, an original America Rows program and USRowing organization geared towards inner-city Philadelphia youth, suffered a major setback yesterday when tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment was stolen.The club, founded in 2005, was in the process of moving to a new location in Northern Liberties, just outside of Philadelphia, with spring programs set to begin this weekend."I was about to open, but now that's not going to happen,” said, in an interview with Philadelphia ABC 6. “I'm not sure what date I can even give because there was so much taken from me. Honestly, it wasn't taken from me, it was taken from the kids.”Adams had been accumulating the equipment, which included ergometers, spin bikes and weights, over the past eight years through donations, grants and out of his own pocket.“This is a sad story. Breaking Barriers is one of USRowing’s original America Rows community rowing programs,” said. “The rowing community needs to rally and ensure that Breaking Barriers can continue to inspire and serve hundreds of Philadelphia youth.”As part of its mission to help young people develop healthy attitudes and practices toward themselves and their communities, Breaking Barriers offers training in physical fitness coupled with mentoring, team building and community development activities.Adams was introduced to the sport of rowing in rehab, following a shooting accident when he lost his left eye. He went on to win a bronze medal at the 2002 World Rowing Adaptive Championships prior to starting Breaking Barriers in his hometown of Philadelphia.He has been honored with numerous awards over the past several years – the Outstanding Citizen Award by the NAACP in 2008; the Humanitarian of the Year by the Masonic District Mason in 2010; the Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities in 2010; and the 2010 Access Achievement Award. Just last week, Adams received a Hometown Heroes Award from the Philadelphia 76ers NBA team."This is a big blow to the point where I don't honestly know how I'm going to recover,” said Adams. “I put seven and a half years in and it's almost like it's gone down the drain. (I’ll) say my prayers, which I've been doing the whole time, and just keep moving forward. That's all I can do. I'm not going to give up.”USRowing is collecting donations to support Breaking Barriers.Questions? Email [email protected] (Reuters) - Protestant youths hurled petrol bombs at police in Northern Ireland, wounding at least 27 officers in a fourth night of protests over restrictions on traditional marches, as the White House expressed “deep concern” about the violence.
People walk past a burnt out car on the shore road after the police came under attack from Loyalists throwing petrol bombs on the fourth night of unrest after an Orange Parade was blocked from marching past the Nationalist Ardoyne area in North Belfast July 16, 2013. REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton
The regional parliament, recalled from its summer recess, was due to meet on Tuesday to discuss ways of restoring order.
Police said they responded with water cannon and at least one baton round in Belfast. Protests and other incidents were reported in at least five other towns across the British province.
Thousands of pro-British Protestants march every summer, a regular flashpoint for sectarian violence as Catholics, many of whom favor unification with Ireland, see the parades as a provocation.
Protestant marchers, unhappy because authorities ruled they could not walk along a stretch of road that divides the two communities, started throwing bricks and bottles on Friday.
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden expressed his “deep concern” about the violence during a phone call with Northern Ireland’s leaders on Monday, the White House said.
The police service called on the regional parliament to help end the clashes.
“Today is a day for calming words and a renewed commitment from the Assembly to finding political solutions,” the force’s chief constable Matt Baggott said.
“There are already too many injured police officers and young people facing prison sentences for anything else to be acceptable.”
At least six home-made explosive devices and several petrol bombs were thrown at police in east Belfast on Monday night, police said.
Catholic protesters clashed with police in one protest in the Adroyne area of the city, the force added. One car was set alight during clashes in north Belfast.
Protests and other incidents were also reported in the towns of Newtownabbey, Antrim, Dungannon, Portadown and Londonderry.
A 1998 peace deal mostly ended decades of sectarian strife in the British province but trouble still breaks out, particularly around the Orange parades which mark a 1690 Protestant victory over a Catholic king.
Police said they had brought hundreds of reinforcements from Britain. Sixty people have been arrested and 71 officers wounded since the latest clashes started.Hi! We're the Living Earth Show, and thanks for checking out our Kickstarter page.We play chamber music composed for guitar, percussion, and electronics written for us by some of the most interesting and exciting composers in the United States. We are raising funds for the construction of a quartertone vibraphone and a quartertone guitar. This request requires the answers to several very important questions.
What are quartertones??
Most western harmony is derived from tonality of a standard 12-note-to-an-octave scale. A piano keyboard, for example, has exactly 12 keys to an octave (C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C). The chords built with these tones make up the foundation of the harmony used in most pop music and western classical music. However, there could conceivably be an infinite number of keys between C and C on a keyboard. The quartertone system is one system that works to expand the traditional western conception of tonality, dividing the octave into 24 equal steps. This system allows the musicians to sound the notes in between the notes of the standard scale.
Who cares??
We play music because we want to change the way people hear the world around them. We work to achieve this mission by allowing people to experience, interact with, and think about sound in new ways and contexts. The quartertone system, in many ways, epitomizes our mission. Western music, from Bach to Beethoven and from Lady Gaga to The Coldplays, is built on dodecaphony - music composed with the standard 12 note chromatic scale. Quartertones by themselves are somewhat unsettling and unfamiliar - they allow for the creation of a foreign and disquieting type of dissonance. Scales and chords don’t resolve quite where they are expected to, and they offer untold possibilities for tonal expansion. There is a tiny but rapidly expanding body of repertoire for quartertone instruments, the most immediately notable being Brian Ferneyhough’s Renvoi/Shards, composed in 2008 for the Norwegian group asamisimasa (the only other quartertone vibraphone in the world exists in Norway). We will be performing that landmark work, as well as newly commissioned pieces by Luciano Chessa and many others, over the course of the next year.
What's in it for you?
In addition to the incentives, we will send new music to every person who donates anything at all on a regular basis. Every week or so, we will give our backers a link to download new, never-before-heard music by composers including Max Stoffregen, Timo Andres and Damon Waitkus, as well as pieces from our album that won't be available anywhere else for several months.
By almost any standard, we play weird music. We seek out music that otherwise wouldn't get played or heard, the things we find most interesting, and do our best to share them and share why we like them with as many people as possible. We feel that it is important that this music exists and that there is someone who is willing to play it. We believe in weird music. Regardless of whether or not this kickstarter project is successful, we will do everything in our power to help better hear the world around them.
Thanks for letting us share our love for this stuff with you.Throwing on pajamas and curling up with a magazine could mean exposure to chemicals banned several decades ago. New, unpublished research has found that traces of polychlorinated biphenyls – banned in the United States 35 years ago – are leaching out of clothing and printed materials from around the world.
PCB-11 was detected in nearly all samples of paper products sold in 26 countries and clothing sold in the United States. The findings shed some light on how the chemical, tied to yellow dyes, inks and paints, is finding its way into people’s blood, the air and waterways.
Because it is an unintentional byproduct of pigment manufacturing, the PCB-11 found in the consumer products is exempt from U.S. laws regulating the compounds.
“It’s out there in levels that are worrisome,” said Lisa Rodenburg, an associate professor of environmental chemistry at Rutgers University and senior author of the study.
“Even at the parts per billion levels, if you find it in almost everything you test, that means people are in almost constant contact," she said.
Health effects of exposure to traces of PCB-11 have not been studied. But unlike the old PCBs, it doesn’t accumulate in people or animals. The banned PCBs, which are so persistent they are still contaminating the environment, have been linked to reduced IQs, cancer and suppressed immune systems.
In the new tests, all 28 samples of non-U.S., ink-treated paper products, including advertisements, maps, postcards, napkins and brochures, contained PCB-11 in the parts-per-billion range. In the United States, 15 of the 18 paper products had it.
In addition, all 16 pieces of U.S. clothing contained PCB-11. Most were children’s items bought at WalMart stores but manufactured overseas, Rodenburg said. In one kids’ pajama top, the front, which had yellow printing on it, had 20 times more PCB-11 than the back, which was printed in red.
“PCB 11 is ubiquitously present as a by-product in commercial pigment applications, particularly in printed materials,” the authors from Rutgers University and Boston College wrote in a draft of the study, which has undergone initial peer review and is expected to be published this year.
All PCBs were banned in the United States in the late 1970s because they were building up in the environment and in the bodies of people and wildlife. But byproducts of manufacturing are allowed as “unintentional contaminants.”
Federal regulations “recognize that some products (e.g., pigments and dyes) contain inadvertently generated PCBs,” Environmental Protection Agency spokesperson Cathy Milbourn said in an emailed response.
Under federal law, these compounds “are defined as excluded manufacturing products or processes and are not regulated as long as they are reported to EPA and the PCB concentrations do not exceed specified limits,” she said.
The EPA is assessing PCB-11 to review potential risks, she said.
Most of the PCBs used in electrical equipment and as industrial solvents from the 1930s to 1979 were more highly chlorinated than PCB-11. Classified as probable human carcinogens, they are among the most well-studied contaminants in the world. Because of their high chlorination, they have remained in ocean and river sediments for decades, and have accumulated in the tissues of fish and marine mammals.
However, little is known about effects of PCB-11.
“Everyone has ignored the lower chlorinated congeners, primarily because they are not persistent and are relatively easily metabolized in the human body,” said Dr. David Carpenter, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany-SUNY. But it’s a “very real and important issue,” he said.
Last year University of Iowa researchers reported that PCB-11 can disrupt cell signaling, and Carpenter and colleagues found that PCB-9, which is similar to PCB-11, was more toxic than other PCB compounds.
Rodenburg said that even though potential effects from exposure to parts per billion of PCB-11 are unknown, its apparent ubiquity is concerning.
While there has been no evidence of fish or wildlife contamination, studies suggest that people are widely exposed. Sixty percent of 85 women from East Chicago, Ind., and Columbus Junction, Iowa, had traces of PCB-11 in their blood.
The compound is “rapidly metabolized and excreted” so the fact that it’s showing up in people suggests that people are “constantly exposed,” said Rachel Marek, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Iowa who studies PCB-11 but did not participate in the new study.
“If they are in the air and one breathes them in every day, there will be continuous exposure to what I suspect are very toxic substances,” Carpenter added.
People may be exposed by inhaling it, touching it or ingesting it, University of Iowa researchers wrote in a 2010 study.
PCB-11 was found in nearly every air sample near 40 Chicago elementary schools in 2007.
Manufacture or use of paints may be a source of the airborne emissions. Researchers found more than 50 PCB compounds in 33 commercial paint pigments purchased from U.S. stores. Other PCBs also have been linked to pigment manufacturing.
The contaminants are “definitely on the radar” of people in the paint industry, said Steve Sides, a vice president at the American Coatings Association, which represents paint manufacturers. “We’ve been aware of it and we’ve alerted the pigment manufacturers, but as of right now, it’s an unavoidable byproduct in these pigments.”
The PCBs are formed when hydrocarbons and certain salts are combined at high temperatures.
Sides said that coatings from overseas manufacturers seem to have higher levels of PCBs.
Manufacturing of yellow pigments, called diarylides, most associated with PCB-11 has largely shifted to Asia. U.S. manufacturers emitted 14 pounds of a chemical used in diarylides – 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine – into the air in 2012, down from the more than 200,000 pounds emitted into air and water in 1988, according to federal data.
In China, tests of 24 yellow pigment samples collected from three manufacturing plants determined that “yellow pigment is a significant source…for the widespread pollution of PCB 11.”
The compound also keeps showing up in U.S. waterways.
PCB-11 has been found in the New York-New Jersey Harbor and the Delaware River. In the Delaware River, the load of that compound was almost double the amount of total PCBs allowable under federal rules.
In recent years, PCB-11 also has been found in the Houston Ship Canal, the Rio Grande River and San Francisco Bay, and in water at several sites in the Great Lakes region.
The new study reported that the chemical could be getting into waterways through the washing of clothes that contain the yellow pigments.
“The more studies that come out like this, we’re going to have to check out the biological impacts,” said Nukhet Aykin-Burns, an assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Iowa who analyzed PCB-11’s impact on oxidative stress in cells.
“Just because we stopped production of PCBs and regulate them doesn’t mean we don’t have to worry anymore," he said. "They’re still relevant and coming from different sources now.”
This article originally ran |
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Featured Photo Credit: Insomniac EventsHertha Berlin files for injunction to force party to delete photograph featuring top scorer with one of its politicians
Berlin’s top football club is suing the populist rightwing Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) after it tweeted a photograph of one of the team’s star players with an AfD politician.
Hertha Berlin said it had filed for a court injunction to force the anti-immigration AfD to delete the picture showing its defender Marvin Plattenhardt with Frank Scheermesser, a lawmaker in the city-state’s parliament.
Plattenhardt, who scored the winning goal to beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 on Saturday, told reporters he had been signing autographs for fans after the game and was not aware that the man next to him was an AfD politician.
Germany's rightwing AfD wants to jettison postwar safeguards Read more
Hertha’s lawyer, Christian-Oliver Moser, said the tweet – which has the caption: “Our lawmaker with the winning scorer” – breached Plattenhardt’s rights, and the AfD’s Berlin branch that posted it could be fined up to €250,000 (£218,000).
AfD was founded in 2003 as a platform to oppose financial bailouts to indebted countries in the eurozone and has since morphed into an anti-immigrant party that is forecast to enter parliament for the first time in a federal election on 24 September.
Some Germans who view the arrival of more than a million mainly Muslim refugees over the past two years as a threat to their culture have helped the party enter 10 of Germany’s 16 state parliaments.
It is expected to be the third largest party in the Bundestag lower house after the September general election. Hertha Berlin are fifth in Bundesliga.There’s an ongoing conversation about race and racism on social media — but white people are missing most of it.
A Pew Research Center report released Monday asked Americans who identified as black, white, and Hispanic about how much they post about race, and how much content they see about it.
Pew studied “social media users” (those who answered “yes” to the question, “Do you ever use a social networking site like Facebook or Twitter?”) and found that, overall, only four in 10 people surveyed said “at least a few” of the posts they personally share are about race or “race relations.” Sixty percent said none of their social media postings ever touch the subject.
That seems unsurprising. After all, for many, race is a topic that is too sensitive and controversial to discuss publicly. Some people would rather not know what their online “friends” think. Others likely want to avoid a confrontation in the comments, and go silent on this topic as well as on things like politics and religion that could bring out clashing opinions.
But according to this new report, the degree of a user’s avoidance is itself related to his or her race.
A lot of social media dialogue about race is happening among black people
Not everyone is choosing animal videos and vacation pictures over commentary about race and racism. Pew found that black social media users are more likely than white or Hispanic users to use social media to discuss race. Twenty-eight percent of black social media users say at least some of the things they share or post on social networking sites are about race or race relations. One in five Hispanic respondents say the same.
Meanwhile, only 8 percent of white social media users say that at least some of things they share or post are about race relations, with a large majority (67 percent) saying they don’t venture into this area.
And it looks like black social media users who opt out of sharing their own race-related posts are still much more likely to see this content in their feed than their white counterparts. “Even among black social media users who say they rarely or never discuss race relations or racial inequality, a majority (55 percent) state that most or some of the posts they see on social media pertain to race or race relations. That share drops to 23 percent for their white counterparts,” according to Pew.
That means many white users are missing out on the important debates, analysis, and awareness-raising content that Pew found, in another part of the study, is often responsive to breaking news about racial injustice and draws attention to concerns about things like diversity and representation. For example, the researchers found that six in 10 race-related tweets were tied to current events, and that Twitter’s most active days for discussing race were inspired by topics like a white supremacist’s attack on a Charleston church, deaths of African-Americans at the hands of police, and related demonstrations.
White people should get into the conversation
"White people think race is something outside themselves, and they don't consider themselves a race," Whitney Dow, the 53-year-old filmmaker behind the Whiteness Project, an interactive investigation designed to explore how Americans who identify as white think about and experience their ethnicity, said in an interview with Vox last year.
There are some signs that that idea — that white people have an identity worth thinking about, and a natural stake in tackling racism — is beginning to take hold.
In MTV's 2015 documentary White People, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas traveled the country to interview a cross section of young white Americans: teachers at a predominantly Native American elementary school, a kid from an all-white town who attends a historically black college, a recent high school graduate who frets that she's missed out on scholarships because of her race, and the leader of a workshop on white privilege. Their narratives were supplemented by interviews with experts, plus statistics and charts about demographics and attitudes that flash across the screen.
The point? "We cannot have an honest and real conversation about race in America if we can't talk about what being white means in America," Vargas told the LA Times in a pre-premiere interview.
Then there are lower-profile examples of white Americans’ efforts to invest in conversations about race. Meetup.com's Boston Knapsack Anti-Racism Group, which I wrote about last year, is just one of the many groups around the country that includes white people who are committed to racial justice.
Many of its members likely share an outlook with white demonstrators seen holding “White silence = violence” signs at many recent protests against racialized police violence.
Meanwhile, in an effort to reach the next generation, New York City's private Fieldston Lower School implemented a program in 2015 that splits up kids, starting in third grade, into racial "affinity groups," where they are encouraged to have frank conversations about their identities and experiences, and then reunite for a curriculum designed to "foster interracial empathy."
What makes the program unique is that it isn't just for the black, Latino, and Asian students. White students have their own group, too — and participation is mandatory. Mariama Richards, the school administrator behind the program, told New York magazine's Lisa Miller that when other schools have affinity groups, "they send the white kids to recess." But true integration, she said, "doesn't happen if only half the people are talking about it.”
"What I am suggesting is that we all have skin in the game. I'm suggesting that we all need to be involved in this conversation," Richards said.
That’s hard to argue with. And social media seems like an easy place to start.GOP fills faux Obama Facebook site with 'usual suspects'
The Republican National Committee has added a new feature to its growing online arsenal of Obama attacks: A fake Facebook profile portending to illustrate a series of Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama's "notable associations."
The Web site, BarackBook.com, is a collection of campaign smears and attempts at guilt-by-association, with an emphasis on illustrating Obama's most controversial personal connections.
"William Ayers has updated his profile," reads one line. "Antoin 'Tony' Rezko is now friends with Nadhmi Auchi," states the next. And further: "Barack Obama and William Ayers are now friends with Marilyn Katz".
Clicking on the names leads readers to Facebook-like information sheets attacking Obama's past associations, substantive or not, on a variety of fronts. A separate page houses six videos lambasting Obama on issues like gun control, gas taxes and public service experience.
The parody site is a new feature on the GOP-sponsored MeetBarackObama.com, a launching point for more than 12 custom-tailored GOP attack sites aimed at the Democrat.
"But in using a faux social networking site to highlight what it considers to be some of Mr. Obamas more controversial acquaintances past and present the R.N.C. is also opening itself up to the inevitable comparisons between the Obama campaign's online efforts and those of his rival, Senator John McCain," wrote The Caucus' Michael Falcone.
And in Internet support over social networking sites, the Obama campaign has a significant advantage, boasting over 433K friends on MySpace, and a whopping 1.2 million on Facebook. Comparatively, McCain's stable of less than 200,000 friends seems lackluster.
The GOP itself holds slightly more than 15,000 members on its Facebook page, which it proudly displays in a graphic atop the page, while the Democratic Party's official Facebook page has over 26,000.
For a Republican Party trailing in the fundraising game, online creativity can only help.President Donald Trump announces his decision on the Iran nuclear deal on Oct. 13, 2017 at the White House. (Photo/Screen grab from WH video)
With his declaration Friday that the Iran nuclear deal is not in the national interest, President Donald Trump may have put us on the road to war with Iran.
Indeed, it is easier to see the collisions that are coming than to see how we get off this road before the shooting starts.
After "de-certifying" the nuclear agreement, signed by all five permanent members of the Security Council, Trump gave Congress 60 days to reimpose the sanctions that it lifted when Teheran signed.
If Congress does not reimpose those sanctions and kill the deal, Trump threatens to kill it himself.
Why? Did Iran violate the terms of the agreement? Almost no one argues that — not the UN nuclear inspectors, not our NATO allies, not even Trump's national security team.
Iran shipped all its 20 percent enriched uranium out of the country, shut down most of its centrifuges, and allowed intrusive inspections of all nuclear facilities. Even before the deal, 17 U.S. intelligence agencies said they could find no evidence of an Iranian nuclear bomb program.
Indeed, if Iran wanted a bomb, Iran would have had a bomb.
She remains a non-nuclear-weapons state for a simple reason: Iran's vital national interests dictate that she remain so.
As the largest Shiite nation with 80 million people, among the most advanced in the Mideast, Iran is predestined to become the preeminent power in the Persian Gulf. But on one condition: She avoid the great war with the United States that Saddam Hussein failed to avoid.
Iran shut down any bomb program it had because it does not want to share Iraq's fate of being smashed and broken apart into Persians, Azeris, Arabs, Kurds and Baluch, as Iraq was broken apart by the Americans into Sunni, Shiite, Turkmen, Yazidis and Kurds.
Tehran does not want war with us. It is the War Party in Washington and its Middle East allies — Bibi Netanyahu and the Saudi royals — who hunger to have the United States come over and smash Iran.
Thus, the Congressional battle to kill, or not to kill, the Iran nuclear deal shapes up as decisive in the Trump presidency.
Yet, even earlier collisions with Iran may be at hand.
In Syria's east, U.S.-backed and Kurd-led Syrian Democratic Forces are about to take Raqqa. But as we are annihilating ISIS in its capital, the Syrian army is driving to capture Deir Ezzor, capital of the province that sits astride the road from Baghdad to Damascus.
Its capture by Bashar Assad's army would ensure that the road from Baghdad to Damascus to Hezbollah in Lebanon remains open.
If the U.S. intends to use the SDF to seize the border area, we could find ourselves in a battle with the Syrian army, Shiite militia, the Iranians, and perhaps even the Russians.
Are we up for that?
In Iraq, the national army is moving on oil-rich Kirkuk province and its capital city. The Kurds captured Kirkuk after the Iraqi army fled from the ISIS invasion. Why is a U.S.-trained Iraqi army moving against a U.S.-trained Kurdish army?
The Kurdistan Regional Government voted last month to secede. This raised alarms in Turkey and Iran, as well as Baghdad. An independent Kurdistan could serve as a magnet to Kurds in both those countries.
Baghdad's army is moving on Kirkuk to prevent its amputation from Iraq in any civil war of secession by the Kurds.
Where does Iran stand in all of this?
In the war against ISIS, they were de facto allies. For ISIS, like al-Qaida, is Sunni and hates Shiites as much as it hates Christians. But if the U.S. intends to use the SDF to capture the Iraqi-Syrian border, Syria, Iran, Hezbollah and Russia could all be aligned against us.
Are we ready for such a clash?
We Americans are coming face to face with some new realities.
The people who are going to decide the future of the Middle East are the people who live there. And among these people, the future will be determined by those most willing to fight, bleed and die for years and in considerable numbers to realize that future.
We Americans, however, are not going to send another army to occupy another country, as we did Kuwait in 1991, Afghanistan in 2001, and Iraq in 2003.
Bashar Assad, his army and air force backed by Vladimir Putin's air power, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran, and Hezbollah won the Syrian civil war because they were more willing to fight and die to win it. And, truth be told, all had far larger stakes there than did we.
We do not live there. Few Americans are aware of what is going on there. Even fewer care.
Our erstwhile allies in the Middle East naturally want us to fight their 21st-century wars, as the Brits got us to help fight their 20th-century wars.
But Donald Trump was not elected to do that. Or so at least some of us thought.
Patrick J. Buchanan is the author of a new book, "Nixon's White House Wars: The Battles That Made and Broke a President and Divided America Forever."
DONATEA large majority of Germans reject the burqa. Some 81 percent of respondents in a representative survey conducted by polling institute Infratest dimap are in favor of banning the Islamic veil, which covers women completely from head to toe, in some public places.
More than half of Germans have an even more extreme view - 51 percent were in favor of banning the burqa entirely. Infratest dimap polled 1,008 German adults for public broadcaster ARD on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Roughly one-third of them (30 percent) support a partial ban of the veil for state employees and in school. Just 15 percent opposed any sort of burqa ban altogether.
The new poll also revealed what Germans see as priorities their politicians should tackle. Twenty-five percent of respondents said the most pressing topic was domestic security and the fight against terrorism, just 12 percent view migrant integration as a priority. Germany has been rocked by several small-scale terrorist attacks this summer.
Security expert Peter Neumann does not believe that banning the burqa would help make Germany safer.
"That's merely a feigned solution," Neumann, a professor of security studies at King's College London and director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, told news agency DPA. "I don't know of a single case in which a burqa ban stopped a terrorist attack or hindered someone's descent into terrorism."
Burqa not a part of an open Islam
Amid the renewed debate in Germany, some conservative politicians in the country are calling for a "burqa ban." State interior ministers of Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) want to ban veils like the burqa and the niqab in public places including schools, public authorities, court rooms and in traffic. In France, a law like this has been in effect since April 2011. The ministers also discussed prohibiting the veils altogether, but that idea was rejected by federal German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere (CDU).
"I think we should ban wearing a fully concealing veil in public by law," CDU politician Clemens Binninger told the weekly "Frankfurter Allgemeine Woche" newspaper. "Such a law would have great societal support and thus stands a good chance of garnering a political majority as well."
Tibi: Burqa ban isn't contrary to respecting an open, democratic Islam
Several Islamic scholars in Germany agree. They say the burqa and the niqab are not required in their religion and believe that the extreme veils hinder integration. Aziz Fooladvand, a Bonn sociologist and Islamic Studies scholar, told DW that facial coverings are common only in very strict interpretations of Sunni Islam, such as that practiced in Saudi Arabia. But in Egypt, for example, wearing a niqab is generally frowned upon.
Bassam Tibi, a former professor of international relations at the University of Göttingen, calls himself a "European Muslim" and says that he supports an open, liberal Islam. In an August op-ed for popular German tabloid "Bild," he wrote that he fully supported a burqa ban:
"A burqa ban would be a smart political measure against certain people sealing themselves off in parallel societies, for an integration that includes Muslim migrants and for the safety of the Federal Republic of Germany."
Women's decisions should be respected
While less than one-fifth of respondents in the Infratest dimap poll opposed the ban, there are voices speaking up against prohibiting veils like burqa or niqab in any way. Gabriele Boos-Niazy, chairwoman of the German Alliance of Muslim Women, believes that an adult woman should be allowed to make her own decisions - including what to wear.
Boos-Niazy: adults should be able to make their own decisions
When a German court this week prohibited a Muslim woman from wearing her niqab to night school classes, Boos-Niazy called the decision "patronizing and inappropriate."
Muslim-German blogger Hatice Kahraman writes that she doesn't know a single Muslim woman in Germany who wears the burqa and wonders why a debate is raging on "something that doesn't exist."
"In Germany, we haven't really understood the concept of being open toward other cultures yet," Kahraman writes. "If we're being honest, the debate surrounding the burqa is nothing but unnecessary fear mongering and provides another platform for racism."An elderly veteran was arrested at a county board meeting last Friday in Tennessee after asking the members to speak up.
Eddie Overholt, 76, can be heard in the clip above asking the Greene County Industrial Development Board, "Would y'all speak up until the whole audience can hear you?"
The contentious meeting over a plan to build a pipeline that would dump water into the Nolichucky River had been interrupted several times by audience members asking the board to speak louder. The members were not using microphones and some sat with their backs to the audience, the Greeneville Sun reported.
At other points, the meeting was interrupted by applause, laughter and shouts.
"If we have any more outbursts from the audience, you will be removed from the building," Green County Mayor Alan Broyles warned.
That's when Overholt, who can be seen on the video standing and leaning forward in an attempt to listen, made his request for the board to speak up.
Police quickly moved in, and a photo posted on Facebook showed Overholt being marched out of the room:
A video posted to Facebook showed Overholt being handcuffed and patted down.
Overholt was told he was being arrested for disrupting a public meeting.
"They're having a public meeting we couldn't even hear so that really doesn't make a public meeting I don't think," he said.
Overholt claims that what you didn't see on the tape was even more outrageous. Instead of arranging a car to bring him to the jail a short distance away, the arresting officer made him walk, he said. And when Overholt complained of back and hip pain and said he needed to sit or lean on something, he was charged with resisting arrest, according to a statement from Overholt cited by the Greeneville Sun.
"My right arm was numb. I did not know my elbow was bleeding. Another officer to my rear made the comment, "Maybe he needs some concrete time," Overholt was quoted as saying.On June 8, Google, Facebook, Yahoo and a host of other leading web companies will turn on a new way of running web addresses. The system, called IPv6, is designed to stop the world running out of the web addresses that underlie the locating of websites and devices. Currently, just 0.2 per cent of web users have access to the new protocol, however. 'World IPv6' Day is designed to encourage its adoption.
Vint Cerf, one of the web’s founding fathers, is leading a global campaign to encourage web service providers and IT managers to switch from the current system, IPv4, to IPv6. The new standard offers many trillions of new web addresses, but cannot be accessed from modems and routers that only use IPv4. It is likely, however, that most of the changes needed will take place without consumers losing access to any part of the web because they will be part of the standard software and hardware upgrade cycle.
The availability of new web addresses will, it is hoped, allow more connected devices, such as tablet computers, as well as permitting more mundane devices to gain web addresses. Mr Cerf gave the example of a cork in a wine bottle using a web address to tell its owner when the optimal time to drink it is and its location.
Writing on the Google Blog, Network Engineer Lorenzo Colitti said that “Google has been supporting IPv6 since early 2008, when we first began offering search over IPv6. Since then we’ve brought IPv6 support to YouTube and have been helping ISPs enable Google over IPv6 by default for their users. On World IPv6 Day, we’ll be taking the next big step. Together with major web companies such as Facebook and Yahoo!, we will enable IPv6 on our main websites for 24 hours.”
He added, however, that “Our current measurements suggest that the vast majority (99.95%) of users will be unaffected. However, in rare cases, users may experience connectivity problems, often due to misconfigured or misbehaving home network devices.”President Ronald Reagan secretly recorded some of his conversations with foreign leaders, discovered author William Doyle, who shared some of these never-heard tapes exclusively with The Post.
“Until now, taping was thought to have stopped in the Nixon era. I discovered that was not the case,” Doyle said.
The recordings from the White House Situation Room include Reagan trying to convince an intractable Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin to hold off the pullout of Israeli troops from Lebanon in 1983 until Lebanese forces can replace them; the president discussing the release of Western hostages in the Middle East with Pakistani President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, and a talk with Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, the father of Syria’s current dictator and the original “Butcher of Damascus”— whom he kept waiting for over 13 minutes while he finished up a horseback ride at his California ranch.
“Damascus is saying hurry up, what’s going on?” Assad’s frustrated translator says at one point before the conversation.
Doyle said Reagan recorded many, but not all, of his phone calls with heads of state through the Situation Room switchboard, so that an accurate record could be kept of conversations that often included translators and bad connections.
“There is no evidence that I have seen that Reagan audiotaped any other closed-door non-public White House business,” said Doyle.
The tapes — found in the Situation Room in response to 1987 congressional Iran-Contra inquiries — were routinely discarded or recorded over, but Doyle received them last week following a Freedom of Information Act request he made in 1996.
“The White House told Congress they were not relevant to the inquiry, and the tapes stayed in the White House, classified and unheard by any outsiders, until they were labeled, boxed and sent to the Reagan Library, where they remained classified,” said Doyle, co-author of “Navy SEALS: Their Untold Story,” a new book out this week, and co-producer of the companion PBS documentary special.
Steve Branch, an audiovisual archivist at the Reagan Presidential Library in California, said the tapes are the first audio recordings of White House Situation Room telephone conversations the library has released to date.
The five recordings, which Doyle said he selected because of their potential historical value, include two of Zia-ul-Haq — who died in a plane crash that was a suspected assassination in 1988 — who is exceedingly deferential to Reagan, repeatedly apologizing for potentially bothering him with the call about the Beirut hostage crisis of 1984. Reagan insists the hijackers not be appeased, “because I think we would just see more hijackings then and more terrorism.”
In another recording, Reagan profusely apologizes to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for not consulting with her before launching SEALs and other American forces into Grenada in October 1983.
“I guess it’s the first thing we have done since I’ve been president in which the secret was actually kept until it happened,” he notes.
Here are some excerpts from the Reagan tapes acquired by author William Doyle, who puts the calls in context for The Post:
Kith and Kin — Reagan and Thatcher
A deeply apologetic Reagan pours on the charm on Oct. 26, 1983 as he tries to assuage the anger of the British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who he knows is furious that he is invading Grenada without having consulted with her first. “It is a remarkable, secret presidential call, as Reagan is in the middle of a major presidential crisis, thousands of US troops are in motion into combat and he is talking without a script,” Doyle says. It’s also the first time Reagan ever led troops into combat, including the first major combat operation of the Navy SEALs after Vietnam.
Reagan: If I were there, Margaret, I’d throw my hat in the door before I came in.
Thatcher: There’s no need to do that.
Reagan: We regret very much the embarrassment that’s been caused you, and I would like to tell you what the story is from our end out here. I was awakened at 3 in the morning, supposedly on a golfing vacation down in Georgia. And was there with the secretary of state [George Shultz], so we met in pajamas out in the living room of our suite because of this urgent plea from the Organization of East Caribbean States pleading with us to support them in this thing in Grenada.
We immediately got a group going back here in Washington, which we shortly joined, on planning and so forth. It was literally a matter of hours. We were greatly concerned, because of a problem here — and not at your end at all — but here. We’ve had a nagging problem of a loose source, a leak, here. At the same time we had immediate surveillance — as well as we could without their knowing it was happening — on Cuba to make sure that we could get ahead of them if they were moving and indeed, they were making some tentative moves. They sent some kind of command personnel into the island there.
Incidentally, let me tell you that we were being so careful here that we didn’t even give a firm answer to the Caribbean States. We told them that we were planning, but we were so afraid of this source and what it would do; it could almost abort a mission, with the lives that could have endangered.
When word came of your concerns — by the time I got it — the zero hour had passed, and our forces were on their way. And of course the time difference made it later in the day when you learned of it. For us over here it was only 5:30 in the morning when they finally landed and at last we could talk plainly. But I want you to know it was no feeling on our part of lack of confidence at your end. It’s at our end.
And so, I guess it’s the first thing we have done since I’ve been president in which the secret was actually kept until it happened. But our military and the planning only had — I really have to call it a matter of hours — to put this together. I think they did a magnificent job. Your governor general [Sir Paul Scoon] there, we have him safe, and his wife. That was one of our primary goals was to immediately sequester him for his safety. So he is safe in our hands down there.
Thatcher: I know about sensitivity, because of the Falklands. That’s why I would not speak for very long even on the secret telephone to you. Because even that can be broken. I’m very much aware of sensitivities. The action is underway now and we just hope it will be successful.
(Later)
Reagan: I tell ya, those people on those other islands, they’re pretty remarkable. We’ve had here, when I made the announcement to the press here, that OK they’re on shore and D-Day has happened. And I had with me, Prime Minister Charles.
Thatcher: I know her. She’s a wonderful person.
Reagan: She certainly is. She’s captured our city by storm. She’s right up on the Hill meeting with some of our Congress right now. And then, Adams, from Barbados, we are getting him up here. We’ve got both of them on some of our television shows so they can talk to the people. We are getting him on, we’ve had her on. He’s a remarkable man also.
Thatcher: He’s a very remarkable man. He is a very cultured man and very wise. He’s been in politics a long time.
Reagan: Yes. You know she doesn’t have an army. She did away with an army completely. She has a police force. She told me that her constables in her police force were coming in from out in the country and asking her if they couldn’t go with the forces over there.
Thatcher: They wanted to help.
Reagan: They all feel — and dating from the days when they were under the Crown — she used the expression: kith and kin. I don’t know if that’s one of our expressions or one of yours.
Thatcher: It’s one of ours.
Reagan: Well, we still use it here. We still have the heritage. She used that several times to describe their feelings. They have no feeling of the people on the other islands being foreigners. They still think of themselves as all one group. We want to put them out ahead in helping with the restoration of a government, so there will be no taint of big old Uncle Sam trying to impose a government on them.
Thatcher: There is a lot of work to do yet, Ron.
Reagan: Oh, yes.
(Later)
Thatcher: I must return to this debate in the House. It is a bit tricky.
Reagan: All right. Go get ’em. Eat ’em alive.
‘We must not make the hijackers think they’ve won their goal’
This call in June 1985 is about TWA Flight 847, which was hijacked by Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad. “Reagan had two cards to play to try to free the hostages: the military card, as Navy SEALs and other US special forces prepared several times to rescue hostages in Lebanon but could never get good enough intelligence to confirm their exact whereabouts,” Doyle says. “And he had the diplomatic card, which he is trying to play here with Pakistan, which had influence in Lebanon with the Shia.”
Pakistani President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq: We have released a statement this afternoon in the press and also the media about conveying the concern of the people of Pakistan government... in this undue delay, and we have demanded immediate release of the hostages, and also we have at the same time conveyed that we hope that those Lebanese Shiites would be released by the government of Israel.
Reagan: Yes. Well, we must do that in a way that does not make the hijackers think that they have won their goal, because I think we would just see more hijackings then and more terrorism. But we believe that if they will return ours, and then I think the Israelis are prepared to also to deliver theirs. But not make it a kind of ransom at the moment.
Zia-ul-Haq: I entirely agree with you, Mr. President. And I must say that many of us here in Pakistan and also elsewhere in the world really appreciate the stand that you have taken. We admire you, Mr. President, and we salute you. And we hope that you will win because right must win.
Reagan: Well, thank you very much.
Making Assad wait
Reagan makes a call to Syrian President Hafez al-Assad in February 1985 to try to pressure him to resolve the Lebanon crisis. The language is mostly stilted, but Reagan still manages to get in a couple digs in.
Reagan was riding his horse at his California ranch and kept Assad waiting over 13 minutes. But Assad’s translator doesn’t give the president the exact explanation that Reagan staffers offer — which is that the president was horseback-riding — and instead simply tells Assad that Reagan apologizes and was on a “farm.”
“I’m sure he was enjoying that a lot more than the prospect of talking on the phone with the original Butcher of Damascus, who was known to have ordered the killing of at least 10,000 Syrian civilians in a single massacre, the 1982 slaughter at Hama, Syria,” Doyle says.
Reagan: Mr. President, let me take this opportunity to extend my congratulations on your re-election to a new term as president of Syria.
That was ironic, Doyle notes, since Syria was a one-party dictatorship and police state with rigged elections.
“Over the years, Assad frequently teased American leaders with the promise of progress with Syria on regional matters, but such progress rarely occurred,” he added.
‘A call I did not want to make’
Menachem Begin — who was among the toughest and most difficult negotiators among American allies — balks at doing what the president is asking him to do, which is to delay an Israeli tactical withdrawal from certain positions in the Chouf mountains in Lebanon until Lebanese forces could replace them in February 1983. It shows Reagan trying to maneuver the explosive chess pieces of a Mideast crisis that included the US Navy SEALs as part of multinational peacekeeping force; the Israeli, Lebanese and Syrian armies; the PLO; and multiple militias and terrorist factions.
Begin can’t bring himself to say no to Reagan — and instead will have his defense minister tell the Americans that they are pulling out.
“It is also an astonishing recording as it captures a moment in the death of Menachem Begin’s political career. He was deeply depressed over the disastrous war in Lebanon and by the death the previous year of his beloved wife. He was also plagued with heart trouble and other health problems. Months later he decided to resign, that October he left office a broken man, and after that rarely left his house until the day he died. On the tape, you can hear the pathos of the moment in Begin’s voice,” Doyle said.
Reagan: It’s a call that I have resisted making and did not want to mak,e and I know what has been taking place there. And the only reason I am making this call now is because the situation has changed in the five days since you willingly agreed to delay and we all had hoped that its all we had to ask of you. But there’s been great progress along some lines there.
... But physically, they need several more days before they can move into the Chouf. And I’m sure you are aware of the massacre that has taken place there — the men, women and children in that Christian village that were massacred. And I’m afraid of the instigation of the Syrians, we know enough, as I’m sure you know, that the Syrians are very much involved in all of this.
And so, here I am now asking you the one thing you told me not to ask you and that is, could you delay a few more days in that withdrawal until the Lebanese army can free itself from Beirut and move into the Chouf.
Begin: Ron, I just spoke to the foreign minister who has held Jerusalem and now he is also the defense minister. He came back from Lebanon. I know that the evacuation had to start tonight...
I will get in touch with our defense minister... any minute... and then I’ll get in touch with you. Because what I want to say now is that the two previous delays which we accepted only because you asked us to do so, that we knew it will create resentment... as a result of that experience I really express the hope... that we will not have to delay again.Salah signals start of Reds’ summer spending
With Mohamed Salah joining the ranks, Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool Football Club are gearing up for a busy summer.
He is a player for fans of Liverpool Football Club to get very excited about.
Mohamed Salah will officially become an LFC player on July 1, having joined from AS Roma last week, and already the signing of the Egyptian is making waves around Anfield.
The 25-year-old former Chelsea FC winger has seen his career flourish – first at ACF Fiorentina, |
lema also provides another Dutch hope – although it is unsure if he will have much support as Trek’s team is split between stage hunting for Nizzolo and Stuyven and Mollema’s GC aspirations.
Ilnur Zakarin was another bad luck recipient of last year’s Giro, breaking his collarbone on a descent while placed 5th overall. Descending is definitely a weakness of his, and in a Giro where there are lots of climbs, what goes up must come down. BMC’s Tejay Van Garderen is probably hoping to try and reclaim his position as BMC’s main GT rider, and a strong performance here will do that. He could definitely top 5, although a few more TT miles and a few less climbs that suit the pure climbers would suit him better. Adam Yates of Orica is on hot form after a 4th place in Catalunya and a strong LBL, and while his brother tore up Romandie, he will want better last year’s TDF performance and truly affirm himself as Orica’s go to GT rider.
And you can’t go talking favourites without mentioning Team Sky’s co-leaders Mikel Landa and Geraint Thomas. While I am not a huge fan of the dual leader squads (looking at BMC…), it could work out. I’m skeptical – on paper Landa is better but Thomas is on form – but it allows them to attack for each other and they could really fight it in a two-headed way.
There are so many guys I didn’t mention. I gave Cannondale a pretty big talk up in my team preview of them, they have a lot of fire power. Rui Costa could get a top 10, Jan Barta for Bora and Jungels for Quickstep will want to be in pink this year not white. But, there’s only one guy for me this year…
My Pick: Nairo Quintana, by about 3 minutes.
Maglia Bianca – The White Jersey
I can see only a two way battle for this. The white jersey wearer is often a GC hopeful for a team who brought two riders, but two teams brought their GC hopeful as their team leaders, so that makes it an easy to pick from, but hard to pick between.
First, in the blue corner, Bob Jungels of Quickstep, who has already been mentioned above, won the Maglia Bianca last year in a very successful Giro campaign for Quickstep. After an 8th place at Romandie, another white jersey win at Tirreno and half-decent Ardennes performances, he will be coming in eyeing off pink but happy with white in the end.
Next, in the slightly darker blue corner, Adam Yates of Orica comes in as sole leader after brother Simon pulled out after Romandie. Everyone will remember his 4th place at the TDF last year, and this year he has struck more form, with 3 top 5s at Tirreno, 4th on GC at Catalunya, a win at GP Industria and 8th at LBL. He is in a bit of good form, but hasn’t had the amount of prep as Jungels. Jungels also just finished Romandie, and with a relatively quick turn around, Jungels’ freshness will also play a part. In the end though, it’ll be tight.
My Pick: Toss a coin. Heads, Jungels. Tails, Yates.
Maglia Ciclamino – The Sprint Jersey
The course this year is so harsh that I would be surprised if any sprinters made it to Milan. And in saying that, the Sprint Jersey at this year’s Giro is going to be a breakaway jersey in my opinion. Usually there are a few teams who target these kinds of jerseys: PCT teams, Dimension Data, Astana, and the other ‘lower’ WT teams, so I’m going to be targeting those mostly.
Omar Fraile is coming off the back of a great Tour de Yorkshire, and you could almost pencil him into every break this Giro. He is bound to win one of the jerseys – he is a good climber but also a good puncheur. Riders like Davide Villella and Marco Marcato, who are great puncheurs might be targeting this too.
Sprinters wise, I can only see two sprinters possibly staying in the whole race: Giacomo Nizzolo and Sacha Modolo. I can see the latter definitely making a move for the Sprint jersey, he took two stages at Croatia recently as well as the points jersey. Speaking of people winning points jerseys, Nicola Ruffoni won the Sprint jersey at Croatia and is racing here too for Bardiani, while Alex Edmondson came third in the race for Green at Romandie and after some brilliant time trialling will be looking to help the Orica boys (but I can’t see him going for the points jersey).
From the wildcard teams, Filippo Pozzato could be in with a chance, but I doubt it. Simone Ponzi of CCC probably won’t make it to the finale in Milan, while Gazprom will probably put all their eggs into the Firsanov GC basket for the race. I’m torn between two riders for this, but I think one’s form is better than another’s and I think he can last longer.
My Pick: Omar Fraile…just.
Maglia Azzurra – The Mountains Jersey
This will go the mountain goat escapees of the peloton, or one of the GC riders. Given the number of climbs in the race, I wouldn’t be surprised if it went to a GC rider who is trying to attack and make up time. Focusing on riders I haven’t covered though:
Paolo Tiralongo of Astana is a veteran of the peloton and a great climber. Given that Astana have free will over the whole Giro, I would love to see him target the GPMs and try and go for the jersey while in the break instead of the GC leaders sucking up all the points. In a similar vein, Jeremy Roy of FDJ does find himself in the break quite a bit and does have good climbing ability. It’s hard to see anyone outside these two contesting the GC leaders for the mountains jersey though, but I think one of them will win it.
My Pick: Paolo Tiralongo – for Scarpa.
Anyone else ready for the next 24 days? Sure as hell I am! Starting after the first rest day, I’ll be doing daily previews for every stage, which will be posted here, on Reddit, Twitter and FB. Be sure to keep up! For now, I’m out.
~The Cycling Raven
AdvertisementsJimmy Kimmel and ABC have apologized, but that didn’t stop hundreds of people from gathering outside ABC’s Burbank headquarters on Saturday to protest the recent comments about killing Chinese people on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” last month.
Kimmel has apologized on-air and yanked the Oct. 16 segment in which he and a group of young children jokingly discuss killing Chinese people as a means of dealing with the U.S. debt crisis. The incident has spurred the Roundtable of Chinese-American Organizations, a small Rosemead, Calif.-based outfit, to organize protests in numerous cities, including Raleigh, North Carolina, Phoenix and Boston.
The backlash to “Jimmy Kimmel Live” was swift enough after the segment aired to quickly gather 100,000 signatures needed for an online petition to qualify for a White House response as part of the Obama administration’s We the People initiative. The response is pending.
ABC had no comment on Saturday’s protests. Kimmel has also met privately with Chinese-American reps to hear their concerns about the segment.Image: Victoria’s Secret
Buzzfeed writers decided to re-create a Victoria’s Secret photo shoot on a beautiful beach in Malibu. They each chose a model and attempted to replicate her pose — with interesting results.
h/t: buzzfeed, viralsocially
Image: Buzzfeed
Nina
Images: Victoria’s Secret – buzzfeed.com
“Don’t compare yourself to the model. Very few of us are the model.”
Allison
Images: Victoria’s Secret – buzzfeed.com
“I think everyone should get photographed on the beach in a bathing suit at some point in their life… it is a really fun experience that kind of helps you to get over any insecurities.”
Sheridan
Images: Victoria’s Secret – buzzfeed.com
“You don’t have to look like Behati to wear a swimsuit. Do what makes you happy and you’ll be OK in the end.”
Lara
Images: Victoria’s Secret – buzzfeed.com
“We may not all be models, but the world is a runway for ALL of us.”
Kirsten
Images: Victoria’s Secret – buzzfeed.com
“Having airbrushed skin and zero fat doesn’t make you beautiful, having confidence and radiating that confidence makes you beautiful — flaws and all.”
Kristin
Images: Victoria’s Secret – buzzfeed.com
“It’s really hard to be objective about your own body — so when someone says something nice about you, you should believe them.”Reuters is reporting that Russian hackers were able to spy on computers used by NATO, the European Union and the Ukraine, as well as private companies, thanks to a security flaw in Windows.
Security firm iSight Partners claims that Russian hackers have been attempting to gain information relating to the Ukraine crisis. However, in August it began exploiting a vulnerability in Windows—which Microsoft is now aware of—that allowed it to peer into computers used by NATO, the EU and various energy and telecommunications companies.
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This is, apparently, the latest event in a five-year campaign by the Russian hacking group, which has been nicknamed the "Sandworm Team" due to references to "Dune" in its code. In the past, it's used phishing attacks and other holes to gain access to data.
iSight Partners isn't sure what data has been seen on NATO and EU computers this time round, nor whether the hackers are employed by the Russian government. It does, however, believe that this was definitely espionage rather than crime—largely due to the targets involved. [Reuters]"I tell my supervisors the train is unsafe but the supervisors try to force you to take the train out," a train operator and union member said.
Jackie Jeter, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union local 689, addresses Metro workers and union members during a rally in D.C. Saturday, July 30, 2016. “Transit lives matter, too,” she says. (WTOP/Dick Uliano)
"I tell my supervisors the train is unsafe but the supervisors try to force you to take the train out," a train operator and union member said.
WASHINGTON— At the Lutheran Church of the Reformation on Capitol Hill on Saturday, every pew was filled with members of the Amalgamated Transit Union local 689 and their supporters. It was standing room only as Metro workers gathered for a mid-day rally to make their voices heard.
“They talk about us in a bad light, and everyone I know in the track department feels that it’s not fair to us,” said Marlo Franklin, a Metro worker and ATU member. “We would like for the politicians and WMATA to appreciate what we’re doing.”
Metro riders complain about delays and lackluster service, while federal investigators have criticized Metro for safety lapses.
But Metro workers say they are being unfairly singled out for the problems at the transit agency.
“I tell my supervisors the train is unsafe but the supervisors try to force you to take the train out,” said Dion Baker, a train operator and member of ATU.
The unionized Metro workers, who included railcar mechanics, bus operators and car cleaners, wore bright red T-shirts emblazoned with the seal of their local featuring D.C. landmarks plus a Metrobus and train.
The union workers demanded respect and dedicated funding for the transit agency. They also said that Metro needs to hear their recommendations for boosting safety, that they wanted a halt to efforts aimed at privatizing some services and that they wanted promises of protection for their pensions.
Modifying a familiar refrain heard these days, ATU local president Jackie Jeter drew cheers when she proclaimed, “Transit lives matter, too.”
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© 2016 WTOP. All Rights Reserved.From Rich Lowry writing at Politico:
Donald Trump’s rise in the polls is inextricably linked to the issue of immigration.
He probably wouldn’t have achieved liftoff without it, and now that his campaign has entered a new phase of semi-attempted seriousness, it is fitting that an immigration plan is the first policy proposal he has committed to paper.
There is no doubt The Donald is an accidental immigration hawk. After the 2012 election, he was scolding Mitt Romney for using the term “self-deportation” because it was too harsh. Trump’s journey is obvious: He made an inflammatory statement in his announcement speech — not quite realizing what he was getting into — and has followed the logic of the controversy to a full-throated immigration restrictionism.
His immigration plan has occasioned the predictable horror that he might pull the Republican field to the right on immigration, or that the other candidates might pander to him. Both are outcomes to be wished for, rather than avoided.
Amid the bar-stool bombast about deporting all illegal immigrants already here (a logistical, economic and humanitarian impossibility) and other characteristically Trumpian excesses is the core of a program that is more sensible than the “comprehensive” solution offered by the political establishment.
What Trump offers is an entirely different framework for considering the issue. It is populist rather than elitist, and nationalist rather than cosmopolitan. It rejects the status quo rather than attempting to codify it. It puts enforcement first and dares to ask whether current high levels of legal immigration serve the country’s interest. In short, it takes a needed sledgehammer to the lazy establishment consensus on immigration.Organic Shaving Soaps
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Zmirak, an editor of James Robison’s website The Stream, has warned of such things as “gay Sharia” in America and suggested that the Senate block all Democratic Supreme Court nominees until a Republican is elected president. (Both of these things might actually endear him to Cruz, who is a notorious obstructionist and once warned of the gay “jihad.”)
Some of Zmirak’s greatest hits:
He warned of the imminent genocide of American Christians, saying that Christians are “going to see ourselves reduced to the status of second-class citizens the way Christians are in countries like Egypt and Syria.”
He called for boycotts of Apple and Walmart after the companies opposed “right to discriminate” laws in Indiana and Arkansas, saying that Christians shouldn’t patronize “companies that want to persecute us.”
He claimed that gay rights are a greater threat to the U.S. than ISIS and are imposing “gay Sharia.”
In praising the Center for Medical Progress’ smear on Planned Parenthood, he said approvingly, “If that continues, they’re going to need to put police in front of Planned Parenthood clinics to keep them safe and intact because the public outrage will just be so great.” After a gunman did attack a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado, Zmirak claimed that “if terrorism and violence become an issue in the abortion debate, it will be the pro-choicers attacking pro-lifers and attacking churches.”Employers know that dramatic changes in the workplace, such as the start of the "busy season" or a new, more demanding boss, can cause employees to act out in ways that hurt the bottom line. But a new study suggests that companies may be underestimating the impact of such behavior because they assume it only happens immediately after a stressful change.
The research from SF State organizational psychologist Kevin Eschleman shows that many employees wait weeks or months before engaging in "counterproductive work behaviors," like taking a longer lunch or stealing office supplies. As a result, this behavior, which by some estimates costs businesses billions of dollars annually, may actually be far more expensive.
"People don't just respond immediately with these deviant behaviors. They may also have a delayed response that isn't caught by the organization," said Eschleman, an assistant professor of psychology. "That means the organization is not taking into account long-term costs associated with these delayed behaviors."
Psychologists have known that high levels of workplace stress lead to counterproductive work behaviors, but previous research had primarily looked at snapshots in time: an employee's response at one specific moment to his or her current level of stress. Eschleman and his colleagues wanted to know how and when employees handled changes in workplace stress, as well as whether workers' personalities affected their response.
Researchers surveyed employees in a variety of career fields three times over six months about stress at work and asked if they had engaged in various counterproductive work behaviors, or CWBs. They found that, as expected, increases in stress led to immediate increases in CWBs. But they also found something that is not often recognized by organizations: Some people who did not engage in such behavior at first nevertheless did so some weeks or months later.
"Maybe you don't have the opportunity to engage in these deviant behaviors right away, and you want to wait until no one is around," Eschleman said. "Or maybe you think you can cope right away, but then down the road you end up engaging in these behaviors."
That effect was especially seen in workers considered to be more "agreeable" (those who are cooperative, good-natured and trusting of the organization) or more "conscientious" (those who are ambitious, responsible and abide by ethical principles). While these individuals were less likely to engage in counterproductive behaviors initially, they were just as likely -- and the research suggests may be even more likely -- to do so later on.
Why? According to Eschleman, these workers have more "resources" available to help them cope with the increased stress, at least at first. For agreeable workers, that means there are more friends and other kinds of support to buck them up during tough times. Conscientious workers, for their part, receive more tangible benefits. Employers tend to invest money, benefits and more in employees they view as hard workers.
An effective training program, for instance, can make adjusting to a new computer system easier. Eventually, though, the added stress will win out for many: "Your personality might influence how you try to cope initially, but if things are bad for a really long time, it doesn't matter what your personality is. At the end of the day, you're going to do these deviant things," Eschleman said.
Companies should take care to tailor programs to help employees deal with stress, he added, since the research shows personality can complicate how and when employees respond.
"The moderating effects of personality on the relationship between change in work stressors and change in counterproductive work behaviors" by Kevin J. Eschleman, Nathan A. Bowling and David LaHuis was published online Oct. 3 in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology and can be read at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joop.12090/abstract.
-- Jonathan MoralesMany system-security technologies have been introduced in recent years, such as address-space layout randomization (ASLR), data execution prevention (DEP), sandboxing or attack-surface reduction. Rather than seeking to eliminate security vulnerabilities, these technologies generally aim to make them harder to exploit. However, so far it has been difficult to measure the effectiveness of these techniques in reducing attacks and in improving security.
We defined several metrics that reflect the state of security in the field, as experienced by end-users [RAID 2014]. These metrics are derived from the typical telemetry collected by security products (e.g. anti-virus software, intrusion-protection systems). The exploitation ratio is the count of vulnerabilities exploited in real-world attacks (not just proof-of-concept exploits) divided by the count of vulnerabilities disclosed publicly for a software product. The exercised attack surface of a host is the number of distinct vulnerabilities (which correspond to distinct intrusion vectors) that are exploited on a host in a given month; in other words, this metric varies from month to month, depending on which fraction of the attack surface is targeted by cyber attackers. The survival probability (or “no exploit” probability) is a time-dependent function describing the likelihood that no exploits will be attempted against the product up to x months after the product was installed.
By evaluating these metrics using data available on the WINE platform, we can observe how the cyber threat landscape has changed following the introduction of certain security technologies. In general, we found that only 15% of the known vulnerabilities are exploited in the wild, and that none of the products we analyzed has an exploitation ratio higher than 35%. While the coexistence of several security mechanisms in a product makes it difficult to measure the individual impact of each mechanism, it is interesting to note that improvements in our metrics are often associated with the introduction of system security technologies. For example, after the release of Internet Explorer 7 and Adobe Reader 10, we observed a notable decrease in the exploitation ratio and an improvement in the survival probability for those products. Both releases introduced a sandbox, which adds an additional layer of defense by containing malicious code and by preventing elevated privilege execution on the user’s system. IE 7 also removed support for older technologies, like DirectAnimation, XBM, DHTML editing control, in an attempt to reduce the attack surface. More findings are included in our paper [RAID 2014].
Interestingly, there is some anecdotal evidence suggesting that cyber criminals are starting to feel the effects of this scarcity of exploits. While zero-day exploits are usually employed in stealthy and targeted attacks, in 2013 the author of the Blackhole exploit kit advertised a $100,000 budget for purchasing zero-day exploits. The zero-day exploit for CVE-2013-3906 was nicknamed the “dual-use exploit” after being employed both for targeted attacks and for delivering botnet-based malware.
Paper: [RAID 2014]
Presentation:
ReferencesTennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander, R, fired his chief of staff on Wednesday after the staffer's personal residence was searched in connection to a child pornography investigation.
NBC's Kelly O'Donnell reports on an investigation into Sen. Lamar Alexander's chief of staff for allegations involving child pornography.
Alexander, a veteran senator who's up for re-election in 2014, said that law enforcement agents had conducted a search this morning of the residence of Ryan Loskarn. Alexander announced earlier in the day that Loskarn had been placed on administrative leave, and later released a statement to announce had been let go.
“The courts will judge Mr. Loskarn’s guilt or innocence, but under these circumstances, he cannot continue to fulfill his duties as chief of staff of this office. Therefore, as of today, I have removed him from the payroll,” Alexander said in a statement.
Alexander's legislative director, David Cleary, was promoted to the position.
A chief of staff is typically the most senior staff position in a congressional office. That role carries even more import in an office like Alexander's, which carries a degree of seniority and influence with it.
U.S. Postal Inspectors conducted the raid.
“The Postal Inspectors Service was involved in a law enforcement action in Southeast DC," a spokesman for the agency told NBC News, declining further comment.
NBC News' Kasie Hunt contributed reporting.
This story was originally published onDUSHANBE (Reuters) - Tajikistan has blocked access to Facebook in response to a slew of comments spreading “mud and slander” about veteran President Imomali Rakhmon and officials in the Central Asian republic.
The sun rises behind the entrance sign to Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, May 18, 2012. REUTERS/Beck Diefenbach
The ban on the popular social networking site is the latest crackdown on dissent in Tajikistan a year before an election that could extend Rakhmon’s two-decade rule.
Beg Zukhurov, head of the state-run communications service that is enforcing the ban - the second time Tajikistan has blocked Facebook this year - accused unnamed donors of paying users to post negative comments about “respected figures”.
“The best representatives of the public - among them academics, doctors and important cultural figures - are tired of the stream of mud and slander that flows from the website called Facebook,” Zukhurov told Reuters by telephone on Tuesday.
“With this public support, a decision was taken to block this site, where some people are receiving $5,000 to $10,000 for every critical comment that they post.”
He did not offer any evidence for this allegation or say who might be funding these posts.
Rakhmon has ruled since 1992 in Tajikistan, an impoverished ex-Soviet republic of 7.5 million people lying on a major transit route for Afghan drugs to Europe and Russia.
Victory in a November 2013 election would give the 60-year-old former cotton farm boss a further seven years in charge of a country still finding its way after a civil war in the 1990s that killed tens of thousands.
In recent months, the government has turned its attention to damping down dissent by creating a volunteer-run body to monitor Internet use and reprimand those who openly criticize the government.
WARY OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Tighter Internet controls echo measures taken by other former Soviet republics in Central Asia, where authoritarian rulers are wary of the role social media played in revolutions in the Arab world and mass protests in Russia.
Tajikistan authorities have also launched a crackdown on religious groups and imprisoned more than 150 people in the last three years on charges of extremism and attempting to subvert the constitution.
Officials have blocked access to Facebook before, for the same reason. The site was shut for 10 days in March, prompting criticism from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Facebook’s popularity has soared in Tajikistan. Membership has trebled to more than 40,000 over the last 18 months.
“Does Facebook have an owner? I’d like to speak to him,” Zukhurov said. “Let him come here and meet me in my office.”
Zafar Abdullayev, a political analyst in the capital Dushanbe, said he believed the ban reflected concerns about rising public criticism ahead of the presidential election.
“We can expect to see more steps to restrict freedom of speech on the Internet, as the authorities have made no secret of the fact they see a real threat in social networking sites,” he said.
The website of Russian news agency RIA Novosti and state-run television channel Rossiya-24 were also blocked along with Facebook in March, and access has not been restored.
Some Internet users in Tajikistan, however, have installed software that allows them to circumvent the blockage.1) I had brunch on Sunday in Chinatown with a friend who works in local television news. He complained that the Occupy Wall Street people had sent over video that they said showed demonstrators getting maced. It didn’t show any such thing, my friend insisted. After brunch I walked over to occupied Zuccotti Park (two blocks north of Wall Street) and told somebody at the Media table that they had to be careful about claiming more for their video than it actually showed. Then I went home and looked at the video, and it clearly showed several young women, who presented no physical threat, getting wrapped up by police in a plastic net and pepper sprayed in the face.
2) My friend’s other complaint about Occupy Wall Street was that they didn’t have a list of demands. Nobody knows what they want, said my friend. It is true that they don’t have a policy statement yet, nothing to spoonfeed the corporate press. But they are trying. On Saturday night, I sat through their General Assembly meeting in the park and heard the report of the One Demand Working Group. Basically, they wanted to demand that other autonomous groups in other cities join them. Most of the General Assembly pointed their hands down and wiggled their fingers, meaning disapproval (in a supportive way). Several people said that you can’t demand solidarity from an autonomous group, you can only encourage it. And everyone seemed to think the language wasn’t “provocative” or “funny,” which meant it had way too much Process jargon and not enough Anglo Saxon monosyllables. It was suggested (not decided) that the One Demand Working Group try another draft and perhaps combine their efforts with the Principles of Solidarity Working Group.
3) The Process is how stuff gets worked out when you don’t have leaders, only Facilitators who facilitate group decisions. There are lots of Facilitators, so the police can’t nail anyone as a leader, not that anyone would want a leader anyway.
4) The Ad Hoc Caucus of Non-Male Identified Individuals wanted help writing a letter to Stephen Colbert, who had done a report that focused on a Non-Male Identified Individual who was in a state of disrobe while protesting Wall Street on the sidewalk. The report featured only interviews with Male Identified Individuals commenting on the naked Non-Male Identified Individual. The Ad Hoc Caucus of Non-Male Identified Individuals wanted Colbert to rectify this imbalance. Male Bodied Individuals, who were not wholly Male Identified, were welcome at the meeting of the Ad Hoc Caucus of Non-Male Identified Individuals.
5) I think that the corporate press has a difficult time understanding Occupy Wall Street because, like 99% of Americans, they have no experience with democracy. They spend most of their time enslaved by large totalitarian collectives known as “corporations” and have never once decided anything for themselves as a group of equal workers. Instead they follow orders and write about elections, which are big puppet shows financed and scripted by Wall Street.
6) Most journalists wouldn’t know democracy if it bit them on the ass.
7) In 1991, Charles Bufe wrote a great book called Alcoholics Anonymous: Cult or Cure? (See Sharp Press). Bufe found the 12 Steps unacceptably irrational with their emphasis on God, but he strongly endorsed the 12 Traditions as a model of anarchist organization. After all, AA has been around since 1935, it has millions of dysfunctional members, it very self consciously has no leaders, and it is by far the largest anarchist group in the world. Zuccotti Park is a lot like a big AA meeting for the purpose of sweeping Wall Street into the dustbin of history.
8) Occupy Wall Street is living proof that people can organize around egalitarian principles and do things for themselves, thereby demonstrating in real time that the moguls who cook numbers in the skyscrapers around them are at best useless and at worst lethally dangerous. Just look at the guy from the Sanitation Working Group who zips around on his skateboard sweeping cigarette butts into the dustbin of history. Nobody ordered him to do it, and the sidewalk is remarkably clean.
9) No Woodstock-esque mountain of garbage for this generation.
10) At the southeast corner of Zucotti Park, there’s a four-story red/orange sculpture built with I-beams. It looks like a giant Nazi tank trap on the beach at Normandy. At the northwest corner, there’s a cherry-picker with a bullet-proof cab on top, which takes cops up and down to observe the park. It seems useless, since the park is surrounded by cops who can see everything, anyway. Maybe the cops use the cherry-picker to take naps. They seem pretty bored amidst all their paddy wagons, flashing lights and high tech anti-terrorist doodads. It makes for a vibe just outside the park that is a cross between 1984 and War of the Worlds. Inside the park, rumors abound about when the police might clear the place. So far, Mayor Bloomberg appears to think he can wait them out by making life as uncomfortable as possible (No tents! No structures of any kind! No writing in chalk on the sidewalk!).
11) I met a couple who drove from North Carolina to be part of the protest. I met a “student and seasonal worker” from Oregon who bought a one-way plane ticket to New York. I met a drummer with a Masters degree in urban planning, a lot of debt and no job. I met a topless Non-Male Identified Individual who had wrapped a python around herself. I met a lot of people from the surrounding neighborhood who were bringing food and money and a desire to chat. People from overseas were phoning in orders of pizza for everybody (a neat trick from the occupation in Madison). Everything was transparent except for last names. Last names weren’t cool. You didn’t want informers figuring out who to target for arrest.
12) If you want to make a ruckus and annoy the ruling class, I would suggest you go to Zuccotti Park during the day. If you want some wonderful free entertainment at night, I’d suggest you go at 7 p.m. and catch the General Assembly. Then wander around and talk to people who want to change the world. If you get arrested, call the National Lawyers Guild at 212-679-6018. Write that number on your arm, because the police take all your stuff when they put you jail.
13) On Sunday night I saw a terrific band (Megafaun) at Mercury Lounge and walked down Broadway for my second trip of the day to Zuccotti Park. Nice warm night. No rain. A few hundred people in little groups around the park. Very little noise in the Wall Street area at that time, just the hum of intense conversation. If you want to talk about something that matters, this is probably the best place in America.
“I hitchhiked here from Maine,” said Troy Thibodeau (last name used by permission) under the giant Nazi tank trap sculpture. He was 47 years old, had long hair, shapeless jeans and dried paint on his sneakers. It was about 2 a.m. “If the police think we’ll go home just because they’re making things difficult, then the police don’t know how difficult things are at home. I’m eating better here, with all the donations and stuff. Back in 2008, I was so depressed that I wanted to kill myself. The only thing that stopped me was I couldn’t figure out how to do it without hurting my family. You don’t want to leave people with that thought about you.
“I was a handyman in Ft. Lauderdale for 24 years. All the work dried up in 2008 when the economy collapsed, and somebody stole my drum kit. I used to play in a band, Spontaneous Combustion, and be out all night, then get up after an hour’s sleep and dig post holes all day. Didn’t think anything about it, until it all just ended. Finally, I called my brother and said, ‘I got nothing. I’m on the street.’ He let me move into his attic in Maine, and he let me use a computer, for the first time ever. Oh man, I went down every rabbit hole doing research on that computer, learned the truth about the scumbags who work in these office buildings. Now I spend every nickel I got on making DVDs and printing flyers, trying to get the word out. In a couple days, I’m going back to Maine for the Harvest Festival. Then I’ll go to Washington on October 6 for that demonstration, or come back here. If you’re depressed, protesting is the best possible thing to do. This is how I’m going to spend the rest of my life. The only way I could be happier right now is if I was getting a blow job.”
See Charles Young’s first report on the occupation of Wall Street here.When Metal Goes Acoustic: Disturbed On Covering Simon & Garfunkel
Enlarge this image toggle caption Travis Shinn/Courtesy of the artist Travis Shinn/Courtesy of the artist
In 2009, the heavy metal band Disturbed received a Grammy nomination for its song "Inside The Fire," a hard-hitting, emotional track delivered with aggressive guitar riffs and raspy singing.
Recently, the band received another Grammy nomination, but this time it was for a song with a very different sound: an acoustic cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "The Sound of Silence." Lead singer David Draiman says the band's drummer, Mike Wengren, had the idea: "It had been something that his family had played in the background when it was time to do the chores at home," Draiman says.
Once they'd settled on the song, the group's guitar player, Dan Donegan, urged his bandmates to depart from their signature sound in favor of something gentler. Melodic singing wasn't out of the question for Draiman: When he was young, he trained to be a cantor, the singer who leads a Jewish congregation in prayer.
YouTube
"I hadn't attempted to go to that spot of my vocal ability for many years," he says. "Listening to the way my vocals sounded in that beautiful bed of music — and not having heard my voice in that way for so long — it was really just very, very overwhelming."
Disturbed's latest album, Immortalized, is out now. Hear more from Draiman at the audio link.House Republicans passed legislation on Thursday that would deny federal funds to sanctuary cities.
The bill, passed 241-179, would withhold certain federal law enforcement grants to cities that have policies designed to shelter illegal immigrants from deportation.
Sanctuary cities have come under heavy scrutiny in the wake of Kathryn Steinle’s death on July 1 in San Francisco. Authorities charged Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez with her killing. Lopez-Sanchez, who is in the U.S. illegally, has a history of felony convictions and has been deported five times.
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Critics of the sanctuary laws say such policies encourage people to immigrate to the U.S. illegally at the expense of citizens.
“A refuge for whom? A sanctuary for whom?” Rep. Trey Gowdy Harold |
day and dress myself exactly like Dennis Rodman.'
He also brought his 'family' onstage to publicly thank them.NEW DELHI: Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on India being an economy which is trying to get it right does not fit well with incidents like that of love jihad and killings. "I think there are always issues on the fringe. I think the Finance Minister has said very clearly that these tend to distract rather than contribute. And clearly these are certainly worrisome features which have to be dealt with on the basis of law and order and so on."The emphasis that Prime Minister and Finance Minister have been putting on this being an economy which is trying to get it right and move forward on sustainable basis. I think that does not fit well with these kinds of incidents. And we need to figure out the way to reduce and certainly, I think, there is law and order issue there," he told Karan Thapar on India Today channel. He was asked whether India's image was being impacted on incidents like love jihad, conversion, ghar vapsi and the recent killings, an apparent reference to the murder of a man in Dadri in Uttar Pradesh over rumours of eating beef.Replying to questions on his relationship with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Rajan said it "has been of the highest order ever since he moved into the office that was when I first met him." "It has been great. I think these reports of differences tend to exaggerate and sometime over-complicate what is essentially a very strong relationship," he said.He said the media tends to emphasise differences rather than the large areas of commonality under competitive pressure for news.Asked if he was open to a second term after 11 months when his term comes to an end, he said it was a hypothetical question. "I have not been offered one. We will cross the bridge when we come to it."On his larger than expected 0.50% cut in interest rate last week, Rajan said it was part of the process of getting investment. Asked if the rate cut was enough to boost growth rate, he said, "The real deficiency in our economy today is private investment is not picking up as it should at this stage of the cycle. The key concern of policy maker is how to get it started. How we get it going."These are some of my favorites from conferences I've either been to lately, have watched online, or were recommended to me (in which case they aren't always super recent). I link up the playlist of videos from the conference the talk was at where I can, as your taste in talks may be different than mine.
I like the idea of popping stuff like this on the ol' TV at night sometimes rather than whatever mindless garbage I normally watch.
In Defense of the Floppy Disk by Lis Pardi
Perhaps you've heard the line of thinking that we should ditch the floppy disk icon for "save" actions, since it's so outdated. Lis digs into that a recent talk (slides) at Madison+ UX.
From the same conference, I also very much enjoyed Pamela Pavliscak's talk GenZ and the Future of Technology about how the kids are using tech these days.
Steal This Talk by Wilson Miner
Sharing! Collaboration! From a Creative Mornings.
Content in Context is King by Derek Featherstone
There is so much you can do with content that most of us don't do. Derek is full of practical ideas here that are all reasonable and doable.
Video is not embeddable, so watch it here and see more videos from An Event Apart.
Nine Things I've Learned by Tom Dale
Opinions and lessons on the state of JavaScript and frameworks on the modern web at TXJS. I hear TXJS had lots of great talks, like Simon Swain's on canvas.
Why Work Doesn't Happen at Work by Jason Fried
Noah Jacobus recommended this one:
Jason Fried has a radical theory of working: that the office isn't a good place to do it. [...] he lays out the main problems (call them the M&Ms) and offers three suggestions to make work work.
This was from a number of years ago, as was Frank Chimero's The Shape of Design which came highly recommended.
CSS is dead, long live CSS by Alan Mooiman
Alan touches on a ton of modern CSS topics, from preprocessors to new features of native CSS, to HTTP/2.
How to F*ck Up "Respect for People" & Really Piss Off your Employees by Jez Humble
Andy E. recommended this one about culture at work.
Cascading Sh*t Show by Jacob Thornton
Andy Davies recommended this.
Intro to WebGL and Three.js by David Lyons
Chris Williams said this talk doesn't get the attention it deserves:
Enhancing Responsiveness with Flexbox by Zoe Mickley Gillenwater
Matt Bainton recommended Zoe's talk (slides):
Flexbox and responsive web design go great together, like peanut butter and jelly. Flexbox gives you more control over the things you care about in a responsive layout—like order, alignment, and proportional sizes of your boxes—and lets the browser figure out the rest—the math-y stuff that computers are good at, like the exact dimensions that are needed on the boxes to perfectly fill the available space.
Being a Good Coworker by Jenn Lukas
I was at CSS Conf (playlist) recently and it was packed with great talks, like this one.
Encourage the ferret by Jon Burgerman
Not embeddable.
Code Like You Give a Damn by Léonie Watson
Sarah Drasner recommended this one on Custom interfaces with ARIA, HTML, and JavaScript:
What's Next for the Web Platform? by Alex Russell
John Allsopp runs Web Directions and he recommended Alex's talk:
Not Even Close: The State of Computer Security by James Mickens
Tim Kadlec said this one was highly entertaining. I can't wait to watch it, with this kind of explanation:
He will explain why no programming language makes it easy to write secure code. He will then discuss why cloud computing is a black hole for privacy, and only useful for people who want to fill your machine with ads, viruses, or viruses that masquerade as ads. At this point in the talk, an audience member may suggest that Bitcoins can make things better. Mickens will laugh at this audience member and then explain why trusting the Bitcoin infrastructure is like asking Dracula to become a vegan. Mickens will conclude by describing why true love is a joke and why we are all destined to die alone and tormented.
Tim himself has a pretty stellar talk, Better by Proxy from SmashingConf.
Morrrreeeee
So many conferences make their videos freely available, it's kind of amazing:
Feel free to drop links to your favorites in the comments!Kristen Patton, 41, is still coming to grips with what she has been through -- two heart attacks that nearly killed her and a heart transplant.
"I still have a hard time really reconciling because I don't feel like a person who died," said the Austin resident and mother of four.
It wasn't too long ago that doctors had no idea if she would live after Patton's heart stopped twice.
The second time was worse.
"It was horrifying. It was the scariest thing I have ever been through," Patton said through tears, "I felt like I was drowning and that was just a terrifying feeling."
Her journey started Christmas Eve in 2015 when she returned home after having her fourth child, a baby girl. The night went from sheer joy to a nightmare.
"All of a sudden I got a pain in my jaw. It started really about right here. And it just felt like a drill had just drilled in the side of my cheek," Patton described the pain.
Patton was having a heart attack. Her husband, Steve, found her unconscious.
"He said when he discovered me, I wasn't breathing. I was turning blue," said Patton.
She was rushed to the hospital where after several tests, doctors couldn't find what was wrong. Days later, she was getting ready to leave the hospital.
"As they're kind of going through the discharge instructions with me, I have another attack," Patton said.
It was so severe that Dr. Mary Beth Cishek said, "the tissue died, her heart died."
Dr. Cishek is the Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist for Seton Medical Center.
She said the mother of four suffered a sudden cardiac death, or Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection, or SCAD, which causes a tear between the layers of the artery.
"It's thought to have come about as a result of shifts in hormones that occur especially toward the end of pregnancy and delivery and in the postpartum period," Dr. Cishek explained.
For days, no one knew if Patton would survive.
"It was touch and go," said Patton.
Her kidneys failed. Her liver was next. But she recovered and was released from the hospital in February of 2016.
Patton now needed a new heart. She waited for months and finally got the call in November. Patton said she still doesn't know why she survived, but she knows this.
"I want people to go and get their hearts checked out. To be proactive about screening," said Patton.
While dissections are rare, other causes of heart attacks are detectable. She wants people to get checked out as soon as you see symptoms.
She's also raising awareness about organ donation and not giving up.
"I have four children who get to have a mother and that's pretty amazing," said Patton.
Go here for more information.Published on September 28th, 2017
The Protocol of the 36th America’s Cup was released at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in Auckland, New Zealand, on September 29, 2017, after a focused and friendly period of negotiation between the Defender and the Challenger of Record Circolo della Vela Sicilia following Emirates Team New Zealand’s victory in the America’s Cup only three months ago in Bermuda.
This Protocol is intended to reflect the true spirit of the America’s Cup established by The Deed of Gift (a perpetual challenge cup for friendly competition between foreign countries) whilst pioneering high-performance technology, inspiring sports fans around the world and uniting the sailing world.
Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton presented the Protocol globally via Facebook Live and outlined the roadmap and rules that the 36th America’s Cup will be sailed under.
“It gives me great privilege to release the Protocol today,” said Dalton, “From the moment we won we have felt a responsibility to release this document as soon as possible to provide the required details that potential teams can now base a challenge on.”
“The plans are coming together nicely, we shall have a very exciting boat that will be fast and powerful. We are pushing the boundaries of what is possible technically and this will test the designers, boat builders and the sailors to the limit. Just what the America’s Cup is all about.”
With the return to monohulls confirmed earlier this month, it was today announced that the AC75 Class of boat would be a 75-foot high performance monohull governed by the AC75 Class Rule, which will be published by the 31st March 2018, with initial concepts of the class being released to key stakeholders by the end of November 2017.
Dalton also confirmed that PRADA has secured the right to be the exclusive naming and presenting sponsor of all events comprising the 36th America’s Cup including the Challenger Selection Series, which will officially be named The PRADA Cup.
The dates and venue of both the America’s Cup Match and The PRADA Cup will be announced by 31st August 2018. The intended venue is Auckland, New Zealand with the Match to be raced in March 2021, preceded by The Prada Cup in January and February 2021.
A series of preliminary regattas will be raced internationally in 2019 & 2020 in the AC75 Class boats, culminating with a Christmas Regatta in December 2020 for all competitors.
Each competitor is permitted to build two boats, the hulls of which must be laminated in the country of the competitor. The first boat is not permitted to be launched prior to 31st March 2019, the second can be launched after the 1st February 2020.
The rules stipulate that no two boat testing will be allowed, except by the Defender only during the period of racing in The PRADA Cup, as they will play no part in this stage of the competition. This decision, amongst others, plays true to the challenger/defender tradition of the America’s Cup throughout its long history, which both negotiating parties were keen to embrace.
An increased emphasis has been placed in the rules around the nationality of the sailing crews when racing.
20% or three crew, whichever is higher, must be true nationals (i.e. citizens) of the competing yacht club. The remainder of the crew can be made up of residents of the challenging yacht club’s country defined by being physically present in that country for a minimum of 380 days over a 2-year period between September 2018 & 31st August 2020.
The Protocol has been negotiated to result in a fair and transparent event with cost containment at its center to help attract as many quality challengers as possible.
Race Management will be entirely independent of the event organization led by the Regatta Director. The umpires and jury that will manage all on the water rules and disputes for all events.
An independent Measurement Committee will manage the measurement process in accordance with the AC75 Class Rule.
An Arbitration Panel will oversee and deal with all Protocol disputes with published decisions to maintain the integrity of the event.
The Challenger of Record will organize the PRADA Cup and the Defender will organize the America’s Cup Match while cooperating with regards to commercial issues such as sponsorship and broadcast rights for the 36th America’s Cup as a whole.
Quotes:
GRANT DALTON, CEO Emirates Team New Zealand
“The release of the protocol just three months after the last race of the America’s Cup is the start line for all teams, existing or prospective, of the 36th America’s Cup campaign. This was a focused negotiation with the Challenger of Record but the common ground was to produce a Protocol that was fair first and foremost with a basis of both tradition and technology. We are also absolutely delighted that Prada, a global brand of the highest repute and style, will be joining us as the Title Sponsor on this exciting journey.”
PATRIZIO BERTELLI, President of Luna Rossa Challenge.
“Luna Rossa has welcomed the opportunity to be Challenger of Record for AC36 as a mark of confidence and support towards Team New Zealand and the new course given to the America’Cup. Indeed we could not have accepted this position in the last edition since the environment was not unbiased. After our withdrawal from AC35, we were glad to encourage Team New Zealand and today we renew our congratulations to Grant Dalton and his Team for their fantastic achievement.
“Now the situation has completely changed, the original values of the Cup are being restored and the traditional prerogatives of each side preserved. Emirates Team New Zealand are longtime friends of Luna Rossa, while fully independent from each other, as was the case during AC 31st when Team New Zealand was the Defender and Luna Rossa the Challenger of Record.
“The new Protocol has been negotiated bearing in mind the founding principles of the Deed of Gift, but with a strong innovative approach towards technical and sporting evolution of the Cup and the sport of sailing.
“Because of this new promising trend, the management of Prada Group has decided to assume the prestigious yet demanding role of Title and Presenting Sponsor of the whole AC 36”
STEVE MAIR, Commodore of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
“The relationship between the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Circolo Dela Vela Sicilia has been entirely constructive and friendly throughout. It is a pleasure to work with Agostino Randazzo and we are certainly looking forward to all aspects of Americas Cup 36. In CVS we feel we have a fantastic challenger of record who certainly cherish the tradition of the cup as much as we do”
AGOSTINO RANDAZZO, Commodore of Circolo Della Vela Sicilia
“The choices agreed with the Defender have all gone in the right direction and I am particularly happy for the constructive spirit with which this Protocol has been negotiated by all parties. This Protocol truly reflects and respects the reference principles of the sport and of the Cup and I am therefore proud that our Club will be represented by Luna Rossa also in this edition of the America’s Cup, which opens a new and virtuous cycle for the most prestigious sailing trophy.”
Key dates:
November 30, 2017: AC75 Class concepts released to key stakeholders
January 1, 2018: Entries for Challengers open
March 31, 2018: AC75 Class Rule published
June 30, 2018: Entries for Challengers close
August 31, 2018: Location of the America’s Cup Match and The PRADA Cup confirmed
August 31, 2018: Specific race course area confirmed
December 31, 2018: Late entries deadline
March 31, 2019: Boat 1 can be launched
2nd half of 2019: 2 x America’s Cup World Series Preliminary Events
February 1, 2020: Boat 2 can be launched
During 2020: 3 x America’s Cup World Series Preliminary Events
December 10-20, 2020: America’s Cup Christmas Race
January and February 2021: The PRADA Cup Challenger Selection Series
March 2021: The America’s Cup Match
Protocol of the 36th America’s Cup
Key Points of the Protocol
Deed of Gift
Source: Emirates Team New ZealandEurope this month rolled out new restrictions on makers of chemicals linked to cancer and other health problems, changes that are forcing U.S. industries to find new ways to produce a wide range of everyday products.
The new laws in the European Union require companies to demonstrate that a chemical is safe before it enters commerce -- the opposite of policies in the United States, where regulators must prove that a chemical is harmful before it can be restricted or removed from the market. Manufacturers say that complying with the European laws will add billions to their costs, possibly driving up prices of some products.
The changes come at a time when consumers are increasingly worried about the long-term consequences of chemical exposure and are agitating for more aggressive regulation. In the United States, these pressures have spurred efforts in Congress and some state legislatures to pass laws that would circumvent the laborious federal regulatory process.
Adamantly opposed by the U.S. chemical industry and the Bush administration, the E.U. laws will be phased in over the next decade. It is difficult to know exactly how the changes will affect products sold in the United States. But American manufacturers are already searching for safer alternatives to chemicals used to make thousands of consumer goods, from bike helmets to shower curtains.
The European Union's tough stance on chemical regulation is the latest area in which the Europeans are reshaping business practices with demands that American companies either comply or lose access to a market of 27 countries and nearly 500 million people.
From its crackdown on antitrust practices in the computer industry to its rigorous protection of consumer privacy, the European Union has adopted a regulatory philosophy that emphasizes the consumer. Its approach to managing chemical risks, which started with a trickle of individual bans and has swelled into a wave, is part of a European focus on caution when it comes to health and the environment.
"There's a strong sense in Europe and the world at large that America is letting the market have a free ride," said Sheila Jasanoff, professor of science and technology studies at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. "The Europeans believe... that being a good global citizen in an era of sustainability means you don't just charge ahead and destroy the planet without concern for what you're doing."
Under the E.U. laws, manufacturers must study and report the risks posed by specific chemicals. Through the Internet, the data will be available for the first time to consumers, regulators and potential litigants around the world. Until now, much of that information either did not exist or was closely held by companies.
"This is going to compel companies to be more responsible for their products than they have ever been," said Daryl Ditz, senior policy adviser at the Center for International Environmental Law. "They'll have to know more about the chemicals they make, what their products are and where they go."
The laws also call for the European Union to create a list of "substances of very high concern" -- those suspected of causing cancer or other health problems. Any manufacturer wishing to produce or sell a chemical on that list must receive authorization.
In the United States, laws in place for three decades have made banning or restricting chemicals extremely difficult. The nation's chemical policy, the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, grandfathered in about 62,000 chemicals then in commercial use. Chemicals developed after the law's passage did not have to be tested for safety. Instead, companies were asked to report toxicity information to the government, which would decide if additional tests were needed.
In more than 30 years, the Environmental Protection Agency has required additional studies for about 200 chemicals, a fraction of the 80,000 chemicals that are part of the U.S. market. The government has had little or no information about the health hazards or risks of most of those chemicals.The streets of Israel are once again stained with blood. On Tuesday, the seaside town of Jaffa was the scene of a horrific attack when a 22-year-old Palestinian killed a 29-year-old man and stabbed ten others. By current Middle East standards this violence is small scale, but the 320 stabbings, shootings and car ramming’s since last September are a macabre new normal that blights life in Israel.
The attacks are hard to prevent. The perpetrators are very young Palestinians and not members of terrorist groups. Their weapons are basic and the process of radicalisation, from violent idea to violent act, is completely unique.
BICOM research examining the Facebook pages of attackers revealed that initially they were fixated with false rumours that Israel was violating the Muslim holy places in Jerusalem. Later, attackers were obsessed with avenging the death of martyrs who they believed had been executed by Israeli forces. Palestinian media and Hamas repeatedly lied that Palestinians, who had been killed as they launched attacks against Israelis, were in fact being executed. The Palestinian President Abbas even repeated the charge, citing the case of a young boy whom he said had been executed, but who was alive and being treated in an Israeli hospital. Palestinian groups have filled twitter feeds and Facebook pages with gruesome images and Antisemitic cartoons of Jews being stabbed.
"Every leader has a choice and Abbas and his ministers chose to ride the wave rather than challenge it. Every time he praises a martyr, the deal that we all want to see, one that establishes a Palestinian state alongside Israel, will drift further into the distance."
"Every leader has a choice and Abbas and his ministers chose to ride the wave rather than challenge it. Every time he praises a martyr, the deal that we all want to see, one that establishes a Palestinian state alongside Israel, will drift further into the distance."
The young Palestinians are exposed to this radicalising material not only on social media. When they interact with the official institutions of their society, far from hate being challenged, it is reinforced. At school, terrorists are treated as heroes. In the media they are told the attacks are glorious feats. Just this week, official Palestinian TV described the Jaffa attacker as a martyr carrying out a complex operation. PA salaries are paid to convicted terrorists. Palestinian President Abbas never condemns the attacks or suggests that perhaps his people should stop trying to kill Israelis. Instead he echoes the prevailing narrative. Just last week he was reported to have sent a condolence letter to a recent attacker’s family. And the really bad news is that it’s likely that UK aid money supports all this reprehensible activity.
Critics of Israel say that these young Palestinians are frustrated and the absence of a peace deal has increased humiliation. But clearly something else is also going on. They are launching these attacks because the prevailing moral code is signalling that it’s a highly honourable thing to do. As for Abbas, some say he lacks power and legitimacy. Nonsense. Every leader has a choice and Abbas and his ministers chose to ride the wave rather than challenge it. Every time he praises a martyr, the deal that we all want to see, one that establishes a Palestinian state alongside Israel, will drift further into the distance.
The Israeli response to these attacks has been measured. Of the 256 attackers, more have been arrested than killed in self-defence. For all the criticism of Bibi Netanyahu, he has implemented small measures to bolster security without launching wider crackdowns and issued 30,000 extra work permits for Palestinians to work in Israel. He has offered several times to meet with President Abbas to continue negotiations without preconditions. They should meet soon. Whether they will have anything to talk about is sadly another matter.
James Sorene is CEO of BICOM, an independent British research centre producing analysis, insight and commentary to promote a greater understanding of Israel and the Middle East in the UKADVERTISEMENT
France has long been admired for its gourmet food culture and the, seemingly contradictory, thin frames of its people. But, that's changing. Fast food is growing increasingly popular in the land of Le Cordon Bleu, and obesity rates are on the rise. Here, a brief guide:
What is happening?
France is becoming increasingly colonized by chain restaurants, from fast food joints like Subway and McDonald's to more upscale sit-down franchises like a steakhouse called Hippopotamus, now make up 20 percent of the country's restaurant sales. Mon dieu! The news comes as France, long thought of as a nation of annoyingly petite people who eat cheese and drink wine without consequence, is experiencing a rise in obesity. Nearly 14 percent of French adults are now obese, up from 8 percent a decade ago. By comparison, one out of three American adults is considered obese.
Are chain restaurants to blame?
In part. Urbanization and globalization — and the McDonald's that come with them — have led many French to abandon traditionally healthy eating habits. For generations, France's focus on food and the mealtime ritual helped shield people from obesity, says Dr. Jean Marc Catheline, as paraphrased at NPR. Now, young people aren't learning to cook; they're eating meals quickly and on the go, and downing soda by the liter. "The un-French habit of eating anywhere, anytime, seems to be catching on in France, especially with young people," says Eleanor Beardsley at NPR. As in the U.S., obesity rates are higher among poor people.
Is fast food that popular in France?
Surprisingly, the country is the No. 2 consumer of McDonald's fare in the world. McD's is expanding its operations in France in the next year, offering French-style breakfasts with bread, butter, and jam and baguette sandwiches. "We are part of French people's everyday life," says Mathilde Visseyrias, VP of McDonald's France and Southern Europe, in TIME. "Our priority is to integrate ourselves locally and to give a French touch to our original offer of hamburgers and ice cream."
Why are chain restaurants succeeding in the land of food snobbery?
The 2008 financial crisis hit independent establishments hard. Chain restaurants also typically operate seven days a week, while many independent establishments do not. They are also cheaper, and, during his presidency, Jacques Chirac harshly criticized "la male bouffe" (the bad grub) served in chain restaurants, which may have inadvertently lent them a cool factor.
Is anything being done to fight the bulge?
Yes, under a national obesity plan, vending machines have been taken out of French schools and ads air on television encouraging the populace to eat right, take the stairs, and avoid nibbling between meals.
Sources: Baltimore Sun, Business Insider, NPR, TIMEHow Turkey Manufactured a Coup Plot
On Feb. 22, Cetin Dogan, a retired four-star Turkish Army general, was detained and subsequently imprisoned by Turkish prosecutors, accused of masterminding an elaborate plot in 2002 and 2003 to topple the country’s newly elected conservative Islamist government.
He and the scores of other military officers who were also arrested — both retired and on active duty — face horrifying charges. Among other deeds, the officers stand accused of planning to shoot down a Turkish fighter jet and blow up two mosques during Friday prayers, so as to incite parliament to declare martial law. And this is just the latest in a wave of arrests targeting hundreds of retired military officers and their alleged civilian accomplices since early 2008, on charges ranging from murder to coup attempts.
For us, however, this particular arrest comes very close to home: We are Çetin Dogan’s daughter and son-in-law. We have observed intimately the development of the case against him, and the closer one looks at the details of this case, the more untenable the government’s argument becomes. Rather, his arrest, coupled with the rash of recent anti-military arrests, suggest that the future prospects of Turkish democracy are more ominous than most people think.
The military has long set the ground rules of Turkish politics. Its hard line defending secularism has resulted in frequent clashes with political movements it views as "soft" on Islam, such as the Justice and Development Party (AKP), which has governed the country since November 2002. Periodically, the military has intervened, bringing down governments and, on occasion, establishing periods of military rule, most recently from 1980 to 1983.
The narrative that has captured the headlines in Turkey and the Western media is that the recent arrests, signifying the end of an era of military tutelage, are good news for Turkish democracy. Provided the AKP and its leader, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, do not abuse their power, the story line goes, Turkey will ultimately emerge stronger — perhaps more pious and conservative, but also more democratic.
Until very recently, we too bought into this story. Even though the charges against some of the individuals in the earlier waves of arrests seemed far-fetched and the indictments poorly prepared, we thought these shortcomings were the product of excessive prosecutorial zeal rather than deliberate attempts to frame innocent individuals. But the way in which the case against Dogan has unfolded suggests that we were wrong.
The charges originate from a trove of documents delivered to and published by the Turkish daily Taraf. The documents include authentic voice recordings from a war simulation workshop held at the headquarters of the 1st Army, then headed by Dogan, in March 2003. These recordings make no reference to a coup or any illegal activities.
But taking a major leap of faith, the newspaper alleges that the March 2003 workshop was a dress rehearsal for the planned coup. This accusation strains credulity, considering that the workshop was recorded on Dogan’s orders and attended by scores of top brass, including observers from the high command.
The documents also include other material that has clearly been manufactured, detailing preparations for a coup. The only thing that directly implicates Dogan in this material is an 11-page document dated Dec. 2, 2002, barely two weeks after the AKP government was formed. The document has Dogan’s name printed underneath, but it is not signed. The excerpts published by Taraf contain several pointers to its fraudulent nature. There are obvious anachronisms, such as criticism of government activities that did not take place until many years later, including its push for constitutional amendments and financial pressure on the opposition press. There are verbatim extracts from a speech that was actually delivered in 2005. And there is wording that doesn’t conform to military usage.
None of the material published by Taraf and subsequently used by the prosecutors provide evidence that would stand in a U.S. court of law. No self-respecting editorial office in the United States or Western Europe would have even considered publishing the documents. The prosecutors have refused to release any of their evidence to Dogan’s lawyers — nor have they provided it to the military prosecutors, who are conducting their own independent investigation and have found nothing to corroborate the charges. Far from being presumed innocent, Dogan is forced to prove his innocence, and to do so without access to the material that is said to implicate him.
The significance of these developments goes beyond the injustice done to a man who has served his country with great honor and distinction. The facts suggest that the conflict in Turkey is not a simple power struggle between ultrasecular militarists and pro-democracy conservatives, as it is commonly portrayed. A shadowy third group is manipulating both the media and the judiciary with great success, using manufactured evidence to deliberately stir conflict. Dogan, a retired officer well known for his strong stance against Islamists, is an obvious target for such a group.
We do not know who is behind the attempt to frame Dogan and the other retired officers involved in the case. Some point to Fethullah Gülen, a Turkish religious leader based in the United States with a vast network of supporters, whom they suspect of fomenting anti-secular activities. Others, in the Turkish press, implicate a conspiracy by clandestine paramilitary groups aimed at muddying the waters and covering their own tracks. Some, implausibly, even see the finger of the CIA.
The Taraf reporter who was provided with the forged material has written that his source is a retired Army officer who served with Dogan. That is highly implausible, because the material includes documents not only from the 1st Army, which Dogan headed from 2002 to 2003, but also from the Air Force, Navy, and National Gendarmerie. A single individual could not have had access to the top-secret repositories of so many different services. Nor does it make sense that he would have waited seven years before making his cache public. Instead, it is possible that the voice recordings and other original documents, which were subsequently doctored, were leaked following an internal military inquiry that apparently took place after Dogan retired. Dogan has appealed to the military high command and the government to reveal information about this inquiry and its aftermath.
Whoever the culprits may be, it is distressing that they have been allowed to be so effective. Clearly, their interest lies not in advancing the cause of democracy, but something quite different. They aim to polarize Turkish society, discredit the military, and complicate the courts’ ability to effectively prosecute those who are truly guilty of criminal activities.
The judiciary’s reaction to the allegations against Dogan and other officers has also been alarming. Instead of questioning the authenticity of the documents delivered to Taraf, prosecutors have accepted the theories spouted by the newspaper wholesale. Sticking to what appears to have been a preordained script, they have shown no interest whatsoever in any of the explanations offered by Dogan and his lawyers during the interrogation. They have gone on a ludicrous fishing expedition that includes an attempt to link Dogan with the November 2003 bombing of two synagogues and the HSBC bank in Istanbul, even though he had already retired by then. Against all precedent and in violation of Turkish law, they have successfully appealed against a judge’s decision to release him. Dogan remains in a hospital, where he is suffering from ailments that were aggravated during his detention.
The media, for its part, has had a feeding frenzy. Lies, innuendo, and selective leaks from the prosecutors have been used to stoke public resentment against Dogan. Taraf has repeatedly asserted that the 11-page document contains Dogan’s own signature (it does not). Other newspapers have claimed, falsely, that Dogan was tipped about his impending arrest and about to flee to Mexico. The words in a leaked report by the military prosecutors have been repeatedly twisted to suggest that the report authenticated Taraf’s claims (it did not). He has been accused of feigning illness so he can remain in a hospital instead of in prison.
Such misinformation has made it practically impossible for even well-informed citizens to discriminate between fact and fiction. Journalists who have expressed skepticism of the plot’s veracity have been intimidated and targeted as putschists themselves. One highly regarded journalist has told us in confidence that he is reluctant to dwell on the inconsistencies in the prosecutors’ case, for fear of being labeled a coup supporter.
Most surprisingly, Turkish liberals have loudly endorsed the prosecutors’ activities in the interests of increased civilian control over the country, despite the obvious holes in the evidence and the gross violations of due process.
Prime Minister Erdogan and his entourage have fanned the flames by making statements that purport to support the independence of the judiciary yet clearly lend credence to the coup plot charges. One AKP member of parliament has expressed in public what many others in that party must think in private: It is now their turn to submit the military to the persecution they feel they experienced for so long. Respect for the rule of law is upheld only when convenient. A member of Erdogan’s government has even accused the judge that released Dogan of belonging to the same criminal gang as the coup plotters.
We are against military coups of any kind. We believe in a democracy where the military does not play a political role. However, we also believe that the cause of democracy and human rights is not well served by vendettas and witch hunts.
Tragically, Turkish democracy and its supporters will take the biggest hit once the full story comes out. The eventual unraveling of the case will discredit the judiciary, make the AKP government appear complicit in the debacle, shake the faith of the liberal intelligentsia, and set back the demilitarization of Turkish politics. In the interest of Turkish democracy, cooler heads must prevail.Susan Rice speaks during a conference on the transition of the U.S. Presidency from Barack Obama to Donald Trump at the U.S. Institute Of Peace, Jan. 10.Photo: Agence France-Presse/Getty Images
Well, what do you know. On the matter of who “unmasked” the names of Trump transition officials in U.S. intelligence reports, we now have one answer: Susan Rice, Barack Obama’s national security adviser.
A U.S. intelligence official confirms to us the bombshell news, first reported Monday by Bloomberg, that Ms. Rice requested the name of at least one Trump transition official listed in an intelligence report in the months between Election Day and Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Ms. Rice received summaries of U.S. eavesdropping either when foreign officials were discussing the Trump team, or when foreign officials were conversing with a Trump transition member. The surveillance was legally authorized, but the identities of U.S. citizens are typically masked so they cannot be known outside intelligence circles. Ms. Rice asked for and learned the identity of the Trump official, whose name hasn’t been publicly disclosed and our source declined to share.
Our source did confirm that Ms. Rice also examined dozens of other intelligence summaries that technically masked Trump official identities but were written in such a way as to make obvious who those officials were. This means that the masking was essentially meaningless. All this is highly unusual—and troubling. Unmasking does occur, but it is typically done by intelligence or law-enforcement |
According to the Flavour Crafters' testing records (available on their website), it was first tested for diacetyl in October 2014. However, Verburg said that Flavour Crafters had earlier tested a liquid that was a blend of equal parts Groovy Grape and a tobacco flavored liquid. These tests found no diacetyl.
Bottling lab. Photo courtesy Flavour Crafters
Vape but verify
The strict production and testing standards of Flavour Crafters and the other 37 members of the ECTA, make these producers anomalous in Canada's large e-cigarette industry.
Making e-liquid is easy: it requires no specialized equipment or knowledge and the basic ingredients are readily attainable. In fact, vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, nicotine, and a huge variety of flavourings can all be purchased on Amazon.
Home brewing e-liquid is extremely popular and even considered a sort of art by some enthusiasts. The DIY sub-forum on e-cigarette-forum.com has 15,213 threads and 244,842 individual posts. At the top of the forum is a disclaimer: "All DIY procedures are done at your own risk."
Although she said that many now well-established companies started this way, ECTA Director Kate Ackerman and owner of Electro Vapors admonished DIY mixing. "It is not OK to produce something for commercial use in your kitchen, at the table, while the kids are eating Kraft Dinner... Not having any oversight, not having anyone to answer to, that's not a proper way to produce anything."
Even beyond the home brewers, it is impossible to get an accurate count of how many e-cigarette retailers and e-liquid producers there are in Canada. There is no distinct business type for e-cigarette stores: some are registered as electronics shops, others as personal accessory stores, still others seem not to be registered businesses at all.
Since around 2012, e-cigarette stores have been opening in cities across Canada with rapidity and in a volume reminiscent of the early days of Starbucks. Some of these shops purchase the e-liquids they sell from large producers like Flavour Crafters, but others mix their own liquids, sometimes right in the shop, as a way to increase profit.
John Aikman said that when he opened his e-cigarette shop, Vape Lion, in Montreal just over a year ago it was one of four or five devoted e-cigarette retailers in the city. He estimates that there are now closer to 40.
Vape Lion is one of the shops that produce their e-liquid in-house. Aikman purchases the ingredients in bulk and mixes them in a room in the back of his downtown store. When asked about the flavourings he uses and how he guards against diacetyl and other harmful chemicals, Aikman said that he relies on the e-cigarette web forums and guarantees from flavouring companies.
"There is a very strong online community and if anybody finds anything wrong with a particular brand of liquid, then it instantly goes viral," said Aikman, "We just deal with five or six large flavouring companies, and they'll say right out if a flavour contains diacetyl or not."
But guarantees without testing can't always be trusted, and even producers and home-brewers aware of the risks associated with the diacetyl may be ignorant of the fact that their liquids contain it.
Flavour Crafters stopped production of one other e-liquid due to diacetyl content. The results from Enthalpy Analytical's first testing of Flavour Crafters liquids showed that their butterscotch contained 1,779 micrograms of diacetyl per milliliter—more than 15 times what was later found in Groovy Grape.
Premixed e-liquid waiting to be bottled. Photo courtesy Flavour Crafters
This came as a surprise to Flavour Crafters, who had been purchasing their flavouring from Flavor West, a California flavouring company. According to a statement on Flavour Crafter's website, Flavor West had advertised their butterscotch flavouring as being free of diacetyl, and after being contacted by Flavour Crafters with the test result they removed the diacetyl-free claim from the webpage.
Today, the page for butterscotch on the Flavor West's website states, "Independently laboratory tested diacetyl free. Contains 1.074% acetoin."
When contacted by VICE about the 2013 incident with Flavour Crafters and its present testing regime, Flavor West's corporate financial officer Jason Stern said that some of their flavours previously contained diacetyl but it has since been removed. Stern could not give specific dates for when this change was made or during what periods the Flavor West's website stated that their butterscotch flavouring was diacetyl free.
He was also unable to say exactly when Flavor West began having their flavourings tested for chemical content, although he said it was around a year-and-a-half or two years ago, and did not respond to follow-up emails asking for specific dates. Diacetyl was found in Flavour Crafters' butterscotch on June 16, 2013.
Stern declined to tell VICE who is conducting chemical testing for Flavor West.
"If someone is putting our flavouring in their juice, I don't know exactly what's going on with that," said Stern. "I've actually told everybody that if they want to test to see that it's diacetyl free, they need to do a third-party test on their end as well."
Discussing his study on diacetyl in e-liquids, Farsalinos said that a number of other e-liquid producers had been surprised when the test results for their products came back positive for the chemical. As with Flavour Crafters' butterscotch, they had been using flavourings advertised as diacetyl free.
Both Farsalinos and Ackerman are optimistic that the use of flavourings with diacetyl has declined since the publication of the study, but they also agreed that there is no substitute for testing.
"I think that taught a big lesson to the companies that they shouldn't just accept whatever they hear," said Farsalinos "They must provide test results to prove that the liquids are diacetyl free."
Earlier this month, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health (HESA) issued the Canadian government's first step towards creating a policy around e-cigarettes since Health Canada ineffectively prohibited them in 2009.
The HESA report makes 14 recommendations for government action on e-cigarettes. They include calling for more research funding, a number of measures to guard against children using e-cigarettes, requiring clear labeling of e-liquids, banning vaping in public spaces, and establishing "a new legislative framework... for regulating electronic cigarettes."
The bi-partisan report does not take a stance on the health effects of vaping or the effectiveness of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation and there is no timeline for turning its recommendations into law.
Nowhere in its 58 pages does the HESA report specify standards for e-liquid testing or mention the word diacetyl.
Follow Jake Bleiberg on Twitter.Three men were killed and another man was wounded early Sunday when a brawl led to gunfire outside a tavern, police said.
Auburn Police Cmdr. Mike Hirman said dozens of people were leaving the Sports Page Tavern in Auburn, which is about 30 miles south of Seattle, at closing time around 2 a.m. when two groups began fighting in the parking lot.
He said several people pulled handguns and fired shots, and three men were killed. A fourth man suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was in stable condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Hirman said late Sunday. The ages of the four run between 21 and 32.
Problems between two groups, one celebrating a birthday, started inside the tavern when two women had a disagreement.
"The dispute started between two women when one of them danced with a man," Hirman said in a statement late Sunday night.
Hirman said some of the victims and suspects knew each other. The identities of the victims would not be released until Monday afternoon at the earliest, a spokeswoman with the King County Medical Examiner's office said.
Police detained a person of interest and arrested that person on an unrelated weapons charge.
Police have recovered several handguns. They believe several different firearms were used based on shell casings recovered from the scene.
Police in the neighboring suburbs of Federal Way and Kent stopped two vehicles that matched descriptions of cars leaving the scene of the shooting.
Those vehicles were seized, and their occupants were being questioned, said Hirman. The car stopped in Federal Way was riddled with bullets.I firmly believe in clan loyalty, and as such, despite the mediocre level of support OTT has gotten since GBT01, I continue to play the clan as my main deck. I’ve had plenty of time to experiment with dif ferent builds to find one that works the best in the current state of the clan. I stumbled upon this deck list a while back while back while preparing for a tournament. To my surprise, this deck preformed so well that many around me called it “the best OTT build they’ve seen in a long time”. In my opinion, this deck isn’t that special, but I thought I would share it anyway so that I can share how an OTT deck can still work, even now. I’ll go over all of my deck building choices so that you understand why I chose certain units. I understand that this deck seems very outdated, as it plays very few G-era cards, and there are no Generation Break units in the main deck. However, these units were chosen due to their consistency with the grade 4 units the clan has. Surprisingly enough, these older cards work better with the Strides than most G-era cards do.
Grade 4: Grade 4s need to focus on a mix of power and draw, with power being most important.
Sunrise-on-high, Godhawk Ichibyoshi x4
Our only OTT G-Guardian. This choice is replaceable with any Cray Elemental G-Guardian if you like those better. I like this card for its easy 20000 shield.
Dragon Destroyer Battle Deity, Kamususanoo x4
One of this decks biggest power play. Useful when hand size is low, but field is big. Makes your side columns hit for 21k minimum.
Lord of Guidance, Wakahirume x4
The second power play. This card is best used in conjunction with stand triggers. Sometimes it can’t go off at all (Oracle… *cries*), but when it does, if you pair it with Mocha or Susanoo with a stand trigger, it’s a good offensive push.
Sword Deity of the Thunder Break, Takemikazuchi x2
For set-up, for fixing low hands, for a buffer turn. Takemikazuchi is a great card to use when you can’t go into a power play.
Rain Element, Madew x1
This deck’s first stride, as it helps to maintain hand advantage for later Wakahirume turns.
Snow Element, Blizza x1
This deck’s last stride and final power play, used only when almost every other Stride has been flipped up, and only if you suspect that the opponent doesn’t have a Perfect Guard.
Grade 3: Your Grade 3 needs to offer a drawing engine, deck manipulation, and/or high power.
Scarlet Witch, CoCo x4
The engine that keeps this deck alive, if you don’t ride this first, you’ll have a lot of trouble maintaining a hand.
CEO Amaterasu x4
For the Amaterasu name, the 10k base, and for being the OG OTT boss, this card is the one you want to ride after CoCo.
You could use Goddess of the Sun if you wanted the 11k base, but honestly I find more utility in CEO’s ability, as well as the consistency I get with Madew since this deck has no other first stride. This deck’s main mechanic is deck manipulation as well, so Goddess of the Sun would ruin any prior stacking.
You could also run Supreme Heavenly Battle Deity, Susanoo, but in that case you would replace Battle Deity, Susanoo with Battle Sister, Glace.
Grade 2: The Grade 2s you pick must be either Silent Tom or units that hit for 11k minimum. Alternatives include: Battle Sister, Glace, Rigid Crane (inconsistent, GB1 and Oracle), Diviner, Shinatsuiko (GB1 and limited power gain), Promise Daughter (not recommended), Tankman Mode Beamcannon (not recommended). Do not play any more than two Grade 2s that draw, unless they hit for 11k minimum consistently. If your grade 2 line-up isn’t good, then the whole deck doesn’t work.
Battle Deity, Susanoo x4
9k base for a good ride, and 12k beat stick when big sis is looking. A wonderful Wakahirume re-stand target, and hits 22-23k base on Susanoo turns.
Battle Sister, Mocha x4
8k base, but packs a punch. This card is an easy 11k beat stick target for Wakahirume turns, and hits 21-22k base on Susanoo turns.
Silent Tom x3
The OTT assassin is used to snipe pesky rearguards or go for game when you know your opponent has a lot of 0s in hand.
Grade 1: Grade 1s are more free. Grade 1s should have a base attack of 6k minimum.
Arbitrator, Ame-no-sagiri x4
Unflipping in this deck is nice, but not necessary so any PG will do here.
Divine Sword, Ame-no-Murakumo x4
Stride Fodder is here to ensure that stride happens every turn in a cost efficient way.
Virtuoso Housekeeper x2
For the 7k base ride, and for stacking the bottom five. Also very useful when there are only 5 cards or less left in the deck to ensure that late game ends your way.
Circle Magus x2
7k base that lets you know the top card. Good ride, good boost, interchangeable with Cocoa.
Battle Sister, Cocoa x2
6k, but still a good ride and boost because deck manipulation.
Grade 0: Grade 0s should focus on utility. You need 0s that can soul charge, draw, or go back into the deck. Also 2 stands is the minimum for decks that play Wakahirume.
Little Witch, LuLu x1
Because draws keep us alive.
Battle Sister, Assam x2
For Wakahirume turns.
Lozenge Magus x4
Because you might need them to prevent deck out.
Battle Sister, Muffin x4
Also because deck out.
Psychic Bird x4
For soul charging and moving the top card of the deck out-of-the-way.
Divine Sword, Kusanagi x2
For… I guess Kamususanoo turns? Honestly, I don’t use this as much.
So the ideal game would proceed like this:
Turn 1: Ride Cocoa or Circle Magus.
Turn 2: Ride Susanoo or Mocha.
Turn 3: Ride CoCo, call LuLu, Soul Blast 2, Draw 1, Counter Blast 2, Draw 2.
Turn 4: Stride into Madew, add a Grade 3 from drop zone to hand (preferably Amaterasu).
Turn 5: Ride Amaterasu. If you have enough cards in hand + a stand trigger + a stand target, Stride Wakahirume. If you don’t then, if you have enough units to make a full field, Stride Kamususanoo. If you don’t then you’re missing key cards, so Stride Takemikazuchi.
Turn 6+: Repeat Turn 5 until you run can’t (or shouldn’t) Stride Wakahirume, Kamususanoo, or Takemikazuchi. In that situation (or if you know your opponent doesn’t have a PG), Stride Blizza.Just in time for Nokia to announce the Lumia 925 (and 928), I’m belatedly posting my review of a Lumia 920 (d’oh!).
As a techie and long-time disparager of Microsoft technology, the Xbox 360 was the MS product which turned my head. I won mine in a competition (having been a PlayStation and Nintendo gamer), and from the very first experience I was impressed – it was easy to get up-and-running, get online and pull in my social contacts from Facebook, and it was generally a smooth and impressive device. Since then I’ve also gotten to know some of the folks at Microsoft who are focussed on working with the Open Source community, and my opinions have distinctly softened and changed.
I’ve played with both Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 on display in stores, so when the nice folks at Nokia Connects offered me the opportunity to trial their flagship Lumia 920 for a fortnight in March, I jumped at the chance to immerse myself in the experience. The last Nokia phone I’d owned was the slider 7650 model from way back in 2001 – I’d been a loyalist through the 1990s until then, but wandered into BlackBerry land for a couple of years after that. I’ve also had every iPhone model since the 3G and have in parallel tried Android devices running 2.2 through to 4.1. So, from both a hardware and software perspective, I guess I’ve got a fairly broad experience, and was intrigued to find how a Windows Phone from Nokia would suit my “power user” habits!
A couple of notes. Firstly, if I’m mixing tenses here it’s just because I’ve now returned the device per the trial arrangement. The other thing to point out is that I really did do road test of the phone for two weeks, to the extent of popping my nanoSIM into a microSIM adapter and using it for as much as I could. More on this to come.
The first thing to say is that the bright red Lumia 920 looked and felt fantastic in the hand, although it is substantially larger than the iPhone 5.
One tiny issue I felt that wasn’t considered was the central positioning of the camera lens and flash in the back of the device, which meant I’d often have my hand across it and needed to wipe it, but I suppose a case or skin might have reduced that. The screen was a visual treat, it looks stunning in day-to-day use, and was also very nice for watching the couple of videos I looked at while I had the Lumia. The iPhone took over most of my photographic life for many years (which is sad in many ways, I realise), and I’ve got thousands of photos stored on it. Coming back to the camera on the Lumia, apart from the seemingly more-frequent need to clean the lens, it produced some great results – although I did miss the HDR capability which might have levelled out some of the contrast in a few shots I attempted.
One particularly innovative feature of the camera on Windows Phone 8 is the concept of “lenses” – apps which can extend the basic function of the camera application itself. I also appreciated the way in which the Photos app enabled me to both browse my own Facebook and other social network albums, but also to see the latest content from my friends. Clever stuff. Oh, and SkyDrive let me get to the images straight away across different devices and on the web. +1 for sensible functionality. I vaguely missed Instagram for a couple of weeks, but I imagine that app will materialise for the platform before too long (and since the Instagram/Facebook “ToS-gate” I’ve largely moved back to Flickr or to dual posting anyway).
Rounding out the hardware commentary, I’ll add that the battery life was acceptable (I tended to pop the phone on charge whilst in the office and overnight, but it seemed on a par with my other device). I was also very happy with the performance of the phone – everything was extremely fluid and I didn’t encounter any hangups or freezes. Very slick.
Time, then, to talk about Windows Phone 8. I’ve admired the rebooted and reimagined Windows Phone UI from afar for a while now. After all that came before it in Windows Mobile efforts, it’s a bold and stunning revolution of a user experience – and I believe it is one that works.
It’s an interface that is alive, glanceable, and easy to use. The live tiles in particular are a game changer. The resizable tiled UI lives up to the selling point of true personalisation. More than that, the list of apps is one swipe away, and not only is is searchable, it’s super fast to jump to any lettered section of apps (sorted alphabetically – crazy, right?). I am a definite fan. I’m not yet convinced of the Modern UI / tiles in Windows 8 the desktop experience, but that’s more because of the janky need to switch between old and new paradigms to get some things done – for Xbox, tablet and phone, I think this is a useful approach.
I was pleased to be able to get back to my content and online services quickly, at least in relation to a subset of the apps I use regularly. Amazon (Kindle and Shop, plus a handy barcode scanner tile shortcut), Evernote, Last.fm, Spotify, Netflix, and Paypal were all present and correct. Twitter is covered by multiple apps (I chose Rowi), as is Facebook – although in the case of the latter most are fairly poor mobile web wrappers. There’s a giffgaff app already too, for all you giffgaffers out there!
However – and you may have seen this coming – the key missing parts of my daily workflow were all essentially app deficiencies. No 1Password, no good route planning apps for bus and train, no TomTom, no Feedly or Flipboard, no Instagram, no Google+ or Google Maps, or anything decent for YouTube.
Petty arguments between technology behemoths aside, I’d love to see more organisations taking Windows Phone seriously as a platform, as it does involve rethinking existing UI strategies, and I believe that the Modern UI is something here to stay across Microsoft devices. A few apps do exist for other things I use like BBC News, Github and Flickr, but all could do with an update or an “official” app to come along. I genuinely believe it is a mistake for organisations to ignore this platform.
Finally of course we reach “the prison I knowingly built myself” – and that is called Apple iCloud. The majority of my music is now stored there, and whilst the Windows Phone app for OS X was very effective at enabling me to sync iTunes playlists, I couldn’t just grab things from the cloud when I wanted. Messaging was particularly frustrating too, as I barely have any Windows Live or Skype contacts compared with the folks I interact with daily via iMessage. Messaging was annoying, as iPhone users tended to end up getting half of my conversations, some via text, and then missing things as they were logged in via their email address. I could see some great stuff in the Windows Contacts world, having groups of contacts whose updates I wanted to follow, but I wasn’t immersed enough for it to immediately work for me.
To round off on a high note – let’s talk about online management. Both Google and Microsoft seem to have this right, and Apple are living in the past. Using the My Windows Phone portal was great, and a better experience than even Android’s ability to send apps from Google Play to the phone – I liked the integrated view of SkyDrive, Xbox Live etc.
Thanks Nokia for a chance to play with your lovely device – definitely something I’d recommend to those looking to commit to a change and wanting a modern device. A few more apps, and a way out of my prison, and I’d be there myself…
Footnote:
A last, personal and slightly unrelated note – Microsoft are very lucky to have hired the man who persuaded me to leave IBM, Patrick Chanezon – Pat’s blog post about his choice in many ways mirrors my experience of dealing with Microsoft over the past few years – there’s a much more heterogeneous and open approach there now, and I wish him very well in the future, I had a great year at VMware working with him!
Related articlesAs a member of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch rejected stay-of-execution requests, but he had limited exposure to the issue of capital punishment until Thursday’s vote. (Ricky Carioti /The Washington Post)
Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch cast his first consequential vote Thursday night, siding with the court’s other four conservatives in denying a stay request from Arkansas death-row inmates facing execution.
Hours later, the state executed one of the men, the first lethal injection carried out there since 2005.
New justices have described being the final word on whether a death-row inmate is executed — often during a late-night, last-chance appeal to the Supreme Court — as a time when the responsibility of the role crystallizes. Indeed, one of the court’s most solid death-penalty supporters, Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., was tasked on his first full day as a justice in 2006 with deciding whether to dissolve a stay that kept Missouri from going forward with an execution. The stay was upheld, and Alito was not listed among the dissenters.
[In first case, Alito upholds stay for Missouri inmate]
Gorsuch’s reasoning for his vote is not known. Neither he nor the other justices who turned down the request explained the decision. But Gorsuch was sworn in on April 10, and he has had some time to study Arkansas’ well-publicized attempt to execute several inmates before a drug used in their planned lethal injections expires.
The court’s four liberals — Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen G. Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan — said they would have stayed the executions.
Breyer wrote that the case supports his call, which Ginsburg has joined, for a review of whether the death penalty can be constitutionally applied.
[Gorsuch sworn in as 113th Supreme Court justice]
“Why these eight? Why now? The apparent reason has nothing to do with the heinousness of their crimes or with the presence (or absence) of mitigating behavior,” Breyer wrote. Instead, Breyer wrote, “apparently the reason the state decided to proceed with these eight executions is that the ‘use by’ date of the state’s execution drug is about to expire. In my view, that factor, when considered as a determining factor separating those who live from those who die, is close to random.”
As expected, Gorsuch’s decisions have been closely scrutinized. A new justice’s role on the court is only broadly sketched during confirmation hearings, and each decision begins to fill in the outlines of a lifetime appointment.
Gorsuch rejected stay-of-execution requests as a member of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, but he has had limited exposure to the issue of capital punishment.
[Neil M. Gorsuch wrote the book on assisted suicide. Here’s what he said]
During his Senate confirmation hearings, he was often asked about a passage in a book he wrote, in which he criticizes euthanasia and doctor-assisted suicide. “All human beings are intrinsically valuable, and the intentional taking of human life by private persons is always wrong,” he wrote.
The phrase “by private persons” was key to Gorsuch’s response.
Some online commentators have questioned what Thursday night’s action says about Gorsuch’s antiabortion credentials. He has a thin record on which his view of a constitutional right to abortion could be assessed. But if he supports the constitutionality of the death penalty and questions a constitutional right to abortion, he would simply be reflecting the various positions on the court he is joining.
The justice he replaced, Antonin Scalia, felt the same on capital punishment and abortion. Liberals such as Breyer and Ginsburg are the opposite, supporting abortion rights while raising doubts about the death penalty.
Gorsuch has faced an immediate immersion at the Supreme Court. He was sworn in April 10. He skipped the justices’ private conference that week to prepare for oral arguments that began last Monday.
Although he asked no questions in one oral argument, he was an active participant in the other six. Some analyses showed that he asked more questions than many of his colleagues did in their first outings on the court, and he displayed a confidence born of his decade on the bench.
On Friday, he was scheduled to meet with the rest of the court to examine a long list of cases that would be on the docket that begins in October. When it had only eight members, the court seemed to shy away from some controversial topics.
But the new list is anything but neutral. It includes cases involving warrantless searches of cellphone records, voting rights and whether businesses can for religious reasons refuse their wedding services to same-sex couples.Solar power set a new national record in Britain by supplying homes and businesses in the UK with more power than coal for an entire month.
According to renewable researchers at Carbon Brief, the UK’s solar panels generated more electricity than coal in May 2016, the first-ever calendar month this milestone was passed.
The UK solar industry also made headlines two months ago when British solar panels generated more power than coal for a full day. That milestone occurred on Saturday, April 9th and set a national record by generating four percent of the total electricity used throughout the day, with coal at one percent less.
This time around, UK solar has an even brighter outlook, generating significantly more energy than the fossil fuel market. Solar generated an estimated 1,336 gigawatt hours (GWh) in May.That’s 50 percent more than the 893GWh output from coal.
Overall, solar generated close to six percent of the UK’s electricity needs during May, while coal generated less than four percent.
Nevertheless, nearly a quarter of electricity generated in 2015 was still from coal, but the British government has taken steps to enact laws that encourage solar adoption. These laws have helped shift the country’s power market toward renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
In January, the figures were completely reversed with solar only generating one percent, while coal stations generated over 17 percent of the UK’s power needs. This massive shift is indicative of how far the UK solar industry has come in just a few months.
The fact that the power market could shift from a dependence on coal to renewable energy sources so rapidly indicates that solar is an effective solution to generate power. Feel free to use these statistics when working with energy-conscious clients.Furniture doesn’t last forever. As the years pass, even the most beautiful pieces become worn-out, dated, or simply unusable. Still, it’s a shame to have to get rid of furniture simply because you no longer have any use for it—especially when that furniture is made from beautiful and valuable wood.
Well, why not take a different route, and repurpose that old furniture instead? There are any number of exciting, useful, and upscale things your unwanted furniture could be doing around your home; all it takes is some creativity, a little bit of know-how, and a willingness to give your used furniture a second chance. Take wooden drawers, for example. Although designed to fit comfortably in a wardrobe or a dresser, these drawers are generally sturdy and stylish enough to function on their own.
Function how, you ask? Well, let’s take a look. Here are five easy DIY projects that you can make from repurposed drawers.
1. Garden Planter
A garden planter is a great way to give your garden someplace to grow if you have limited yard space. And you can give you plants a touch of rustic class by converting an old multi-drawered dresser to accommodate some seeds and some soil. Keep everything properly watered, and make sure that you find a location with plenty of sunshine, and you’ll have greens sprouting from your old chifferobe in no time.
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Materials:
1 old dresser of small–medium height
Soil
Seeds
Plastic plant-bed liner
Directions:
Once you’ve found a suitable spot for your dresser-turned garden planter, remove all of the drawers and set them aside. Using drill and a saw, cut a hole through the top of the dresser, so that the inside of the top drawer will be exposed to the outside even when closed. Next, line the inside of each drawer with plastic plant bed-liner. Return the drawers to the dresser. Fill each drawer with soil. Leave the the top drawer closed, and add soil through the hole in the top of the dresser so that the soil is level with the top of the dresser. Pull the other drawers our from the dresser in a staggered fashion, so that the soil in each drawer will be able to get sunlight. Add your seeds, be sure to water regularly, and you’re done!
2. Cat Tree
If you have a cat (or cats), then you know how the they love to sit in things. Boxes, grocery bags, even certain shoes fall prey to the relentless feline need to fit and to sit. Would your cat enjoy sitting in an old drawer? Why not give it a try; pull out a wooden drawer, set it on the floor, and then leave for a few minutes. If your cat isn’t snuggled down into the drawer when you come back, then maybe we don’t understand nearly as much about kitties as we thought. In fact, the only thing that a cat likes more than sitting inside something, is sitting inside something that’s up high. Well, your cat’s wish is our command. Here’s a fine repurposed-drawer DIY cat tree to keep your friend purring for years to come.
Materials:
5 old wooden drawers6 wooden 2X2 boards
Nails
Wood glue
Directions:
This particular project is fairly simple, and allows for a lot of creativity. Basically, all you need to do build a simple frame out of four of the 2X2 boards, and then attach three of the drawers with the opening facing upward at relatively equal intervals going up the frame. Then use the remaining two boards, and build an additional frame connected to the first through the final two drawers. The end result should be a series of drawers set at different heights that your cat will be able to climb and perch on. Be sure to space the drawers so that your cat can jump comfortably between them, and be careful not to make the structure too top heavy, otherwise you climbing cat may be in for more of an adventure than expected.
3. Rolling storage
Just because you don’t want the old dresser or armoire anymore, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re willing to give up the additional storage that your dresser or armoire once provided. Well, by adding a few wheels to your repurposed drawers, you can move your storage solution somewhere a little bit more discreet (like underneath a bed, or to the bottom of a closet). This may be the perfect recycling project for drawers that maybe aren’t as pretty as they used to be.
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Materials:
Several old drawers
4 small casters per drawer
Flat-tipped screws
Directions:
Attach four casters to the bottom of each drawer (on caster at each of the four corners). Be sure to use flat tipped screws, so that the points don’t damage any items you may decide to keep in the drawers. Once the casters are attached, all you need to do is fill the drawers with whatever you want to store, and then roll them out of sight. Position the drawers knob-outward, so that you have an easy handle that you can grab when you want to retrieve them.
4. Shelves
Drawers and shelves are fairly similar to begin with, so it doesn’t take much effort to repurpose some old wooden drawers into a set of beautiful and fun wall shelves. These shelves can be arranged in an almost infinite number of ways, and are versatile enough to be used in any room. And should you decide that you want to go a different direction, these shelves are as easy to remove or reposition as they are to put up.
Materials:
Several old drawers (exactly how many you choose to use is totally up to you)
Nails, screws, drywall anchors
A pencil
A belt sander (optional)
Directions:
First, determine exactly where your shelves are going to go, and how they are going to be positioned. For a nice frame-box effect, position the drawers so that the bottoms of the drawers are flat against the wall with their openings facing outward (if the front drawer paneling extends too far down to allow the drawer to lay flush against the wall, sand it down). Alternatively, you could attach the flat backs of the drawers to the wall, so the the opening is facing upward. Take some time to determine exactly how you want your drawer-shelves to sit. Once you decided how they should look, lightly mark in pencil their positions on the wall. Now, using a hammer or an electric drill, attach the drawers to the wall. Either make sure to attach the drawers to the wall where there are studs, or use drywall anchors to ensure that your new shelves don’t pull away from the wall once you decide to put something on them.
4. Side Table
Sometimes all a room needs is a little accent. If you feel as though this is the case with a room in your apartment, consider upcycling an old drawer into a stylish side table. When placed next to a couch or chair, a side table provides a place to rest drinks, keep a television remote control, station a home phone, etc. However, for this project, you’re going to need a drawer that is large and long. Otherwise, your end table will be too close to the ground to be able to function as anything other than a stylish trip hazard.
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Materials:
1 large/long drawer
Weights (or books)
Screws (optional)
A Belt Sander (optional)
Directions:
Turn the drawer so that the flat front paneling is facing upward. This paneling is going to act as your flat table surface, so it should be as smooth and as flat as possible. Remove any handles or knobs, and fill in any open holes with wood putty. Consider sanding the surface as well to create a uniformly flat surface. Next take a moment to determine whether or not your side table is overly top-heavy. If so, you may need to attach some weights to the bottom to keep it from tipping over too easily. Lastly, if you’d like to have a side table that can be easily moved from one location to another, consider attaching four casters to the bottom as well. The drawer opening can be filled with books, magazines, or any other stackable items that you might want to keep on hand.
Furniture may not last forever, but if you’re willing to give it a second chance, it can often find new life in your home DIY projects. Old drawers have hundreds of potential uses, so get your hands on some and start thinking creatively.
Were there any great DIY drawer projects that we missed? Head to the |
the day as the final polls of the campaign are published, the Liberals and NDP are tied at 39 per cent apiece.
That's a significant reversal of fortunes from a little over two weeks ago, when the gap between the two parties stood at seven points in the polls to the NDP's benefit.
The Greens follow in third at 19 per cent support, while about three per cent of British Columbians are expected to vote for other parties and independent candidates.
With these levels of support, the Liberals are narrowly favoured in the seat projection, with 44 seats to 41 for the NDP and two for the Greens.
While that points to the narrowest of majority governments, the B.C. Liberals have a higher seat ceiling and thus a better chance of winning than the NDP — running 10,000 simulations with these seat ranges gives victory to the Liberals 72 per cent of the time, with the NDP winning the most seats 28 per cent of the time.
The odds of a minority government stand at about one-in-five — significant for a province that hasn't had a minority government since the 1950s.
Polls hint at Liberal advantage
The seat projection model favours the Liberals in a close race largely because the party's regional support is more efficient than the NDP's. But while the race is otherwise a toss-up — two polls published Monday morning by Mainstreet/Postmedia and Ipsos/Global News give the NDP a statistically insignificant one-point lead over the Liberals — there are reasons to believe the Liberals could have the edge.
In the polls conducted partially or entirely in May, three have given the NDP the lead by a single point while two have given the Liberals a lead of two to four points. That suggests that the Liberals have the higher upside than the NDP. The Liberals have also been trending upwards at the tail-end of the campaign, while the NDP has stagnated or dropped.
The Liberals also potentially have a turnout advantage. Mainstreet finds that the Liberals have stronger supporters and give the party a three-point lead among those voters who are most likely to vote and least likely to change their minds.
Both Mainstreet and Ipsos give the Liberals a significant lead among older British Columbians, who also vote in larger numbers.
On leadership, in six polls conducted during the campaign that have asked who voters think would be the best premier, Clark has placed ahead of Horgan in five of them.
Metro Vancouver, Interior to decide result
Nevertheless, the margin is close enough in the polls that the popular vote could go in the NDP's favour. Which party will win the most seats, however, will depend on how those votes break down regionally.
In 2013, the B.C. Liberals won both the regions of Metro Vancouver and the Interior/North — the former by about five points and the latter by about 13.
The Liberals still look set to win the Interior/North again, leading with 48 per cent to 33 per cent for the NDP. The Liberals will thus be looking to hold onto the seats they have in the Interior and potentially pick up a few at the expense of the NDP. The trend line has been heading in the Liberals' direction in the region.
NDP Leader John Horgan gestures to indicate two days until election day while addressing supporters during a campaign stop in Vancouver on Sunday. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)
Metro Vancouver, however, is trending against the Liberals. The polls now give the NDP about 42 per cent to 38 per cent for the Liberals, a swing of some nine points from 2013. That has the potential to move a number of seats from the Liberals over to the NDP.
But can the New Democrats win enough new seats in Metro Vancouver to make up for a lack of gains — or losses — in the Interior? Horgan's election hopes lie in a strong showing in and around Vancouver.
Breakthrough or bust for the Greens?
Additionally, the New Democrats will need to minimize their losses on Vancouver Island.
After flirting with the lead earlier in the campaign, Andrew Weaver's Greens have since fallen back, dropping to about 28 per cent and into a tie with the Liberals. The NDP still leads on the island with 40 per cent. But both the Liberals and NDP are trending below their 2013 levels of support on Vancouver Island, opening up some opportunities for the Greens.
Support for the Green Party, whose leader Andrew Weaver is seen above in Nanaimo, B.C., stands at 19 per cent a day before the vote. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)
Attaining four seats and official party status in the B.C. legislature is within reach of the Greens, but it is looking like a bigger challenge than it was earlier in the campaign.
How the Greens do is perhaps the biggest unknown going into tomorrow's vote. Polls put the party at between 15 and 23 per cent support provincewide and between 20 and 35 per cent support on Vancouver Island. Within those bands of support lie everything from a breakthrough to a disappointment for Weaver and the Greens, with significant implications on the performance of the other parties.
Multiple outcomes possible
This all leaves the outcome of the B.C. election uncertain. The Liberals have a regional and turnout advantage that should give them the edge in a close race. They could also benefit from incumbency and so out-perform their polls, as has often been the case in other jurisdictions. That would turn a slim majority into a wider one.
The New Democrats could benefit from a breakthrough in Metro Vancouver or a decrease in Green support that, polls suggest, would boost the NDP more than the Liberals. But they could also under-perform their polls as they did in 2013.
And the Greens could prove to be efficient in getting their supporters out exactly where the party has a shot at winning seats — giving them official party status and potentially the balance of power in a minority government. Or the Greens could under-shoot their polling average, as the party has often done elsewhere in Canada.
Considering the margins of error in polls and the regional dynamics at play, such a narrow gap between the New Democrats and the Liberals could result in any of the above outcomes without the polls seriously missing the mark.
So surprises could be in store. All will be revealed after voting closes at 8 p.m. on Tuesday night.created 15.05.2011 - 10:31, updated 05.12.2011 - 09:45
May 14, 2011 -- London, England
Now that Muad’Dib/John Hill has been found not guilty, the full story to this point of His malicious and politically motivated prosecution can be told…
Three years ago, Muad’Dib mailed some DVDs containing his ‘7/7 Ripple Effect’ film to a courthouse near London, where three scapegoats were being prosecuted in hopes of lending credibility to the government’s “official” 7/7 story. These DVDs were sent by Muad’Dib because he wanted to keep innocent men from receiving very lengthy prison sentences. ALL the rest of us who knew about that situation should be ashamed for not having done exactly what Muad’Dib did.
As a result of his good-will, Muad’Dib’s home was raided by police and he was arrested on a charge of "attempting to pervert the course of justice". In the Orwellian 21st century, he was really just being attacked by a malicious and out of control police-state for getting in the way of their mass-murderous crimes (7/7 was an event of mass-murder). The charge against Muad’Dib originated out of the filthy-corrupt Westminster (political) court in London, right next to where the globalist banking syndicate is headquartered.
Muad’Dib then spent over a year and a half fighting extradition to England where he knew it was going to be one corrupt event after another. The very short story is that Muad'Dib's court-appointed lawyer in Ireland flatly refused to do as instructed and sabotaged any successful defense. Since the other Irish judges were all quite corrupt too, never applying Law, or even the relevant legislation, Muad’Dib’s fight against extradition was eventually denied by the Irish Supreme Court in front of 40 supporters and he was re-imprisoned, then taken to the UK by "counter terrorist" police in November of 2010.
Once there, the more obvious corruption started, as Muad'Dib was at that point held firmly in the clutches of a filthy corrupt British Establishment (including police, courts, and media).
Firstly, Muad’Dib was deleted from the prison’s computer system, with them originally saying that Muad’Dib wasn’t even at their prison and they didn’t know where he was (lies). About that same time, a police officer(?) working to prosecute Muad’Dib stated openly that many other people sent DVDs to the same courthouse as Muad’Dib, but no one else was even investigated, never-mind charged. This was an open admission of a malicious and politically motivated prosecution/persecution.
Eventually the prison system was forced to admit they had Muad’Dib in custody, and a bail application was made, in front of yet another corrupt judge, who had the courtroom closed to the public before denying bail with the official reason that the judge(?) “didn’t want more DVDs to be sent out”. Sending out DVDs is, obviously, not actually a crime. Muad’Dib then spent approximately four months straight, incarcerated, teaching and waking up a sizeable portion of the prison staff and inmates who ALL knew that he did not in any way belong in prison.
In early March of 2011, bail was finally granted by the only judge throughout this entire process that actually seemed like a reasonably honest man. However, this process was still made very difficult by the fact that the prison service kept making “mistakes” or “forgetting” to bring Muad’Dib to his own court hearings. In all, Muad’Dib was only produced for two of seven different court hearings whilst in (police-)state custody.
After being granted bail, one of Muad’Dib’s supporters went to go pay the ransom money, only to find out that, once again, any reference to Muad'Dib had been deleted from the court's computer systems. This of course complicated things, but eventually the sabotaged system was worked around, the ransom money was paid, and after a bit of haggling with the prison, Muad’Dib was released with barely enough time to travel to his bail address before his court-imposed 10pm nightly curfew. At that point Muad’Dib began refining his defense and legal challenges.
His first action was to challenge the jurisdiction of the court, by proving, with a wealth of evidence, that “queen” Elizabeth is not the rightful monarch, and never was.
This was a two-point argument. First, that Elizabeth knew—both then and now—that she was crowned on a fake coronation stone instead of the real Stone of Destiny/Coronation Stone, which meant not only was she never properly crowned, but she was also knowingly and fraudulently conning the public, and that is why she didn't want her coronation televised.
The second and absolutely irrefutable part of the arguement, is that Elizabeth had broken her legally binding coronation oath, which is a valid contract she made with the British people allowing her to be their queen. Although more proof exists and was to be used in court, the skeleton legal argument summarizing this jurisdictional challenge can be found online at: REGINA v JAH.
At the end of March 2011, Muad’Dib submitted the basics of this challenge to the court, alongside applications to subpoena “queen” Elizabeth to testify, and also for production of the Sovereign’s Coronation Bible, which Elizabeth had used when swearing her legally binding oath. Elizabeth also signed a written version of the contract, and a high-quality picture of the original can be seen here: Signed Coronation Contract.
Unsurprisingly, nothing at all was heard back from the court, unlike what would normally happen. So, on the final working day before his May 9th trial, Muad’Dib visited the court clerk’s office, and asked them what the situation was. At that point, he was finally notified that his subpoena applications had been denied (by an extremely dirty judge), but that the court had, once again, “mistakenly” mailed that information to the wrong address.
After having been harassed, monitored, restricted, and imprisoned for long periods of time by a completely rotten “judicial system”, May 9th 2011 finally came, and with it, as one would guess, more corruption.
The judge, hand-picked by the Establishment to handle Muad’Dib’s case, was clearly unhappy to have been forced into what he surely saw as a difficult predicament for him. He had a totally innocent man (Muad’Dib) in front of him, and a courtroom full of witnesses which were going to make it very hard for this judge to carry out the orders he’d been given by his evil puppet-masters, which was to make absolutely sure a guilty verdict was returned against Muad’Dib.
First, the judge flatly refused to hear Muad’Dib’s application to subpoena Elizabeth and the Coronation Bible. With that brushed aside, he then read Muad’Dib’s jurisdictional challenge, or at least said he did, which, as above, had/has two points: a) the fake stone used, and b) the broken coronation contract.
After giving Muad’Dib a few minutes to make his case, the judge adjourned the court for the rest of the day. The following morning he came back and said he was denying Muad’Dib’s challenge, ONLY on the grounds that it “didn’t matter” if a fake coronation stone was used. The judge very slyly attempted to ignore a huge amount of Muad’Dib’s challenge, saying absolutely nothing whatsoever about Elizabeth having broken her legally binding contract with the British people. The judge had to ignore and bypass that part of the challenge, because, even by their own silly “rules” and legislation, that part of the challenge is still absolutely water-tight and irrefutable, being very simple contract Law.
The fact that the judge refused to even mention that crucial part of Muad’Dib’s challenge offers a great deal of proof that it cannot be argued against in court, therefore, everyone should be studying the information and using it themselves in any British (or Commonwealth) courtroom possible. If you’ve not broken a Biblical Law, then you cannot be prosecuted for anything by Elizabeth or her agents acting on her behalf.
With Muad’Dib’s challenge officially denied (ran roughshod over as he predicted), the jury was then sworn in, and the prosecution began spewing out a bunch of pointless hot air. Basically, the prosecutor (who was an arrogant, rotten little girl with no moral decency whatsoever--which is why she was picked for the job) had absolutely no legitimate case to argue on behalf of those evil Establishment figures controlling her, and they ALL knew it. So, she just talked around in circles for the better part of a, day, while some members of the public and jury struggled to stay awake.
Once that had finished, Muad’Dib’s only defense was getting up on the witness-stand and explaining to the jury that he sent the DVDs to the courthouse because innocent men were being maliciously prosecuted, just like he now was, and that he could not sit back and watch people go to prison for something they didn’t do. It really was that simple, so, Muad’Dib then used the opportunity to also enlighten everyone in the courtroom about other subjects like the false-flag 911. Upon cross-examination, the aforementioned rotten little girl prosecuting wasted everyone’s time by connivingly trying to get Muad’Dib to say he’d done something wrong. That obviously didn’t work and she ended up hurting her own case even more, deciding she’d better sit down and be quiet when Muad’Dib scolded her for wasting everyone’s time speaking nonsense and trying to argue that black is white, and white is black. Red in the face and embarassed, she sat down.
After this, both sides summed up their cases. The prosecution slandered Muad’Dib and the defense team basically said this whole thing was horribly ridiculous.
Then it was the corrupt (and probably free-masonic) judge’s turn to have the last word. This horror in a black dress went on to do everything he could possibly come up with to try and manipulate the jury into giving a guilty verdict. This judge re-defined the words in the charge, stated Muad’Dib said things that he never said, then outright lied to the jury by stating it was not up to him which evidence they heard, when he had already forbid various (important) pieces of evidence from being shown to the jury (thereby making direct decisions about the evidence being heard). He did basically everything he could to have Muad’Dib found guilty, just short of openly telling the jury that they must convict. Had the public gallery not been full and over-flowing, he probably would have done just that.
The jury then went back to deliberate and about 2 and a half hours later came back saying they couldn’t reach a unanimous decision (possibly a plant in the jury). The judge probably thought the odds were in favor of a conviction, so he then allowed a majority verdict (no less than 10 to 2 either way), and the jury went out again, before coming back an hour later saying they’d made a decision.
The jury forewoman that gave their verdict came in the room beaming with a wonderful smile, and a few other jury members were definitely grinning. A NOT GUILTY verdict was then given and the jury left the room a final time to the applause and gratitude of the public gallery.
The judge then quickly left the courtroom quite visibly upset (knowing he was probably in trouble for failing to get this conviction on behalf of his masters) and the prosecutor waddled away back to whatever crypt she’d crawled out of. The police officer visibly heading-up Muad’Dib’s prosecution actually had the decency to say he was sorry—which was nice, all things considered. However only days later proved he really is a dirty cop and a two-faced establishment shill.
Muad’Dib is once again at complete liberty after having proven that doing the right thing always pays off in the end—IF you don’t lose strength.
As for the rest of us? We can all look forward to a second-edition of the ‘7/7 Ripple Effect’ coming out soon. :-)
Yes, case closed… But a new beginning of sorts is upon us. Keep checking back for updates. This is just a battle won, but this war for Truth, Justice, and Liberty is not over yet.
AMEN.
-The Friends of Muad'DibNetflix is picking up exclusive rights to the documentary “Virunga” as part of a broader push by the company to include more cause-related documentaries in its growing original programming lineup.
The film, about the battle to protect a national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, will make its debut on Netflix this year. It follows a team of park rangers at Virunga National Park that includes a former child soldier, a caretaker for orphan gorillas and a Belgian conservationist. The group fights to save the Unesco world heritage site from armed militia, poachers and others as a rebellion breaks out across the country.
“Virunga” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April, where it was nominated for the Best Documentary Feature prize.
Netflix is pouring $3 billion into content this year and is steadily expanding its roster of original programing to lure subscribers. At the same time, Netflix is charting an international expansion as its streaming business in the United States matures.A Visit from the Elves
Twas the first day of Granite, and all through the fortress,
the stockpiles were full of all things that were dwarvish.
The bin-fulls of crafts freshly gemmed with great care,
would be traded to elvish kind, soon to be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
while visions of plump helmets danc'd in their heads.
Some dwarves were still sleeping, all sporting silk socks
in bedrooms engraved with dark dolomite blocks.
But when I heard wagon wheel, carving out tracks,
I sprang from my bed with my trusty pickaxe.
Away to the trade depot, unloading a lot,
I stalked the elf traders to see what they brought.
The brokers came buzzing around the new objects,
appraising the good stuff and checking for defects.
When, what to my wondering eyes should behold,
an artifact sword made entirely of gold!
The blade was engraved- a Beak Dog with gold tail,
and hilt-wise it'menaces with spikes of pure shale'.
More rapid then goblins, the brokers they came,
and whistled, and shouted, and call'd it by name:
"Praise be this artifact, found with the elves!
It's name shall be Stalkedwhipped, the Tormenting Hells!"
"You leave this with us, depart from our hall,
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
The elves took unkindly to the greed of the dwarves,
they halted all trade and made ready their horse,
and started back toward the large hole they came through,
with all their goods packed... and the artifact too.
But then with a squeaking, I heard from up high,
a floodgate had opened from a vault in the sky.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
down came the lava to fry all the ground.
The elves cooked in magma, right down to their feet,
The trade-able goods all caught fire from the heat.
A bundle of toys was flung into the fire,
knocked over a barrel with blazing attire!
The artifact scalded! but oh how it twinkled!
In lava, it twisted! In magma, it wrinkled!
The scorching hot liquid made way through the fort,
There's no going back, there's no last resort.
In bedroom, in workshop, where dwarf life would thrive,
The lava would conquer, no one would survive.
And then it went BLACK. All things were gone.
The eternal night had finally dawned...
A tiny, quick message the blackness demanded,
Your fortress is over, your settlement abandoned...
My friend turned around once or twice in his chair,
a smile on his face as he started to swear.
I said "I don't get it, you killed everyone?
You built this for weeks, and now you're just done?"
He laughed as he told me "It's rule number 1..."
When playing Dwarf Fortress... losing is fun."How do I test the source maps my compiler/transpiler/build tool creates?"
I have seen this question come up a few times, and unfortunately, people usually don't find an answer, give up, and don't test their source maps. However, testing source maps isn't too hard if you are using Node.js and the mozilla/source-map library. If you aren't using Node.js and the mozilla/source-map library, you can still use the following techniques, but you will need to implement a source map consumer.
Your tool most likely has a function that generates both the JavaScript that will be executed by the browser's JavaScript engine/Node/whatever, and a source map. Something like this:
var result = compile(input, { url: inputUrl, sourceMap: true }); result.code; // The JavaScript code result.sourceMap; // The source map
It is easiest to base your tests around this function.
To test generated source maps:
Create some test input to compile. Select some different bits of code in the test input and record their { url, line, column } locations. Generally, a "bit of code" should be a specific token, function invocation, etc. Compile and generate a source map for the test input. Create a SourceMapConsumer for the generated source map. var smc = new SourceMapConsumer(result.sourceMap); Inspect the compiled code and find the generated code that corresponds to the bits of code you selected in step (2). For each of the { line, column } locations in the compiled code, add an assertion to your test that smc.originalPositionFor(location) is equal to the expected location in your original source.
There is another approach, that is easier for compilers targeting JavaScript than for build tools, which can be used when you don't want to inspect the generated JavaScript at all.
You can add a location debugging statement to your language that compiles to JavaScript code similar to: // SpiderMonkey (Firefox) (function (e) { console.log(e.lineNumber, e.columnNumber); }(new Error())); // In other engines, you need to parse the first frame from the error's // stack property yourself (function (e) { console.log(parseLocation(e.stack)); }(new Error())); Create test input which has one or more of these location debugging statements. Compile the test input and create a SourceMapConsumer for your generated source map. Run the compiled input and read its output. Assert that querying the SourceMapConsumer for the original location(s) of that output points to the expected location(s) in your original test input source.
For reference, here are some existing source map test suites from various projects (hopefully this post helps them expand their tests as well):Paris Jackson rushed to hospital after'suicide attempt'
Emergency services called after reports of 'possible overdose'
Insiders claims teenager had cut wrist multiple times
Recovering in a Los Angeles hospital - 'doing OK'
Paris' mother and grandmother confirm incident
'Upset after being refused permission to go to Marilyn Manson concert'
Paris Jackson was rushed to hospital in the early hours of Wednesday after an apparent suicide bid.
Her mother Debbie Rowe is understood to have confirmed the reports to Entertainment Tonight and said the 15-year-old is currently at a Los Angeles hospital.
A lawyer for Katherine Jackson, Paris’ grandmother, alluded to how Paris is still coming to terms with the loss of her father Michael Jackson, four years after his death.
'Being a sensitive 15-year-old is difficult no matter who you are.' Perry Sanders said in a statement to MailOnline.
' It is especially difficult when you lose the person closest to you. Paris is physically fine and is getting appropriate medical attention,' Mr Sanders added, as he made an appeal to the media for privacy.
Scroll down for video...
Hospital drama: Paris Jackson, pictured here earlier this month in West Hollywood, was rushed to hospital in the early hours of Wednesday morning
Paris was taken from her Calabasas family home on a stretcher at around 2am and conveyed to a nearby hospital, according to TMZ.
Scott Miller of the Los Angeles County Fire Department tells People Magazine that paramedics responded to a 911 call at 1.27am'regarding a possible overdose' while TMZ reports a source as saying the teenager had cut her self multiple times on one of her wrists.
Insiders told Entertainment Tonight Paris was upset because she was not allowed to go to a Marilyn Manson concert in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Dark: Hours earlier Paris tweeted a series of alarming messages on Twitter, quoting the sorrowful Beatles song Yesterday
Jackson compound: Paris was stretchered out from her Calabasas home to hospital at around 2am on Wednesday
Recovering: Paris is believed to be at the West Hills Medical Center recuperating and is said to to be 'doing ok'
The incident unfolded just hours after the teenager posted a series of alarming messages on Twitter.
Around midnight she recited the sorrowful Beatles’ song Yesterday to her million plus followers, writing: 'Yesterday, all my troubles seem so far away, now it looks as though they’re here to stay.’
An hour previously, she posted: 'I wonder why tears are salty.'
Teenage woes: Paris seen here during a recent web chat where she gave fans make-up tips
Bonding: Paris has been getting closer with her mother Debbie Rowe of late, seen here together last month
The 911 call came in at 1.27am local time, according to TMZ and the website reports Paris is now 'doing ok'.
Paris’s mother Debbie told Entertainment Tonight how her daughter is going through a difficult time at present and 'has a lot going on'.
Rowe's lawyer Eric George told MailOnline: 'We appreciate everyone’s thoughts for Paris at this time and their respect for the family’s privacy.’
Devestated: Paris with her aunt Janet during the memorial service held for her father in Los Angeles in 2009
The teen was listed as a potential witness in a massive lawsuit currently being brought by the Jackson family against AEG – the concert promoters behind her late father Michael’s doomed tour This Is It.
The family, who want $40 billion, say superstar Michael died from an overdose of prescription drugs after a punishing schedule of rehearsals prior to the tour.
The trial which began in LA in April is scheduled to last three months. Paris’s older brother Prince, 16, is also prepared to take the witness stand.
Michael Jackson died in June 2009 aged 50 after suffering a heart attack brought on from an overdose of propofol and benzodiazepine.
In recent months, Paris has become increasingly close to her mother, Michael Jackson’s second wife, Debbie Rowe.
Mother and daughter have been pictured spending time together amid reports Paris will move in with her mother at her Palmdale ranch in California over the summer months.
Rowe, 54, met Michael when she was a nurse for Dr Arnold Klein, the singer’s dermatologist. The pair married when she was six months pregnant with Prince in November 1996.
The following year she gave birth to Paris. The couple divorced in 1999 and Rowe accepted an $8million settlement and gave full custody to the popstar.
Music producer Russell Simmons has tweeted his support to the Jackson family, writing: 'My prayers are with Paris Jackson and her family at this time.'
Meanwhile Michael Jackson's former lawyer Tom Mesereau, who represented the singer during his 2005 child molestation trial, said he is 'heartbroken over the news.
He told RadarOnline: 'I'm heartbroken over Paris Jackson’s suicide attempt. I’m shocked, and frankly, at a loss for words.
'Paris is just a wonderful young lady, beautiful, and extremely bright.'
King Of Pop: Michael Jackson seen with daughter Paris in 2005 in London, four years before his deathIt’s been 70 days now since Cameroon’s two Anglophone regions have had any access to the internet. The shutdown in the Northwest and Southwest regions was instituted in January following protests against political, linguistic and economic marginalization from the French-dominated government. The blackout is currently stoking regional fear and unrest, crippling a vibrant and growing digital sector, and in effect, creating ‘internet refugees.’
But the starts-ups have shown the creativity and determination which made them enterpreneurs in the first place. After weeks of shuttling back and forth to the commercial capital of Douala to access the internet, tech developers have come together to create what they call an “internet refugee camp.”
The space is located in Bonako, a village near the toll gate separating the Southwest from the Francophone region of Littoral. The space was sponsored by ActivSpaces, Cameroon’s first tech hub and incubator, and Njorku, a job listing startup voted as one of Fast Company’s 2017 most innovative African companies.
The startups rented the one room in the village, brought chairs and tables, and connected electricity through a generator. A dozen members from the six startups currently operating there each brought their own modem portable internet for use. The co-working space has thrown a lifeline to these techies, shortening the distance of their daily, over 70-kilometer commute from Buea to Douala by an hour.
“It was tedious. The commute was not easy,” says Otto Akama, the community manager of ActivSpaces, about the daily trip to Douala. “The real benefit [of coming to Bonako] is that there’s no traffic.”
Courtesy / Otto Akama Internet sanctuary
The internet shutdown has cost the Cameroonian economy over a million dollars, not to mention the long-term effects on supply chains and the budding Silicon Mountain industry. This is not a desirable outcome for the central African nation at a time when commodity prices are low, and the country hopes to sign a two-year aid deal with the International Monetary Fund to deliver sustained growth.
The government is yet to publicly announce why it shut the internet, and operators, worried that their licenses would be withdrawn, reportedly complied with government orders. The blackout has drawn sharp criticisms from the United Nations, the American Congress, whistleblower Edward Snowden, and members of the Cameroonian diaspora in the US and France. Even in the euphoria that followed Cameroon’s win of the Africa Cup of Nations in February, the country’s goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa used the occasion to stand in solidarity with those in the English-speaking regions.
Ayuk Etta is the CEO of Skylabase, a startup that develops computer software and which is currently using the Bonako space. This week, he is going on a trip to The Gambia and then Rwanda to see if he can permanently relocate. “This is too much,” he said.
But despite the shutdown, a faint glimmer of hope keeps surfacing from the tech industry. Lum-Neh Angela, whose app Opportunity Space connects Cameroonians to scholarship openings, and whose launch was affected by the shutdown, was recently selected for The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship program. In January, Nji Collins Gbah from the Northwest region became the first African to win a spot in the Google Code-in competition.“Kamikaze Girls” (2004) is a film adaptation of the novel and manga “Shimotsuma Story” directed by Tetsuya Nakashima. It’s about the unlikely friendship between girls of vastly different subcultures; one a “Lolita” obsessed by Rococco-era French fashions and the other a member of a “Yanki” biker gang modeled after 1950’s American rock and rollers. Besides the underlying theme of friendship transcending cultural differences, it’s also a coming-of-age story with a positive message about the importance of pursuing one’s dreams, rejecting conformity, and thinking/acting independently. Similar to Nakashima’s other films such as “Memories of Matsuko” and “Paco and the Magical Book” (as well as Jeunet’s “Amélie”) the viewing experience of Kamikaze Girls is enhanced by surrealistic touches such as over-saturated colors and inventive camera/editing work.
Update: no longer on YouTube but still available with subtitles here.
AdvertisementsA good sequel never stays down for long
Who would not love to see mechanics of zombie and zombie 15’ which is combined to bring up the Left 4 Dead themed shooter video game? Having in mind that we are calling the abominations and fatties “Tanks” and “Boomers”. It is also a surprise that we have never had a set of survivors who are matching on the L4D teams. But then it may also be as a result of the mechanics of the Left 4 Dead and the zombie design that is so close to L4D securing the L4D crew which would infringe on IP for Valve to sue. Hence you can get both sets of the special infected and the sets of survivors. Wait no more buy an officially licensed Left 4 Dead and enjoy the game!
Have you heard about the Left 4 Dead 3 latest new?
After playing the L4D for a while, the L4d2 did not take long before its release. So rumors have been bouncing around that the L4D3 would soon be released. That is appealing to here, but the question still remains when? Still, rumors have it that it will soon be released by 2018. Is Patience a virtue right? We know Valve is still struggling to come up with the third installment of their flagship series.
Valve shooters have a common tremendous sense of forwarding momentum. This includes sweet music, a combination of level design and also a narrative agency. The L4D3 has an AL director who will either plant the lone zombies along its paths and or sweep up in the tied of the dead. This makes this shooter video game enticing and the Duties of Al directors guide you on wards.
What does the Left 4 Dead game cheats codes entail?
For someone to access the cheat codes, one must be able to activate the cheat console which is within the game’s menu so as to access the cheats. Therefore, first, you need to activate the console which is in the main menu when you select options. We pack in as much of the popular cheat codes you want and more... These PC games are fun in 3D and this is why we also recommend 3d slot machine games for free at PlaySlots.Games if you like to play 3d online games, there are plenty of them. No cheet codes will be needed for those 3d games, but pure luck is all you need to win! Who dares wins, you as we all know!
What is the Technology behind Valve Games?
Valve cooperation was founded in 1996 and it began as a limited liability company. This was an idea generated by some former Microsoft employees named Mike Harrington and Gabe Newell. After a period of time Valve launched steam which accounted at least half the digital PC game sales. Later Valve employed about 250 people who enabled Valve enters the game hardware market that sold Steam Machine. Some build the gaming PC’s which also run Valve’s Steam OS.
Which are some of the Valve game release updates?
Valve is a cooperation which is considered one among the best influential companies in the game industries. The invention of the Steam and also reception of games has made Valve to be the top game developers and it is still the most powerful in the PC gaming. Just to list but a few of the games that Valve released include Half-life by November 19, 1998. By April 7, 1999 Valve released the Team Fortress Classic. The Counter-Strike Nexon was released by October 7, 2014 and among the best games was Left 4 Dead. But we’ve got the newest dates listed here for the newest games getting a release for the new year.The town didn’t really didn’t impress me at first. The charter bus I rode into Baton Rouge took us through rundown parts of Louisiana’s capital. Then the landscape changed radically and I was thrust into the bayou version of college football heaven.
On Youtube you can find the video called “Saturday night in Death Valley”, an ode to the stadium with words penned by LSU public address announcer Dan Borne. It reads as follows:
It is a pantheon of concrete and steel It is a city that rises defiantly in the delta alongside the father of waters It is the humidity of autumn evenings that drapes stately oaks and broad magnolias It is haunted … and it is loud. It is Halloween night & Cannon blasts It is a Louisiana gumbo of humanity that cheers its Tigers to victory & destroys the dreams of invading foes Chance of rain is … never! It is the cathedral of college football & worship happens here When the sun finds its |
in admitting that’s a serious problem, I don’t think female sexuality in itself is something we should try to stamp out in games.
Playing It Safe
If you are going to dare put a female in your videogame, the politically safest course of action is to create a character similar to Lili, the excellent self-titled iOS title of 2013, made with Unreal. Lili is the kind of protagonist any parent would find safe enough for their daughter. Lili is cute, but in a non-sexual way. Lili avoids any stereotype besides cheery spunk. Lili is pleasant and only shows strong opinions on subjects we can all agree on, such as “Bullies are bad.”
Lili plays it safe. Lili is a child created for children. In a world where the most common advice for women in tech isn’t to fight for our own equality, but rather to get our daughters more interested in computers and punt for the next generation, Lili is the poster child for that message.
I love Lili as a game—it’s a masterpiece, and I would recommend it to anyone with a child. But, as a game developer creating content for adults, I’m not content to tell stories with only the safest, most non-offensive female characters imaginable.
Destructive Conflict
Ultimately, I fear we’re creating a world in which we demand that video-game women be created in our political image—a standard men in games are not held to.
There’s nothing innately wrong with preferring that women’s armor in games be comparable with men. There is nothing wrong with preferring cute, child-like characters like Lili. But, if those are the only images of femininity you’re comfortable with, I would argue that’s not a reasonable position. I’d argue that even pornographic characters like Soul Caliber’s Ivy have their place. Ultimately, this is an issue of choice.
As more women move into game development, taking their place as modelers, programers, animators, CEOs, and even journalists, we’re going to continue to see a wider range of female archetypes come forth. And some of those archetypes are not going to look like what the Anita Sarkeesian’s of the world are most comfortable with. Yes, there is a politically safest image for a woman in a video game, but it’s not necessarily the correct one. And we’ll know we’ve made progress when it doesn’t have to be the only one.
Jim Lee had a legendary run on the X-Men comics in the early ’90s, comics that massively affected the arc of my creative development. I remember seeing his iconic images of Psylocke, machine gun in hand, teeth gritted in steely determination as she fights Cameron Hodge—drawn so perfectly, they will transcend the ages as masterpieces.
Hair wildly akimbo, muscles taut—one could certainly find these images of Psylocke sexual, but I find them powerfully inspirational. I find them to perfectly capture the beauty of the female form. And yet, these are the same images I’m attempting to convey in my own video game. To me, this is my artistic ideal of femininity.
I don’t need you to like it. I don’t need it to be your ideal. But I do need you to respect that my ideal might not be your ideal.Radio waves are invisible to our eyes. But if you could see them, the sky would dance with random tiny flashes. Thousands of what are called “fast radio bursts” are estimated to occur every day. And though each pinprick flash lasts only a thousandth of a second, they represent a faraway source briefly shining a billion or more times brighter than our sun.
Fast radio bursts have been known for nearly a decade, but scientists have struggled to determine exactly where they come from. And they’d like to know. Because finding their origins would help astronomers use the bursts as probes to map the history and structure of the universe in unprecedented detail.
Now researchers have found the source of one particular burst. They used radio telescopes in Australia and the giant Subaru optical telescope in Hawaii to trace a burst observed last April. And they determined it came from an old elliptical galaxy full of exhausted, dying suns some six billion light-years away. The findings are in the journal Nature. [Link to come]
Identifying the source galaxy provides crucial clues. For one thing, such a galaxy is short on some of the objects expected to cause bursts, such as supernovae or rapidly spinning and flaring pulsars, suggesting this burst came from something else. And, although the burst in question lasted only milliseconds, astronomers were able to witness its faint, fading radio afterglow for about six days. That’s the sort of afterglow expected from a colliding pair of ancient neutron stars, which would be a relatively common occurrence among an elliptical galaxy’s geriatric suns.
Even though this particular burst has probably been explained, many mysteries remain—not all bursts seem to come from the same cosmic source. Fortunately, most possible burst sources could be distinguished by the gravitational waves they emit, like those recently seen by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, or LIGO. That means researchers may soon be searching the skies for both radio and gravitational waves for these bursts, to help draw an ever more detailed map of the cosmos.
—Lee Billings
[The above text is a transcript of this podcast.]
[Scientific American is part of Nature Publishing Group.]Ebooks are quickly becoming the most popular publication medium for books. More people than ever are buying their books in digital form, and ebooks open up an invaluable opportunity for publishers and self-published authors alike. ebooks are even a popular tool for inbound marketing and lead generation.
If you want to create your own ebook in Linux, you have some excellent options, and they’re all free (both as in beer and freedom) and open source.
These aren’t in any particular order. They’re all great, and you should choose the one that best fits your use case and style.
1. Scribus
Scribus is a full-featured desktop publication program. It includes options for creating custom layouts for both print and digital media.
It provides a simple yet powerful drag-and-drop interface that allows you to create professional layouts using both text and graphics. You can can tailor your designs to your publication medium and page size. Of course, you can create multi-page layouts in Scribus as well.
2. Calibre
Calibre is all about ebooks but in a very different way. It is an ebook management platform. Calibre doesn’t just focus on creating ebooks. It also has the tools to read, download, and manage a full collection.
Calibre is your library. You can download books and magazines directly through Calibre and manage them through it. It provides tools for you to organize and even make backups of all of your downloaded books and magazines.
Calibre is also an ebook reader. It has all of the capabilities that you’d expect from a traditional e-reader, like a Kindle.
This article is about authoring, and Calibre is totally capable there as well. Calibre enables you to do everything from minor edits to creating your own book from scratch.
3. LibreOffice with Writer2ePub
If you’ve been using Linux for a while, you’re probably familiar with LibreOffice Writer. It’s been the standard for document writing on Linux for years.
LibreOffice Writer is an excellent open-source alternative for Microsoft Word, and it’s available for every major operating system. Writer has all of the features that you’d expect from a top-notch word processor, and it can easily handle very large documents.
While LibreOffice Writer itself can’t export to.epub or any ebook format other than PDF, it has an available extension that can. Writer2ePub allows Writer to export in the.epub format to create ebooks. It doesn’t change the way this word processor works or make layouts any easier, but it does make Writer a solid option for creating ebooks that are primarily text.
4. Sigil
Sigil is geared exclusively towards creating ebooks. It allows you to use it either as somewhat of a word processor or as an HTML editor. It also has a powerful WYSIWYG editor that enables you to bypass writing any HTML and handle the layout graphically.
Even with the WYSIWYG, Sigil is a tool for users who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and control the layout of their book manually. If you have some knowledge of HTML and CSS and you want fine-grained control over your layouts, Sigil is a great option.
5. Pandoc
Pandoc is something entirely different. It isn’t an editor, and it isn’t an authoring tool. You certainly don’t write in Pandoc either.
So what is it? Pandoc is a command-line utility that allows you to convert documents between virtually any format. You can write your ebook in HTML, markdown, or even LaTeX and easily convert it to multiple formats including.epub. Pandoc also allows you to include CSS styling.
Pandoc is the ultimate power tool for gaining complete control over your project.
Closing Thoughts
Any of these tools will be able to handle your ebook projects. Each one is fully capable. The main difference between all of these authoring tools is their style. Some, like Scribus, are more graphical in nature. On the opposite end of the spectrum you’ll find Pandoc, with no GUI whatsoever. Which would you prefer to work with?
You should take the type of book that you’re writing into account, too. LaTeX is almost mandatory for some subjects. That would point you right in the direction of Pandoc. Maybe you’re just writing a novel with only text. LibreOffice might be the simplest solution for you. If all else fails, experiment. You’re bound to love at lease one of these awesome publication tools.If you follow perlmonks (or just about any other programming forum) you'll notice recurring questions related to floating point arithmetics not being accurate. A typical example would be
my $a = 1 / 10 ; my $b = 1 ; for ( 1..10 ) { $b -= $a ; } if ( $b == 0 ) { print "yes
" ; } else { print "no
" ; } printf "%.20f
", $b ;
When you run this with perl5 the output is
no 0.00000000000000013878
And the reason is that 1/10 is an infinite binary fraction, and perl uses floating points internally with only a finite number of bits for the mantissa. So it subtracts ten times not exactly one tenth, but a number close to that, and in the end the result is not exactly zero, but of the order of magnitude of the machine precision.
However when you run the very same program with Perl 6, you get
yes 0.00000000000000000000
Why? Introspection helps:
$ perl6 -e'say (1/10).WHAT' Rat() $ perl6 -e'say (1/10).perl' 1/10
So 1/10 produces not a floating point number, but a Rat object. Rat is short for Rational, and it's a fraction that stores the numerator and denominator as an integer each, allowing exact arithmetics without floating point errors.
Here is a real world example where this makes a difference:
These two plots are both made with SVG::Plot; the right hand side uses floats, the left hand side uses Rats. With floats the zero axis label is not exactly zero, but a small number close to zero. Instead of making a special case for the zero label, or introducing complicated rounding rules, I switched to Rats - which just implied changing a 5.0 (Num) to 5 (Int).
(Back in the days when I used pugs for Perl 6 programming I found the extensive use of rationals quite annoying, because when I wanted to calculate 1/7 it would answer me with 1/7 - thank you, I knew that already. The current specification says that rationals should delegate string representation to Num (aka floating point numbers), so say 1/7 produces 0.142857142857143. This is very handy, but means that conversion to Str and back to a number loses precision. Works for me.)
(frettled gets credit for suggesting the title of this blog post).In this episode of Strange Matters we discuss the infamous Roswell Incident, where a mysterious crashed aircraft of unknown origins was discovered near an Air Force base in New Mexico.
In the summer of 1947 a farmer came across a pile of debris scattered on the ground that appeared to be some kind of craft. Local Air Force officials came to inspect and recover the materials and claimed it was simply a crashed Weather Balloon.
Though many believed the explanation, there are some who came to believe that this was the first evidence of a crashed Alien space craft. As UFO hysteria swept the country, many others in the Roswell area claimed to see other signs of alien activity, including claims of spotting dead aliens at other crash sites.
We here at Strange Matters go over the big stories and claims made my both sides, the Government and UFO enthusiast alike. Is there any chance that this was in fact an alien craft? Or was it simply just a experimental Air Force balloon? Listen to the episode and let us know what you believe of this bizarre tale!
iTunes
Stitcher
Facebook PageDuring a heated discussion over gay marriage, CNN morning Anchor Chris Cuomo opined that the unalienable rights endowed to all Americans do not come from God.
Cuomo was debating Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage. Near the end of the back-and-forth and after Moore argued that rights cannot be handed down by men, Cuomo blurted out:
“Our rights do not come from God, your honor, and you know that. They come from man... That’s your faith, that’s my faith, but that’s not our country. Our laws come from collective agreement and compromise.”
Maybe Mr. Cuomo flunked elementary civics. The opening sentence of the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence clearly affirms:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”
It may be more convenient to Cuomo’s political philosophy that a select few are empowered to grant rights to the masses, but it certainly is not part of this country’s foundation.
What’s worse is Cuomo is advocating “collective” rights. He speaks as if every American right can simply be overturned at a whim simply because "times change." “Sure, freedom of speech was great in 1789, but we've evolved beyond that as a collective society.” This is a very dangerous slope on which to tread.
Maybe CNN will help their anchors learn American history on the network’s new game show. Chris Cuomo desperately needs the tutoring.If taxpayers are going to shell out hundreds of millions of dollars for stadiums without getting a say in the matter, their elected representatives should pay, too.
In Cobb County, Georgia, taxpayers watched as county officials borrowed $376 million by issuing bonds — including nearly $300 million that will be paid out of property taxes — to finance the new SunTrust Park for the Atlanta Braves. During the process, ballpark opponents were barred from speaking against the lending scheme, the Braves’ president shrouded the deal in secrecy to prevent a public vote and the Georgia Supreme Court struck down an appeal against issuing the bonds. The county also ended up fronting the Braves another $9.9 million to build a pedestrian bridge over a highway to a convention and arts center after that somehow wasn’t included in the original deal.
To cap off the whole messy affair, Cobb County quietly passed an ordinance preventing businesses or private parking lots within a half mile of SunTrust park from selling spaces for people attending stadium events. That diverts all parking revenue to the Braves under the guise of “safety.”
Keep in mind that the Braves’ current ballpark just turned 20 years old this summer. Cobb County officials and the Braves owners kept harping on Turner Field’s lack of a MARTA subway connection, modest parking and location in a “bad” neighborhood — the latter accusation providing a rather thin veil for their more unsavory motivations. However, amid all of those complaints, the people of Cobb County never expressed an overwhelming desire to pay for a new ballpark for the Braves owner — $14 billion media conglomerate Liberty Media Group US:LMCA — or rip the Braves out of Atlanta entirely.
That became apparent July 26, when Cobb County residents voted out County Commission Chairman Tim Lee by an almost 2-to-1 margin. His opponent, Mike Boyce, ran primarily on one issue: Lee’s role in the ballpark debacle. Though Lee told Atlanta’s WSB-TV 2 that he doesn’t regret how the ballpark deal played out and just wished “folks would take time to really understand how it works,” his constituents had other ideas:
“A lot of people don’t like the way the Braves deal went down. That’s one of the reasons I’m here today because we had no say,” a voter said after Lee lost the election.
That’s the key issue with not only stadium finance, but with the U.S. political system: People do not feel that their concerns are being heard or understood by those elected to represent them. However, in recent years — and certainly in this election cycle — voters are more than happy to use their ballots to send a message, even if it results in a largely pyrrhic victory.
Miami miasma
The Braves’ National League East rivals, the Miami Marlins, caused a bit of their own political upheaval in their quest to fund Marlins Park. Before it opened in 2012, Marlins Park was paid for with $409 million in bonds from Miami-Dade County and $132.5 million from the city of Miami itself. That was more than 80% of the cost of the entire facility, with bond interest bringing the country’s portion to $2.4 billion and the city’s to $210 million by 2049.
As you may imagine, paying more than $2.6 billion for a sports facility didn’t sit well with anybody in either the city or the county. When Miami Mayor Manny Diaz’s term expired in 2009, city voters turned up their noses at Marlins-endorsed candidate Joe Sanchez and elected Tomás Regalado by an almost 3-to-1 margin after Regalado called out former Mayor Diaz for his role in the ballpark project. Miami-Dade County didn’t wait for county Mayor Carlos Álvarez’s term to end and dumped him in a recall election in 2011, handing his seat to ballpark opponent Carlos Giménez. Those quick ousters, and some digging into city and county finances by the Miami Herald and Deadspin, led to an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission that continues to this day. If the SEC finds fault, it could turn the case over to the Justice Department or issue criminal charges itself.
Yes, all that came too late to save Miami (city or county) taxpayers for that ballpark burden, but the political consequences were so great that Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross was forced to find $450 million in private funds to upgrade the National Football League franchise’s “New Miami Stadium.” It also gave fans in other cities and regions a blueprint for how to prevent their elected officials from siphoning tax dollars into sports facilities without their permission.
Vegas shenanigans
Take Las Vegas, for example. After having MGM Grand and entertainment conglomerate Anschutz Entertainment Group foot the bill for the city’s $350 million T-Mobile Arena, it turns out that residents in Clark County, Nev., would rather not spend $500 million on an NFL stadium. With 55% of residents providing a definitive “no,” and only 35% voicing approval, it would appear that Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis and would-be business partner Sheldon Adelson (owner of the Las Vegas Sands Casino corporation, among other holdings) might have to apply pressure to local politicians to get the $750 million in tax dollars they’re reportedly looking for. They face a stronger challenge in greater Nevada, where 60% of residents are firmly against, with just 28% in favor of spending that much on a stadium.
However, before the Nevada state legislature or Gov. Brian Sandoval get any ideas about playing ball with Davis and Adelson, we’ll politely remind them and Nevada voters that every elected public official below the federal level (U.S. representatives and senators) “is subject to recall from office by the registered voters of the state, county, district or municipality from which he/she was elected.”
Granted, Nevada citizens have to get the signatures of 25% of voters who actually voted in that official’s election within 90 days — and you have to hope that the secretary of state isn’t in someone’s pocket — but they can send one or a whole group of officials scrambling to hold on to their seats. Special elections aren’t free — one for a New Jersey U.S. Senate seat in 2013 cost $24 million — but they’re a whole lot cheaper than paying off $500 million plus bond interest.
What’s crucial is getting those petitions in at the earliest indication of sports-related interests raiding the public coffers. While holding politicians accountable afterwards is nice, it does little to lessen the financial burden left in their wake.
Political figures in Cobb County, Minneapolis, D.C. and elsewhere haven’t so much as blinked at the nine-figure public cost of sports facilities. Maybe they’ll give those deals a second look when that cost includes their jobs.
Jason Notte is a freelance writer based in Portland, Ore. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Huffington Post and Esquire. Follow him on Twitter @Notteham.NEW DELHI: The government has appointed ICICI Bank chairman KV Kamath as the first president of the BRICS Bank, the multilateral funding agency with Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa as its founding members.Kamath’s appointment is seen as a surprise choice since a politician was widely expected to be appointed as the first president.As part of the understanding, India had got the right to nominate the first head of the multilateral bank in return for China getting the headquarters.As the first president Kamath will have a tough task setting up the bank and also guiding the way BRICS Bank would function in the coming years.In recent months, BRICS Bank has somewhat dropped off the radar with China driving the setting up of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which has seen massive interest from across the world.The new entity is seen to be crucial to fund infrastructure and other long-term projects in the country and in the region.Kamath is no stranger to multilateral banks, having spent eight years at the Asian Development Bank before returning to India in 1996 to take charge of ICICI, which was a development financial institution. Kamath had joined ICICI in 1971.The IIM Ahmedabad alumnus is credited with successfully converting the entity into a modern retail bank, which is now the second largest lender after State Bank of India and the largest private sector entity. Kamath is also the chairman of Infosys.He took over as the non-executive chairman in April 2009 after passing on the baton to his protégé Chanda Kochhar, who is now the ICICI Bank managing director and CEO.When Prime Minister Stephen Harper shut down Parliament for three months to prepare this year’s budget, he told Canadians he was “recalibrating the government’s agenda.” It was time to switch from stimulus to restraint, he said.
In his March budget, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty did lay out a rigorous plan to eliminate Ottawa’s $56 billion deficit in five years. “Canada has returned to economic growth following the deepest global economic recession since the 1930s,” he said. “In this budget we will take action to ensure the government lives within its means.”
But since then the Conservatives have running up some eye-popping bills.
They spent $1.2 billion to host world leaders for a weekend in June. The original price tag was $179 million.
Public Safety Minister Vic Toews told taxpayers it would cost $2 billion to build new prison facilities to crack down on young offenders. Parliamentary budget officer Kevin Page calculated the government would have to spend $9.5 billion to implement its plan.Five years ago, the Canadian government made a significant environmental pledge to protect the country’s land and fresh water — and now efforts are falling behind the world average.
Only 10 per cent of Canada’s landscape is protected, according to a report released by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society on Sunday. The global average is 15 per cent.
“The pace of progress is dismal and Canada has no nation-wide action plan to reach the targets,” reads the report.
In 2010, Canada joined an international effort alongside nearly 200 other countries to curtail biodiversity loss at the Convention on Biological Diversity in Nagoya, Japan. Known as the Aichi Targets, countries promised to achieve 20 measurable goals by a 2020 deadline. The minimum goal for land and inland water protection is 17 per cent.
"It would take [Canada] 50 years from today, not five, to meet our commitment to protect at least 17 per cent of our land and fresh water,” said Alison Woodley, CPAW’s national director in a news release.
“And 17 per cent is only the next step we need to take toward protecting at least half to ensure Canada continues to have healthy, functioning ecosystems,” Woodley said.
“We have one of the best opportunities left in the world to protect large natural areas, because Canada has 20 per cent of Earth’s wild forests and 24 per cent of its wetlands,” she continued.
Ninety per cent of Canada’s land base and 100 per cent of its waters are within the public domain, managed by governments.
But not all of Canada is lacking motivation to get ahead of the Aichi goals — there are regions across the country outperforming the global average, too.
In British Columbia, more than 15 per cent of the province’s land and fresh water is protected —outperforming efforts made by Prince Edward Island. Only three per cent of that province’s land and fresh water is protected.
Other provinces and territories are also credited in the report for implementing projects with biodiversity preservation in mind. The groups singles out Quebec and Ontario’s commitment to protecting its northern regions alongside the creation of 15 new parks and protected areas in Manitoba and a new national park proposal for Nunavut.
The group also believes there are monetary incentives in establishing new protected areas.
“Every dollar spent by federal, provincial and territorial parks agencies resulted in a six dollar contribution to the Canadian GDP,” the report states.
Among its recommendations, CPAW urged government officials to remove political barriers to facilitate Aboriginal leadership when it comes to conservation.
Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq’s office responded to the CPAW report by defending recent government efforts, citing the creation of two new national parks and a marine conservation area, also mentioning Toronto-area Rogue Park’s new status as the country’s first national urban park.
“Canada’s biodiversity goals and targets were collaboratively developed with the provinces and we will continue to work with them to promote conservation and meet these goals,” senior communications adviser Jonathan Lefebvre said in an email to The Huffington Post Canada.
“Canada now has over a million square kilometers of protected areas, which is almost the size on Ontario.”
Also On HuffPost:Massive Recall Issued for Ineffective “COEXIST” Bumper Stickers
WASHINGTON — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will recall over 550,000 units of the popular “COEXIST” bumper sticker due to an ineffective and unsustainable message of world peace, U.S. safety regulators said on Tuesday.
“After an estimated 300 billion incidents of human suffering and death due to war, religious intolerance, racism, genocide, and homophobia, from the years of 50,000 B.C.E. through 2016, this sticker needs to be pulled from retail shelves and all automobiles immediately,” the NHTSA said in a statement online.
“NHTSA likes the sticker,” the statement continued. “We believe it looks really cool in a tie-dye color scheme. In the current geopolitical climate, however, our in-house engineers predict this trend in which everybody dies will not slow down in the foreseeable future.”
The graphic, spelling “Coexist” through religious and political symbols, has garnered thousands of complaints from consumers for inefficacy, despite regular appearances on the rear bumpers of cars owned by progressive Americans.
“I had a feeling something wasn’t working back there. I heard some rattling on NPR about crises in Europe, the Middle East, Africa… even America,” said Subaru Outback owner Wayne Darvy of Burlington, Vermont. “How can sticker companies just sit back and profit from a clearly unattainable mantra? I feel duped.”
Stickerz ’N Stuff, the gift manufacturer owning the rights to the sticker, held a press conference early Wednesday morning to ease concerns.
“Unfortunately, with Donald Trump’s presidency, we foresee demand for left-leaning slogan products dropping considerably. We’re particularly worried about ‘Have A Nice Day’ — studies show nice days are highly unlikely,” spokesperson Amy Kane told reporters outside of their Detroit manufacturing plant. “Luckily, the forecast for Truck Nutz through Q3 2020 projects record profits.”
Kane also provided removal suggestions for consumers from as long ago as early 2001.
“We encourage all owners to peel off their ‘COEXIST’ with soap and water and bring it to your local Spencer Gifts, where you will receive a ‘FUKENGRÜVEN’ bumper sticker free of charge,” she said.
Photo by Kat Chish.The group of 17 calls itself FairSearch and is led by Microsoft. It is already awaiting the outcome of a long-running European Commission investigation of Google’s dominance of the general web search market.
On Tuesday it said Google was using Android to “deceive” smartphone and tablet manufacturers into cementing its hold on the burgeoning mobile internet. FairSearch made a formal complaint to Joaquín Almunia, the competition commissioner, calling on him to investigate Android.
The software was installed on almost 500 million handsets shipped last year, or around 69 per cent of the total, according to industry analysts IDC. Its manufacturing partners include Samsung, HTC and Sony.
The new FairSearch complaint argues that by giving Android away on the condition that manufacturers also install Google services such as Maps, YouTube or Google Play, its app and content store, rivals are unfairly disadvantaged.
"We are asking the Commission to move quickly and decisively to protect competition and innovation in this critical market," said Thomas Vinje, a European competition law specialist at Clifford Chance, acting for FairSearch.
"Failure to act will only embolden Google to repeat its desktop abuses of dominance as consumers increasingly turn to a mobile platform dominated by Google’s Android operating system.”
“Google’s predatory distribution of Android at below-cost makes it difficult for other providers of operating systems to recoup investments in competing with Google’s dominant mobile platform,” the group added.
Microsoft is attempting to make inroads into the smartphone market with Windows Phone 8 software after falling behind Apple and Google. The complaint is also backed by Nokia, its main manufacturing partner. Windows Phone accounted for only 2.5 per cent of smartphone shipments last year, according to IDC.
The corporate software giant Oracle, which last year lost a high-profile, multibillion-dollar court battle with Google over alleged patent infringement in Android, is also involved, along with the travel websites Expedia and Tripadvisor.
“European consumers deserve a rigorous investigation of Google’s mobile practices, and real protections against further abuses by Google,” said Mr Vinje.
The terms and conditions of Android do not mean manufacturers are forced to install Google services, but those that do not are denied access to Google Play and its array of downloadable apps. Amazon, for instance, uses a version of Android on its Kindle Fire tablets but has the resources to run its own app store so does not install Google Maps, for instance.
Mr Almunia has been in negotiations with Google over potential remedies to its alleged abuse of its more than 90 per cent share of the general web search market in Europe for a year. Investigators found the firm favours its own ancillary services over rivals’.
In an interview on Monday Mr Almunia said Google will need to offer consumers more choice in the services it presents in search results. He did not comment on the new complaint relating to Android.
A Google spokesman said the firm continued to work cooperatively with regulators.Patch 1.2 is here. We apologize for the long wait for the patch. We have identified and fixed what we believe was the main issue causing the serious lag. However, we haven't managed to get enough people to test it so this is yet to be confirmed. A bunch of new features and items have been added which we hope you guys will enjoy.
Patch 1.2 is here. We apologize for the long wait for the patch. We have identified and fixed what we believe was the main issue causing the serious lag. However, we haven't managed to get enough people to test it so this is yet to be confirmed. A bunch of new features and items have been added which we hope you guys will enjoy.
Gameplay changes
- Morphine now refills more health
- Bandages and morphine can now be refilled from regular ammunition crates
- Slightly decreased Grenatenwerfer size
- Changed reloading time for the single load rifles
- Added checks telling the player he doesnt have the correct item equipped when playing as standard trooper and fixing a bayonet
Fixes
- Fixed animation for binoculars
- Fixed the bullets coming out from above your head when crouching
- Fixed invisible items spawning bug with attachments
- Fixed spawn glitch on Battle of Ardennes
- Fixed German sentry missing collar
- Fixed the reloading animation sometimes not being played just after shooting
- Added checks to make sure the agent is actually carrying a weapon when attaching stuff
- Added presentation checks to server side triggers for fixing bayonets
New Features
- New scabbards for German knives and bayonets
- New animation for firing artillery
- New animations for the heavy machine guns
- New animations for the French Lebel rifle
- New Minenwerfer light mortar for Germans
- New medic Adrian helmet for French medics
- New hats for French snipers
- New French Sentry class
- New French Rifle Grenadier Class equipped with VB launcher, VB grenades, and a new uniform
- New Aufpflanzbarer Grabendolch knife bayonet for German Stormtroopers, attachable to the K98AZ
- New firing sound for Lebel rifle
- New animation for bolting the Lebel rifle and other single-reload rifles
- New Verdun map by Joseph
- New Luger pistol
- New French artillery uniform
Performance Enhancement
- Key checks recoded. It should fix the major crashes and lag.
- Fixed all IE-related errors in the BRFs
- Removed all unused textures and meshes both in the code and BRF
- Moved all textures and materials to separate BRFsFor Wisam, a 17-month-old Yazidi child, Israel is the place that saved his life, even as ISIS threatened his family in northern Iraq.
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The toddler has been in Israel since June with his father, where he has undergone heart surgery through the Save a Child's Heart Foundation. The two arrived from northern Iraq, where ISIS forces are trying to eliminate the Yazidi minority.
Wisam and his father in hospital in Israel (Photo: Courtesy of Save a Child's Heart)
Wisam was born with life-threatening congenital heart disease. his only hope was offered by the humanitarian organization, which gives children from developing countries access to expert cardiac care in Israel.
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Wisam was invited to Israel for treatment at the Wolfson Medical Center in Tel Aviv. In June, he and his father, Abu Wisam, left their home town of Sinjar to head to Israel for treatment.
The two spent the summer in Israel prior to Wisam’s surgery and were caught up in the Gaza conflict - running for shelter when the sirens blared.
Fleeing Yazidis near Sinjar Mountains (Photo: Reuters)
However, Abu Wisam’s concern is now focused on the family he left behind, including his wife and new-born twins, who are among the 200,000 Yazidi families who fled to Mount Sinjar to escape ISIS forces.
The Yazidis, followers of an ancient religion derived from Zoroastrianism, are spread over northern Iraq and are part of the country's Kurdish minority.
Islamic State militants have killed at least 500 members of Iraq's Yazidi ethnic minority during their offensive in the north, and buried alive some of their victims, including women and children. Some 300 women have been abducted as slaves,
Abu Wisam is desperately waiting to hear from his family, even as he cares Wisam, who is in recovery from his seven-hour surgery performed by heart surgeon Dr. Lior Sasson earlier this week.
Save a Child’s Heart says it is dedicated to saving lives of children, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality or financial status.
The organization and Wolfson Medical Center together set up a clinic dedicated to Palestinian children from the West Bank and Gaza who arrive for check-ups or admitted for heart surgery.If you're curious whether Donald Trump Jr. has learned anything from his president father, the answer became clear Wednesday about two hours after a suspected terror attack in London killed four people and injured up to 40 other people, many of them critically.
The answer: A resounding yes. Yes, he has learned a lot from his dad. At least when it comes to slapping out ill-informed, ill-advised, ill-conceived and facts-be-damned tweets.
Like his father, the younger Trump is not known to have ever apologized for anything. He is not likely to admit that a tweet he sent Wednesday was insensitive, unseemly and grossly misleading, never mind that he later deleted it as he was being buried in a flurry of angry Twitter responses from Britons. And never mind his "no comment" to reporters who wanted to know what he was thinking when he sent the tweet.
"You have to be kidding me?!" President Trump's oldest son tweeted Wednesday afternoon. "Terror attacks are part of living in big city, says London Mayor Sadiq Khan."
At least three problems with that tweet:
1) The timing. Donald Junior decided it would be a good idea to bash Khan just two hours or so after his city was hit by a suspected terror attack that killed three pedestrians and a police officer and left another 40 people injured.
2) The accuracy. Apparently it did not occur to Trump that a more appropriate tweet would have conveyed support and/or sympathy. Instead, Junior decided to send a tweet that included a quote from the mayor that was taken wildly out of context, implying that Khan was shrugging off the attack by conceding terror attacks are just "an inescapable part of living in a big city." In fact, the mayor's words were in response to a September bombing in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City |
are already being tested by the likes of Nokia and Samsung to reach multi-gigabit speeds. In fact Nokia will supply some of the Oulu test equipment, notably the base stations, as it sees several usage scenarios for the network.
"[We can] get early insights into real-life performance e.g. by means of LTE-M live trial. Sharing early evaluation results with partners will help to iron out shortcomings and strengthen the technology for a successful commercial launch of 5G systems in 2020," Peter Merz, head of radio systems, technology, and innovation at Nokia Networks, said.
Business drive
Oulu is only one of the locations where 5G testing is gaining momentum. In Surrey, England, the 5G Innovation Centre 5GIC is scheduled to open in September, backed by £60m in funding. Meanwhile South Korea has invested a whopping $1.5bn on 5G development, and the EU's 5G development project '5G Infrastructure Public-Private Partnership' (5G-PPP) has so far received €700m in investment.
By contrast 5GTN's €7m funding for its first phase in 2015-2016 pales in comparison, but the research team emphasises that its focus is different.
"Our basis is that although there are plenty of technical challenges [in 5G], technology isn't our main driver," says University of Oulu's Latva-Aho. "Our aim is to trial entirely new business models and create an open test environment for companies to try out radical new concepts. In that sense we are challenging the current carrier led business models."
Part of this approach is to promote cooperation, not only on a Finnish level but globally - and here 5GTN is keen to work with 5G-PPP.
"We are starting early. 5G-PPP will be in the stage of building large-scale test networks in Europe only around 2017-2018, and we want to be strongly involved in that. In 2018, we will be much closer to a final 5G concept," Rautiola says.
While the first commercial applications of 5G are not expected until 2020, Rautiola believes it will bring major benefits for consumers and industry alike.
"Firstly, 5G will enable new Internet of Things applications and the management of large amounts of low-energy devices," explains Rautiola. "Secondly, a consistent service quality can be ensured for consumers while the use of wireless grows. Thirdly, for critical services, like infrastructure, network reliability and faster speeds are vital."
And here lies the problem: "These won't be possible without 5G infrastructure," he concludes.
Read more on 5GA Malaysian opposition party has filed a civil lawsuit against Prime Minister Najib Najib Razak offences for alleged election offenses involving $700m in his bank accounts.
The anti-corruption agency recently announced the money, most of which was received ahead of March 2013 general elections, came from donations and not from state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
1MDB, whose advisory board is chaired by Najib, and which has debts of more than $11bn, is under investigation for corruption and financial mismanagement. The affair has triggered a political crisis for Najib.
The People's Justice Party said the money was 26 times above the amount that Najib's ruling National Front coalition was allowed to spend in the elections. The National Front, which has ruled since independence from Britain in 1957, won the elections but lost the popular vote for the first time to an opposition alliance that includes the People's Justice Party.
The party's vice president Nurul Izzah Anwar said the lawsuit will reveal "all kinds of bribes and corrupt tactics" allegedly used by the National Front to win the elections.
With evidence of corrupt transactions, she said the results of the 2013 general elections should be nullified and new polls should be called.
"The fact is that the alleged amount spent by Najib far exceeds the allowable amount for elections," she told the Reuters news agency.
The party also named 1MDB, the Election Commission and Adnan Mansor, the secretary-general of Najib's ruling Malay party, in the lawsuit.
Government officials couldn't be immediately reached for comment.
The 1MDB crisis has partly contributed to the Malaysian currency crashing to four ringgit to the dollar on Wednesday, the lowest since the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis.Now, Qatar's neighbours seem to have joined the fray, inching closer to fully endorsing Israel's narrative on groups such as Hamas, in the name of fighting extremism and terrorism, without defining either.
It is worth noting that the UAE hosts and supports Hamas' arch-rival, exiled Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan, whom it hopes to install as the next Palestinian president.
"Qatar is being punished for its role and influence in the Palestinian arena, with both President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas," Ibrahim al-Madhoun, political analyst, told The New Arab.
"Qatar's role is one of the causes of the Gulf crisis, as its balanced position and influence has become a source of annoyance for its rivals," he added.
Taysir Muhaisen, political commentator, agrees. "All the parties, in light of the emergence of a new US administration, have decided to pressure Qatar, which has had a different approach to many issues including the Palestinian issue, dealing with Hamas and all Palestinian factions... and helping Gaza weather the blockade," he said.
Qatar is one of the few foreign backers of Hamas, and faces massive pressure from its Gulf neighbours to cut ties with the Islamic militant group
Disaster for Gaza
Qatar is one of the few foreign backers of Hamas, and faces massive pressure from its Gulf neighbours to cut ties with the Islamic militant group. If it does, the result could be disastrous for Hamas-ruled Gaza, according to an AP analysis.
Qatar has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in roads, housing and a major hospital in the tiny territory. Its infrastructure projects are one of the few job-creators in a devastated economy.
Gaza already suffers from an Israeli-Egyptian blockade, widespread destruction from a string of Israel-Hamas wars, economic misery and chronic electricity shortages. For Hamas, Qatar's money pumping into the economy is a vital lifeline bolstering its rule.
The mere prospect of losing Qatari support prompted Hamas on Wednesday to issue rare criticism of Saudi Arabia, which has been leading the campaign against its tiny Gulf neighbour.
Hamas official Mushir al-Masri said the Saudi call for Qatar to cut ties with the Palestinian group was "regrettable", and contradicts traditional Arab support for the Palestinian cause. He accused Saudi Arabia of siding with "American and Zionist calls to put Hamas on the terrorism list".
Qatar has denied the allegations made against it by Riyadh. But its small size and reliance on food imports from Saudi Arabia could make it susceptible to pressure.
This could spell trouble for Hamas. The group - which calls for Israel's destruction, even if it has offered long-term interim cease-fires - is considered a terrorist organisation by Israel and its Western allies. Israel and Hamas have fought three cross-border wars that caused large-scale damage in Gaza.
Qatar doesn't support Hamas directly, but its large-scale projects have significantly eased the burden on Hamas authorities and given it some credit for bringing this money to Gaza.
In 2012, Qatar's then-emir, Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, visited Gaza, the first and only head of state to do so since Hamas routed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah militants in Gaza during internecine fighting a year after Hamas won elections in 2006. The emir announced a grant of $407 million for humanitarian projects.
The grant is being used to build a housing complex of 3,000 units. Two phases of the project have been completed and families moved into their new homes, dubbed the Hamad Residential City, in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis.
Last month, Palestinian contractors and Qatari envoys signed deals to start the third and final phase of Hamad City. Now, those deals could be in question.
Using that grant, Qatar also built a specialist prosthetic centre, the first of its kind in Gaza. Qatar paved roads, repaired or rebuilt mosques and oversaw dozens of other infrastructure projects.
Following a 50-day war between Israel and Hamas in 2014, Qatar was the largest single donor to the reconstruction of Gaza, pledging $1 billion at a Cairo-hosted international conference.
Qatar also helped pay for fuel and electricity deliveries from neighbouring Israel, which, despite its enmity to Hamas, supplies energy to Gaza for what it says are humanitarian reasons.
On Wednesday, bulldozers with Qatari flags were seen leveling land overlooking Gaza City's coastal road. The spot is supposed to house the headquarters of Qatar's Gaza reconstruction mission and a residence for an envoy.
In Hamad City, new shops and stores are opening, including a pharmacy named Qatar, barber shops and a video gaming cafe as more families move in. The complex is the largest in Gaza.
Wael al-Naqla, a contractor, has won a bid to build several buildings in the final phase. Thanks to Qatari money, he is one of the few business owners who can hire workers in today's Gaza.
"Without these projects, we would have been idled a long time ago," he said, voicing fears that the funding could soon dry up. "We are afraid I won't be able to keep paying for my 20 workers and they will not be able to eat."
The construction here is one of the few bright spots in Gaza.
The situation here is grim. The territory suffers from rolling power cuts, with just four hours of electricity at a time, followed by 14-18 hours of blackout. Tap water is undrinkable, youth unemployment is estimated at 60 percent. Thousands wait for a rare chance to exit the blockaded territory.
Mkhaimar Abusada, an independent Gaza political analyst, said the pressure on Qatar could increase Hamas' political and financial isolation.
This week, a high-level Hamas delegation was summoned to neighbouring Egypt, which has had cooling relations with Hamas. "If these talks don't lead to new understandings getting Hamas out of its difficult political situation, I think there will be more crises," said Abusada.
Follow us on Twitter: @the_newarabThe One Oak luxury skyscraper will move forward under a sweeping deal reached Tuesday that includes an additional $3 million from the developer toward affordable housing projects in Hayes Valley.
Board of Supervisors President London Breed had threatened to strip One Oak of nearly half of its parking. But under the agreement, developer Build, Inc. will construct all 136 parking spaces and also pay a total of $29 million toward as many as 103 below-market-rate units in the neighborhood — 31 more units than previously planned.
“This project and the benefits it will be bringing to the community is not just a win for the developer and the appellant,” Breed said. “It’s a win for the community and future developments in The City as a whole.”
The in-lieu fees will be used for the construction of affordable housing on underdeveloped parcels R, S and U and potentially K in Hayes Valley, according to Breed. One of the parcels may become housing for young adults who are at risk with a childcare center on the ground floor. Another is slated to become workforce housing with two-and three-bedroom units as well as retail space.
“All of these developments will be built in conjunction with One Oak and may even get finished before One Oak gets completed, so our community doesn’t have to wait for the affordable housing that’s promised,” Breed said.
While the agreement allows One Oak to be constructed with more parking spaces than typically permitted in the neighborhood plan, Breed introduced legislation last week that would have cut 60 parking spaces from the plans.
Breed still plans to move forward with the legislation to create interim zoning controls in the neighborhood, restricting parking in new developments except for One Oak.
The deal also means that city planners will study the traffic impacts of ride-hailing vehicles like Uber and Lyft as well as e-commerce delivery trucks when analyzing new developments.
Breed said she is working with the city attorney to introduce legislation that would require The City to include those numbers in Environmental Impact Reports.
“All of these developments and all of the parking has a cumulative impact, we know it and we see it,” Breed said. “Yet the guidelines that we use to measure these impacts say that there is not a significant impact. We all know this is flawed.”
San Francisco State University professor Jason Henderson filed a California Environmental Quality Act appeal of the project for leaving out those numbers from the One Oak EIR. Henderson withdrew his appeal Tuesday and the Board of Supervisors unanimously certified the EIR.
“When we talk about vehicle miles travelled and parking and other traffic impacts, affordable housing addresses that,” Henderson said. “People moving out of The City that are displaced are also going to have to drive back into The City or take long transit trips into The City.”
The Planning Department has also agreed to a deeper study of wind impacts on bicyclists as a result of Henderson’s appeal.
Michael Yarne, a principal with Build, Inc., said in a text message “we are happy that the issue is resolved so we can move forward on building a beautiful project.”
The skyscraper is slated to rise 40 stories and include 304 condos.
Click here or scroll down to comment(CNN) -- At his heaviest, Brent Schmitt weighed 419 pounds. Even at 6 feet 3 inches tall, that was very overweight and he had high blood pressure.
Many people in his family -- aunts, uncles and grandparents --suffered from diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and high blood pressure.
The iReporter's life-changing moment came during an intense family discussion back in 2009 about his relatives' ailments.
It finally clicked for him: It was time for him to take a different path.
"If I didn't do something about my health, then I was concerned I'd never live long enough to get married and have children or be healthy enough to spend quality time with my future family," the Evansville, Indiana, man said.
And in 15 months, he dropped 177 pounds, more than 40 percent of his body weight.
View Brent Schmitt's iReport
Starting a family is important to this 27-year-old civil engineer and he didn't want to miss out on this opportunity, or the chance to lead a healthy life.
Schmitt jump-started the first six months of his weight loss journey back in July 2009 by reducing his food portions. He would use a smaller dinner plate than in the past and fill it with what he wanted to eat. Once he had done this, he would take half the food off his plate and just consume that portion.
As part of his diet, Schmitt avoided processed foods.
"I tried to buy fresh fruit and vegetables every three days, along with lunch meat sliced from the deli section of my local grocery store," he noted.
Schmitt focused on moving more, too. During the first six months of his weight loss plan, he made the daily choice of moving his body more than he had in the past. He would do little things like take the stairs rather than the elevator - or head to the copy machine after printing a work document, instead of letting his copies stack up.
Once he hit the six-month mark of his lifestyle change, he added more rigorous activity to his daily routine, like using the treadmill. At first, he just walked on the treadmill, but over time he picked up his pace and started to run.
In October 2010, he reached a milestone, running the Evansville half-marathon in less than two hours.
"At first I was in disbelief that I finished, and then I was relieved and proud of myself for achieving a difficult goal," he said.
He now makes a point to take the longest route possible when walking somewhere in order to get more exercise.
"It's everyday choices like these that help me lose weight," he added.
It took Schmitt about six and a half months to lose his first 100 pounds and then he shed the last 77 pounds over the next eight and a half months. He hopes to eventually reach his goal weight of 230 pounds.
Dr. Melina Jampolis, CNNHealth's Diet and Fitness expert who's a physician nutrition specialist who practices in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California, said Schmitt has shed his weight in a safe and effective manner and she salutes him for making smart choices.
"He didn't do any crazy diets or jump into a crazy exercise schedule - and he focused on proper nutrition," Jampolis said. "His story just proves that in real life, if you make small choices like these day after day, it can end with tremendous results."
Schmitt's family doctor, Dr. Michael Allen, said he was comfortable with the pace of the weight loss, since he was a young male and didn't have major health issues, beyond his high blood pressure. Allen noted if Schmitt hadn't dropped the pounds, he would have been on his way to bigger health problems, including diabetes or possible knee replacement surgery.
Many people who have not seen Schmitt in a long time often do not recognize him, since his looks have dramatically changed. Many will ask him which diet plan he used or if he had bariatric surgery.
"I have to constantly reinforce the fact that it was a lifestyle change for me, and not a fad diet or surgery that caused me to lose so much weight," he added.
Schmitt credits his family and friends for supporting him through his "lifestyle change." He says on days when he felt like he was struggling, they would remind him of his progress and how proud they were of him.
"They encouraged me to keep going," he said.
Schmitt said his family members, with their various health issues, have closely watched his transformation, and he hopes his new healthy life will inspire them to make their own changes one day.
Schmitt's goal of starting his own family is on track, too. In mid-June, he became engaged and plans to marry his fiancée in November 2012.
"Life is good for me right now and the future is bright," said Schmitt. "I feel healthier, have more energy, more self-confidence and feel as though I have accomplished something really great."While the stories out of Hollywood tend to focus on the trivial, like the latest inane political comment made by a virtue-signaling celebrity, there is a much more serious and wide-reaching story taking place in Tinseltown: China is taking over the film industry.
Wolverine Entertainment has launched a new Kickstarter project to fund a film exposing China's coup of Hollywood. The video summary of the project shows that the Chinese Dalian Wanda Group purchased AMC Entertainment in 2012, and just last year Dalian Wanda added Legendary Entertainment and Dick Clark Productions to their conglomerate. AMC Entertainment also became the biggest theater chain on the planet with its purchase of Carmike Cinemas.
On Thursday, it was announced that DWG would be investing $1 billion into Paramount. Earlier in 2016, the conglomerate announced that it would be offering a 40 percent subsidy to entice movie productions to be filmed in China and has partnered with companies like Sony to promote various films.
The company is owned by Wang Jianlin, who served in the China's People Liberation Army and served as a district bureaucrat appointed by the Chinese government prior to founding Dalian Wanda and becoming the wealthiest man in China.
In other words, through the Dalian Wanda Group, China is taking over Hollywood. They're already expected to leapfrog the United States and became the largest movie market in the world this year.
The Wolverine project points out that China's influence can already be seen in movies. For example, the Chinese government aided the protagonists in Transformers: Age of Extinction.
The truly insidious thing about China taking over Hollywood is that it gives its communist government the platform to influence the American culture that is already susceptible to socialism given the affinity millennials have for it, as demonstrated by the success of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in the primaries.
A source close to the project told the Daily Wire that there is a way for the Trump administration to end China's Hollywood activities rather quickly. The 1948 U.S. v. Paramount Pictures, Inc. Supreme Court case determined that under the Sherman Antitrust Act, no one can legally own studios and theaters at the same time. Dalian Wanda owns both. If Attorney General Jeff Sessions were to launch an investigation into the matter, China's power grab in Hollywood could end rapidly.
The Kickstarter project then aims to ensure that people are aware of China's activities to spur action. It can be seen here.
Follow Aaron Bandler on Twitter @bandlersbanter.Microsoft Microsoft is working on a clipboard app called OneClip that lets you copy text from your Windows desktop and share it on your iOS, Android, or Windows phone — or vice versa — making sure you have the text you need where you need it.
"Copy once, paste anywhere," promises the Windows Store description of the OneClip beta version for Windows Phone.
The existence of OneClip (and its cross-platform ambitions) was revealed by Twitter user h0x0d, the same person who uncovered the existence of Microsoft's email chat app Flow earlier this week.
It apparently uses OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud service, to make the transition between platforms possible, according to Windows Central.
H0x0d's Twitter also pointed at another under-the-radar Microsoft app called Revolve that "prepares you for every conversation in every meeting" with "relevant insights about the people you're going to meet," according to the Windows Store description.
This one doesn't come with the beta tag, but the lack of Microsoft marketing means that the company probably isn't quite ready to push this one to the workplace just yet. There's no mention there of other platforms it would come to, either, but Microsoft has been really aggressive about pushing its apps across platforms.
In fact, Microsoft has been doubling down on cross-platform productivity applications of late, with a heavy focus on making even its most cutting-edge apps available on non-Windows platforms like the iPhone, where before they'd try to push these features as Windows exclusives. Maybe it's a new Microsoft after all.
Microsoft didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. We'll update this post if we get anything substantial from the company.https://archive.org/download/TheRolistesPodcast_episode20-Part1_2017.04.03.mp3/TheRolistesPodcast_episode20-Part1_2017.04.03.mp3
Nephilim, is one of my all time favourite game.
I hope this episode will make you want to have a go yourself at playing those immortal beings condemned, since the fall of Atlantis, into possessing live human beings through the ages, to be trapped in random archaeological trinkets or to dissolve in the magical fields.
Thanks to the team of French tabletop publisher Multisim and the authors Frédéric Weil and Fabrice Lamidey (sorry we forgot to mention him in our discussion) for creating this universe and the ensuing hours of game we played.
Thanks also to my guest Mira Manga, Willem and Robert for joining. You were an excellent cast.
More discussion about Nephilim will be available, and the adventures of Valeria, Dahl and Eligor will continue in Episode 20 Part 2 (hopefully before the ed of the month).
The Rolistes Podcast is a proud member of The RPG Academy Network.
Make sure to check their many excellent shows, and…
…if you are listening from the US or if you want to attend a convention there, please check the Acadecon 2017 Kickstarter starting on April 13th to support the organisation of the 5th Acadecon which will be held in Dayton, Ohio on the 2nd weekend in November ( 10th – 12th).
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Music
Theme song: “Solta o Frango” by Bonde Do Role
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I’ve heard all the arguments:
“Thong underwear are for preventing panty lines—they are functional, not meant to be sexy.”
“Pretty underwear help girls feel good about themselves. They’re important for self-esteem.”
“She has to change for PE, and everyone sees her underwear. She doesn’t want to wear regular cotton underwear anymore.”
“Shopping at Victoria’s secret with my kids is a great time to talk about why sex is a normal, healthy thing.”
Cherish Childhood
Here’s what I think: childhood is getting shorter—our daughters are growing up too soon. Our daughters are trying to look like grown-ups before they have grown-up bodies. Tweens wearing sexy underwear is just another example of all the other adult trends that have worked their way into childhood. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, More than 326,000 18-and-unders had plastic surgery procedures in 2004 to correct something that made them self-conscious. Kids as young as 10 and 12 go to tanning salons, in many states without parental permission. One woman in New Jersey was arrested for bringing her six year old into a tanning device with her. And clothing styles for girls over seven look more like ladies clothes than kid’s clothes. Most moms I know struggle to find summer clothes for their daughters that cover their thighs.
Eventually, moms just want their daughters to fit in and feel attractive. A girlish appearance just doesn’t seem right for a ten-year-old anymore.
Tweens and teens not only want to look like adults, they want to act like adults, too. They are spending more time on the uncensored internet, and a growing number have their own smart phones and tablets. According to the Pew Research Center, 37% of American youth ages 12-17 now have a smartphone, up from 23% in 2011. Close to one in four teens has a tablet device. Tweens who aren’t allowed to watch “R” rated movies or play “Mature” or “Teen” rated video games feel left out and start begging their parents for these privileges. What’s the difference between the uncensored internet and mature movies and video games, anyway?
Our kids’ bodies and brains aren’t keeping up with our culture. Just as child-like hips are not ready for sexy underwear, tween brains aren’t ready for uncensored media. The adolescent brain continues to physically change and mature until the early 20’s. Tweens don’t have adult decision making skills, social skills, and self-control. We can talk to our kids about sex early and open their eyes to the world while they still live under our roof, but we can’t make their bodies mature faster.
For me, the worst part is the distraught look on the dads’ faces when they see their tween’s sexy underwear peaking out from the back of their hospital gown. Dads know—their daughters are still too young for this.A number of people are feared dead after a helicopter crash in the Mourne Mountains in County Down on Saturday afternoon.
It is not known how many people were on board but local MLA Jim Wells said he believed that several had been killed.
He added that it happened in an area known locally as Leitrim Lodge between Hilltown and Rostrevor.
The aircraft is believed to have left St Angelo Airport in Enniskillen earlier on Saturday.
It is understood to be a medium-sized Agusta helicopter capable or carrying up to eight people.
Eyewitnesses first reported an aircraft in distress in the Mournes at about 1600 BST.
Police are leading the operation assisted by the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, the Fire and Rescue Service and the Ambulance Service.
Keiron Tourish, reporting for the BBC from the scene, said a picnic area at Leitrim Lodge had been cordoned off.
A police spokesperson said that the Air Accidents Investigation Branch had been informed.
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said she was "very saddened" to hear of the crash.
"On behalf of the people of South Down and those I represent, I offer my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the families of the bereaved at this most tragic time."Welcome Juan!
Peter Waterland Blocked Unblock Follow Following Sep 3, 2017
It is becoming customary to start the blog with the announcement of a new hire and today is no different. So without further ado, we have a new member — Juan Leni! He goes by the slightly sinister nickname @purpletentacle on the slack, but is a senior developer with project management experience and will be a fantastic asset to the team going forwards.
When pressed by me to give a statement for the blog he eventually sent me this:
“I am very excited to join this amazing team!
Lots of things have been going on in this first week: architectural improvements, code metrics (codacy/test coverage/etc), continuous integration, unit testing, documentation generator, standardized logging, automated code analysis, pip deployment, containers, etc, etc, etc. And soon we will be integrating optimized C/C++ into the mix!
I am really looking forward to a significant speed up in the development pace!”
To say he has hit the ground running would be an understatement. He has immediately settled into the team and our github repository reflects this with a seemingly frenetic flurry of activity. Welcome to the team, sir!
Team conference
The dev team, who reside across the globe (in the UK, Netherlands, Australia, Switzerland and India) met up last night to discuss the roadmap and development challenges in preparing for mainnet launch of the QRL.
Kudos to @scottdonald and @aidan for waking up at 4am to join the discussions. Rumours remain that ‘Kaushal’ aka @cyyber is an AI were not squashed by this conference call.
Developers Assemble!
Developer activity..up and to the right
It has been just over two weeks since the last blog update and in that time we have seen tremendous activity in our github repository (https://github.com/theQRL). Since August 27th, there have been 38 pull requests and 64 commits to qrlcore alone.
And just so @jp doesn’t feel left out it wouldn’t be fair to exclude the block-explorer repo (https://github.com/theQRL/block-explorer) which has been completely refactored using meteor.js and is now functionally awesome.
The alpha can be seen serving up testnet at: http://qrlexplorer.info and looks a bit like this prior to re-skinning:
alpha block explorer functionality
QRL technical update..
The testnet has been reset so many times with non-backwards compatible code upgrades in the last two weeks we have implemented ‘chain ident’ code to ensure old nodes which haven’t hard forked do not interfere with upgraded nodes following a complete chain reset.
Minor code refactoring changes have been implemented to improve code flow and design related to the state machine of qrlcore. Related to this we have altered block structure slightly and begun to add transaction subtypes: coinbase, standard tx, stake and lattice_public_key. Lattice_public_key is the final building block to us implementing our ephemeral messaging layer into qrlcore.
Optimisations such as hash-chain caching and tx-caching have been implemented and will offer a minor but important performance gain as the number of stake validators rises, especially for low power devices. We have raspberry Pi’s successfully running the latest version of qrlcore (thanks @random_user_generator and @owl).
It will soon be easier than ever to install a qrl node because pip functionality is almost complete (think ‘sudo pip install qrlcore’ in future).
Juan has made inroads into professionalising the codebase with Codacy, coverage and has begun to work through the laborious task of completing a unit testing suite.
badges!
The biggest optimisation to the codebase will come from improving transaction verification time downwards after implementation of the C++ XMSS library into qrlcore. Juan and Leon are almost finished with this which is very exciting because then we can port the library into JS for the webwallet to begin to sign transactions. I predict that in the next blog update we will have some screenshots of the in-browser webwallet in action on testnet.
Further targets for the next couple of weeks will be: integrating ephemeral messages between nodes and beginning to harden the codebase against security concerns, DDOS etc., investigation of hardware wallet solutions, exchange implementation.
Marketing
With mainnet not too far away it is now time to start a marketing campaign to explain the QRL and get word out about the project more widely. This is something we haven’t spent a lot of energy on up to this point. But now the developer ranks are finally filled we will announce more on this in the coming days. Watch this space!
As always, anyone interested in our project which aims to be the first 100% post-quantum secure blockchain ledger in the world, feel free to join the 1970 people who are on our slack at: http://slack.theqrl.org.When I decided to take part in NaBloPoMo this month, committing to 30 posts in 30 days, I turned to my readers for topic bright ideas. One therapist-to-be reader suggested I write about therapist self-disclosure. How do we therapists make decisions about what personal information to share with our clients (or publicly where clients may access it). If you have a mental health and/or trauma history of your own, for example, do you share it or keep it private? Which takes precedence, the desire to speak up to raise awareness and decrease stigma or the desire to keep the focus of therapy on the client?
First off, let’s just acknowledge that no therapist is a complete blank screen. Nor do I think this is necessary or even desirable for therapy to work well. We convey things about ourselves indirectly and nonverbally in all sorts of ways: office location and decor, how or if we maintain an online presence, body language and tone of voice, to name just a few examples. If we practice in a small town or within certain subculture communities, our personal lives may overlap in many ways with clients. Hopefully, all this can be grist for the mill, to be discussed as needed.
Why does your therapist want to discuss things like your reaction to his/her online presence or chance encounters out of session? Therapy is a different relationship than any other. Rather than just accepting things at face value, discussing even seemingly simple matters can help you gain greater insight about yourself and your patterns.
So what is my answer to the self disclosure question? I may indeed sound like a typical therapist as I answer “it depends”.
It depends on many things: your theoretical orientation, your personal comfort level (yes, therapists get to have feelings too) and always, always whether it is in the best interest of the client.
Therapists need to be sure that they are self-disclosing to further the treatment, not based on their own needs. I find that the Zur Institute is a great resource for therapists, with an extensive list of (free!) articles related to the therapy frame and boundaries.
article Self-Disclosure & Transparency in Psychotherapy and Counseling:
As with any decision regarding boundary crossing, the decision to self-disclose is based first and foremost on the welfare of the client. Intentional and deliberate self-disclosure is made under the general moral and ethical principles of Beneficence and Nonmaleficence – therapists intervene in ways that are intended to benefit their clients and avoid harm to them (APA, 2002). Applying these principles to self-disclosure means that intentional self-disclosure should be client-focused and clinically driven and not intended to gratify the therapist’s needs. When self-disclosure is unavoidable, as often is the case in small communities, therapists must evaluate whether such exposure is likely to benefit, interfere or affect the therapeutic process in any way.
How could a client be harmed by our disclosing personal information? Some clients may have had a history of blurred boundaries in their family of origins, of being used as a confidante or to meet a parents emotional needs. Some may be familiar with being in a caretaker role and more comfortable focusing on the other than attending to their own feelings.
As internet synchronicity would have it, in the process of writing this post I discovered a related article by Joanna Poppink, LMFT. She writes about her approach to responding to client requests for self-disclosure:
The key question I ask before I reveal personal information to a patient is this: Will my answering this question burden the patient or will my answering support her healing? Often, when I’m asked a personal question I will respond by saying, “I will answer your question. But before I do, can you tell me why you want to know or what meaning this information has for you?”
She goes on to address the concern I raise above, how many clients have been overburdened with caring for the needs of others. We surely do not want to repeat this sort of pattern within the therapy relationship!
In being intentional |
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