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A solution that's too slow to solve anything is not a solution. Vivid Writing Services delivers solutions that keep pace with your market and your audience.
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About
I’m a poet, a chef, a raconteur, a freelancer
―yeah…maybe a garden variety location independent writer, but I love what I do and love when I can pass it on!
My Writing Values:
* Philosophy: Learn something new every day. 1% daily improvement in life. Dive into the writing process with purpose and passion.
* Inspiration: Writing is like an extreme sport. No step is too small to notice but the result is exhilarating.
* Standards: Personal pride for work completed.
* Goals: Complete projects on time and accurately. Be an awesome writer and an even better human being. We need humans to be more human.
* Mission: To create well-written, well-thought-out, and highly engaging content.
Social
freelancing
Shocking declaration from a content writer and social media coordinator, blogger and everything the hell else I am.
The fact is there are worse things that go on and on in our daily lives that interfere with our freedom and self-determination and we love those things. We have a taste for whatever we can use more so than for the things that we can love.
Bear with me on this, because there is a beyond-Facebook point to what follows here. But, let’s get to social media and Facebook as a case in point: There is nothing good or bad but thinking makes it so.
For me, social media is usually thought of as “good” for 5 reasons.
Reason No. 1—Social Media is good because it’s a tool. Not just something we can use but something we can love. As a bright shiny distraction, social media keeps me in touch with people and the thing I value most―relationship.
As a freelancer, social media gives energy and propulsion to mastery and purpose. That is, social media is effective for promoting ideas and plans, for career and evolving projects, for meeting potential clients and launching entrepreneurial initiatives.
I have often repeated that to me social media is underutilized by community development practitioners, counselors, therapists, healthcare professionals and healthcare entrepreneurs. Over the last 2 years, I have witnessed a huge change as these professionals have really caught on. Their relationships have grown hugely matching any and every sector out there.
For me, it begins and ends with relationships. I had a great conversation with a friend of mine, a passionate VP of sales and consultant with a radical web development company. He was telling me about how corporate was pushing for closings. While we sure did agree that there’s nothing wrong with wanting to close more deals, as we spoke we came to a couple of important conclusions.
Closing a deal, like anything else, is not a magical occurrence because it does not exist in isolation, and cannot appear by sheer force of will.
Before you can close, there is a full spectrum of actionable items you need to bridge.
The first and last item on the spectrum is relationship.
Reason No. 2—Social Media can be a veritable provenance of insight, creativity, and well-thought-out viewpoints. Setting aside Caturday and the millionth mention of Nikola Tesla, platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook obviously work for me and other freelancers.
The people I have met through social media have helped me shape my main goals and helped motivate me to move forward―in spite of conventional ideas of what success should look like. My connections and followers on social media have provided benefit and value as I pursue freelancing.
I’ve learned a lot and continue to as relationships grow.
They have inspired an upgrade of self as the new year approaches. Success for me has been hinged on becoming a person business, so to speak―not at all precluding being a business person, but in essence, running my life as though I am the brand.
After all, I am the capital, I am the operation.
This is a season to explore a sort of economics of Self―an investment in functioning, becoming a think-tank of mission and goals; networked and affiliated, sharing and earning―not merely consuming.
It’s okay to be an artist and a guru, it’s also okay to acquire and accumulate. The seeds I have planted concerning the business I am into today and frankly, the business I am not into (what’s none of my business)—have begun to bear fruit. Even the iPhone pics of the food I cooked at home have provided dividends.
Reason No.3—Because Facebook allows me to stay in contact with the real people in my life, I am enjoying connections with friends, and family [of choice] without having to lie about “let’s keep in touch,” or about FaceTime and phone calls none of us will ever make.
If I had a dime for every time I said or was asked to keep the conversation going. Wow.
There’s at least one opinionated virago out there who’d be happy to tell you: This ain’t news, this ain’t special, interesting or Earth shattering. Like Gertrude Stein said, ‘Nothing will ever be more interesting than the American Civil War.’
Let the mossbacks say what they like—it’s none of my business. Truth is, I have known some of my Facebook friends―yes indeed they are Facebook “friends,” but they are actually genuine friends, too―going back to the age of 12. We’re in contact with one another because it’s the best way to keep in touch.
Some of the people that I know on Facebook, in fact, the biggest circle of people that I know in social media, are people that I’ve known since I was in my 20s. There are some people in social media that I’ve known from anywhere between 5 years to just a few weeks. Or less.
Reason No.4—My social media presence is evolving as I evolve, and as social media itself evolves. It truly is a journey.
I began freelance writing as a generalist. I was told to find a niche and I organically grew toward creating content for websites and work as a social media coordinator. This wasn’t just something that happened overnight. But being no great fan of irony, I had to make an exception because as I niched down, I expanded my competencies. All because I value relationship building.
This is what happened as a result of nurturing relationships: A potential client and I connected over Skype for a 30-minute meeting. His website content was sparse and poorly written. He wasn’t a writer and didn’t want to be a writer.
We ended up talking for almost an hour and a half. It wasn’t all business. Not directly. We were getting to know one another as people first, as business associates second.
Then he asked, “How can you expand on what you’re already doing?”
So, not being a fan of irony, I am a huge devotee of the epiphany. The ah-ha moment. The proverbial lightbulb over my cartoon head. The end result of our conversation was that he saw an appropriate fit and hired me as a Social Media Coordinator.
Expanding competencies.
Reason No.5—Everybody gets so much information all day long that they lose their common sense. ― Gertrude Stein
There’s a lot of noise on the Internet. The noise is part of the two biggest challenges that you and I face.
The first is to not allow our best moments and our momentum to get rerouted by every single great idea that pops into our heads.
The second is the closely related Bright Shiny Objects.
I use my Mac’s Stickies, Notes, and Text Edit apps. When I get an idea, it goes on Stickies. If later in the day it seems not too excessively insane, it goes on Notes. Then, if it’s not just another bright shiny distraction, I look into it further.
Some ideas are awesome ideas but they’re not for me. There’s the issue of what resonates and what integrates. If it isn’t fundamental to my process, or can’t become part of the mix, I cannot waste my time on it.
Then there are the pure, unadulterated Bright Shiny Objects. I have mixed feelings about these. Nowadays, I allow myself a short amount of time for them. In the past, I could really mess up my flow, the efficiency of my entire day.
It’s 9:00 a.m., I’m having coffee and researching an article and before you know it, it’s lunchtime and I haven’t written a word. Chasing squirrels is a Bad habit!
Well, not always. There have been frequent experiences where distractions led to discovery. Researching one topic has often led to inspiration, jotting another two or three ideas on Stickies, and honoring my process.
Best of all, allowing yourself to chase something shiny can lead to an introduction.
I consider it quite an honor to have connections on LinkedIn and Twitter with influencers and thought leaders. Maybe some of these relationships were inevitable, but if allowing time for the chase initiated a conversation then no harm no foul.
If we allow a small part of our day to be taken up by a bit of distraction we may find that it doesn’t automatically have to interfere with purpose and mastery.
Mastery is about living our lives in a more meaningful and fulfilling manner.
Purpose strives for achievement.
We are not our distraction. We are made up of countless traits, not just distraction or any other single characteristic or habit. Our daily purpose is to enhance the enjoyment of our work and our being. Work is only a part of our existence and will never to prove our worth.
Whether we’re multitasking, strictly focused, or totally distracted, we have enough fulfillment and purpose to carry us through. Social media engagement has been the capstone of my freelancing adventure.
And sometimes, we do need to disconnect on a whole mess of levels and just be still. Like Gertrude Stein said, ‘Everybody knows if you are too careful you are so occupied in being careful that you are sure to stumble over something.’
Stumble over your next blog topic, your next connection, the influencer or thought leader you connect and engage with. You have the mastery and the tools. Social Media is one of them. Love these things. Love them all.
Like this:
What marketing strategies are you using right now? A more important question might be how well are they actually working for you?
If you’ve given up on using Social Media and Internet marketing vehicles for your business, don’t throw in the towel just yet. In addition to offering a Lifetime of Content Program, I opened the Pk Freelancing Social Media Café.
I help people and businesses implement social media strategies that are proven to generate more leads, website traffic, and targeted followers. My programs are simple to understand and results-driven to get you the best outcomes possible on Social Media.
Social media, when used correctly, can be one of the most powerful business and marketing tools you will ever use. The problem for most companies is that they don’t know where to start or they don’t have the time or staff needed to get consistent results.
My purpose is simple: I Coordinate Your Social Media and Provide Outstanding Content To Make Sure You Get Results. Guaranteed!
I have developed programs that can handle the needs of almost any size company in any industry and in almost any country.
By outsourcing your Content and Social Media needs, you have more time to focus on your business while you leaving your marketing up to a professional at a fraction of the usual cost.
If you want to learn more about Social Media and find out if our plans are a good fit for your business, I would be happy to connect over a 30-minute consultation.
With the places life has taken me to in 2016, I’m on the threshold of a new life.
I have been reflecting on my career development. I have recently experimented and explored independent human services consulting. I set out on that journey through freelance writing as the first step toward that big mission.
Freelance writing is not only more tenable, it is also a reasonable starting point. This is what my journey, as one of the 35% of the U.S. population who is self-employed, has made clear to me.
I’ll get to why that makes sense in a moment.
You’re not going alone, are you?
Take a jacket.
I sure am taking a jacket. It’s appreciative change―layering for success, actually. One thing that had been missing on my journey was a mentor or a coach. I changed that recently.
I sure have been changing―what I do, how I do it, what I think, what I say, and how I say it. I have grown as a content and copywriter. I’ve learned a ton about a variety of topics. These include web content, blog writing, social media marketing, networking, ebooks, self-publishing, and more.
My writing has improved. My resume has improved, too, both the content and the layout―and the targets I’m aiming at are sharp.
And then I connected with a coach. There are differences between a counselor and a coach. My coach has blurred the distinctions and the impact has been invaluable.
As a result, I have recently been thinking a great deal about the theories originated by Anne Roe. My thoughts focused on transtheoretical, or stages of change models, of career counseling.
Anne Roe’s theories are reminiscent of Murray Bowen’s. Like Bowen, Roe focuses on the importance of early childhood experiences and parent-child relationships.
Oh, Pete…do we have to go that far back?
Yeah. I’m a developmentalist by education and an advocate of developmental psychology. I urge you to stay with me. This is going to be good.
Anne Roe believes that we likely choose a work-life that reflects the psychology of the home we grew up in.
Integrative life planning and cognitive theories of career counseling are important. In my experience, Roe is less complicated and way more interesting.
Roe comes at coaching with a needs approach. She takes a person-oriented focus. This approach helps in understanding coaching clients and their relationships with family. The effects of those relationships are the key.
Roe’s person-oriented focus gives the coach an understanding of career direction. And also an understanding of the obstacles the client is having difficulty with. Where the client is stuck, and which solutions to provide are an important part of the package.
One cannot coach an individual one does not know. Roe encourages the use of personality theories to learn more about the client. The idea is to throw light onto the client’s assumptions about choice and why they need to make better ones.
The right coach will impart important lessons. Some of these will be about how choices affect all areas of life, not just career trajectory. To know a client, you have to understand the choices she has made and know her pain.
Informed choices and learning to make quality choices are important skills to learn. A coach will help with that. And that’s one of the ways pain gets relieved.
One overlooked area is the gratifications which work can offer. I chose freelance writing first as I grow toward consulting because I love writing. I mean I really love writing.
I was reading a blog post by a self-publishing guru. He suggested writers get into the habit of writing 1000 words a day. A DAY! I thought, brah, I can write 1000 words in 2 hours.
And here’s a bit of news: personal evolution and growth include career development, too. It’s a process that takes place over the entire life span. Life and work stop for no one.
The Landscape of Career Opportunity
From 1760 to 1840, machines changed people’s way of life as well as their methods of manufacture. The 100 years that followed, saw the United States as the major economic and cultural power in the world.
1973-1975 marked the end of the great post-World War II economic boom. The US crept into a post-industrial economy. Recently, we have experienced the post-internet economy. Today we are living through the beginnings of the post-labor economy.
In an era where there is no longer a market for labor, the US is experiencing limits to growth. An end to growth, many believe, will lead to the eventual end of full employment. Some experts say we need is a new social and political paradigm. Practical, profitable jobs, they claim, will stop in due course.
The fact remains that everybody deserves dignity. What we need is to replace wealth with efficiency. We need to replace stuff with education. We need to replace welfare with an inclusive guaranteed income. We need to replace bureaucrats with counselors, corporation with community.
Economic change will force the hand of cultural change. And so, this is the age of the entrepreneur.
Changes in work and changes in the economy are inextricably linked. In 2008-2009, many of us learned this first hand. Before I was ready to make a career transition, the economy tanked.
The change was due to the $15,000 gap between my salary and the salary of my nearest colleague. . . on the food chain, pun intended. That was the strongest factor in the big bub-bye to Pete of ’09.
Having a college degree helped. I could transition from a culinary career to mental health services. It took a great deal of time to get a new job in a new field.
One interview that shortly followed was for a bachelor’s level substance abuse counselor. The experience made it clear how tough it has gotten. The correction’s department in my state was looking to hire a Master’s level clinician. They could get away with paying entry level wages to a better-qualified candidate.
I started thinking about making the transformation from freelancer to consultant. I still believe that’s my best bet.
In other sectors of the job market, automation is taking jobs for which there is no pay scale. The present time belongs to hackers and coders. The future, to associate’s degree level engineers, technicians, and designers.
The landscape of career opportunity is a shifting panorama, to be sure.
A person does not grow from the ground like a vine or a tree, one is not part of a plot of land. Mankind has legs so it can wander. ―Roman Payne
I have known people who have lived their entire lives in the same basic location. They have worked the same kinds of jobs. They have even spent their entire careers with the same company.
A large number of people have put down impressive roots. Others have expressed courage in other ways. Many Americans have explored multiple careers changes in their lifetimes.
Of theses two types, I have been the latter. It is impossible for me to say that only recent changes in the American economy have had an effect on me and my work life.
Family, culture and personal choice have had an effect. Life-span development and personal spiritual formation have also come together. All these things, not just the economy, affected a radical shift in how I see myself.
My focus has shifted. I’ve gone from job hunting to becoming career conscious―this is one major area of change.
Another shift has been from goals to targets. That is, from the monolithic notion that a job is an end in itself to accepting a design framework instead. The focus is now on the flexibility of function rather than objectified ambition.
Finally, the acquisition of the material—property, houses, cars—is of no importance. I’d rather have a plane ticket and a passport than a house and a car.
Abundance Over Scarcity
My aim has been to holistically grasp the depth and meaning of this new direction. I seek to harmonize and counterbalance mindfulness, with the practical every-day reality of life.
I am introducing a paradigm shift. It’s a shift toward abundance over scarcity. I make it sound more complicated than it is.
Still, it’s a huge part of why I’ve made the choices I have made. And the best choice I made was to work with a coach.
When the economy went south, I adopted a brave indigence framework. I felt that within my financial scarcity, I could find a spiritual creativity. In essence, I wanted creative indigence. I even ran a blog with that title.
I’m at a place in my personal development today where I take fewer and fewer things in life as belonging to me. It is much more meaningful to contribute something meaningful. There’s little room for third-rate advice, ill-informed opinions, judgment, and the demandingness of others.
But “simple work” no longer gives me satisfaction. It’s about leaving behind a palpable legacy―in my career and life. This is the way to achieve a sense of satisfaction. The way to get there is simple. It’s through giving.
I often said that the more you give, the more you have to give. The time came to live that out.
In the past, my goal was to work at my best, to develop competencies. I wanted to create a space where I could earn a promotion and a raise. Today, as I have said (and I laugh a bit about it, too) I have no business acumen as a result of wearing the blinders of goals.
For example, I once believed that I had no clue about networking. I compensated for my cluelessness by taking the plunge. I replaced The Big Goal of creating a network. I aimed at the practical target of messaging someone on LikedIn.
Lo and behold, I was networking.
Another target area for me was to explore how to make my existing skill set part of my personal brand. This helped me see things in a new light. Writing and my self-perception as an artist are marketable features of my career.
Lo and behold, I’m a freelance writer.
My self-perception as an expressive, original, and independent creative has dividends yet to pay.
I find fulfillment in helping people. Particularly in a capacity where I am able to coach or show people how to do a task. I cherish the notion of being there to help and to be a part of a group that finds solutions to problems.
What I didn’t realize back in 2009 was that this is the definition of an entrepreneur.
This goes back to my maternal grandmother. Julia was a devout Episcopalian who gave much of her property to build churches. During the summer, one of the bedrooms in her beach house became a clinic.
One of the dioceses in Louisiana arranged to send physicians and nurses. I spent weeks at a time in the summer translating. I spent some of the most memorable times in my life in San Marcos de Omoa, Honduras.
I saw human fragility and dignity, illness and courage. I saw what it meant to people to have even one doctor when there was no access to health care.
One young mother walked for 12 straight hours to see a doctor. She carried her swaddled infant for over 40 km. The baby boy would have otherwise died of dehydration because of diarrhea. One young man had an inguinal hernia without any hope for treatment.
I learned that everything that has a front has a back. Gratitude without appreciation is meaningless. The patients served, and the medical personnel we helped, modeled this for me every day.
The first male nurse I ever met was John Henry Williams. He had been in the Navy Medical Corps during World War II, stationed on a battleship that sunk in the Pacific. He had a huge impact on my life. He was a person who stayed behind after everyone else left. John lived in the village he served. He taught about clean water, nutrition, and health, not as an expert but as a neighbor and a part of the community.
John was not a go-getter. He was a giver. His value to his community was in his generosity. He gave continuously. His was a life not of creative indigence but of abundance. On his terms.
On The Scale
When I became a graduate student, social entrepreneurial initiatives seemed logical. From the beaches of Honduras to community interest companies and Appreciative Inquiry. It makes sense to me.
But those are Big Goals and with no idea about scalability, it’s a pipe dream.
An honest scalability model helps the freelancer. Most entrepreneurs want to transition from one business model to a wider entrepreneurial sphere. As we take on an increased or expanding workload, we expand our vision.
A system that scales well will be able to increase its level of performance and efficiency. Not just when tested by larger operational demands, but when tested by a larger vision. That’s true not just for business but the entrepreneur running it.
Scale yourself first. This isn’t about climbing the ladder. This scale is about progression, succession, sequence.
Freelancer to Social Entrepreneur. Nurturing a heart for both giving and abundance. Wanting to make a difference for clients now, and change the world as I scale up. In the system that I’m creating, these are also Big Goals. With scalability, they become a Big Mission.
This is why getting a career counselor or a life coach is so powerful. With a coach, we choose the positive as the focus. We identify the life-giving and create a preferred future. We innovate and improvise and generate the appreciative rather than the struggling.
Choose abundance over scarcity.
The coach I work with is available when you’re ready to explore your own choices.
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Sotloff Family Remembers Slain Journalist As 'Gentle Soul'
A spokesman for the family of slain U.S. journalist Steven Sotloff remembered him on Wednesday as a "gentle soul" who sacrificed his life to bring stories of the oppressed to the world.
Barak Barfi, a research fellow at the New America Foundation, delivered a brief televised statement on behalf of the family grieving for the journalist beheaded by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
"Steve had a gentle soul that this world will be without," Barfi said.
ISIL released the video of Sotloff's brutal death on Tuesday, two weeks after its videotaped beheading of photojournalist James Foley sparked international outrage. Sotloff had appeared on the Foley tape, and some U.S. officials believe he was killed at the same time, with the release of the video delayed only for propaganda purposes.
Those who make the mistake of harming Americans will learn that we will not forget and that our reach is long and that justice will be served."
Barfi said Sotloff was "no hero" who simply strove to give a voice to people in war-torn lands.
"He was no war junkie. He did not want to be Lawrence of Arabia," he said. "He ultimately sacrificed his life to bring their stories to the world."
Barfi said Sotloff never gave in to his captors, and that the family would "emerge from this ordeal."
"We will not allow our enemy to hold us hostages with the sole weapon they possess: Fear," he said.
The Israeli government disclosed that Sotloff, an observant Jew, was also a dual citizen of Israel. An Israeli newspaper reported that he kept his faith secret from his captors, even faking illness so he could fast on Yom Kippur.
This article is from the archive of our partner The Wire.
We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to [email protected].
Russell Berman is a staff writer at The Atlantic, where he covers politics.
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From Encountering
Evil: Live Options in Theodicy, Stephen T. Davis, ed. Atlanta, John
Knox Press, 1981. A revised edition was published in 2001. Professor Griffin
has published two books on the problem of evil: God, Power, and Evil: A
Process Theodicy,
Philadelphia: Westminster, 1976; reprinted with a new preface, Lanham,
Md.: University Press of America, 1991; and Evil Revisited: Responses
and Reconsiderations, Albany: State University of New York Press,
1991.
Creation
Out of Chaos
and the
Problem of Evil
David Ray Griffin
“In the beginning, God created the
heavens and the earth.” This is how Genesis 1:1 has traditionally been
translated. Even the Revised Standard Version so renders it. However, the
RSV in a footnote gives an alternative reading: “When God began to create
the heavens and the earth, the earth was without form and void. . . .” I
understand that most Hebrew scholars believe this to be the more accurate
translation. For many years I did not give much though to the possible
implications of the alternative reading. Recently I have come to see that
the alternative reading suggests a radically different view of the
god-world relation from that which has dominated traditional theology and
has thereby had a decisive influence upon Jewish and Christian
sensibilities. If accepted, this radically different view will influence
every aspect of Christian thought; but its most obvious and central impact
will be upon that problem which has increasingly been perceived as the
Achilles’ heel of traditional theology, the problem of evil. (This
metaphor is overly generous to traditional theology: Achilles had only
one vulnerable spot.)
The central issue between the two
readings is whether creation was ex nihilo, i.e., whether God
created the world out of absolutely nothing.[1]The traditional reading of Genesis 1:1 does not
say that it as, but it suggests it more readily than does the
alternative reading. And it has been used by traditional theologians to
support the doctrine of creatio ex nihilo.
The alternative reading, while also not
spelling out things with the precision desired by philosophical
theologians, suggests that God’s creation of our world did not involve the
absolute beginning of finite existence but rather the achievement of order
out of a pre-existing chaos. This interpretation of creation, which is
reflected in many passages in the Old Testament, would make the Hebrew
view structurally similar to that reflected in man other Near Eastern
creation myths, and to that of Plato’s Timaeus. In the Timaeus
the “Demiurge” is a craftsman working with materials that are not
completely malleable to his will. They confront him with elements of
“necessity,” and he works to create out of the chaos a world that is as
good “as possible.” The world achieved represents a victory of
“persuasion” over necessity.
Traditional theologians have contrasted
the “Christian” or “biblical” understanding of creation with this Platonic
view. Creation really worthy of the name, they have said, is not the mere
remolding of pre-existing materials, but is making things out of nothing.
Most importantly, the Platonic view held that these pre-existing materials
put limits on what God could do; since they were not created by him out of
nothing, they were not totally subject to his will. This runs counter to
clear biblical statements of divine omnipotence (e.g., Gen. 18:14: “Is
anything too hard for the Lord?”; Matt. 19:26: “With God all things are
possible”). And it is destructive of the hope that God will totally
defeat the powers of evil and make all things new. Accordingly, the
traditional Christian view of creatio ex nihilo was formed indirect
opposition to the idea of creation out of chaos.
It is interesting to note that a doctrine
so central to traditional theology has so little direct biblical support.
The only clear statement in II Maccabees (7:28), a book that Protestants
and Jews do no include in their Bibles. The majority of passages I the
Old Testament that speak to the issue one way or the other support the
idea that creation involved bringing order out of pre-existing materials.
Many contemporary theologians who think the notion of creatio ex nihilo
is important agree that they have the weight of the biblical evidence
against them, but argue that this is not decisive: the crucial question
is, which view is more compatible with the essence of the Christian
faith? Some would add: and which view is, all things considered, most
reasonable? These indeed are the grounds upon which the debate should
rest, especially since the biblical evidence is so ambiguous. Of course,
having argued that the number of explicit biblical passages is not
decisive in regard to creatio ex nihilo, upholders of traditional
theology should in fairness grant this in regard to the related issue of
divine omnipotence, where they have the majority of explicit passages on
their side.
The point to be stressed here is that the
contrast between the two views is not a contrast between one view that is
“biblical” and based on “revelation” and another that is a “departure from
the biblical view” based on “dubious speculation.” The biblical support
is ambiguous. And both views are speculative hypotheses. The only
question is which hypothesis has more to commend it.
Statement of
the Problem of Evil
In order to compare different solutions
to the problem of evil, we need to have a clear statement of what the
problem is. The apparently simply statement found in most textbooks are
riddled with ambiguities. The usual 4-step statement is:
1.If
God is all-powerful, God could prevent all evil.
2.If
God is all-good, God would want to prevent all evil.
3.Evil exists.
4.Therefore
God is either not all-powerful or all-good (or both).
The central ambiguity is that none of the
premises indicate whether the evil to which they refer is genuine
evil or merely apparent evil. This ambiguity has allowed many
theologians to have false sense of confidence that the problem is quite
easily solved. They reject premise 2 on the grounds that a good God would
not want to prevent all evil, since much evil turns out to contribute to a
higher good. But, rather than being a rejection or premise 2, this move
is really a rejection of premise 3, as these theologians are saying in
effect that there is no genuine evil––all the evil is merely
apparent evil since it contributes to a greater good.
For these and other reasons, I find the
following 7-step statement to be most helpful in eliminating ambiguities,
thereby allowing one to see just which premise is being rejected by the
various theodicies.[2]
1.To be God, a being must be omnipotent (with an “omnipotent being”
defined as one whose power to bring about what it wills is essentially
unlimited––except [perhaps] by logical impossibilities).
2.An omnipotent being could unilaterally bring about a world devoid
of genuine evil (with “genuine evil” defined as anything that makes the
world worse than it could have otherwise been).
3.To be God, a being must be morally perfect.
4.A morally perfect being would want to bring about a world devoid of
genuine evil.
5.If there is a God, there would be no genuine evil.
6.But there is genuine evil in the world.
7.Therefore there is no God.
I will comment upon some of the six
premises, pointing out the ambiguities some of the terms are designed to
eliminate.
In premise 1, the key term is
“essentially.” Some theologians believe in a divine self-limitation, in
which God voluntarily gave up power. This would not be
essential limitation. God’s power is essentially limited only if this
limitation is “in the nature of things,” not being a product of God’s
will. This limitation could be due to another actuality or actualities
having its or their own inherent power, or to some impediment to God’s
will in God’s own nature (a “dark side” to God not totally controllable by
the divine will), or to the possibilities open to God (perhaps the realm
of “possible worlds” contain none that is devoid of evil). Regarding the
last phrase of the premise: most theologians who have affirmed divine
omnipotence have held that God cannot do that which is logically
impossible, but they have not considered this to be a real limitation on
God’s power.
In premise 2 one of the key terms is
“unilaterally.” If that term is not inserted, the statement could mean:
God could bring about a world devoid of genuine evil, if God is
lucky, i.e., if the creatures decide to co-operate. But if that were all
that were meant, premise 5 would not follow from premises 1-4, and the
whole argument would be invalid. It is only if God could unilaterally
bring about such a world that God can be blamed for not doing so. We
do not blame parents for not raising perfect children, even though it is
logically possible for them to do so, since we recognize that there are
all sorts of limitations upon their influence––the main one being the
power of self-determination possessed by the children by which they can
resist their parents’ wills.
I have already pointed out the importance
of inserting the word “genuine” before “evil.” With this insertion, we
can be spared those lengthy explanations as to why a good God would
allow evil for the sake of a higher good, since the statement already says
that the only kind of evil in question is genuine evil, precisely
the kind which does not make the world better place, all things
considered. Hence this insertion forces those who might otherwise attack
premise 4 to openly reject premise 6––a move that is possible but
which makes most sensitive people uncomfortable, especially in this
post-Holocaust world.
Creation and Divine
Power
I now turn to the solution I favor, to
which the rejection of creatio ex nihilo is fundamental. In fact,
the problem of evil is uniquely a problem for those theistic positions
that hold the doctrine of omnipotence implied by the doctrine of creation
out of nothing. For, the problem of evil can be stated as a syllogism
entailing the non-existence of deity only if deity is defined as
omnipotent in the sense of having no essential limitations upon the
exercise of its will. And it is precisely omnipotence in this sense that
the speculative hypothesis of creatio ex nihilo is designed to
support.
Two issues are involved. First, if God
in creating our world necessarily worked with some pre-existent
actualities, these actualities might well have some power of their own
with which they could partially thwart the divine will. Second, there
might be some eternal, uncreated, necessary principles (beyond purely
logical truths) about the way these actualities can be ordered which limit
the sorts of situations that are really possible. But if God created this
world out of absolutely nothing, then the beings of this world are
absolutely dependent upon God. Any power they have is not at all
inherent, but is totally a gift of God, and as such can be overridden (or,
which amounts to the same thing, withdrawn) at any time. And if there has
not always been a multiplicity of finite actualities, it does not make
sense to think of any uncreated and hence necessary principles as to how
the actualities of the world can be ordered. Any such principles would be
purely contingent ones, created along with the actualities whose behavior
they describe, and hence alterable at (divine) will.
My solution dissolves the problem of evil
by denying the doctrine of omnipotence fundamental to it. Of the various
ways of denying deity’s essentially unlimited power to effect its will,
mine is to hypothesize that there has always been a plurality of
actualities having some power of their own. This power is two-fold: the
power to determine themselves (partially), and the power to influence
others.
Traditional theism has always held that
energy or power is eternal. But it hypothesized that this power all
essentially belonged to God alone, and was at some point all embodied in
God. I share the view of those who hold instead that power has always
existed in non-divine actualities as well as in the divine actuality. No
special philosophical problems are raised by this view: if it is
intelligible to hold that the existence of God requires no explanation,
since something must exist necessarily and “of itself,” then it is
not unintelligible to hold that that which exists necessarily is God
and a realm of non-divine actualities. Nor is this a denial that our
world is contingent and created by God. My view is that the beings making
up our world, including the most primitive ones (such as quarks and
electrons) are contingent, having been brought about and sustained through
the creative providential activity of God. All that is necessary to the
hypothesis is that power has always been and necessarily is shared
power, that God has never had and could never have a monopoly on power,
and that the power possessed by the non-divine actualities is inherent to
them and hence cannot be cancelled out or overridden by God.
This last point is the most essential
one. Some theologians might agree that we have power, even power in
relation to God, and yet say that God could overpower us and hence totally
determine our activities, including our willing and desiring. But that is
excluded by what I mean by saying that we have inherent power in relation
to God. The claim is precisely that our self-determining activity, and
the consequent influence we have on others, cannot be totally
controlled by God. Hence God cannot control but can only persuade what we
become and how we affect others.
My position is that this inherent power
did not arise at some point in the past, such as with the creation of
human beings. All creatures have at least some iota of this two-fold
power. And there have, by hypothesis, always been such creatures that
have had some power of their own by which they could resist the divine
creating activity.
Our present view that the creation of our
world occurred through a long evolutionary process jives with the notion
of creation out of chaos and its correlative assumption that divine
creative power is necessarily persuasive. The outdated view that all the
present species were created instantaneously in their present forms jived
with the doctrine of creatio ex nihilo and its correlative idea of
divine omnipotence. Contemporary theologians who accept the evolutionary
hypothesis and yet hold to the hypothesis of divine omnipotence have a lot
of explaining to do. Most centrally they must explain why a God whose
power is essentially unlimited would use such a long, pain-filled method,
with all its blind-alleys, to create a world. The need for explanation is
further aggravated when they hold that human beings are the only creatures
that are really important to God, and that the rest of the creation exists
only for the sake of the divine-human drama. If that is so, why did God
take so long getting to the main act? Of course, theologians can claim
that they need not answer these questions. But the hypothesis of divine
omnipotence must, like any hypothesis, commend itself by its explanatory
power. Each unanswered question reveals deficiencies in that power.
Necessary
Correlations between
Power and
Value
The fact that our world arose through an
evolutionary process has further theological relevance beyond the support
it gives for the idea that God’s power is necessarily persuasive. It also
gives support to the idea that there are certain necessary principle
correlating power and value. These correlations form the
second major part of my theodicy (the first being that all individuals
have inherent power so that God’s power is necessarily persuasive). My
thesis here is that there is a positive correlation among the following
four variables, so that as one rises in degree the others necessarily rise
proportionately:
1.The
capacity to enjoy intrinsic goodness (or value).
2.The
capacity to suffer intrinsic evil (or dis-value).
3.The power of self-determination.
4.The
power to influence others (for good or ill).
By “intrinsic value” I mean the value
that something has for itself, apart from any value it may have for
others. Intrinsic value can be possessed only by individuals that
experience, although this experience need not be self-reflexive or even
conscious. According to the non-dualistic position which I accept but
cannot defend here, there are no non-experiencing individuals which are
mere objects. All individuals experience, which means that all individuals
have some capacity, however minimal, to enjoy and to suffer, i.e. to
experience intrinsic goodness and intrinsic evil.
This does not entail the extreme and
totally unwarranted hypothesis that everything experiences.
Aggregates of individuals do not experience (e.g., when there is a
crowd of people, the crowd itself has no experience over and above the
experiences of the individual people). Rocks, chairs, planets,
typewriters, automobiles and probably plants are aggregates which as such
have no experience; the only experiences contained in them are those of
the individuals making them up. Examples of genuine individuals
would be electrons, atoms, molecules, cells, and animal (including human)
souls or psyches.
This means that there is a hierarchy of
individuals: less complex ones are compounded into more complex ones. For
example, electrons and other subatomic individuals are contained in an
atom; atoms are contained in molecules; molecules in cells; and cells in
living animals dominated by a central experience called the soul. (The
major difference between plants and animals is that the former do not seem
to have one member that dominates over and coordinates the rest.)
The direction of the evolutionary process
toward increasing complexity raises the question as to whether this
directionality is explainable as a reflection of the creative purpose of
God. This would be the case if complexity could be correlated with
something that a loving God would be interested in promoting. And this is
precisely what we find: increased complexity of the organism seems to be
the condition for increased richness of experience, hence of increased
intrinsic goodness. Whatever experience is possessed by electrons, atoms
and molecules must be extremely slight; hence any intrinsic good they can
enjoy must be extremely slight (so we are justified in not considering
their “rights” in our ethical deliberations). But when we come to living
cells, we are probably at the stage where significant degrees of enjoyment
can first be experienced. With animal souls, especially those supported
by a central nervous system, we have another quantum jump in the capacity
to experience value. Finally, the human soul is capable of enjoying all
sorts of values not open to the souls of the lower animals.
However, every increase in complexity in
this hierarchy is Janus-faced: each increase in the capacity to enjoy
intrinsic goodness is likewise an increase in the capacity to suffer. It
probably does not make sense to speak of the capacity for pain below the
level of the cell. And––to jump to the top––the human being is susceptible
to all sorts of sufferings to which the lower animals are virtually
oblivious.
My thesis is that this correlation
between the capacity to enjoy and the capacity to suffer is a necessary,
metaphysical correlation, inherent in the nature of things. This
thesis provides an answer to one of the central questions involved in the
problem of evil, namely, “Why did God create us so that we are so
susceptible to physical pain and psychological suffering?” The answer,
according to this thesis, is that God could do no other. That is, not
without foregoing beings capable of the kinds of values we can
experience. To have the good is necessarily to risk the chance of the
bad.
Of course, there is nothing certain about
this thesis. It is a speculative hypothesis. But––and this is often
overlooked––the denial of the thesis is equally speculative.
No one knows for certain that such a positive correlation does not
necessarily exist. In fact, to deny that the correlation is necessary,
i.e., that it would have to obtain in any world, is even more
speculative. For, we know form our experience of this world that
worlds in which the correlation obtains are really possible. But we have
no experiential basis for knowing that a world in which the correlation
would not obtain is even possible. (And hopefully no one will maintain
that this philosophical knowledge has been vouchsafed us by revelation.)
My hypothesis is that the other variables
rise proportionately with the first two, and with equal necessity.
Individuals with greater capacity for the enjoyment of values necessarily
have more power of self-determination, i.e., more freedom. One of the
other questions most often asked is, “Why didn’t God create rational
saints?”––by which is meant, “Why didn’t God create beings who would be
like us in every respect (having the capacity for rationality and all the
values this allows), except that they would never sin?” The answer
provided by my theodicy is, “Because God couldn’t.” That is, God couldn’t
do it unilaterally––recall the insertion of this word into the
formal statement of the problem. The idea of a being capable of rational
thought who would always use this capacity to make the right decision is
not a logically contradictory idea. Hence there is nothing contradictory
in the idea that God could produce such a being. What is
contradictory––given the hypothesis that all individuals have some power
of self-determination––is that God could unilaterally produce such
a being.
However, someone might well grant that
answer and still press the question, refining it to this form: “Granted
that God cannot completely control any individuals, since they all have
some power of self-determination by which they can resist the divine
persuasion, why did God give some human beings such an inordinate
degree of this power. Electrons, atoms, and molecules have, according to
the hypothesis, some degree of self-determinacy, and yet they seem to do
pretty much what they are supposed to. Why aren’t human beings kept on a
shorter leash?” It is to this refined form of the question that the
correlation between the first and third variables supplies an answer. To
have creatures who can enjoy much more intrinsic good than can electrons,
atoms, and molecules is necessarily to have creatures with much more power
of self-determination with which to deviate from the divine will. Greater
freedom is a necessary corollary of the possibility of higher value
experiences.
The correlation between this third
variable and the second one (the capacity to suffer) helps illumine the
reason for the extent and depth of human suffering. It is precisely we
creatures who have by far the greatest capacity for suffering who likewise
have by far the greatest power to deviate from God’s will for our lives.
Combining these two factors gives us an extraordinary capacity to make
ourselves miserable. God did not, according to my hypothesis, make us
this way because of some mysterious reason totally beyond our ken, nor
because of a desire to “toughen us up,” nor because of some sadistic
strain in the divine nature. God did it because there was no
choice––except the choice of calling off the evolutionary advance before
beings of our complexity had emerged.
The fourth variable explains the need for
an evolutionary process in order to attain the kind of world we now have.
This fourth variable says that those individuals with more intrinsic value
(for themselves) also have more instrumental value (to contribute to
others). For example, electrons and protons do not have as much intrinsic
value as molecules. Accordingly they do not have sufficient data to
contribute to support a living cell; the cell cold not emerge prior to the
requisite atoms and molecules. Likewise an animal soul could not be
supported by the data that can be derived from a large aggregate of atoms;
a large aggregate of cells was required before the animal soul could
emerge.
From the perspective of my theological
position, the fact that our world was evidently formed through a long,
step-by-step process constitutes no refutation, even partially, of the
hypothesis of divine creation. Nor does it present theology with a
probable fact that can only be handled by some ad hoc hypothesis.
Rather, it suggests a way of understanding God’s creative activity that
does not present theology with an insuperable problem of evil. And it
fits in perfectly with a set of principles that commend themselves on
other grounds.
The fourth variable also illuminates even
further the reason this world is such a dangerous place, especially since
human beings have arrived in it. Those beings with the greatest power of
self-determination, and hence the greatest power to deviate from the
divine will for the good of the whole, necessarily have the greatest power
to influence others––for good or ill. The capacity to create and the
capacity to destroy go hand in hand.
Again, this feature of our world was not
ordained by God for some reason that God only knows. Rather, by
hypothesis this is a feature that would necessarily obtain in any
world; the principles correlating value and power are uncreated.
(Incidentally, they need not be conceived as metaphysical principles
external to God. Rather, they can be thought of as belonging to the
divine essence. Like divine omniscience and love, they can be considered
principles that are neither the product of the divine will, nor contrary
to it.)
The Goodness
of God
What then is the upshot of my theodicy,
my attempt to “justify the ways of God”? It is not to maintain that god
is not responsible for any of the evil in the world. For, in a very real
sense, God is responsible for all of those things that we normally
think of when we refer to the problem of evil. For, if God had not
persuaded the world to bring forth living cells and then animal life,
there would be no significant suffering in the world. If God had not
continued to draw the creation upward until creatures with the capacity
for rational thought were evoked, there would be no moral evil, or sin,
i.e., deliberate disobedience to the divine will; nor would the most awful
forms of suffering exist––there would be no Holocausts.
The question then is, “Can God be thus
responsible without being indictable, i.e., blameworthy?” I would say
“Yes.” In the first place, although god is ultimately responsible for the
world’s having reached a state in which significant evils can occur, God
is never totally responsible for the evils that do occur. Each situation
contains seeds for good and evil. God (by hypothesis) seeks to lure the
creatures to realize the greatest good that is possible in that particular
situation. When the creatures actualize a lesser possibility, this
failure is due to their exercise of power, not God’s.
In the second place the aim of a “morally
good being” is more accurately stated positively than negatively. That
is, the aim is first of all to produce good, not to avoid suffering. If
the moral aim could be adequately expressed as the intention to avoid
suffering, then moral adults would never have children––that would be the
way to guarantee that they would never have children who would suffer or
cause suffering. Analogously, a perfectly moral God would simply avoid
bringing forth a world with any creatures capable of any significant
degree of suffering. But––by hypothesis––this would mean that there would
be no world with any significant value in it. Surely that cannot
be our idea of what a perfectly moral being would do! The aim must be to
create the conditions that allow for the great good while minimizing the
evils.
In other words, suffering and sinful
intentions resulting in suffering are not the only forms of evil. Any
absence of good that could have been realized is evil even if no suffering
is involved. Recall that the definition of genuine evil offered earlier
was “anything which makes the world worse than it could have otherwise
been.” Any absence of good that makes the world worse than it could have
been, all things considered, is an evil. Hence, for God to have failed to
bring forth beings capable of experiencing significant value when this was
possible would have made God indictable.
Unless, of course, the evils that were
thereby made possible are so great that the goods that could be achieved
are not worth the risk. That is a question that each of us can answer
only for ourselves. Those of us who are among the most fortunate people
who have ever lived on the face of the earth must of course be aware of
our biased perspectives, and must be sensitive to the response that may
come from the less fortunate. But, even when trying to take into account
my biased perspective, I cannot imagine that I would ever conclude that
the evils of life have been so great that it would have been better had
life never emerged, or that the evils of human life, as horrendous as they
have been (and quite possibly the worse is still to come!), are such that
it would have been better had human life never been created.
There is one other theological conviction
that reinforces my judgment on this matter. This is the conviction that
God shares all our sufferings (analogously to the way that I share the
pains of my bodily members). Accordingly, while every advance in the
creative process has been a risk, since greater sufferings were thereby
made possible as well as greater goods, this has never been a risk which
God has urged us creatures to run alone. It has always been a risk for
God too. In fact God is the only being who has experienced every
single evil that has occurred in the creation. This means that God is the
one being in position to judge whether the goods achievable have been
worth the price.
Natural Evil
Thus far, insofar as I have discussed the
cause of evil, I have focused attention primarily on moral
evil, as I have sought to explain why human beings can cause so much
evil But the theological position being outlined here is equally capable
of explaining so–called “natural evil,” that which is caused by non-moral
agents. And it is this form of evil that most theodicies find most
problematical. For, they employ what I call a “hybrid free-will defense”
to account for the evil caused by human beings. I call it a hybrid
free-will defense because it does not say that freedom is inherent in the
world as such, but instead says that God voluntarily bestows freedom upon
the creation––and usually only to a select portion of creation, i.e., to
human beings alone, or to them and other rational creatures (angels).
Accordingly, this hybrid free-will
defense has a difficult time with evil is apparently caused by sub-human
nature, since the beings constituting this realm by hypothesis have no
power with which to deviate from God’s will. One way out is to say with
Augustine that no genuine evil ever results from sub-human causes. But in
the face of the enormous and non-rationalizable distribution of sufferings
caused by tornadoes, earthquakes, droughts, germs, and cancer cells, this
is a difficult assertion to make. Another way out is to affirm that all
such evils are caused by a fallen angel (Satan). This is, of course, not
readily falsifiable, but it does strain credulity (for me, at least, much
more than the hypothesis that all creatures have some power of their
own). Also it raises the question as to why God allows Satan to do things
that make the universe worse than it cold have been; hence it calls God’s
goodness or wisdom into question.[3]
According to my theodicy, all creatures
great and small have some power with which to deviate from the divine will
for them. This means that there never has been a time at which we could
say that the creation was necessarily “perfect” in the sense of having
actualized the best possibilities that were open to it. Granted, very
low-grade actualities cannot be thought to deviate very much from
the divine aims for them. But over a period of billions of years very
slight deviations occurring in each moment can add up to a state of the
world that is very far removed from the state that would have results had
the divine aims been actualized all the way along. Accordingly, if God
has always worked with materials that were not necessarily in a perfect
state, and which have some inherent power to deviate from God’s aims and
to influence their successors forevermore, there is no reason to infer
that cancer, polio, tornadoes, and earthquakes exist because God wanted
our world to have them.
Why Does God
Not
“Prevent” Some
Evils?
I will conclude with a discussion
intended to drive home more clearly why God (according to my hypothesis)
simply cannot prevent the major types of evils that usually lead people to
question God’s goodness or even reality. These questions can be phrased
in the form: “Why didn’t God prevent such and such?” For example, why
didn’t God prevent that bullet from striking my son? Why didn’t God
prevent that mine shaft from caving in? Why did God allow all the pain
that occurred in the evolutionary process? Why didn’t God prevent Hitler
from murdering six million Jews?
The answer to questions of this type will
be more evident to us if we think in terms of the way God can affect the
following three types of entities: (1) low-grade enduring individuals; (2)
high-grade enduring individuals; (3) aggregates of individuals. (For the
sake of simplicity I have left out the whole spectrum of medium-grade
individuals, from the lowest animals through the non-human primates.)
These three types of entities differ from each other in having (1) very
little power of self-determination, (2) very great power of
self-determination, and (3) no power of self-determination, respectively.
(1) God acts in the world, by hypothesis,
by seeking to persuade individuals to actualize the best possibilities
that are real possibilities for them. (E.g., it is not a real
possibility for a chipmunk to write a symphony.) Low-grade enduring
individuals, such as electrons, atoms, molecules, having very little power
of self-determination, and not having many real possibilities open to
them, cannot change their behavior very quickly. Individuals at this
level are largely the products of their inheritance and their
environment. They essentially repeat the same patterns of behavior,
century after century. Even as we move into the medium-grade level, with
living cells, the capacity for novel self-determining behavior is very
limited, compared with that of human beings.
The theological significance of this
discussion is this: on the one hand, these low-grade individuals cannot
deviate very much from the divine aims for them. On the other hand, the
divine aims for them, since they can only be for possibilities that are
real possibilities for these low-grade creatures, cannot be aims for
very radical changes in behavior. Insofar as God can move these
individuals to change their ways, it must be over a very long period of
time. (This is why evolutionary change occurred so gradually until
relatively recently on earth.)
Accordingly, if the behavior of one or
more of these individuals is causing destruction in its environment, God
cannot do much quickly to change things. For example, if you have been
exposed to radio-active materials, God cannot divert the alpha, beta, and
gamma particles out of your body before they have done irreversible
damage. If cancerous cells have developed in your body, God cannot lure
them to leave voluntarily.
(2) By “high-grade enduring individuals”
I am referring here exclusively to human beings. These individuals have
much power of self-determination, and have many more real possibilities
open to them than do the lower creatures. Hence, very rapid changes of
behavior can occur with them. What is God’s power to affect them? On the
one hand, God can present quite novel aims to them, one after another.
And God can seek to persuade them to change their behavior quite
rapidly––for example to stop one’s journey to help the victim of a crime.
But on the other hand, these creatures have tremendous power with which to
deviate from the divine aims for them, and they can deviate much more
widely than can lower individuals. In a relatively short time after they
learned to write, these individuals could discover that E=mc2;
and they can use this knowledge to destroy the world even more quickly.
Thus far I have been speaking of
individuals. Most of these are compound individuals in which a
number of individuals are ordered hierarchically, with one dominant member
giving a unity of experience and activity to the whole society. The atom,
the molecule, and the cell all have a unity of activity due to this
hierarchical organization. Likewise the animal, by virtue of the
dominating influence of its soul, has a unity of response to its
environment.
(3) But some of the entities of this
world seem to have no such unity. They are mere aggregates.
Non-living things such as rocks, bodies of water, planets, automobiles,
and timbers are obvious examples. Plants also probably have no dominant
member, no soul. In any case, those things which are aggregates cannot,
as aggregates, be directly affects by God. Since God acts by
seeking to persuade individuals, and there is by definition dominating the
other members of an aggregate, God cannot directly get an aggregate to do
anything. God can move a living human body by persuading the soul to
move; if the soul decides to cross the street, the rest of the body has
little choice but to go along (assuming a healthy body). But there is no
corresponding means by which God can directly move a rock––or get it to
stop moving down the ban towards the highway. There is no way for God to
stop that bullet speeding toward the heart of a man “too young to die.”
There is no way for God to stop the overburdened timber in a mine shaft
from caving in. There is no way God can stop the automobile with a
sleeping driver from crashing into the oncoming cars. There is no way God
can prevent that aggregate of molecules called a hurricane from
devastating the towns in its paths.
In the earlier part of the paper I
stressed what God has been doing in the world, by way of creating the
conditions for good. With more space, I would describe some of the ways
in which God seeks to overcome evil in the world. But I thought it best in
these last few pages to stress the limitations on God’s prevention of
evil, since God’s “failure” to prevent evil is usually the chief source of
complaint, by theists and non-theists alike. This brief analysis of these
limitations leads to the following three-fold conclusion:
1.Those
things which cannot deviate much from the divine will also cannot be
influenced by God very quickly.
2.Those
things which can be influence by God quickly can deviate drastically from
the divine will.
3.Those
things which can do nothing on their own cannot be directly influenced by
God at all.
I could not, of course, in the brief
space of this essay hope to justify the wide-ranging hypothesis outlined
here. But I do hope that readers find the hypothesis potentially helpful
enough to consider it worthy of further exploration. It (including
variations on it) is the only hypothesis I have found that makes faith
possible in the face of the horrendous evils that occur in our world.
Faith, Reason,
and Theodicy
The foregoing completes the sketch of my
substantive theodicy. However, a theodicy is only one part of a complete
theology. The differences between theodicies are closely correlated with
different understandings of the total theological task. In this final
section I will briefly summarize my understanding of this task, especially
the relationship between “faith” (in “revelation”) and “reason,” and how
this understanding is related to the theodicy sketched above.
The central theme running through the
following points is that I reject all views according to which faith is
somehow opposed to reason.
(1) I reject the view that we are called
to believe any ideas, allegedly based on “revelation,” that are
self-contradictory. For example, some theologians admit it is
contradictory to maintain both that (A) God determines all events and that
(B) human beings are partly free and hence responsible for their actions;
yet these theologians claim that “faith” demands that we affirm both of
these ideas. I reject the view that “faith” forces us to reject “reason”
in the sense of logical consistency.
(2) Some theologians hold that logical
consistency is the only requirement of “reason” to which our beliefs must
conform. According to this view, reason’s task of determining the most
probable view of the world need not influence our religious beliefs.
Hence the believer is said to be “rationally justified” in maintaining
some theological belief that seems very improbable so long as no
logical impossibility (inconsistency) is involved. Theologians, to
defend the rationality of some doctrine, need only present some
hypothesis, however improbable, that shows the doctrine might be
true. I reject this view. The theological task as I see it is to present
a view of reality that seems more probable than other available views.
(3) Implicit in the previous two points
is the view that the Christian “revelation” does not provide us with a set
of clearly formulated statements which can then be compared with another
set of statements produced by “reason.” All Christian doctrines are human
attempts to formulate the significance of experiences taken to be
revelatory. For example, it was never shouted down from heaven, or even
whispered, that God is triune, or that the world was created out of
nothing, or that God is omnipotent, or that God is perfect love. Each of
these doctrines arose in the past as fallible human beings, guided but not
controlled by the divine spirit, tried to express their understanding of
God in the most adequate way possible, given their contexts, including
their questions, their knowledge of the world, and the conceptual tools
available to them.
Our theological task today is not to
try to hold on to their formulations at any price, but to re-think the
implications of the Christian revelatory events in the light of our
contexts––our questions, our knowledge, and our conceptual tools.
Accordingly, one theologian cannot dismiss another’s position as
“unchristian” simply by showing that it does not accept some ancient
dogma, especially some previous attempt to state quite precisely the
meaning of some fundamental Christian idea. For example, the idea that we
and the world in which we find ourselves owe our existence to God is one I
consider central to Christian faith; but I see no warrant for the
insistence that this idea must be expressed in terms of “creation out of
nothing,” especially if that means that there was a time when God existed
all alone, without any realm of finitude whatever.
(4) The idea that “faith” and “reason”
confront each other as two sets of possibly conflicting statements not
only reflects an unacceptable view of revelation; it also reflects a
misunderstanding of reason. There is no such thing as a world-view that is
based upon “pure reason,” unaffected by some “faith.” Every world-view is
based upon a pre-rational acceptance of some “insight” or “hunch” or
“clue” as to the nature of reality. Some dimension of experience or part
of reality is taken as the essential clue to the nature of the whole.
One’s reasoning is guided by this pre-rational acceptance of a
starting-point. Faith in the Christian revelation gives Christian
theologians a starting-point for their reasoning that is analogous to the
starting-points accepted on faith by theologians of other persuasions.
(These theologians are usually called “philosophers” when their acceptance
of some “faith” as a starting-point is not acknowledged.) The Christian
starting-point justifies itself rationally insofar as it provides the
basis for a more probable (i.e., more consistent, adequate, and
illuminating) account of this mysterious world in which we find ourselves
than those views which being with some other “revelation.”
(5) In the preceding sentence, one of the
criteria for a “more probable” account was that it had to be “more
adequate.” This means, “more adequate to the facts.” What are the
“facts” to which an account must be adequate? This is, of course, often
precisely the point at issue among various theological and philosophical
systems. One system is seeking to account for facts that the other system
dismisses as “myth” or “illusion.” Nevertheless considerable agreement is
possible; there are many things that are widely acknowledged to be
“facts,” or at least acknowledged to be so probable that any presently
accepted theory must incorporate them. The area that springs most quickly
to mind for most people today is probably the whole body of widely
accepted scientific facts (meaning primarily the natural sciences). I
would include, for example, the idea that more complex forms of life
evolved over a period of millions of years from less complex forms is one
of the scientific ideas that is so probable that it must be incorporated
into any acceptable theological doctrine of creation.
However, there is another type of “fact”
that should be even more regulative of our theological formulations: there
are a number of ideas that we all presuppose in practice whether or not we
espouse them verbally. Even if we verbally deny these ideas, our behavior
shows that we accept the. For example, some philosophers have denied that
we have any knowledge of causation in the sense that one event influences
another event. And yet all of us, including those same philosophers,
presuppose in every moment that we are influenced by other events
(otherwise we wouldn’t get angry at others for stabbing us) and that our
present actins will influence the future (otherwise we wouldn’t brush our
teeth). All those notions that are presupposed in practice by all people,
regardless of their cultural backgrounds, have been called “common
notions.” To deny one of them would be to be guilty of
self-contradiction, for one would be denying verbally what one is
otherwise presupposing in one’s living.
These common notions constitute the
most fundamental facts to which any philosophical or theological position
must be adequate. It is not an easy matter to formulate these common
notions precisely. In fact, the attempt to approximate them more and more
closely is the unending philosophical task. However, some of them can be
identified and expressed with enough adequacy to serve as criteria. Any
position that clearly denies one of these common notions is ipso facto
inadequate. One such common notion, I maintain, is that we are partially
free and hence partially responsible for our actions; another one is that
genuinely evil things happen in the world.
(6) One other central assumption behind
my theodicy involves the nature of “religion.” What does being
“religious” or having “faith” involve? Most centrally, it involves what
has variously been called “a vision of God,” “a sense of the sacred,” “a
taste of the holy,” etc. What is meant by the “holy” or the “sacred”
probably cannot be adequately defined, but certain pointers can be given.
The holy is that which evokes awe, worship, commitment. It is that which
has ultimate intrinsic value, and in relation to which other things have
their value. To sense something as being holy is to want to be in harmony
with it. This, in fact, is the basic religious drive of human beings––the
desire to be in harmony with the holy reality.
What attributes does a reality need to
have to be considered holy? Insofar as one is talking of things that have
been actually worshiped as holy, there has been great diversity. If we
limit attention to what has been explicitly conceived as worthy or
worship, then the number of characteristics is greatly reduced, and there
is some unanimity on certain characteristics. For example, the various
religions agree that the ultimately holy reality must be eternal, and must
exist necessarily. Also it must be the ultimately decisive power, at
least in regard to matters of ultimate concern. And there is considerable
consensus that the divine must be perfect, in the sense defined by Anselm:
that greater than which nothing can be thought. Only that which is perfect
an evoke our wholehearted worship and commitment.
But there are still important differences
among the various religious traditions. In particular, there are
differences in regard to which attributes are essential to perfection, and
hence which attributes must be possessed to a perfect degree. The
tradition in which we stand largely shapes our perception of what a
reality must be like in order to be considered holy, perfect, worthy of
worship and ultimate commitment. Those who have been decisively shaped by
the biblical tradition generally have felt that to be holy a reality had
to be morally perfect (as well as eternal, necessarily existing, and
perfect in power). In fact this perception has been so central that the
word “holy” has tended to lose much of its original meaning and to become
virtually synonymous with “morally good.” It is the idea that the holy
reality is morally perfect as well as perfect in power that creates the
problem of evil: if God is perfect in regard to both power and moral
intention, it seems that there should be no evil in the world. (My
solution to this problem involves arguing that “perfect power” need not be
equated with the traditional doctrine of omnipotence.)
(7) I said above that to sense something
as holy is to want to be in harmony with it. To make this statement
credible, a distinction implicit in it must be made explicit. This is the
distinction between a perception (what I have been calling a
vision, a taste, or a sense) of the holy, and the conception (or
belief) in something as holy. One may conceptually believe, for example,
that the God revealed through the biblical tradition is holy, and hence
believe that on we should live in harmony with this God’s will,
without really perceiving the world in these terms. One will
perceive something else to be holy, such as material things or “the bitch
goddess success,” and it is around this other thing that one’s life will
be decisively oriented. One’s conception of the holy will have
some affect upon one’s attitudes and emotions and hence upon one’s outer
behavior: for example, one may give some money to the church. But one’s
attitudes, emotions and behavior will be more decisively affected by one’s
perception of holiness. Insofar as one’s conception and perception
of holiness conflict, one will be psychically split, unable to act
spontaneously on one’s beliefs, and unable to support one’s spontaneous
impulses with conviction. It is the task of preachers, teachers,
counselors and finally the individuals themselves to bring their
perceptions of holiness into harmony with their beliefs. This
presupposes, of course, that the beliefs are worthy beliefs, ones
to which people’s perceptions of the world ought to be aligned. It
is the task of the Christian theologian to help people arrive at a set of
beliefs that are worthy and that can, at the same time and place, be
somewhat readily apprehended as convincing, so that the beliefs about the
Christian God can become a perception of this God as the
Holy Reality.
(8) One implication of this understanding
of the theological task is that a repetition of doctrines that performed
this task quite well in previous centuries may fail miserably today. What
I have in mind in particular is this: throughout most of Christian
history in Europe (roughly the 4th to the 18th centuries), the cultural
situation was such that the reality of God seemed overwhelmingly obvious
to most people. The understanding of the Bible, the ideas of the leading
thinkers, the works of the leading artists, and the authority of the
leading institutions all presupposed and reinforced the conceptual belief
and perceptual faith in the Christian God. In such a situation the
theologian could, when having trouble reconciling Christian doctrines with
each other, appeal to “mystery” without defaulting on the theological
task. Likewise, when Christian doctrines conflicted with the conclusions
of “reason,” the theologian could simply appeal to authority (including
the “authority” of reason which provided proofs for the existence of God),
which supported the Christian doctrines. In other words, the theologian
did not need to present a comprehensive view of the world that was
intrinsically convincing. The truth of the Christian position
(whatever it was) was widely held to be externally guaranteed
(through the authority of the Bible and/or the Church). In those
centuries the theological task could be primarily limited to the
refinement of belief and the essentially negative task of responding to
objections to this or that doctrine. The problem of evil in that
situation constituted no overwhelming problem threatening to undermine
faith itself. There was widespread confidence that there was a
solution, known to God, and there was no overriding need to be able to
discover that solution. Theologians often did devote many pages to it,
but when they encountered questions they could not answer, there was no
sense of desperation. They could calmly say that those remaining problems
were “mysteries” which we were not intended to understand.
But in our day, all of this has changed.
The results of the historical-critical approach to the Bible that has been
carried out in the past two centuries make it very difficult to consider
it (the Bible) an external guarantee for any particular doctrines. The
same is true for the Church. The “authority” of the Church and its
theologians is virtually non-existent. Furthermore, the leading thinkers
of the day, especially the philosophers, do not provide a cultural context
in which the reality of God is either assumed or commonly supported by
argumentation. In this situation the evils experienced in the
twentieth century constitute a much more serious problem for faith in God
than did the evils experience by people in earlier centuries (and this is
true even if one does not believe that the horrendous events of this
century exceed the evils of the previous centuries qualitatively or even
quantitatively).
I will now apply the above points to the
task of a theodicy for our times. A theodicy should be part of a total
theological position that is intended to be more consistent, adequate, and
illuminating of our experience than any of the alternative philosophical
and theological positions of the time. Such a theodicy cannot merely show
that the evils of the world do not necessarily contradict belief in God’s
perfect goodness and power. Nor can such a theodicy resort to encouraging
us to believe that there is a God of perfect goodness and power in spite
of the fact that the appearances suggest that some other hypothesis is
more probable. Rather, such a theodicy must attempt to portray the world
so that the hypothesis that the world has been created by such a God seems
more likely than other hypotheses, so that those who accept this belief
can come to perceive the world in these terms. In such a theodicy the
evils of the world should not be an embarrassment to the total theological
position; they should not be that ‘fact’ to which the theology somehow
manages to be ‘adequate’ but which would fit more comfortably within some
contrary hypothesis. Rather, the theodicy should ideally be more
illuminating of the nature of evil, and the reason for its existence, than
other portrayals of reality, including atheistic ones.
These are austere ideals for a theodicy,
and I do not pretend that mine achieves them. But they are the standards
by which I think a theodicy in our time should be measured. The
substantive differences between my theodicy and the others in this volume
probably all reflect differences in regard to these formal matters. This
does not necessarily mean that all debate should shift from substantive
doctrine to formal issues, for there is a dialectical relation between
substantive and formal issues. One’s substantive beliefs influence one’s
position on formal issues at least as much as the other way around.
What it does mean is that debates as to
the adequacy of various theodicies should not be carried on apart from
reflection on the over-all task of Christian theology in our time.
____________________
[1]
Rather than rejecting creatio ex nihilo, some theologians
(e.g., Nicholas Berdyaev) distinguish between two interpretations of
nihil: absolute nothingness (ouk on in Greek) and
relative nothingness (mē on). They then affirm the doctrine in
the second sense. That is a perfectly acceptable approach, and one
which I as a Whiteheadian can take, since a pure chaos would have no
order, and the first type of order is the ordering of momentary events
into series of “enduring objects,” such as electrons. Since when we
speak of a “thing” we normally have an enduring object in mind, there
would be no-thing in a state of pure chaos. However, the doctrine of
ex nihilo has usually been used to affirm creation out of
absolutely nothing, often with the specific intention of denying
creation out of chaos. It is in this sense that I employ the term in
this essay.
[2]
Even this expanded statement would not be adequate for all positions,
since some theologians do not consider God to be “a being.” But this
problem does not arise for the positions articulated in this book.
[3]
Defenders of the hybrid free-will defense have another major problem
which my more consistent affirmation of creaturely freedom avoids.
According to their position, since God freely created human freedom,
God could interrupt it at any time. Hence they must explain why God
does not interrupt it to prevent at least some of the more horrendous
moral evils that occur. This problem, along with that of accounting
for natural evil, tends to lead them finally to deny that any events
are genuinely evil.
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In parallel to all the above, the team continues to work on the foundation items of DCS World like air and ground artificial intelligence, performance optimization, more detailed damage models for all unit types, Vulkan implementation, improved VR optimization and improved Touch Controller support, aircraft wake turbulence.
Vulkan is a modern cross-platform graphics and compute API currently in development by the Khronos consortium. The Khronos members span the computing industry and are jointly creating an explicit and predictable API that satisfies the needs of software vendors in fields as varied as game, mobile and workstation development. Vulkan's conscious API design enables efficient implementations on platforms that span a wide range of mobile and desktop hardware as well as across operating systems.
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Algeria to exploit controversial shale gas
Algeria, the world's fourth-largest gas exporter, has decided to develop its shale gas potential as well, but experts fear this could cause severe environmental problems.
Officials say the country's shale gas reserves are 17 trillion cubic metres, or around four times greater than its current known gas reserves.
Algeria may be the world's eighth-largest natural gas producer in 2011, according to the BP Statistical Review of Energy, but domestic consumption is surging. Official forecasts say that, from 2019, local demand will eat up all the country's production.
At present, 50 years after it gained independence, the country remains almost totally dependant on hydrocarbons, which account for 90 per cent of its exports.
So as long as it fails to diversify its export base, it has no alternative than to develop shale gas, an unconventional fossil fuel, to secure its energy future, experts say.
A new hydrocarbons bill, to be introduced in parliament in the coming weeks, encourages the exploration of unconventional gas and oil resources.
However, the effect on the environment of the production of shale gas is of great concern to ecologists.
Chems Eddine Chitour, director of fossil energy development at Algiers' Ecole Polytechnique, is concerned that the method used for obtaining the fuel trapped in formations of shale rock could be geologically dangerous and also put a strain on the largely desert country's water supplies.
Induced hydraulic "fracturing weakens the ground and the subsoil, making earthquakes more likely," he said.
"It mobilizes vast quantities of water and will permanently destroy the ecosystem of the Sahara. Injecting 15,000 cubic metres per well, with a well every 100 metres, is catastrophic for a country with such water scarcity."
Chitour, like many ecologists, also said the chemicals used in the injection risked polluting the water table.
But former Sonatrach CEO Abdelmadjid Attar countered that "conventional hydrocarbon exploitation carries the same environmental risks."
Algiers says safeguards will ensure environmental protection, but Chitour is not convinced.
"The absence of debate on the energy future of the country is a mistake," he said, adding that this would have adverse effects for generations.
There must be a "comprehensive strategy (to ensure) that shale gas will comprise only a very small amount of the energy supply."
The costs of shale gas exploitation are also high, Energy and Mines Minister Youcef Yousfi said, and "exporters and importers will have to share the risk".
And Yousfi's predecessor, Nordine Ait Laoussine, said "there is still much left to do on the conventional side, not only in unexplored areas but also in those already in production."
To develop its shale gas potential, Algeria's hydrocarbons company Sonatrach has signed agreements with the Anglo-Dutch oil group Shell, Italian Eni and Canadian Talisman.
In 2011, Sonatrach drilled its first shale gas wells in the Ahnet basin near Tamanrasset, about 2,000 kilometres south of Algiers.
On Thursday, Sonatrach announced a new gas discovery in the southeast, near Illizi, and will also begin offshore exploration in 2014.
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The August civic holiday is a mess.Most provinces celebrate the first Monday in August as a holiday, whether mandatory or optional for employers, but the names are all over the map. It’s Natal Day in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, British Columbia Day in British Columbia and Heritage Day in Alberta....But let’s not be naive. Getting a statutory holiday named after you is not easy, and keeping it is even harder.Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, but Canada’s official recognition of her birthday falls in late May on a day named after her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria. Victoria Day retained that name in Canada after the queen’s death in 1901, even as the rest of the Commonwealth went with Empire Day. Similarly, Beatrix of the Netherlands, who abdicated earlier this year, was born on Jan. 31, but her holiday was held on April 30, the birth date of former queen Juliana....
Andrew J. Bacevich
Clockwise from top: Buffalo Soldiers in the Spanish American War; a Soviet officer in World War II; Canadian troops in World War I, and dead Confederate soldiers in the American Civil War.Originally posted on TomDispatch.com For well over a decade now the United States has been “a nation at war.” Does that war have a name?
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We provide third party tech support to AT&T Email users. We are
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The modern trombone has not changed much since its invention. It has 9 feet of tubing and a cylindrical bore. There are seven playing positions of the slide. The slide is made from one tube tightly fitted over another.
There are two kinds of trombones. The tenor member is just called the trombone. The other is the bass trombone. The trombone is the one used in orchestras unless a lower sound is needed. The tone produced is rich and mellow.
Sound is produced by the player holding his lips tightly against a specially shaped mouthpiece. The lips vibrate when air is forced through them. This sets the air column in motion. The brass tube acts as a resonator.
Notes are produced by changing the length of the tubing. This is accomplished by changing the position of the slide. Higher pitches are achieved by changing the pressure of the breath.
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Appendix 4: Consultation
Approach to the Inquiry
The Committee invited public submissions by 31 March, based on the terms of reference. The Inquiry received more than 280 submissions as part of this process.
The Inquiry invited a second round of submissions in response to the Interim Report, released on 15 July 2014, which made 28 observations and posed a series of questions seeking further information from stakeholders. The Inquiry received more than 6,500 submissions as part of this process.
In addition to formal submissions, Committee members have held bilateral meetings, roundtables and public forums in Australia over the course of the Inquiry. The Committee also met with the International Panel and undertook two international trips to meet with international regulators and financial intermediaries.
Speeches
14 February 2014
Conduct of the Financial System Inquiry
Address to the Economic and Political Overview Conference, Sydney, Committee for Economic Development of Australia
David Murray AO, Chair, Financial System Inquiry
1 May 2014
Financial System Inquiry: An Update on Progress
Address to the Australian Business Economists, Sydney
David Murray AO, Chair, Financial System Inquiry
15 July 2014
Sustaining Confidence in the Australian Financial System — Launch of the Interim Report
Address to the National Press Club, Canberra
David Murray AO, Chair, Financial System Inquiry
Stakeholder meetings
The Inquiry also participated in several hundred meetings with stakeholders. The table below summarises the stakeholder meetings attended by Committee members. It does not include the numerous stakeholder meetings conducted by the Secretariat.
Meetings in Australia
Pre-Interim Report
Post-Interim Report
No.
Stakeholder category
No.
Stakeholder category
11
Government
13
Government
20
Financial Institutions
34
Financial Institutions
6
Consultants
1
Consultant
5
International
5
International
1
Service provider
2
Service providers
21
Peak bodies
16
Peak bodies
-
-
1
Individual (small business owner)
64
Total
72
Total
International Trips
Date
No. of meetings
Location
26 March 2014
5 meetings
Hong Kong
20–24 July 2014
17 meetings
Europe — Frankfurt, Basel, London
24–30 July 2014
14 meetings
United States — New York, Washington DC
7–11 September 2014
10 meetings
Asia — Singapore, Beijing, Hong Kong
Submissions to the Inquiry
First round submissions (lodged up until 2 May 2014) are available on the Financial System Inquiry website, except where authors requested confidentiality. A list of people and organisations that made non- confidential submissions is available at Appendix 3 of the Financial System Inquiry Interim Report.
The second round of submissions closed on 26 August 2014. Of the more than 6,500 submissions the Inquiry received in response to the issues set out in the Interim Report, more than 5,000 campaign submissions were received on the issue of ‘credit card surcharges’ — these are not listed below. Second round submissions are also available on the Inquiry’s website.
Analysis of submissions
Chart 8: Second round submitters to the Inquiry shows the composition of parties that made second round submissions to the Inquiry.
Chart 10 (page 290) shows the three observations that each category of stakeholder raised most frequently in the second round of submissions. The darker shade represents a heavier focus on that observation.
Chart 9: Frequency that Interim Report observations were raised in second round submissions
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Wikipedia in English
Now in its Sixth Edition with a vivid new full-color design, this pocket guide is a compact, portable, easy-to-use reference for dosage calculation and drug administration. The author uses a step-by-step approach with frequent examples to illustrate problem-solving and practical applications. Coverage includes review of mathematics, measurement systems, and a comprehensive section on dosage calculations.
This edition features a new chapter on pediatric dosages. New Critical Thinking Checks and practice problems throughout the text, and end-of-chapter and end-of-unit review questions, will aid students' application and recall of material. A handy pull-out card contains basic equivalents, conversion factors, and math formulas.
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I give up on making Non-Pokemon RPs, so I'm going to make a Pokemon RP.
Name: See Topic Title.
Genre: See Topic Title.
Setting: A small village in a forest (none speciefied) where only Pokemon live.
Plot: The citizens of the village (particularly the younger ones) get into random mischief n' adventures n' stuff.
Rules: Normal rules apply, a detailed profile is needed as well. No spamming or use of potato salad unless I decide to change my mind, which will happen eventually.
That's about it. I'll put in my first post + my profile (all on a different post) once a few people start joining (the people who are joining PUT YOUR FIRST POST IN AS WELL AS YOUR PROFILE)
Name: Fang
Specie: Shiny Umbreon
Appearance: Left ear bitten off, tail bent sort of.
Personality: Mysterious, nerve-wracking , little is known about him. He is sort of a drifter known to appear and disappear out of nowhere.
Age: 17 (human years)
Gender: Male
Lives: In a cave on the outskirts of the village
((Is that OK?))
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fang blinked as the sun shone in his eyes.
I have to REALLY turn this bed around, he thought. I cant even enjoy the moonlight. Oh yeah, its daytime. Perfect... He bristled his blue rings off free of dirt and turned around.
Closing the door, or rather cloth that was bitten all over, of his cave he lived in, he stepped out into the light.
"I cant wait until the moon comes. Now I have to wait," he muttered impatiently.
-Gardevoir~
_________________
GREAT FLAMING EYEBROWS
Last edited by Rhapsody on Thu Nov 17, 2005 5:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Thu Nov 17, 2005 3:52 pm
Sneaky Sneasel
Gym Leader
Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2005 5:21 pmPosts: 3128Location: College
Age would help too...other than that, it's fine. I'm still working on my profile.
_________________
Thu Nov 17, 2005 4:12 pm
2x4b
Pokemon Master
Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:55 amPosts: 1456Location: Stafford, UK
Name: Tidal
Species: Swampert
Appearance: Slightly larger than most Swampert.
Personality: Brave, Intelligent, can be a Lone-Wolf.
Background: He was abandoned by his trainer when he was a Mudkip and shortly after he discovered the Pokemon Village, he quickly found the lake and the underwater cave within its depths.
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Lives: In an underwater cave in a lake near the outskirts.
*************************************************************
Tidal awoke in his cave in the depths of the lake, he stood up and walked over to a pool of water in the corner of the cave and dove into it, the pool lead downwards for about 100 metres and then stopped and opened up into the opening of the underwater part of the cave, as Tidal swam out of the tunnel and into the underwater part of the cave he noticed something swim past the cave opening, it was small, as he watched it he realized it was a Mudkip, What would a Mudkip be doing here?, this lakes been empty for years Tidal thought to himself, he then noticed the Mudkip begin to swim towards a clutch of weeds at the bottom of the lake.
Last edited by 2x4b on Tue Nov 22, 2005 10:20 am, edited 3 times in total.
Thu Nov 17, 2005 4:30 pm
Magus
Pokemon Master
Joined: Mon Feb 28, 2005 7:12 pmPosts: 1400Location: Aurora, CO
Name: Fluffy
Species: Pidgey
Age: 5 (human years)
Gender: Male
Appearance: A smaller than normal pidgey that is a little bit fluffier (hence the name) than most pidgey, his eyes are blue, and his color is paler than normal.
Personality: Curious, likes to get into things, gets into trouble often, is kind-hearted and impatient.
Home: A Peacha Berry Tree near the center of the village.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fluffy woke up, the sun light shone down between the branches of the peacha tree, he hopped into motion, "Another day!" he said happily as he flapped his wings and took off into the air.
Fang retreated back into his cave and returned with a sack of demonic-looking things.
He muttered, "Im so bored, might as well take a trip to the bazaar."
He walked with his heavy sack until he got to the merchant bazaar, full of Pokemon traders with doodads and doohickys.
Attracting looks as he went along the trail, his blue rings began to glow with a faint noise. Wheee....er.....Wheee....er.....He thought, "I wonder whats wrong? I dont sense any danger."
-Gardevooir~
_________________
GREAT FLAMING EYEBROWS
Sat Nov 19, 2005 11:11 am
Pokemon Master Ryo
Pokemon Ranger
Joined: Mon Sep 12, 2005 4:24 pmPosts: 571Location: #alpha
Name:Flamewind
Species:cyndaquil
Appearance:Flames are a litte small like the others.Got burn in right paw.
Personallity:Shy,Friendly.
Backround:He was in a family that hated him one day he ended up in the village.
Age:11
Gender:Male
Home:by the river.
__________________________________________________________
Flamewind open his eyes from a long sleep."Whoa that was long where to go know."he asked himslef."This place is huge !""Time to get going."
Flamewind went to the nearby Forest.
Mon Nov 21, 2005 9:20 pm
Sneaky Sneasel
Gym Leader
Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2005 5:21 pmPosts: 3128Location: College
Okay now.
Name: Larry
Species: Apperance: , but with a green hat.
Age: 11 (human years)
Gender: Male
Personality: Loud, bossy, but born to be a leader, and is the "leader" of most of the kids of the village.
History: He and his dad (who is an ) live in the largest. hollowed out tree in the village. He's always leading the "gang" into mischeif, but hey, he's just a kid.
~~~~~~
Larry woke up late, which was different. He liked sleeping in, but rarely could since his dad would always wake him early. He got up, made his bed, and grabbed his lucky green hat, which rested nicely on the doorknob of his room, and slide down the stairs.
"What's for breakfast today dad?" he asked, even though he knew the answer already.
"Oran berries." they both said simutainiously. Larry frowned.
"Dad, why do we haveta eat O.B.'s every day?" he asked, even though he knew the answer to this one too.
"To make you grow big and strong." they said at the same time again.
"Well no thanks dad, I ain't hungry, I'm goin' over to Flame's house. He left through the front door and slammed it shut.
"See ya later, Feraligatr." his dad replied as he sat down on the living room chair, reading the local paper. "Darnit, the Crushers beat the Bug Boosts AGAIN."
_________________
Tue Nov 22, 2005 9:59 am
Magus
Pokemon Master
Joined: Mon Feb 28, 2005 7:12 pmPosts: 1400Location: Aurora, CO
Fluffy soared in the air, he saw as the rest of the village slowsly came to life, the residents opened window to their tree an bush houses, some of them shooed out the weedle who had gotten into their homes by eating leaf roofs. Fluffy loved his village, he soared over Larry's house to see him wondering ou of the front door, he flew down to him, "Larry! Larry! Larry!" he said happily as he darted around the seemingly disgruntled loudred, Fluffy never really knew Larry, he was considered on of the "cool kids" around the village, Fluffy wasn't, he was exciteted just to be talking to him, he didn't even know if Larry knew his name. "Hey! It's a beutiful morning you shouldn't be frowning!" he said the the loudred.
Tue Nov 22, 2005 4:18 pm
Sneaky Sneasel
Gym Leader
Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2005 5:21 pmPosts: 3128Location: College
Larry barely even noticed the Pidgey floating around him, at least until he was almost right next to him.
Now Larry frowned and scowled a lot, but only to make himself look tough and ornery. After all, you gotta be tough to be cool. AT least that's what he told himself many times.
"Um..hey...what's-your-name...um...Fluffles..." he drifted off. Being one the cool kids, he never really knew anyone outside his "posse". But being the softy that he was at times (when he was in a good mood), he stopped and asked, "How are ya?"
Fang felt a presence.
"I wonder," he muttered.
He looked at a bush. Concentrating, he fired a Confuse Ray at the bush.
A Vaporeon came out.
"Vaaaaaapor-" it called dismally.
" Hello, Splash..." Fang gave a growl as his enemy came out of confusion.
"Hello, Fungus." Splash replied cooly.
" Its. Fang. FANG. F-A-N-G. What, is your mind too tiny to comprehend that?" Fang retorted.
"Consider...yourself puuuurfectly lucky. I had a manicure yesterday, so I dont want to..." SHe flexed her claws. "exercise them."
-Gardevoir~
_________________
GREAT FLAMING EYEBROWS
Tue Nov 22, 2005 5:52 pm
Magus
Pokemon Master
Joined: Mon Feb 28, 2005 7:12 pmPosts: 1400Location: Aurora, CO
"Erm, I'm okay, but my name is Fluffy, who's Fluffles??" Fluffy asked as he landed in front of the loudred, it seemed to tower over him, "So what are you doing today???" Fluffy asked curiously
Tue Nov 22, 2005 5:54 pm
Sneaky Sneasel
Gym Leader
Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2005 5:21 pmPosts: 3128Location: College
"Oh, sorry, I didn't exactly know you're name....but anyway I'm going to Flamewind's place, and if he isn't there then I'll go to Fang's pad."
"Wait. WHy am I telling a 5 year old Pidgey where I'm going? I'm the coolest kid on the block, talking to the uncoolest kid."
"Well, I'm off, see ya later; as if." Larry mumbled the last part as he continued to Flame's place.
"Wait, can I come with you?" Fluffy asked, and zoomed in from of Larry "I don't really have anything to do..." Fluffy said looking kind of sad, in hopes of being able to acompany the loudred.
Tue Nov 22, 2005 6:40 pm
Sneaky Sneasel
Gym Leader
Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2005 5:21 pmPosts: 3128Location: College
Larry froze. On one hand, he didn't want anyone of his posse catching him with an uncool kid, but on the other hand, his soft side didn't want to make the poor Pidgey upset. Larry took a few steps, turned around, and said. "You comin' kid?"
_________________
Tue Nov 22, 2005 6:45 pm
Magus
Pokemon Master
Joined: Mon Feb 28, 2005 7:12 pmPosts: 1400Location: Aurora, CO
((Larry's a big softy! ))
Fluffy looked up to the loudred, "You mean it?" he said excited and suddenly full of energy, he took of into the air and flew around the loudred really fast "Thanks! You're the best!" he cired as he flew around the loudred. He just remembered to try and not to embaras him so he suddenly stopped flying and landed next to the loudred, acting tough he said "Let's go."
Tue Nov 22, 2005 6:48 pm
Sneaky Sneasel
Gym Leader
Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2005 5:21 pmPosts: 3128Location: College
((Ya I knows. )
"Heh, you're alright." chuckled Larry as he gave the Pidgey a very light noogie. "But yeah, we're off."
(Ryo needs to reply soon...)
_________________
Tue Nov 22, 2005 6:55 pm
Magus
Pokemon Master
Joined: Mon Feb 28, 2005 7:12 pmPosts: 1400Location: Aurora, CO
The Pidgey smiled, he walked along with the loudred when Flffy noticed a dark pokemon with blue rings and an ear missing alking to a blue pokemon that looked somewhat like it, "Who are they?" Fluffy asked Larry.
Tue Nov 22, 2005 7:25 pm
Sneaky Sneasel
Gym Leader
Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2005 5:21 pmPosts: 3128Location: College
"Well the black one is named Fang, he's an Umbreon, and I don't know the other one...that's a Vaporeon, but I don't its name. Let's go check it out."
I'm gonna join this too! I have to decide on a Pokemon to be first - ack, time's up! I have to go to Science class now ^_^; Adieu
Tue Nov 22, 2005 7:32 pm
Magus
Pokemon Master
Joined: Mon Feb 28, 2005 7:12 pmPosts: 1400Location: Aurora, CO
Fluffy never met anything like these pokemon before, he was really curious, he flew over to the pokemon, "Howdy!" he said happily.
Tue Nov 22, 2005 7:33 pm
Sneaky Sneasel
Gym Leader
Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2005 5:21 pmPosts: 3128Location: College
"Wait, hold...on." he said as it was too late. He slowly shuffled his way to the Eons and Fluffy.
"Hey Fang, how's it hanging?"
_________________
Tue Nov 22, 2005 7:38 pm
2x4b
Pokemon Master
Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:55 amPosts: 1456Location: Stafford, UK
Tidal watched the Mudkip disappear into the weeds, I better go check it out Tidal thought as he began to swim towards the weeds, as he pulled back the weeds he couldn't see a thing, the Mudkip had vanished, strange, but oh well better go get some breakfast Tidal thought to himself as he swam towards the surface.
Flare is Splash's sister, although she doesn't hate Fang as Splash does.
Personality: Proud and uppity, but in her heart, craving attention and affection.
Flare raised her nose and sniffed delicately at the air. She could smell Pokemon near by.
"I do hope that they are not weak, for they would not be any test to my power should they be such." she remarked to herself.
Emerging from a trail, she saw her sister, along with Fang, Larry and a small and seemingly hyper-active Pidgey.
"Greetings and salutations to you all." she said smoothly as she trotted over to sit delicately next to Fang.
Fang noticed Splash's sister.
"Hi, Flare."
Splash also said, "Salutations, dear sister. ((Am I overdoing this, Im an only so I wouldnt know...))
Splash gave a low growl at Fang. She whispered, "Lucky. Everybodys watching, Im not one to pick a fight in public. "
Fang replied sarcastically, " Only the street rats do that."
Fang noticed Larry and Fluffy and said, " Not much, just.." He looked menacingly at Splash. "Just a little hairball on the road of life here."
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Getting Started
Introduction
With the Feed API, you can download any public Atom, RSS, or Media RSS feed using only JavaScript, so you can easily mash up feeds with your content and other APIs like the Google Maps API.
The Google Feed API takes the pain out of developing mashups in JavaScript because you can now mash up feeds using only a few lines of JavaScript, rather than dealing with complex server-side proxies. This makes it easy to quickly integrate feeds on your website.
Application Requirements
Applications that use this interface must abide by
all existing Terms of Service. Most importantly, you must correctly identify yourself in your requests.
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By their very nature, debuts tend to be landmark occasions. The novelty factor at Anfield went beyond a sprinkling of new faces, however: none had the chance to ease themselves into their new surroundings on an afternoon of unforeseen events that revolved around the newcomers. Roy Hodgson and Joe Cole, Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny may forget this game, but it is unlikely to be soon.
In the eventual appraisal, Hodgson may have acquitted himself the best, despite the unkind setback Arsenal’s late leveller provided. He has located Liverpool’s spirit, which seemed lost when they surrendered tamely to Chelsea in their last league outing at Anfield, and injected his own tactical nous. Denied victory, Hodgson’s astute deployment of his 10 men in the second half nevertheless suggested he has been able to implement his ideas quickly.
Yet it was his marquee signing who left Liverpool depleted. On his two Anfield appearances, Cole can be described in those twin two clichés, hero and villain. The broader picture is that they are neither triumph nor disaster, but they are wildly different nonetheless. Rapturously received against Rabotnicki, he was man of the match. Otherwise undistinguished in his Premier League bow against Arsenal, he was sent off.
A feature of Cole’s cameo was his willingness to tackle, augmenting Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano’s efforts in the midfield. It was less admirable when his bid to block Koscielny’s clearance left the Frenchman writhing in agony. The Liverpool captain had likened his team-mate to Lionel Messi, but presumably he wasn’t referring to the Barcelona player’s dismissal on his debut for Argentina; this was an unwanted echo.
”He is not the guy who goes in for blood-curdling tackles,” said Hodgson. ”He was a little bit unlucky. He didn’t dive in front of the player, he dived in front of the ball to try and stop it being played down the line.”
The position of the challenge, near the corner flag, explains Arsene Wenger’s habitual inability to witness the incident, but he may form part of the case for the defence. ”Joe Cole is usually a fair player,” he said. ”He is not one who likes to hurt people. He kicked him accidentally but well. Koscielny had a big knock on his shin, we were scared it might be broken.”
It was not, which permitted the central defender to complete a rare double: stretchered off in one half, sent off in the other. A second booking arrived in injury time for handball, resulting in his exit and absence against Blackpool on Saturday.
By then, the other import from French football had made his impact. Chamakh may prove the target man Arsenal have lacked; for 89 minutes it was not evident as the uncompromising Jamie Carragher provided a forceful introduction to English football. Then the Moroccan rose above Jose Reina, forcing the ball against the woodwork, before it went in when the unfortunate goalkeeper failed to hold on to the ball.
In his manager’s mind, Chamakh is off the mark. ”He shows as well by scoring the goal – you don’t agree with me that he scores the goal? – that he is not afraid to put his head and body in,” said Wenger. Sadly for Chamakh, few agreed with his interpretation of events: it is an own goal.
Liverpool had led. Immediately after half-time, Javier Mascherano’s pass set David Ngog clear. The man who, to his detractors, isn’t Fernando Torres, finished like the World Cup winner. It was a curate’s egg of a performance from Ngog – he spent much of the first half straying offside – but one that nevertheless contained evidence of the potential that brought him to Anfield. When Torres belatedly entered the game, the standing ovation, for once, could have been aimed at both men. That said, and while not as culpable as Reina, there was a suspicion that Manuel Almunia could have done better as the Frenchman’s shot flew past him.
A memorable win appeared on the cards. Backs-against-the-wall efforts can seem to suit such characters as Carragher while Mascherano seemed intent on compensating for Liverpool’s one-man deficit on his own. Then came Arsenal’s late riposte. ”To lose it so close to the end was harsh on us,” said Hodgson. ”We got a deserved equaliser,” countered Wenger.
Whichever, it meant both sides sustained patterns from last season. Late goals were the bane of Liverpool’s lives last season and the reason Arsenal remained in the title race for as long as they did. The faces have changed, but the habits remain.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Javier Mascherano – ”One of the best in the world at his job,” said Hodgson. On this evidence, it was hard to disagree. Relentlessly competitive, snapping into challenges and covering plenty of ground, it was hard to reconcile the Argentine’s performance with his stated desire to leave. ”The fact is we want to keep him here,” added his manager. ”We will keep him here unless an offer comes along that is correct, commensurate with his value. At the moment it’s not there, not even on the horizon. If these clubs are so interested, it would be nice if they contacted Liverpool.”
LIVERPOOL VERDICT: Until Reina’s late mistake, the spine of the side were excellent: the goalkeeper made several fine saves, Carragher and Martin Skrtel defended with great determination and Mascherano formed a formidable partnership with Gerrard. When Torres is fully fit, that may bode well. Yet it was less auspicious that they spent much of the first half on the back foot when Arsenal’s passing was slicker.
ARSENAL VERDICT: The arrivals of Theo Walcott and Rosicky were reasons for the comeback, with each making his mark. Nonetheless, with Robin van Persie only appearing for the final quarter of an hour and Cesc Fabregas absent altogether, the feeling persisted that their hopes rest with the two talismen. Koscielny’s suspension heightens the need for defensive replacements in the next fortnight.
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According to a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine, losing weight is "basic physiology. Eat fewer calories than you expend." This sounds like advice we’ve heard before, but this time it’s a little more black-and-white. To quote one of the organizers of the study: “People do have to choose heart-healthy foods. I think the beauty of the study is that they have a lot of flexibility in terms of the dietary approach."
In other words, eat what you want that isn’t junk. Just don’t eat too much of it.
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Window Cleaning
If you lack the tools and time to correctly organise the cleaning of your soiled windows, keep calm and get in touch with us. We are professional and seasoned cleaners that specialise in a large number of services including window cleaning in Manchester. We are currently the leading sanitation experts in the area and we have a 100% completion record to prove our claim.
We are the favorite cleaning company of the local residents and business owners because of our friendly and dedicated attitude towards them and their projects. We have been in the sanitation business for a number of years and trust us when we say that we have seen it all, done it all. We always take extra care when handling a sanitation job as we genuinely care about the needs and demands of our customers. This means that by opting to work with us you are choosing to benefit from our world class services because that is what we are planning to provide you.
We can clean any type of window
The size, shape and quantity of your windows won’t be an issue as we have a crew of capable and highly competent sanitation specialists who won’t hesitate for a second to go beyond the call of duty in order to handle your window cleaning in Manchester in the best possible manner and complete it in time. We have put together our team of cleaners by handpicking every single one of our workers via our strict employment policy. We are very picky when it comes to our staff are we firmly believe in the saying that a company is only as good as its employees. It is also because of our crew of professional sanitation technicians that we are able to:
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We use top notch equipment and safe cleaning products
We use only the best and industry quality cleaning machines because we know how delicate some types of windows are. With the aid of our equipment we are able to protect the frames and windows from marks and scratches. Even more, we are able to eliminate the possibility of water spots. We have invested heavily into the right instruments and cleaning solutions because we want to be able to provide you the best possible services.
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We care about the environment and want to play our part for its preservation
To our understanding we are the only cleaning company that provides contract window cleaning in Manchester as an option, we also have the best sofa cleaning services in the area. So, know that you can entirely delegate to us the maintenance of your windows. Feel free to explore our website or contact us in order to learn more about our company and other services. Also don’t forget to request your personalised free quote once you call us or send us an e-mail.
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A city unveils through the eyes of its visitor. The Destination Travel series explores cities from the inside, meets with fascinating people and takes time to see life in a different way. --------------------
A city unveils through the eyes of its visitor. The Destination Travel series explores cities from the inside, meets with fascinating people and takes time to see life in a different way. --------------------
A city unveils through the eyes of its visitor. The Destination Travel series explores cities from the inside, meets with fascinating people and takes time to see life in a different way. Travel book / photos + address.
A city unveils through the eyes of its visitor. The Destination Travel series explores cities from the inside, meets with fascinating people and takes time to see life in a different way. Travel book / photos + address.
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Sympathy for the Red Devils: Hart boils over while City denied five clear penalties by awful Oliver in Manchester derby
For most of Sunday’s Manchester derby it looked as though referee Michael Oliver felt sorry for slumping and short-handed Manchester United.
Oliver quickly lost the plot in the much-anticipated English Premier League clash after correctly dismissing United defender Chris Smalling in the 38th minute for his reckless tackle to the left of the visitors penalty area on an onrushing James Milner.
Had the Citizens not recorded a narrow 1-0 victory, the Sky Blues would have made a bigger issue of being short changed by Oliver on what seemed certain to be five clear-cut penalties along with allegations of an ugly spitting incident by United’s Marouane Fellaini.
Initially the referee appeared to have sympathy for City, as Oliver failed to caution goalkeeper Joe Hart in the 31st minute.
The English international wildly raced out of his goal to protest a foul by Smalling. Smalling had raised his boot to block Hart’s down-field punt and Hart completely lost his self control.
The enraged netminder went face-to-face with Oliver making body contact and then appearing to headbutt the referee.
Just why Oliver failed to caution Hart or point to the spot on all five blatant penalty kick incidents remains a mystery.
Maybe he was concussed after going head-to-head with Hart. Maybe he was just trying to cover the point spread?
But no, really there was no reason for Oliver to even things up or show sympathy for United since until late in the second half the 29-year-old referee from Northumberland was having a solid outing which was good enough to draw the praise of match commentators.
Oliver’s performance worsened in the dying minutes of first half injury time when Oliver denied City’s Yaya Toure an obvious penalty kick after the midfielder had his legs taken out from behind by United defender Marcos Rojo.
The reaction from City and even neutral observers as they headed to the break was one of bewilderment.
There was more controversy to come.
Early in the second half as City still pressed for the opening goal, United’s Michael Carrick and Fellaini both blocked goal-ward shots by City with Oliver again waving play on.
Oliver also chose not to award another City penalty kick again in the 50th minute when a tracking-back Wayne Rooney took Toure down in the box from behind.
Then in the 60th minute, the kicker, Sergio Aguero was brought down in the United penalty area by Fellaini, but again for some reason Oliver again chose not to award the penalty kick and obvious booking.
Moments after that incident it also emerged that Fellaini was involved in a spitting incident with City forward Aguero.
Most of us saw Fellaini standing over Aguero to get up, in an effort to legitimize his poorly timed tackle, but match photos later revealed Fellaini spitting on his opponent.
Fellaini later denied the incident with a Twitter post saying the reports were fabricated while it was also announced that football officials would not investigate the incident.
Had the match been played later in the season the cries of derision from those at The City of Manchester Stadium would have been much worse and Oliver’s performance would have made much bigger headlines.
It begs the question whether Oliver should continue to be assigned to high-profile matches as the race for the Barclay’s Premier League title begins to heat up.
Only time will tell if the F.A. referee think tank, which is headed by former referee Howard Webb, agrees and decides to re-evaluate its referee assignments for future matches.
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Amazon.co.uk review summary for Sony MDS JE480
alaTest has collected and analyzed 1 user review of Sony MDS JE480 from Amazon.co.uk. The average user rating for this product is 5.0/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.0/5 for other MP3 Players on Amazon.co.uk.
100% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.
Amazon.com review summary for Sony MDS JE480
alaTest has collected and analyzed 16 user reviews of Sony MDS JE480 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 4.3/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.8/5 for other MP3 Players on Amazon.com.
MiniDisc player/recorder
Owners say the Sony MDS-JE480 MiniDisc player is a good stay-at-home solution for DJs looking to create custom recordings or party mixes, or for enthusiasts who need a high-quality component to play back MiniDiscs on their audio systems. This player...
Sony MDS-JE480 MiniDisc Digital Recorders
Do not buy if you're a musician wanting to record yourself to create CD's. It does not permit you to export audio you record via microphone into your computer.Unsuited for musicians wishing to create CD'sPros:Good editing tools and good...
Sony MDS-JE480 MiniDisc Digital Recorders
I know MP3 players were in existence when this came out, so why it ever came out at all is beyond me. Maybe the price?The missing link between CD players and MP3 playersPros:No skip, decent amount of space, CD music straight to player - no...
Sony MDS-JE480 MiniDisc Digital Recorders
It.s great, if you have the money, buy it!!!Greater than any MP3 playerPros:Comfortable size, Digital PClink. It record up to 320' on an 80' MD. Low price.Cons:Its headphones and the remote control doesn't have a display, it could have been...
Sony MDS-JE480 MiniDisc Digital Recorders
Buy if you want a media format that is cost effective and skip resistant. if you want durability at the expense of remote control, mic input, and size.MD finally won me overPros:'Sport' design / water resistant. Sound quality. PC...
Sony MDS-JE480 MiniDisc Digital Recorders
Get something else. Make someone other than Sony manufacture it with better less fragile parts and greater durability and ease of use.I got the LemonPros:Pretty blue case.Cons:Keeps breaking, costly to have fixed, distortion, non-user-friendly, no...
Sony MDS-JE480 MiniDisc Digital Recorders
New technologies now make this unit outmoded, so I would no longer recommend it. The MZ-N707 is a robust little unit with good sound quality, and some serious drawbacksSony MZ-N707 Net MDPros:Sound quality; compact; variety of sound inputs and outputs;...
Product Specifications
Sony's MDS-JE480 MD Player/Recorder was created to maximize your MiniDisc enjoyment. Reap the benefits of features like ATRAC DSP Type S/MDLP/MP3, Hybrid Pulse DAC 24-Bit, MD Long Play (MDLP) Modes which enable recording for up to 4x's Normal Capacity, and Time Machine Recording with a 6-Second Buffer Memory that captures music up to six seconds before you press the record button. Utilize Jog Dial Control for Track Selection. Text Entry and Digital Record Level Control will simplify recording and playback. Listen longer. Record more... the MDS-JE480.
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Geeking out in the Green Mountains
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Joe Gunther #30: Bomber’s Moon
Archer Mayor has announced that his 30th (30th!) Joe Gunther novel will hit stores later this year, Bomber’s Moon, and that it’s available to preorder.
Here’s the synopsis:
The murder of a small-time drug dealer snowballs into the most complex case ever faced by Joe Gunther and his VBI team.
It is said a bright and clear bomber’s moon is the best asset to finding one’s target. But beware what you wish for: What you can see at night can also see you. Often with dire consequences.
Two young women form the heart of this tale. One, an investigative reporter, the other a private investigator. Uneasy allies from completely different walks of life, they work together—around and sometimes against Joe Gunther and his VBI cops—in an attempt to connect the murders of a small town drug dealer, a smart, engaging, fatally flawed thief, and the tangled, political, increasingly dark goings on at a prestigious prep school.
While Gunther and the VBI set about solving the two murders, Sally Kravitz and Rachel Reiling combine their talents and resources to go where the police cannot, from working undercover at Thorndike Academy, to having clandestine meetings with criminals for their insider’s knowledge of Vermont’s unexpectedly illicit underbelly.
But there is a third element at work. A malevolent force, the common link in all this death and chaos, is hard at work sowing mayhem to protect its ancient, vicious, very dark roots.
The book will hit stores on September 24th, 2019. Mayor noted in his latest newsletter that he’s already working on #31: The Deathwatch Beetle.
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(5 days)*** Note: This is a Flex On-Demand Self Study Class, 180-day unlimited access, 5-days of content, $995 ***
Flex On-Demand combines the flexibility of on-demand, self-study classes with the benefits of traditional instructor-led training (ILT). With a Flex On-Demand class you get streaming self-study content that matches our instructor-led classes. (Applicable State and Local taxes may be added for On-Demand purchases, depending on your location.)
Flex On-Demand Learner Profiles
Flex On-Demand is a self-study training solution that was designed for two types of learners. First, Flex On-Demand is a great fit for experienced IT professionals who don't need a traditional multiple full days of training to upgrade their existing skills. They can pick and choose topics to make the most effective use of their time. Second, Flex On-Demand is perfect for highly-motivated individuals who are new to a technology and need to space their learning over a period of weeks or months. These learners can take their time and repeat sections as needed until they master the new concepts.
About Flex On-Demand
Our Flex On-Demand classes are self-study courses with 30 to 40 hours of content. They include hours of videos, hands-on labs using the actual software, and knowledge checks and were created by Microsoft to mirror the content found in the traditional live instructor-led version of this course. Those features are all part of the standard Flex On-Demand training.
ONLC Extra
With each self-study Flex On-Demand class you get "audit" up to 50% of an actual class as an ILT listener. This option allow you to listen in and follow along to the equivalent live Instructor-Led Training (ILT) class. ILT Listeners do not have direct access to the live instructor. ILT classes are held weekdays. Please contact ONLC to schedule.
Paying with Software Assurance Training Vouchers (SATV)
For Microsoft Enterprise customers paying with Software Assurance Vouchers, the cost of this class is 5 vouchers--this includes access to the self-study materials. (Note: Individuals paying with SATV can have the option of auditing the entire class as an ILT Listener.)
Do You Still Prefer a Live, Instructor-led Class?
Already know Flex On-Demand is not right for you? We also offer this same course content in a live, instructor-led format. For more details, click on the link below:MS-100 Instructor-led
Overview
Learn about Office 365 Management, including key components of Office 365, how to move your organization to Office 365, how to configure Office 365, and how to manage Office 365 ProPlus deployments.
Learn about Microsoft 365 Tenant and Service Management, including how to plan, manage, and customize your organization’s Microsoft 365 tenant and services.
Learn about Microsoft 365 Identity Management, including how to manage user security groups and licenses for cloud identities, and how to plan and implement identity synchronization, federated identities, applications, and external access
Audience Profile
This course is designed for persons who are aspiring to the Microsoft 365 Enterprise Admin role and have completed one of the Microsoft 365 work load administrator certification paths.
Special Note to New Hampshire Residents
This course has not yet been approved by the State's Department of Education. Please contact us to get an update as to when the class should be available in New Hampshire.
Prerequisites
This course is designed for persons who are aspiring to the Microsoft 365 Enterprise Admin role and have completed one of the Microsoft 365 work load administrator certification paths.
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You will be missed – But you are now free
This week a sweet cousin of mine passed away from complications due to Alzheimers. And while we were not a pair of almost like siblings close cousins, I did know her. Our family is the type that if you are family then you get a big hug anyway when first meeting and ultimately get invited to dinner. I knew her when she was a sharp as a tack woman who dressed well and could get to anywhere she wanted like guiding me from my hotel to our Aunts house that first time I was in her town visiting.
When I got the news some 7 or so years ago that she was on Aricept because she was at the beginning stages of Alzheimers my heart just sank. No! I exclaimed…not another family member. At the time my mother was in the end stages of the disease. The once vibrant woman was now less so and had to have one of her nieces live with her to help take care of her. At that time she could still have a conversation with you – to an extent – but only for a short time. Then she would either not really converse or do the usual for this disease repeat herself.
Eventually she had to enter a nursing home because her condition had declined to a level her niece could no longer care for her at home. She held in there for some years until she eventually stopped talking, walking and ended up on a feeding tube in hospice. This week she decided it was time to go home and while she will be missed – especially by her twin – we are all thankful that she is now free from this damn disease.
When someone dies from Alzheimers or dementia it is a mixed bag of feels. Your heart aches because this person you knew and loved, no matter what their condition was at the time, is gone. No matter how many days a week you took care of them or went to see them at a nursing home, when they are gone your emotions go every which way. In my case I was happy I never had to set foot in that nursing home again! I was happy I didn’t have to see mom suffering! I was happy I wasn’t tied to being responsible for her and all of the paperwork, etc. that was involved with taking care of someone sick who was never going to get well! I was happy that mom was free from existing (it was NOT living) like that!
But I also had this strange ache that said no matter what condition she was in she was still my mother and while she was gone years and years ago from the disease, this “shell” that was still there that resembled her and liked chocolate who I called mom, was gone. I have a feeling my cousins twin, other sister, and the rest of the family is feeling various degrees of this too.
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Alabama Living: Sweet Hometag:www.al.com,2014:/living/index.ssf/35602014-12-31T11:00:10ZAlabama living: Find southern cooking, gardening and decorating tips. Make Alabama and Gulf coast vacation plans. Keep up with southern health issues and living in Alabama at al.com.Movable Type Enterprise 4.29-advanceRevisit Your Cool Spaces of 2014 tag:www.al.com,2014:/living/index.ssf/3560.148120632014-12-31T11:00:10Z2014-12-31T13:04:34ZCool Spaces features from Huntsville, Birmingham & Mobile from 2014.Bob Gathany | [email protected]://connect.al.com/user/bgathany/index.html
Cool Spaces features from Huntsville, Birmingham & Mobile from 2014.
Pick which of these companies wins $5,000: The Big Pitch People's Choice Awardstag:www.al.com,2014:/living/index.ssf/3560.143155172014-10-27T18:37:34Z2014-10-27T20:33:36ZThe Big Pitch is happening on Saturday, November 8th.
The Big Pitch is a Shark Tank style competition, hosted by REV Birmingham, in which companies compete for $15,000 in prize money to help them grow their business.Ian Hoppe | AL.comhttp://connect.al.com/user/IanHoppe/index.html
The Big Pitch is happening on Saturday, November 8th.
The Big Pitch is a Shark Tank style competition, hosted by REV Birmingham, in which companies compete for $15,000 in prize money to help them grow their business.
Why You Should Shop Thrift Stores for Christmas Giftstag:www.al.com,2014:/living/index.ssf/3560.141186672014-10-06T20:38:14Z2014-10-06T21:40:38ZLaCherylCilliehttp://connect.al.com/user/thriftstyleliving/index.htmlHow to Plan a Tailgate Party on a Budgettag:www.al.com,2014:/living/index.ssf/3560.140621932014-09-30T18:44:04Z2014-09-30T19:28:58ZLaCherylCilliehttp://connect.al.com/user/thriftstyleliving/index.htmlFourth of July Thrifting for a Frugal Celebrationtag:www.al.com,2014:/living/index.ssf/3560.132828492014-06-27T17:30:00Z2014-06-28T20:34:11ZLaCherylCilliehttp://connect.al.com/user/thriftstyleliving/index.htmlSee Alabama in 26 beautiful Instagram photostag:www.al.com,2014:/living/index.ssf/3560.132796242014-06-26T13:00:03Z2014-06-26T13:27:50ZTake a look at our collection of photos taken around the state and share your own view of Alabama on Instagram using #ALcompix. Alex McDanielhttp://connect.al.com/user/alexmcdaniel/index.html
Take a look at our collection of photos taken around the state and share your own view of Alabama on Instagram using #ALcompix.
Taylor's Barber Shop in Huntsville is a family affair, led by local legend Ollie Taylor Sr.tag:www.al.com,2014:/living/index.ssf/3560.132059082014-06-16T18:02:00Z2014-06-16T18:02:18ZAnna Claire Vollershttp://connect.al.com/user/avollers/index.htmlCigar Box Guitar Festival at Lowe Mill - Day 2tag:www.al.com,2014:/living/index.ssf/3560.130814622014-06-01T16:58:39Z2014-06-01T17:02:49ZDay 2 of the 10th Annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment was 10+ hours of unique musical performances as well as workshops and lessons in how to both build and play the cigar box guitar. Bob Gathany | [email protected]://connect.al.com/user/bgathany/index.html
Day 2 of the 10th Annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment was 10+ hours of unique musical performances as well as workshops and lessons in how to both build and play the cigar box guitar.
How to Save Money on Books and Magazinestag:www.al.com,2014:/living/index.ssf/3560.130331972014-05-27T14:00:00Z2014-05-28T00:31:37ZLaCherylCilliehttp://connect.al.com/user/thriftstyleliving/index.htmlBeloved Monte Sano mail carrier retires after 50 years: 'I feel like they're family'tag:www.al.com,2014:/living/index.ssf/3560.128091652014-05-02T16:35:00Z2014-05-02T21:00:30ZHUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Jack Rogers’ first day of work as a Huntsville mail carrier was Nov. 9, 1963. It was less than two weeks before President John F. Kennedy would be assassinated; more than six years before the Huntsville-designed Saturn...Anna Claire Vollershttp://connect.al.com/user/avollers/index.html
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Jack Rogers’ first day of work as a Huntsville mail carrier was Nov. 9, 1963. It was less than two weeks before President John F. Kennedy would be assassinated; more than six years before the Huntsville-designed Saturn...
Helena's hanging flower baskets are returning Saturday with event at Amphitheater Parktag:www.al.com,2014:/living/index.ssf/3560.126376812014-04-11T14:20:06Z2014-04-11T14:25:13Z Hanging baskets are returning to Helena's Old Town district and elsewhere in the city thanks to efforts of the Beautification and Tree Board, which is meeting to display the floral arrangements on Saturday, April 12, 2014. (Courtesy) HELENA, Alabama...Martin J. Reed | [email protected]://connect.al.com/user/martinjreed/index.html
Hanging baskets are returning to Helena's Old Town district and elsewhere in the city thanks to efforts of the Beautification and Tree Board, which is meeting to display the floral arrangements on Saturday, April 12, 2014. (Courtesy) HELENA, Alabama...
EAT South to host gardening workshops in upcoming months at downtown farm in Montgomerytag:www.al.com,2014:/living/index.ssf/3560.122233222014-02-17T17:14:56Z2014-02-17T17:15:07ZEach class will be taught by one of EAT South’s farm managers at the downtown farm and provide both lecture and hands-on training. The classes will take place on Feb. 22, March 22 and April 19.Amber Sutton | [email protected]://connect.al.com/user/AmberAcker/index.html
Each class will be taught by one of EAT South’s farm managers at the downtown farm and provide both lecture and hands-on training. The classes will take place on Feb. 22, March 22 and April 19.
Alabaster's Arbor Day event will give away 140 trees on Saturdaytag:www.al.com,2014:/living/index.ssf/3560.122231292014-02-17T16:40:33Z2014-02-17T16:45:34Z ALABASTER, Alabama -- The City of Alabaster is celebrating Arbor Day on Saturday by giving away more than 100 trees and smaller saplings to city residents and businesses. The city's Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the Arbor Day...Martin J. Reed | [email protected]://connect.al.com/user/martinjreed/index.html
ALABASTER, Alabama -- The City of Alabaster is celebrating Arbor Day on Saturday by giving away more than 100 trees and smaller saplings to city residents and businesses. The city's Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the Arbor Day...
Throw a SUPER Super Bowl Partytag:www.al.com,2014:/living/index.ssf/3560.121028222014-01-31T14:00:25Z2014-01-31T14:12:46ZDIY. DIY. DIY. Hutt, hutt. Do these 3 initials sound like a foreign football play to you? Do it yourself projects can sometimes feel like hard work especially if you do not feel like you’ve been given the crafty gene. However, it is often putting together the simplest of things with a little bit of instruction that can make your party unique and exciting and make you feel like a pro. With Super Bowl Sunday right around the corner we figured we would share a few of our favorite ideas and tips that are sure to make your party full of cheer and high fives. pam mashburn, PotentialMagazinehttp://connect.al.com/user/pamMashburn/index.html
DIY. DIY. DIY. Hutt, hutt. Do these 3 initials sound like a foreign football play to you? Do it yourself projects can sometimes feel like hard work especially if you do not feel like you’ve been given the crafty gene. However, it is often putting together the simplest of things with a little bit of instruction that can make your party unique and exciting and make you feel like a pro. With Super Bowl Sunday right around the corner we figured we would share a few of our favorite ideas and tips that are sure to make your party full of cheer and high fives.
Do you live in one of Alabama's Top 10 cities? Check out the listtag:www.al.com,2014:/living/index.ssf/3560.120317852014-01-21T16:35:49Z2014-01-21T20:50:49Z Movoto, a national online real estate brokerage firm and blog, today posted its list of Alabama's Top 10 cities. Coming in first place is Auburn, followed by Madison, Pelham, Florence, Calera, Enterprise, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Albertville and Alabaster. Shelby...Martin J. Reed | [email protected]://connect.al.com/user/martinjreed/index.html
Movoto, a national online real estate brokerage firm and blog, today posted its list of Alabama's Top 10 cities. Coming in first place is Auburn, followed by Madison, Pelham, Florence, Calera, Enterprise, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Albertville and Alabaster. Shelby...
Annual fashion show luncheon for Shelby County Arts Council is Feb. 8tag:www.al.com,2014:/living/index.ssf/3560.120313802014-01-21T16:04:38Z2014-01-21T16:11:57Z View full sizeAttendees enjoy the 2013 fashion show luncheon benefiting the Shelby County Arts Council in Columbiana. This year's event will start at 10 a.m. on Feb. 8 at the First Baptist Church of Columbiana. (Courtesy / Shelby County...Martin J. Reed | [email protected]://connect.al.com/user/martinjreed/index.html
View full sizeAttendees enjoy the 2013 fashion show luncheon benefiting the Shelby County Arts Council in Columbiana. This year's event will start at 10 a.m. on Feb. 8 at the First Baptist Church of Columbiana. (Courtesy / Shelby County...
Habitat for Humanity helps a Midfield family move into an Alabaster hometag:www.al.com,2013:/living/index.ssf//3560.117553622013-12-03T01:05:00Z2013-12-03T01:13:04Z View full sizeSurrounded by her daughters Amiyah and Britney Canada, Erica Johnson holds the keys to her new home in Alabaster provided by the Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity during a dedication ceremony on Monday, Dec. 2, 2013. (Martin...Martin J. Reed | [email protected]://connect.al.com/user/martinjreed/index.html
View full sizeSurrounded by her daughters Amiyah and Britney Canada, Erica Johnson holds the keys to her new home in Alabaster provided by the Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity during a dedication ceremony on Monday, Dec. 2, 2013. (Martin...
Game Day gift ideas plentiful at Market Noel presented by Junior League of Birminghamtag:www.al.com,2013:/living/index.ssf//3560.117031012013-11-23T18:35:49Z2013-11-23T18:45:33ZTamika Moore | [email protected]://connect.al.com/user/tamoore/index.htmlDeck the halls with artworks from holiday open house at Irondale's Studio by the Tracks (photos)tag:www.al.com,2013:/living/index.ssf//3560.116880242013-11-21T16:26:05Z2013-11-21T23:57:01ZTamika Moore | [email protected]://connect.al.com/user/tamoore/index.htmlWinn-Dixie debuts new Inverness Corners store off U.S. 280 in Hoovertag:www.al.com,2013:/living/index.ssf//3560.116820122013-11-20T17:38:28Z2013-11-20T17:47:00Z View full sizeWinn-Dixie sushi bar manager Peter Kim and assistant manager Terry Yun offer samples of their Simply Wonderful Sushi during the new store's grand opening in Hoover in north Shelby County on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013. (Martin J....Martin J. Reed | [email protected]://connect.al.com/user/martinjreed/index.html
View full sizeWinn-Dixie sushi bar manager Peter Kim and assistant manager Terry Yun offer samples of their Simply Wonderful Sushi during the new store's grand opening in Hoover in north Shelby County on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013. (Martin J....
Columbiana's Loose Stitches knitting club members chat, create and inspiretag:www.al.com,2013:/living/index.ssf//3560.116275322013-11-12T20:34:03Z2013-11-12T20:40:10Z COLUMBIANA, Alabama -- Germaine Merrell of Shelby passed around a plastic container with a batch of lemon sticks she made using a recipe she learned in Spain over the summer. Sisters Kathryn and Sarah Seifert from Westover continued to...Martin J. Reed | [email protected]://connect.al.com/user/martinjreed/index.html
COLUMBIANA, Alabama -- Germaine Merrell of Shelby passed around a plastic container with a batch of lemon sticks she made using a recipe she learned in Spain over the summer. Sisters Kathryn and Sarah Seifert from Westover continued to...
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Photography: Photo Prank: Just How Many Photos Will a Stranger Take for You?
We’ve all been the victims of seemingly endless photo shoots for strangers. We’ve been out walking when we’re asked to take a photo for someone. Before we know it, we’ve been handed several phones or cameras and perhaps even asked to do re-takes for a group of people on their special night out.
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The Catholic Youth Ministry (CYMFed) is hoping to fill out the 11,000 capacity Wembley Arena for the Flame Congress next month.
The organisers have already sold 7,000 tickets for the event, which will be hosted on March 24 and will link sport and faith before the London Olympic Games this summer.
The event was inspired by the success of the Papal Visit of September 2010, in which large numbers of young people at Westminster Cathedral, Hyde Park and at “the Big Assembly” at Twickenham were active.
There will be ten bishops at the event, as well as Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster, and among the speakers will be Sister Catherine Holum, a former Olympic speedskater, Barry and Margaret Mkizen and Paschal Uche, who spoke at the Papal Visit. There will be talks on the themes of “friendship, excellence and respect”, while the music will be composed by Edwin Fawcett, who was heavily involved in the music for the Papal Vigil.
Such is the demand for the Flame Congress, which takes its name from St Paul’s letter to Timothy – “Fan into a Flame the gifts that God gave you” – that Hexham and Newcastle Diocese have hired a train to Wembley, and filled it out already.
Fr Dominic Howarth, Flame Congress Coordinator, said: “We hope people have a good day, but we want more than that – we want it to form their faith and their character. We hope it’s an affirming day for the person who is the only young person in their parish and looks around and sees 10,000 people and realises ‘I’m not alone here’.”
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Today's Quote
“If people let government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny.” Thomas Jefferson
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The advantages of Vermiculture for the Homestead
When we homesteaders are planning our homestead and what type of livestock we are going to have we rarely think of worms, yes worms. However, raising earthworms has many advantages for the homesteader and is such a cheap investment it should be strongly considered. Earthworms provide awesome compost and fertilizer. For those of us that are growing organically we are always looking for the most natural means to fertilize our crops and pastures. This compost has the added benefit of being practically free and totally self produced. Self production is important for those seeking to live self-sufficiently because if one is dependant on the feed store or hardware store, then self-sufficiency is defeated. Earthworms are probably the cheapest livestock investment a homesteader can make and they reproduce at a fairly rapid rate. They typically double their numbers every 60-90 days depending on the variety. Earthworms thrive on things that normally would have no other use such as shredded paper, cardboard, kitchen scraps, yard clippings, and manure. They increase the composting rate of these things as well. You can build your own worm bins or use old containers around the farm to raise your worms in. The worm castings (worm poo) is highly nutritious for your vegetable garden and any surplus of worms can entice the worm farmer to take a day and go fishing. Extra worms can also be placed directly in the garden to not only fertilize the soil, but keep it loose and airated as well. With a large surplus of worms and for the serious grower then worm sales can bring in a little extra income. It isn't that hard to find a local bait shop that would rather buy your worms than pay to have them shipped in. The investment to start your worms is as cheap as a 3.00 cup of worms from the bait shop. If you want to get a larger amount of worms then there are worm farmers specializing in certain types of worms that you can order your worms from. Of course with any livestock, there are "breed" considerations. Most worm farmers in our state either raise nightcrawlers or red wigglers. I am not real sure what the difference is except the price. However, I am not an avid fisherman and I do know that fisherman usually have their breed that they swear by. So if you are planning on raising worms for bait you might want to take into consideration what most fishermen in your area tend to like. I know that red wigglers are more expensive, the average being around 40.00 a pound. So like any other livestock do your research on what you want to raise if you plan to seriously raise and sell these critters. For those of us that just want to take another step toward being completely self-sufficient then a cheap cup of bait shop worms will be perfectly sufficient to start our own fertilizer production factory. Worms are a great asset to any homestead. They are a cheap investment, a livestock that eats for free and adds a much needed and valuable commodity to the rest of the farm. So grab that 5 gallon bucket put some good dirt in it and go grab some worms.
Ladies Against Feminism
Disclaimer
All outside links are just that outside links. I don't always agree with what the authors of outside articles are saying. I encourage everyone to do their own research to uncover the truth. These outside articles are for informational purposes and not the exclusive opinion of this blogger.
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crafty blog about toymaking, quilting and finding inspiration
new put-together books and a freebie!
The Put-together Book No. 1 for Kitty, Bunny and Bear is back in stock and in the store here. Or follow the beautiful new shop sign (thanks Tim!) on the sidebar.
I want to thank everybody for all their wonderful, kind, supportive comments about the pattern books. And of course for the orders! I just love seeing all your creations pop up, all the different fabric choices and different little faces, even boys (Clifford and Lars are making me so happy).
I wanted to make a little thank you present for patternbook owners and this is what I came up with, a pattern for a little handknit sweater for your kitty, bunny or bear. The Stockinette Cardigan is now available with the free downloads. I’m no knitwear designer so my fingers are crossed that the pattern makes sense. Go easy on me.
I’ve been meaning to drop you a note to say thank you. The pattern book is so great. I’m still working on making my first, a kitty. This will be my first sewn softie, so I am excited. Thank you for the sweater pattern as I do love to knit.
Hillary, you are so incredibly talented and generous of spirit! I’ve been wanting to learn to knit after inheriting all my grandma’s old knitting needles – I guess now I have my first project! And thanks for giving the shout out to Clifford. He’ll be so pleased.
Thank you Hillary! I just finished sewing up my bear, and can’t wait to make this precious sweater! I was toying with the idea of designing a small wardrobe for my stuffeds,and this pattern gave me the push. Thanks again!
DARN IT! I would love to knit the bear I’m working on a sweater, but I can’t knit!!! It’s adorable though, and I may just have to come up with something out of a felted thrifted sweater to make up for my lack of knitting skills, thanks so much for the idea!
Hillary, a kitty wearing this fantastic sweater will be PERFECT for my daughter’s third birthday at the end of August! Thank you so much! I can get started on the sweater now while I wait for the pattern book to arrive. YAY!!!! (Can you tell how excited I am?)
oh! i have to knit this! thanks for mention Lars. It was a pleasure to make a softtoy from one of your patterns! and the kids love it! it’s good to make self toys instead of buying them! thanks for all the great inspiration! you rock!
Holy cow! I ordered my book on Monday and it was in my mailbox the next day! Awesome!
I have a question just because I notice weird things like this and I’d totally do the same thing…any significance to the time on the cover?
Okay, that sounds totally fan-creepy-crazy – sorry! Just curious!
I love the sign Tim made! I consider your site to be one of those “I wish I had a cool site like Wee Wonderfuls” pages.
Not that you asked me or anything, but signs for each of the sections would also be cute. Like a big sign that says “My Projects” with little dangle signs that say “Toys & Dolls” and “Quilts” and so on.
You are so talented and so is Tim! I’m so jealous!
Sweet Mother!! It’s Wednesday morning -I”ve just gotten back in and I WAS ABLE TO ORDER THE BOOK!! Thanks Hillary, and thanks to all you silly people who have not snatched up this book yet. Yay for me! I already have all my materials set adise for the first kitty and now I am raiding my stash for yarn to make a matching cardi! Wheeee
wanted to chime in that i received my put-together book #1 today, and LOVE IT! it is way better than i imagined. and the “thank you” card, where on earth did you find such a small sweet sewing machine?
is your apartment like 15,000 square feet? you have so many treasures hidden in there! 🙂
i am so looking forward to #’s 2 & 3, but especially 3 — robots! (I have nephews)
i was the first person to comment and i wasn’t kidding about making the sweater before the plush! just finished with the sweater and just one tip – be sure the seam of the sleeve isnt visible from the front ;> that’s what happens when you rush, but im leaving it. i used a variegated pink/wht/lilac/fuschia cotton yarn for more of a “summer” feel. thanks again for the pattern!
Please please please can you tell me if you’d consider wholesaling your patterns in stores? I have a wee shop in New Zealand (junipergallery.blogspot.com) and would love to sell your wee wonderful patterns as we sell sublime stitching patters and they are a huge hit with our customers. Also do you sell your dolls? probably a silly question but I’d love to get some for the shop too. How amazingly talented you are!
Stephanie (gleek.net) gave me your booklet as a present for being the 1000th commenter on her blog (Woo!) and I love love love it! I can’t wait to make one! I’ve already said my thank yous to her (so thoughtful for her to pick just the right gift!, but I wanted to come over here and say thank you to you for making such a lovely pattern!
Reading
My Book
A captivating gang of 24 huggable, lovable creatures to sew—from classics like Margot, a topsy-turvy doll, and the button-jointed teddy bear Bjorn Bjornson, to irresistible Evelyn, a wool felt inchworm decked out in mod glasses and a kerchief, and Koji, a fiercely cute spiked softie monster. There’s something for everyone here—from kids to grown-ups and from beginning sewers to advanced dollmakers. Published by STC Craft, August, 2010.
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2 Black Bean Burgers: Jarred Fresh
2 Black Bean Burgers: Jarred Fresh
10.00
Blackbean Burgers are made with fresh black beans and are packed with flavor. They’re an easy, healthy, and gluten free option to add to your weekly menu. From the freezer to your table in just 15 minutes.
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A Huge Win for California Sharks
Beginning in 2013 the possession, sale and trade of shark fins in California will no longer be legal. It came down to the wire but California’s Governor Jerry Brown signed AB376 into law on October 7, 2011. This is a big win for sharks and a great victory for the many organizations who worked tirelessly on this legislation. We here at Defenders want to give a big ‘thank you’ to all the supporters who wrote to their congressional members and the governor lending their voices of support for passage of the bill.
Over 73 million sharks are killed each year by finning, a process that involves cutting off the shark’s fins, often while it is still alive, and throwing the shark back overboard where it can sink to the ocean floor and eventually die. Many shark populations have collapsed worldwide due to overfishing, with some populations declining as much as 90-99%. California now joins a growing worldwide movement to protect this rapidly dwindling species.
After signing the bill Governor Brown had the following to say: “The practice of cutting the fins off of living sharks and dumping them back in the ocean is not only cruel, but it harms the health of our oceans. Researchers estimate that some shark populations have declined by more than 90 percent, portending grave threats to our environment and commercial fishing. In the interest of future generations, I have signed this bill.”
As a member of the Greater Dayton, Ohio chapter of Humane Society, PETA, ASPCA, and The Humane Society of the United States, I wish to commend you and your fellow members of Congress in winning this fight for justice for the California Sharks. I uphold your timeless effort in approving this bill making it illegal to harm these magnificent creatures and in so doing protecting the wonders of our oceans.
Just need the Japanese to get on side with this and stop the trade. Humans are slowly but surely destroying what is good in nature, good in life. It’s in our nature to do so and some people just need to think what they are doing.
Thank you soo much Mr Governor. I know that a small thing like this will make a huge difference and for the protection of sharks it will take a lot. the world is a beautiful place and sharks deserve to live, and with that it will take all of us lovers for sharks to save them and in that i pray that there will be a day where everybody can enjoy the beauty of these amazing creatures!!
Saving sharks is a huge step forward for the United States, Japan is a different story but, saving animals on one side of the Pacific can help lead to the protection of several other animals in the United States. Similar to the depleation of the Bison years ago, the shark was killed for just the fins, but now, sharks have the opportunity to start making a come back and continue to balance the ecosystem of coral reefs and coastlines. Thank you, governor you are setting the wheels in motion in a tough economy, which could bring several more laws and regulations to save the world, from itself
Fish and Wildlife Service Reinstates Protections for Wolves in Wyoming and Great Lakes; On The Air: Our Very Own Eva Sargent Airs on Colorado’s “Animal House” Show Tomorrow; Oregon’s Wolf Population Increases by Thirteen; Anti-Wolf Bills Advance in Washington’s Legislature; Calling All Photographers! Do You Have Good Pics Of Wolves…Or Other Wildlife?!
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This is essentially Mafia, just with a ForumWarz theme. In fact, I wrote these rules over a year ago, and have adjusted them here and there as we’ve played the game over at my other forum. With just a bit of ‘Find & Replace’, as well as adding in some ‘flavor text’, it’s now personalized for our enjoyment.
I think for the first game, we’ll keep it simple, and just have the two teams, no special roles, so that everyone can get a feel for the game.
Level 35 Re-Re
This is basically the same game, but instead of having 30 seconds to make a vote decision, you get plenty of time to discuss back and forth, make accusations, defend your position, etc. And when we add in the ‘power’ roles, it adds a new dimension to the game, with Investigation, Secret Attacks, Etc.
The IRC Werewolf game is great for a quick pick-up game. This is designed to be more strategic, and more involved.
Level 31 Camwhore
LCC club
No cool roles in the first game? I’m up for the second one then I guess. You said it yourself, basic rules are great for a quick ten minute game. Why would I play those same rules with a 72 hour day/night cycle?
Also, fixed for FWZ:
Sergeant Cid Posted:
-In general, there will be approximately 1-3% ACP, 90-99% M.H.™, and no more than 7% Psycho Internet Stalkers. There are no guarantees that any specific role (other than Mastermind & Forum Admin) will be present in any given game. It is probable that a game could consist entirely of Noob Trolls & Generic Noobs.
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Many of the commands share some common options, mostly for finding the
database and classes.
-c CONNECTION or --connection=CONNECTION:
This takes an argument, the connection string for the database.
This overrides any connection the classes have (if they are
hardwired to a connection).
-f FILENAME or --config-file=FILENAME:
This is a configuration file from which to get the connection.
This configuration file should be a Python-syntax file that
defines a global variable database, which is the connection
string for the database.
-m MODULE or --module=MODULE:
A module to look in for classes. MODULE is something like
myapp.amodule. Remember to set your $PYTHONPATH if the
module can't be imported. You can provide this argument multiple
times.
-p PACKAGE or --package=PACKAGE:
A package to look in. This looks in all the modules in this class
and subclasses for SQLObject classes.
--class=CLASSMATCH:
This restricts the classes found to the matching classes. You
may use wildcards. You can provide multiple --class
arguments, and if any pattern matches the class will be included.
--egg=EGG_SPEC:
This is an Egg description
that should be loaded. So if you give --egg=ProjectName it'll
load that egg, and look in ProjectName.egg-info/sqlobject.txt
for some settings (like db_module and history_dir).
When finding SQLObject classes, we look in the modules for classes
that belong to the module -- so if you import a class from another
module it won't be "matched". You have to indicate its original
module.
If classes have to be handled in a specific order, create a
soClasses global variable that holds a list of the classes. This
overrides the module restrictions. This is important in databases
with referential integrity, where dependent tables can't be created
before the tables they depend on.
This finds the tables and creates them. Any tables that exist are
simply skipped.
It also collects data from sqlmeta.createSQL (added in svn trunk) and
runs the queries after table creation. createSQL can be a string with
a single SQL command, a list of SQL commands, or a dictionary with
keys that are dbNames and values that are either single SQL command
string or a list of SQL commands. An example follows:
This executes an arbitrary SQL expression. This is mostly useful if
you want to run a query against a database described by a SQLObject
connection string. Use --stdin if you want to pipe commands in;
otherwise you give the commands as arguments.
This shows if tables are present in the database. If possible (it
depends on the database) it will also show if the tables are missing
any columns, or have any extra columns, when compared to the table the
SQLObject class describes. It doesn't check column types, indexes, or
constraints. This feature may be added in the future.
There's two commands related to storing the schema and upgrading the
database: record and upgrade.
The idea is that you record each iteration of your schema, and this
gets a version number. Something like 2003-05-04a. If you are
using source control you'll check all versions into your repository;
you don't overwrite one with the next.
In addition to the on-disk record of the different schemas you have
gone through, the database itself contains a record of what version it
is at. By having all the versions available at once, we can upgrade
from any version. But more on that later
In project where you've never used sqlobject-admin before, you
run sqlobject-admin record --output-dir=sqlobject-history.
If your active database is up-to-date with the code, then the tool
will add a sqlobject_db_version table to the database with the
current version.
Now, make some updates to your code. Don't update the database!
(You could, but for now it's more fun if you don't.)
Run sqlobject-admin record --edit. A new version will be
created, and an editor will be opened up.
Record will take the SQL CREATE statements for your tables, and
output them in new version. It creates the version by using the
ISO-formatted date (YYYY-MM-DD) and a suffix to make it unique. It
puts each table in its own file.
This normally doesn't touch the database at all -- it only records the
schema as defined in your code, regardless of the database. In fact,
I recommend calling recordbefore you update your database.
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Want to See Your Photo in the 2016 IAM Calendar? Enter the IAM Photo Contest
Local 31 Journeyman Andy Frye, seen here taking precision measurements on a steam-driven boiler feed pump at the Nebraska City Power Station, was featured in the 2015 IAM Calendar. Local 31 member Mark Patach took the photo.
Don’t miss your chance to feature your Lodge members in the popular IAM Calendar. Just enter the IAM Photography Contest. The entry deadline is June 30, 2015.
Photos must be taken by members in good standing and persons in the photos must be members in good standing, too. Subjects should be working at their job and conform to all safety standards.
Click here for complete contest rules, the entry form, official call and other pertinent information. Winning entries will receive a cash prize and appear in the IAM’s 2016 calendar.
For further information, call the IAM Communications Department at 301-967-4520.
MOST RECENT NEWS / ARTICLES
Get IAM MOBILE 4.0
IAM Mobile 4.0 offers more features and functions to read and share information about our union and the important issues we face as working families. This app combines all of the IAM's popular online functions such as the IAM Journal, the Machinists News Network on demand video service, the IAM webpage GOiam.org, iMail, an IAM Photo Gallery, the IAM Facebook Page, and lots more -- all in one easy-to-access App for tablets and smartphones.
Union Member Rights and Officer Responsibilities Under the LMRDA The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers.
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ELIGIBILITY: Open only to legal residents of the forty-eight United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen years old at the time of entry.
GRAND PRIZE: One Amazon Echo device will be awarded to the potential winner. The potential winner must be eighteen years of age or older at the time the of entry. Sponsor will not replace the Prize if lost, mutilated, or stolen or damaged. Amazon Echo Retail Value: $179.99.
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{
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THE QURAN and Sayings of Prophet Muhammad are the source of Islamic law, values and
traditions. They offer timeless wisdom for lasting
community which The Wisdom Fund strives to apply to contemporary issues.
Our selection of the Sayings is from The
Sayings of Muhammad by Sir Abdullah
Suhrawardy (1882-1935) founder of the Pan-Islamic Society of London.
Thousands of sayings have been attributed to The Prophet. Some are accepted as
authentic; some traced to The Prophet's companions; some are the subject of
debate. The serious scholar of Islam may wish to examine The Quran, and other
sources for the Sayings (hadith), in our Activists' Library.
Index to Sayings
An excellent pattern have ye in the Messenger of God. -- The Quran, XXXIII:21
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How can we Help You?
Can I rent international property on TheHouseShop.com?
Yes, you can also view international property available to rent in our menu.
TheHouseShop.com is a property marketplace that allows agents and individuals to list their homes to let and for sale for free. All landlords are verified to ensure that they own the property they are advertising with us.
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Oak Park police mental health bracelet campaign spreads awareness
Beginning in July, the Oak Park Police Department set out to spread mental health awareness by distributing green bracelets which would serve a second purpose as emergency identification for those with various mental health challenges.
Now, three months later, the plastic bracelets bearing the phrase “Oak Park Cares” have helped advance the community conversation on the issue, according to authorities.
“We have distributed close to 100 bracelets and have been given the opportunity to speak at several meeting for organizations addressing mental health awareness, continuing the department’s ongoing commitment to mental health awareness,” said Officer Kevin Collins, who is in his 23rd year with the department.
Collins helped create the program which was inspired by some of what he saw in the special education department at Brooks Middle School where he works as the school resource officer.
“We noticed that if someone is diabetic or has nut allergies, there are safety precautions in place,” Collins said earlier this year. “So, why not try to do something along those lines for someone who has difficulty communicating in everyday situations, let alone a high-stress emergency situation?”
As part of the program supported with grant money received from the Oak Park Township Mental Health Board, the green bracelets – which are free – include a metal faceplate with a unique identification number and directions for contacting the police department.
The bracelets signal to first responders that the person wearing the bracelet might have difficulty communicating in an emergency due to autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia or other mental health challenges. Officials said the ultimate goal is to keep an individual safe.
“Luckily, to this date, no incidents have arisen where the bracelets have needed to be utilized in an emergency situation,” Collins said.
The department also offers a version without the plate which can be worn by family, friends or anyone who wishes to show their support for mental health awareness. For more information on the program, contact the Oak Park Police Department at 708-386-3800 or [email protected].
In police radio code, 10-2 means "good transmission" or "sounds good." Ten Two News brings you positive police news from Chicagoland - and beyond - with a coverage area that includes nearly 300 police departments and thousands of officers who are doing good things every day.
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Password protection generally prevents access until the correct phrase or word is provided, so you can't read the material, whereas, Redshirt is a type of encryption which means you can read the material but it wont make sense.
Uplink help: Check out the Guide or FAQ.
Latest Uplink patch is v1.55.
redshirting (as a process) works basically the same but the password is inside the redshirt program , so you only need to program to redshirt/unredshirt any files, without providing it with a password. think of it like winzip, it just converts the files into something else, and you just need winzip to unzip the again; just to put it in easy language...
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Kenna: When can you swear on television and the radio?
A few years ago, I started noticing the “s” word being spoken by characters on television shows during prime time.
How is that allowed I wondered? I know as a volunteer radio disc jockey I’m not allowed to play songs with that word (and several others) in the lyrics before 10 p.m., so what gives?
It turns out there are very few hard and fast rules when it comes to what may not be aired under the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission. When I say “few,” I don’t mean “none” – it would certainly violate FCC rules to air a television show in prime time on broadcast TV where a character clearly uses the “f” word over and over in a sexually explicit manner. But there are a lot of conditions in that hard and fast example – let’s unpack them.
Broadcast vs. Cable and Satellite, etc.: Broadcast TV and radio are governed by stricter rules than other outlets (e.g., cable and satellite stations). Contrary to popular opinion, the FCC does, in fact, have jurisdiction over these non-broadcast services, it’s just that the rules are different. So, the short answer is that broadcast stations still can’t generally use the “s” word, and when you’ve heard that it is probably on a cable show like “The Walking Dead.” But even that’s not completely true ...Fleeting Expletives: Until 2004, the FCC did not enforce so-called “fleeting expletives” (or fleeting nudity) – prohibited words or images that briefly “slip out,” so to speak. But then the two events happened that ruined it for everyone, the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction at the Super Bowl and Cher’s f-bomb during the Golden Globes. The FCC then started to fine even fleeting expletives, but the Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that the FCC did not give enough notice of its changed policy. However, the court did say that in the future, the FCC might be free to enforce these given enough notice and policy development. That hasn’t happened, so presumably fleeting expletives are safe for now, but broadcasters are probably still wise to be careful.Obscenity vs. Indecency vs. Profanity: According to the FCC, “obscene” basically means hard-core pornography, “indecent” means “sexual or excretory material that does not rise to the level of obscenity,” and “profane” means “language includes those words that are so highly offensive that their mere utterance in the context presented may, in legal terms, amount to a nuisance.” Each is regulated separately, and because the First Amendment provides some (but not absolute) protection for indecent and profane language, it is allowed in cable and satellite subscription services, but obscenity is barred from even those, as according to the FCC, obscenity has no First Amendment protection (although that makes one wonder how hard core pornography is allowed to be shown on the internet if that were true). Violence is not regulated at all, although the FCC at one point “opened an inquiry” about it.Profane Words and Contexts: In theory, the FCC says no words are always prohibited from prime-time broadcasts, and it’s the context that counts. So for instance, the “d-word” is OK if used as an insult (“you’re such a d-word,”), but not OK if used in a sexually explicit context (you’ll have to use your imagination for that example). In practice, it’s hard see how a few select words, according to the FCC, the “f-word and other words as highly offensive as the f-word” (i.e., George Carlin’s seven dirty words), can be used in an FCC-acceptable context in broadcast radio or TV.Safe Harbor and Self-Censor: But you say you’ve heard naughty words on the radio or broadcast TV in an intentional and not “fleeting” manner? That was probably between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., the FCC’s “safe harbor” time when indecent and profane (but not obscene) language may be used. Or you’ve seen the opposite – you’re watching a “Frasier” rerun on the Hallmark cable channel and they bleep out a certain word for a person’s rear end that was in the original broadcast version. Well, no station has to allow the maximum allowed by the FCC, and some stations deem their viewer’s sensibilities as more tender than others, and are free to be as tame as they like.Living in the internet age with all the blurring of media types makes me wonder how long these rules will remain workable, and the impact of certain words changes with time (one of Carlin’s seven words from 1972 probably does not run afoul of the FCC anymore), but that’s where we are at the close of 2017.
Matt Kenna practices environmental law and can be reached at [email protected]. You can also listen to him not swear on his indie rock radio show on KDUR from 3-5:30 p.m. most Wednesdays.
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UNIQUE HOLIDAYS
Imagine waking in a four-poster bed in a lodge floating on the River Gambia, with the soft hum of the African bush as the soundtrack for the coming day; or witnessing chimps in the wild on an island in the River Gambia National Park; perhaps dining on locally grown food overlooking a watering hole as a rhino drinks its fill...
What is our 'Unique Collection'?
Each of our unique properties is exclusive to us and they offer a range of options from relaxed indulgence to very individual style and exceptional service. They also offer the opportunity to venture beyond the usual tourist resorts and experience more of this wonderful country, its people and its wildlife.
Peace and tranquillity...
Sometimes all you need is total relaxation - to switch off, leave the world behind you and let someone else take the strain. Our unique properties, with their emphasis on serenity and individuality are the perfect antidote to our hectic lives.
Memories
We're convinced that a stay at one of our unique properties, or combining a stay at two or more in a tailormade break, will give you a true holiday of a lifetime. Come and experience The Gambia with us; it's the stuff that dreams are made of...
Unique Accommodation
Mandina Lodges
Unique
Price from / Per Person
£1,149
Chimp Rehabilitation Project
Unique
Call To Book
Tanji Bird Reserve Eco-Lodge
Unique
Price from / Per Person
£630
Esperanto Lodge
Unique
Price from / Per Person
£756
Fathala Wildlife Reserve
Unique
Price from / Per Person
£1,102
La Paillote Village Hotel
Unique
Price from / Per Person
£1,076
Unique Accommodation
Mandina Lodges
There is simply nothing quite like Mandina. Hidden away in the African bush on a mangrove-lined tributary of the River Gambia, with a unique combination of river and jungle lodges, it truly has its own special atmosphere - one that gradually works its way into you over the course of your stay...
Keur Saloum
The Keur Saloum Hotel sits in a fantastic position perched above the stunning rivers of the Sine Saloum Delta, in Toubakouta in the Sine Saloum South region of Senegal, which meander into the distance in each direction. Unsurprisingly, the highlight for many at this hotel is the panoramic terrace that allows guests to relax in comfortable chairs or hammocks and take full advantage of these amazing views, with the sun setting over the mangroves beyond.
Chimp Rehabilitation Project
A fascinating four hour journey upriver brings you to your beautiful camp. From here, overlooking the river and series of small islands that the chimps now call home, you can watch hippos and see the chimps in their natural environment. This is a different side to The Gambia and truly an experience of a lifetime.
Tanji Bird Reserve Eco-Lodge
Set in the heart of the unbelievably bird-rich Tanji Bird Reserve looking across to Tanji shore and a beautiful stretch of coastline, the simple Tanji Eco-Lodge is a unique community-run property and a real paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts.
La Paillote Village Hotel
This family-run property has long been popular on the French and Belgian markets, and it is easy to see why. As well as the warm welcome that you will receive from owners Françoise and Christian Jacquot who's family have lovingly developed the property over the last 40 years, it enjoys a sought-after beachfront location half way along the palm-fringed wide expanse of white sands to be found along the coast of French-speaking Casamance..
Domaine Les Paletuviers
The Domaine Les Paletuviers Hotel is located in a quiet and tranquil area in Toubakouta in the Sine Saloum South region of Senegal, next to a saltwater bolong and is an ideal place to relax and unwind or to use as a base to explore the surrounding region.
Fathala Wildlife Reserve
The 2,000 hectare Fathala Wildlife Reserve, is located within a 10,000 hectare national reserve near Karang in the Sine Saloum South region of Senegal, near the border between The Gambia and Senegal, is like a glimpse into West Africa’s past, a past where large animals roam free, where rhino, giraffes, giant derby eland, buffalo, warthogs, vervet and colobus monkeys are a regular part of the landscape. At Fathala, you can see all this and more, and make the most of some quietly luxurious accommodation and superior service.
Our favourite tailor-made holidays...
4 nights HB at Mandina Lodges and 3 nights B&B at Ngala Lodge
Perfect for couples looking for a romantic holiday. Spend 4 nights at the unique Mandina Lodges, experiencing birdlife with wonderful guides and the peace of its river location. This is followed by 3 nights relaxing at the boutique Ngala Lodge, a child-free hotel which is renowned for excellent cuisine, personal service and peaceful surroundings.
The Gambia & Senegal
7 nights B&B at Boutique White Horse Residence (The Gambia), 4 nights BB at Unique La Paillote Hotel (Cap Skirring, Senegal)Enjoy a week of friendly relaxation in a stunning setting overlooking a deserted beach before travelling south into neighbouring Senegal for a week on a palm-fringed beach, enjoying French cuisine and a taste of a different culture - of course with the West African traditional friendly welcome.
3 nights HB at Mandina, 2 nights FB at Chimp Camp, 2 nights BB at Fathala.
If you’re looking for a holiday to escape everyday life and truly appreciate the wildlife of the region, this could be the perfect holiday for you. 3 nights relaxing in style at Mandina Lodges followed by a journey upriver to see the remarkable Chimp Camp on the River Gambia and finally a chance to spot rhino, buffalo and giraffe whilst staying in luxury safari tents in Senegal.
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"Consider this example: A recent off-campus party—the so-called "Compton Cookout"—was put on by students at the University of California San Diego and featured a black comedian, who calls himself Jiggaboo Jones. This party's marketing materials, which tastelessly parodied African-American stereotypes, not surprisingly created a firestorm of protest led by the school's ethnic studies department, which in its official blog called the stunt racist and complained such that expressions are "alienating" to minority students. Both characterizations are no doubt true.
But when members of the Muslim Student Association carry signs during on-campus protests that say "Jews = Nazis" and Palestinian students repeatedly and thuggishly disrupt Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren's speech, as they did last month at UC Irvine, where are the complaints of racism and alienation of minority (i.e., Jewish and Israeli) students? Where is the defense of Mr. Oren's free speech?
Indeed the UC San Diego ethnic studies department blog roundly condemns Mr. Jones' party, but offers not a word of protest against the racism of the Muslim Student Association. It does, however, provide column-long string of links to articles condemning Israel—but again, not a word about alleged offenses of any other country—not Iran, not Somalia, not North Korea, not Sudan.
Allegations about global warming processes in the Antarctic have nothing to do with real facts, a Russian polar explorer has said. "They are of opportunistic and time-serving character, and have nothing to do with the real weather and climate on the southern continent," Head of Russia's 54th Antarctic expedition Viktor Venderovich told Itar-Tass.
"The past summer on the south pole was cold and windy, and ice floes in the offshore water failed to melt over the entire season.
"The atmospheric air temperature near the Vostok station deep on the continent reached the customary minus 70 degrees Centigrade in the summer, and near the Novolazarevskaya station it never exceeded minus 6-8 degrees," he said after staying at the Novolazarevskaya station for a year.
The previous winter in the Antarctic, he said, "was remarkable for its unusual severity, with blizzards and snowstorms."
The average air temperature was 0.5 degrees lower than usual, and there were too much snow, he said, adding that a "slight warming was registered only on the Antarctic peninsula, while the rest of the continent has not been affected by the global warning and is not going to be."
The Australian - KEVIN Rudd double-crossed Morris Iemma in 2008, withdrawing a guarantee to throw the former NSW premier a lifeline in his battle with the unions over electricity privatisation. The claim, which raises new question marks over the Prime Minisyer’s credibility, is made in a new book on the events that split NSW Labor down the middle in 2007 and 2008, by Daily Telegraph political writer Simon Benson. While the fact Mr Rudd welched on a key deal with Mr Iemma has been part of NSW political folklore since Mr Iemma was tossed out of office in a caucus revolt in September, 2008, Benson’s book is the first time Mr Iemma has confirmed the story in detail.
According to Mr Iemma, Mr Rudd approached him in September, 2007, and asked him to delay his push to privatise NSW electricity assets until after the federal election, in order to delay a damaging brawl with the unions. “Work with me and, when the time comes, we can f--- them together,” Mr Rudd allegedly told Mr Iemma of the unions. But when the time came, and Mr Iemma’s plan was rejected by Labor’s state conference, Mr Rudd refused to use his authority as prime minister to direct the party’s federal executive to back Mr Iemma.
I still remember when this happened, when Iemma was knifed in the back. Up until then he was ploughing ahead confident that he'd get his way on privatization and I remember thinking, how is he going to do this without the help of the unions, I guess now we know who he was counting on to have his back, a weasel of the lowest order.
Not only has kevin rudd betrayed the nation for his own image and pathetic ego, he's betrayed his own people. Surely, it's time we the people voted this disgraceful weasel and his party out of power. Surely, he doesn't have to go any lower than this.
Around a month ago, the clowns masquerading as the leaders of this country came up with yet another brilliant idea. You see after they blew the budget sky-high out of the water with their previous stupidity masquerading as brilliant ideas [surprise-surprise], they came up with yet another brilliant idea to get some money in via taxation. For all intents and purposes it seemed like they'd pulled this new tax off, it was targeted at smokers and since they're usually a target of nanny-state control-freaks and have been demonized in the public's perception, no one really gave a rats ass about the smokers.
But somehow, the leftards have managed to feck this up as well. I can't remember anyone predicting this back when the tax was introduced, but here we are, witnessing yet another leftist feck up.
News.com.au - KEVIN Rudd's tobacco tax is having a direct and debilitating impact on small retailers as smokers cut back on magazines, chocolate and soft drinks to buy cigarettes. Small businesses say they are paying the price for the Rudd Government's 25 per cent increase in tobacco excise, which added an average $2.20 to the price of a pack of 30 cigarettes from April 30. Grocers, newsagents, petrol stations and convenience stores are experiencing little to no drop in cigarette sales, but slumping sales of confectionery, magazines, bottled drinks, newspapers, snack foods and other discretionary purchases, as the impact of rising interest rates, fuel prices and tighter credit squeeze wallets.
So they set out to tax smokers under the guise of reducing their smoking, not only did they fail to do that, they also managed to screw over the poor people selling the wretched things as well. Well done leftards, I have a question, is there any group of people [apart from criminals and parasites] in this country that you haven't managed to piss off?
The Nunavut government does not think the polar bear should be classified as a species of special concern under the federal Species at Risk Act, says territorial Environment Minister Daniel Shewchuk. Shewchuk said there is no clear evidence to support assigning that status to the polar bear despite recommendations to the contrary by Environment Canada and a federal scientific panel.
"We live in polar bear country," Shewchuk told reporters in Iqaluit on Friday afternoon. "We understand the polar bears, and we do actually think our polar bear population is very very healthy, with the exception of a couple of populations that we are taking action on."
Since the curriculum was designed by a well-known Marxist and former member of the Communist party, this was all foreordained. Macintyre's extreme Leftism has of course given him a charmed life in academe but Rudd knew what he was doing when he appointed him
THE new draft national history curriculum has been attacked by leading historians and educators as "politicised", "dumbed down" and pushing an agenda. The Opposition said it was a Labor-designed manifesto in the latest salvo in what has become a fresh break-out of "history wars". Its creators said the curriculum reflected changing values in society.
Prof Geoffrey Blainey said the draft curriculum appeared to represent a "left-wing view of Australian history". Prof Blainey said he was uneasy about the curriculum's treatment of Aboriginal Australians. He said it did not address the failures of pre-settlement Aboriginal society.
Education consultant and former history teacher Dr Kevin Donnelly said the new curriculum had put indigenous and Asian content and perspectives ahead of Australia's Anglo-Celtic tradition, the debt we owe to Western civilisation and the importance of our Judeo-Christian heritage. Dr Donnelly said the curriculum contained 118 references to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culture and history - with grade 5s studying White Australia and grade 9s Aboriginal massacres and displacement. There is just one reference to Parliament and none to Westminster or the Magna Carta.
Curriculum chief Prof Stuart Macintyre said the new course was not politically motivated.
Last week, this newspaper quoted a historian by the name of Andrew Garvie about the history curriculum. Andrew Garvie is a pen name used by senior Australian academic Dr Ian Pringle, who now works in sensitive parts of Asia as a teacher and consultant and is an economic history expert.
Fox News - Why are crosses across the country finding themselves in the crosshairs? The mount soledad cross in san diego, the mojave desert cross and now Bald Knob Cross of Peace in Illinois. The Illinois cross was built in 1963, it's eleven stories tall and was made with 650 porcelain panels. Over the years, the weather has damaged or destroyed many of those panels.
Fixing it will cost five hundred fifty thousand dollars, and friends of the cross have so far raised three hundred sixty thousand dollars including a twenty thousand dollar grant from the state of Illinois. But former talk radio host and athiest Rob Sherman calls the Illinois grant "unconstitutional pork" he says if the twenty thousand is not returned to the state he will file a very expensive and lengthy lawsuit.
Sherman is the same man who successfully sued Illinois for allowing schools to have a moment of silence saying that it was truly a "moment of prayer."
I'm not going to bother trying to explain to atheists, leftists, liberals and others who dislike Christianity why letting 20 grand to the restoration of a cross isn't a big deal, that it's really not someone kicking in their door, forcing them to their knees and barking, get ta prayin' boy! I know whatever we say isn't going to make any difference to them, so I'll just try and explain what lies at the end of this road they insist on taking.
A waiver is the voluntary surrender of some right or privilege. Does the big brain below mean "waver"?
DSE invites members of the Victorian Public Service to a presentation on: Dealing with climate change denialism with Paul Holper, CSIRO
Popular opinion on climate change often waivers, particularly when the media focus on denialist views and encourage “debates” with climate change scientists. The Victorian Government, along with other governments in Australia and across the world, rely on the scientific community for advice on climate change and its likely impacts. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is recognised as the international authority on climate change science and denialist views often lack rigor and credibility in comparison. Paul Holper (CSIRO) will present on ways to approach climate change denialism in a Victorian context.
Paul Holper Paul manages the CSIRO’s involvement in the Australian Climate Change Science Program, a $15 million program supported by the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. This program undertakes observations of the atmosphere, oceans and terrestrial systems, as well as climate model development, and projections of Australia’s likely future climate. Paul coordinated the most recent climate change projections for Australia (based on IPCC models), announced by BoM and CSIRO in 2007.
If Mr Justice Martin is correct below -- and I believe that he is at least partly right -- the problem with violent black males starts when the males concerned were themselves abused as children. So shouldn't we be removing such children to more peaceful homes? And given the lack of peace in most black homes that would mean bring up black children in white foster homes -- precisely what the Leftist "stolen generation" accusers condemn
VIOLENCE in north Australian indigenous communities shows no sign of abating and it could be a further 25 years before any meaningful progress is made, a top judge has warned. In words laced with anguish and despair, Northen Territory Chief Justice Brian Martin announced his surprise resignation - eight years before compulsory retirement age - admitting that "some of the cases have been rough and demoralising". "You reach a point," he said, "where you say enough is enough."
Justice Martin said jail had become an ineffective means of rehabilitation and that he had become tired of seeing a growing tide of Aboriginal men repeatedly before the courts for violent crimes against women. "It is somewhat demoralising and distressing to see so many cases of that nature and so many offenders who are repeat offenders," he said. "These need to be addressed at a level before it gets to the court because there is a limit to what we can do. "We can put people in jail, but that in itself has proved to be an ineffective way of rehabilitating people."
In his latest offering, conservative Australian cartoonist ZEG is celebrating the departure of Malcolm Fraser. I don't think ZEG gets all the details of history right but he has got the general drift pretty right.
News.com.au - AUSTRALIAN doctors are considering a controversial form of genital mutilation on baby girls. The practice involving cutting a girl's genitals, sometimes with razors or pieces of glass, could be allowed in a clinical setting to stem illegal backyard procedures which are leaving young girls scarred for life.
...Female genital mutilation has been outlawed in Australia since the 1990s but is common among African, Asian and Middle Eastern communities. With the rise in Somali and Sudanese numbers in Australia, doctors are seeing more cases of young girls, and women, needing surgery after illegal operations. Backers of "ritual nick" said it was a superficial procedure leaving no long-term damage.
Just an update on this, I just heard on the radio, a spokesman for The Royal Australian New Zealand College of Obstetricians has just informed us that this is not going to happen here, period. I can tell you they've saved themselves a lot of trouble, the talkback lines were running white-hot this morning on this. However I'd like to make some points on this practice patient reader.
This may be turfed but don't take your eye off the socialists, leftists, liberals and progressives out there in the western world. You and I both know that they are susceptible to any evil, so long as it's framed in a multi-cultural, non-racist, tolerant light. I can already hear the arguments and half-baked one-liners they'll be toying with to justify turning a blind eye.
BBC - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says it has given first aid training to Taliban members in Afghanistan. An ICRC statement said the organisation had provided basic training and first aid kits to about 70 members of the "armed opposition" last month. The ICRC said that it had also provided training to civilians. A spokesman said that the training had been going on for some time to ensure that everyone is treated humanely. ...He said that giving first aid training to armies and armed opposition groups was "routine" in other conflict areas of the world such as Sri Lanka. Hat tip Andrew Bolt.
Yes, I'm sure their motto is to be as impartial as possible and I'm really thrilled for them and their terrorist buddies, but I certainly won't be reaching for my wallet the next time they come asking for pennies. I don't particularly care if they're helping tamil tigers and Sri Lankan troops as well, but I get really pissed off when my fellow countrymen are fighting Taliban scum and have been killed by them, only to find out the red cross is helping my enemy. So they can shove their 'impartiality' up their ass, I'm picking my side and sticking to it and I'd encourage you dear reader to do the same.
The Australian - ...In an attempt to capitalise on rising community anger at the continued flow of boats which have brought 2805 asylum-seekers to Australia so far this year, the Coalition will unveil a suite of measures harden its border security credentials. At the heart of those measures is a new, tougher class of temporary protection visa to be issued to all unauthorised asylum-seekers.
...Refugees whose visas were extended for more than a year would have full access to services such as Medicare and language training as well as work rights. But anyone unable to find a job could be required to work under a mutual obligation arrangement similar to the work-for-the-dole scheme for domestic jobseekers. "One of the best ways to help (refugees) is to get them into work," Mr Morrison said.
Exactly right, if I were a refugee who arrived in a country and was provided all these services, I would want to try and give something back. Not only will this give them some self-pride, it'll also be a signal to the citizens of this country that refugees are not just here to sponge off us, but to do something in return.
Times Online - Speaking in Seoul, alongside the South Korean foreign minister, the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, called on the international community to take retaliatory action against Pyongyang, which is accused of causing the deaths of 46 sailors in an unprovoked torpedo attack on the corvette Cheonan in March. But she failed to specify any concrete measures, underlining how few options, short of full scale war, are available in dealing with the North. “This was an unacceptable provocation by North Korea and the international community has a responsibility and a duty to respond,” Mrs Clinton said in Seoul after talks with her South Korean counterpart, Yu Myung Hwan.
Yes, yes, yes, unacceptable, naughty, naughty, *wag finger*, tisk-tisk, tut-tut, blah, blah. Yes everyone has a responsibility and a duty to respond, we must all do something! For @#$%sakes somebody do something! So that's what the zero obama administration has come down to. Back when zero was elected, he was going to make the sun shine out of his ass, he was going to calm the seas, he was going to set an example, lead the way, justice for terrorists, fight fire with words, he was going to restore something or other about America's image.
Leftist scum and their liberal boot-polishers the world over were breathing sighs of relief, thank godless the Bush years are over, the cowboy has been sent back to Texas, sanity has been restored, the adults are back in charge, meetings will be held, press conferences, the one is here, the sponging pen-pushers diplomatic armada will be restored and deployed to solve all the worlds problems. And here we have the glorious results, a lot of huffing and puffing that will lead to sweet bugger all.
Far from perfect but an impressive start. Britain is once again in the hands of people who love their country and respect the individual
Opening ceremonies above. The Brits still do pomp best of all
BRITISH Prime Minister David Cameron tilted the coalition away from the Liberal Democrats with a Queen's Speech that defined tax, immigration and police reform on Tory terms. The Prime Minister promised a "new start for Britain" with smaller, better government as he unveiled 23 Bills to transfer powers to voters and transform politics.
The fine print of the 18-month legislative programme revealed that he had won a series of behind the scenes victories over his coalition partners. They included:
A commitment to lower taxation, the first time since the coalition was formed that such a pledge has been made. Nick Clegg told The Times last week that the Government's priority was to rebalance the tax burden, not to reduce it. Last week's coalition programme promised "more competitive, simpler, greener and fairer" tax, but no mention of lower taxation;
Scope for George Osborne [Chancellor of the Exchequer] to keep rises in capital gains tax to a minimum. The Lib Dem policy - to increase CGT from 18per cent to 40per cent for top earners, in line with income tax rates - was trimmed in coalition talks. Last week the Government said rates would be "similar or close to" income tax rates. The Queen's Speech documents water that down, saying that CGT will be taxed at rates "closer" to income tax;
A reinstatement of the Tory election pledge to cut non-EU immigration to tens of thousands a year. The aim disappeared from the coalition programme as the Lib Dems accepted an undefined annual limit. The level is now back;
He always was "holier than thou" -- a supercilious old b*stard. I regret that I once shook his hand. After his wimpish Prime Minstership, he has been loathed by many Australian conservatives for a long time
FORMER Liberal prime minister Malcolm Fraser has quit the party, allegedly over a belief it has tilted too far to the right.
Mr Fraser resigned in December, shortly after Malcolm Turnbull was turfed as Opposition leader over his support for emissions trading, The Australian Financial Review reported.
He allegedly told friends his replacement, Tony Abbott, was "all over the place" on policy and disliked the racist overtones adopted by the party in the debate on immigration.
Mr Fraser, the prime minister from 1975 to 1983, confirmed his decision to quit yesterday, saying the party was no longer a liberal party but a conservative party.
Although he failed to elaborate, he has recently been critical of the Coalition in the media, particularly over its stance on the Israeli passports affair.
Daily Telegraph - NSW Health bureaucrats have spent $22.7 million on first and business class airfares in the past two years as businesses waited for hospitals to pay their bills. The Daily Telegraph has uncovered a whopping $114 million spent on airfares for NSW public servants - including $27 million on first-class and business-class flights overseas. The health bureaucracy are the biggest spenders at a time when it has faced stinging criticism over failing to pay hospital bills - often to small businesses - on time. ...In the same period as the heavy spending on international travel (in 2007-08 and 2008-09), more than 70 per cent of invoices were not being paid by area health services in the required 45 days.
Not a week goes by where we don't hear a story out of the socialized healthcare system of some failing or neglect or lack of equipment. The excuses are usually always that there isn't enough money, the budget, etc. Apart from the fact that it's really surprising that a 'free' system is costing us money, it's even more surprising that this system that's supposedly broke has money for first class tickets and such for public servants.
But that's leftist government for you, they have money for useless parasites to fly around the world, they have plenty of money to house illegal immigrants in nice hotels, they have money to teach Africans to ride bicycles and lots of other useless shit, but when it comes to getting a hip replacement or eye surgery, the taxpayers are left whistling in the wind.
News.com.au - POLICE and health authorities have launched a national appeal for information from people who may have come into contact with a circus acrobat alleged to have knowingly spread a serious disease. The 31-year-old Zimbabwean-born Australian citizen appeared in a Sydney court today for an extradition hearing and is due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court tomorrow, Queensland Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Col McCallum told reporters in Brisbane. Mr McCallum said the man, who has been HIV positive since 1997, would face two charges relating to transmitting a serious disease. "Anyone in Queensland with information that could assist police with the matter is urged to contact police,'' he said. Queensland chief health officer Jeannette Young said the man allegedly had had unprotected sex with at least 12 women across the country.
When I saw this on the news, I couldn't help but think, could have all been avoided if these 12 fools hadn't opened their legs. Even after all the sex education and the condoms thrown around all over the place, they still had unprotected sex with this fellow. And now they'll have to pay such a high price for their stupidity and we the taxpayers will also have to pay the price of their healthcare.
I still remember when our federal opposition leader admitted to telling his daughters to save themselves for marriage, he was pilloried right across the country. Well, I'm sure these women are today wishing they had a bit of that advice, perhaps they did but chose to dismiss it as old fashioned nonsense, men can do it so can we, abortion can sort out the consequences if it's needed, etc. Well, it's too late now and none of the fools who support this sort of stupidity will be around to help them put humpty-dumpty back together again. They'll be off watching the premier of sex and the city 2 or was it more sex in the city and everywhere else.
Here's to hoping their mistake will awaken others before it's too late.
How did a prisoner in a Victorian police cell become "bloody"? And how come it was initially covered up?
Sickening CCTV footage of a bleeding prisoner crawling from his cell has been described as "deeply disturbing" by a Victoria Police commissioner.
The Chinese man, in his 50s, who was arrested and placed in a cell at Dandenong police station for being drunk, pleaded for help, soiled himself and was bleeding when he was bailed by police on May 12.
Five minutes later, as an interpreter tried to help him, police called an ambulance, but he died the following day in hospital.
Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius said an officer had been put on alternative duties while the ethical standards department and the homicide squad investigate the Dandenong death.
Neither the earth nor the moon is a "black body". Both the moon and the earth are warmer than they "should be" -- even though one has no CO2 at all
Yes, that’s right, there is a “greenhouse effect” on our moon and it’s even greater than here on earth. The idea of an atmospheric “greenhouse effect” was invented to justify why earth is supposedly “warmer than it should be” if there was no atmosphere.
As we now know from NASA’s research, even our moon is “warmer than it should be”, by a whopping 40 degrees C where earth is a mere 33 degrees “warmer”.
“We’ve been told that the earth’s surface is quite a bit warmer than calculations predict. Theory has it that heat-trapping “greenhouse gases” account for a 33° Celsius disparity. But it turns out that our airless moon is also quite a bit warmer than predicted. Might something be wrong with the prediction method itself, then? It’s a natural question to ask, so let’s look into it.”
“The Earth is not “unusually” warm. It is the application of the predictive equation that is faulty. The ability of common substances to store heat makes a mockery of blackbody estimates. The belief that radiating trace gases explain why earth’s surface temperature deviates from a simple mathematical formula is based on deeply erroneous assumptions about theoretical vs. real bodies.”
The justification for calculating the temperature that earth “should be at” is shown to be incorrect. It’s based on a formula that is used to convert irradiation levels to temperature and vice versa, based on a blackbody. Earth nor any planet that we know of behaves like a blackbody. All planets literally absorb some of the solar heat during daytime and emit some of that during nighttime. Our moon is the perfect example of that: it has no atmosphere and receives as good as the same level of irradiation as earth does.
Our atmosphere is shown to act as a coolant during the day and a retarder of cooling during the nighttime; the amount of retardation depending on the relative humidity of the atmosphere, which in turn determines the total heat content of a given volume of the atmosphere.
But at all times our atmosphere acts as a conveyor of heat, never a creator of heat. This essay puts it into perspective.
It does not matter what our atmosphere is made of, it is the surface, including the oceans, that makes it “warmer than it should be”.
And yes, seeing that carbon dioxide is actually a good radiator, the only possible effect it can have on the atmosphere is to increase its cooling efficiency; it can’t possibly make the atmosphere warmer. Adding a coolant gas to a coolant atmosphere, what else could you expect?
Please spread this paper far and wide, as it clearly proves by means of direct observations that no atmosphere is needed to be “warmer than calculated”. Nothing to do with CO2 after all.
SMH - The NSW government has bowed to pressure and announced a fresh review of laws governing the deaths of unborn children. It comes after pleas from NSW Central Coast couple Brodie Donegan and Nick Ball, who lost their baby daughter in a tragic accident on Christmas Day 2009. Ms Donegan was 32 weeks pregnant when she was hit by a car allegedly driven by a motorist high on drugs, while out walking near her home at Ourimbah.
Basically she wants the driver of the car to be tried for manslaughter because she killed her unborn baby, however the laws don't recognize the unborn baby as a human being. Most people out there thought that this was already the case and can't see why the laws cannot be changed, you see, most decent folk out there who see a woman waddling around with a protruding belly know that there's a baby inside there. They know instinctively that it's life in there and if some woman walked up to her and kicked her in the belly that it's not the same as just kicking a woman with no belly.
by Don Easterbrook (Tim Lambert is a computer science academic at the Uni. of NSW. He knows a lot about computers -- other things not so much)
As some of you may know, my recent paper at the Heartland global climate conference has been attacked by Gareth Renowden and posted by Tim Lambert on his blog. Although I don't normally even read this kind of garbage, I responded to an inquiry by Andy Revkin with the attached:
"When you are losing an argument on the basis of facts and evidence, the oldest trick in the world is to invent some outrageous lie, the more outrageous the better, and while people are reacting to the lie, attention is diverted from the real issue. It is a sure sign of desperation in distracting attention from facts and data. The outrageous charge of fraud made by a self professed "photographer and truffle grower" (Gareth Renowden) is not worthy of response, but because the charge is so easily refuted, I will do so......
According to Mr. Renowden (the "truffle grower), "Looking through Easterbrook's slides, it seems he has taken a graph of Holocene temperature variations prepared by Global Warming Art (used at Wikipedia), and altered it to fraudulently bolster his case. ... Easterbrook has quite deliberately altered the graph to reduce "current temperatures" by 0.75ºC and make the curve fit his storyline.
The data in my paper comes from oxygen isotope analyses of ice cores in Greenland made by Dr. Minze Stuiver and Dr. Peter Grootes, long recognized as the world standard for accurate paleotemperatures over thousands of years and used by thousands of scientists all over the world. This data is readily available for anyone to use so my graphs can be reproduced by anyone.
The charge by 'the truffle grower' that I used a graph "prepared by Global Warming Art" and that I "altered it to fraudulently bolster his case" is an outright, contemptible lie. I have the entire Greenland oxygen isotope data in my computer and use it extensively to plot data, so why would I use anything else?
The data I use has never been altered in any way. According to the 'truffle grower,' "The original suggests that current temperatures are comparable to, perhaps higher than the warmest period of the Holocene, the post-glacial climatic optimum 8000 years ago. Easterbrook's version gives the impression that for most of the last 10,000 years temperature has been warmer than today."
This is totally false--below is the Greenland data for the past 10,000 years (Holocene) from the published paper by Cuffy and Clow (1997), two distinguished US scientists. Note that temperatures for almost all of the past 10,000 years have been warmer than present. Oh, and while you're looking at the data, also note all of the temperature ups and downs that occurred thousands of years before modern increase in CO2, most of which were of greater intensity than recent warming. Perhaps the 'truffle grower' should learn to read a graph...."
The welfare "industry" again. As Peter Bauer said long ago, foreign aid is a scheme for transferring money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries. These days, it looks like rich people in rich countries are getting a big slice of it too
AUSTRALIA'S foreign aid program is under siege after revelations tens of millions of dollars are being wasted on huge salaries for consultants and rich contracts for private firms. An extensive investigation has uncovered a lucrative foreign aid "industry", raising questions about the Rudd Government's decision to double annual spending to more than $8 billion.
And a high-level review has slammed the $414 million program in Papua New Guinea, claiming $100 million is being paid to a handful of firms – but delivering little.
Aid experts also have questioned the size of contracts paid to "briefcase" advisers who fly in to poor countries, including East Timor, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Tonga. The Courier-Mail's extensive investigation can reveal:
Daily Mail - New speed cameras will be dramatically blocked today under government plans to win over motorists and save the taxpayer money. Chancellor George Osborne is planning to scrap grants worth tens of millions that are handed to local councils each year to fund new speed traps, the Daily Mail has learned. In the past decade, the number of cameras has trebled, making Britain the speed camera capital of Europe. But many motorists believe they are installed to raise money rather than to reduce speed and cut the risk of accidents. In 2001 there were 1,571 speed traps, but the most recent figures suggest that the total had risen to 4,309 by 2007. Germany has 3,000 cameras, Italy has fewer than 2,000 and France under 1,000. But road deaths have declined more slowly in Britain than in many other European countries in recent years, while drink-driving deaths have become more common.
This is wonderful news, finally after years and years of living in terror from those bastard nazi scum at local councils, motorists in Britain finally have a reprieve. Now I've never driven there or experienced the wrath of their councils, but I can tell you from experience here that I have no love or respect for local councils or government and their speed cameras. I'm sure they feel the same way or worse given how many of the wretched things they have. Cop on the road I have no problem with, but the cold, indifferent metal shitbox taking pictures and screwing over motorists, those things and their operators can eat sh!t and die.
When you're pulled over by a cop you can tell him, look the missus is in the hospital, lot on my mind, I wasn't drag racing or something, give me a break and if he's not a bastard he'll let you off with a warning. But good luck trying that with the metal shitbox and the bureaucratic scum that operate and administer it. So I'll raise a glass of single-malt to this Osborne fellow tonight, thank you, thank you good sir and I hope that they continue to starve the fascist beast that is local councils in Britain. And in case they didn't get my thoughts on them, eat sh!t and die fascist councils.
I am not going to say one thing below that is original. But it always appalls me when people believe the opposite of the truth and I have to speak up about it.
Eugenio Pacelli was a small but determined man of great intelligence and high principle. He became Pope Pius XII in 1939 and was Pope throughout WWII. He had been papal nuncio in Germany for many years prior to that and came to speak perfect German -- a remarkable achievement for an Italian who had all his education in Italy. During his time in Germany he saw of course the rise of Nazism and regularly condemned it in no uncertain terms.
In 1937 he wrote on behalf of Pius XI the encyclical Mit brennender Sorge ("With burning sorrow") -- a condemnation of Nazi persecution of non-Nazis. Encyclicals are usually written in Latin so writing this encyclical in German showed how determined the church was to speak up on behalf of all those being oppressed by the Nazis.
The tiny minority of Pacelli's critics who have some knowledge of history sometimes point to the fact that in his role as nuncio, Pacelli was responsible for a Konkordat with the German Federal government that was signed in 1933. Pacelli's job was to arrange concordats (agreements) with various governments that would safeguard the independence of church schools, allow the preaching of Catholic doctrine etc. And he did in fact achieve many such agreements, an agreement with the Southern German (and very Catholic) State of Bayern (Bavaria) being one of the earliest. German Laender, were, like American States today, substantially independent and had their own legal and school systems etc.
Pacelli had been trying for some time to get such an agreement with the Federal German government but had always been knocked back. When Hitler came to power, however, he was keen to legitimate himself so he changed the prior Federal stance and signed up. At that stage Hitler was simply the newly-elected German Kanzler (Prime Minister) and there was of course no knowledge of his future deeds. So how was Pacelli at fault about that? It may be noted that when Mit brennender Sorge was issued Hitler broke his agreements in the Konkordat and persecuted Catholic clergy. So the arrangement of a Konkordat was a wise precaution, even if it was a precaution that ultimately failed.
Pacelli did however learn from what happened when Mit brennender Sorge was issued. When war broke out, Pacelli fell largely silent. He saw that he would probably bring down further persecution of the church by adding to his existing criticisms of Nazism. Instead he concentrated on deeds rather than words. The Vatican became a lifeline for endangered Jews. It supplied money to get them out of Germany and false ID documents saying that they were Christians. And note that this was at a time when the church regarded the Jews as enemies. In the theology of the time, the Jews had killed the Catholics' God and that was one hell of a bad way to start a friendship.
And when the Germans came to Italy itself, Pacelli rose to even greater efforts. He exempted monasteries and nunneries from their normal rules so that they could take in and hide Jews that the Nazis were pursuing. Even his own summer residence at Castel Gandolfo was said at one time to be hiding 3,000 Jews, though nobody knows the exact number.
And this is the man whom many Leftists refer to as "Hitler's Pope"! So why the lie? Why is this exceptionally fine man "controversial"?
Easy: Soviet disinformation. As we all know, the church utterly opposed "Godless" Communism and the Soviets rightly perceived the Vatican as an important enemy. So the Soviets and their fellow travellers in the West put about this abominable lie that Pacelli was antisemitic and sympathetic to the Nazis. And it suits the anti-Christian stance of modern-day Leftists to believe it too.
So it grieves me greatly that this true man of God is taken for the opposite of what he was. The world needs more men like Eugenio Pacelli -- perhaps now more than ever. Even I as an atheist salute him.
There is an interesting story here about how one man finally broke through the lies and found out the truth about Pacelli.
Times Online - AT least 300,000 Whitehall and other public sector workers may lose their jobs as the coalition government sets to work cutting the £156 billion budget deficit. As George Osborne, the chancellor, prepares to unveil the first £6 billion of cuts tomorrow, the full scale of the job losses that will follow has begun to emerge. The initial savings to be announced will target such items as civil servants’ perks, which include taxis, flights and hotel accommodation. The package will also include a £513m cut in the budgets for quangos, with some being abolished altogether.
You know your really wasting money when you are officially spending money on positions or people that don't even make sense. Did anyone ever know what the heck is a 'quango'? I've heard the term mentioned on some British blogs, but I always thought it was a term of insult they used over there, like wanker, ratbag or bludger in Australia. I never thought a 'quango' was an actual position or job, or even an actual organization.
From what I've just googled, a quango is a quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisation and apparently these quangos cost the British taxpayer upwards of about 50 billion pounds a year. Yes, a non-governmental organization that costs the taxpayer money. Naturally they're not accountable to the government nor the taxpayers who have to fund them. And the amount of money given to them has grown under the labour government, yeah real shock that eh.
To be fair, the conservative governments have also funded them. However if it was me running the joint and facing a deficit of 156 billion pounds, the first to get the kick would be the quangos, that's around 50 billion savaged off the deficit right away. None the less, I hope the British government makes savage cuts into its services and into the parasites sucking off the taxpayers.
It's going to be hard and painful, but they either do this or they go the way of Greece, there simply are no other options. You know what the sad thing is, if they do this, they'll be pilloried and hated until their term ends, such is the fate of responsible adults who have to clean up the mess left by the teenage prats before them in the western world.
"The dad of a teenage vandal branded "absolute scum" by a magistrate today backed the JP's bid to win back his job — saying: "I totally agree with him."
Austin Molloy, 57, was axed from his job as chairman of the bench when a court clerk complained after he branded two 16-year-old boys who vandalised Blackburn Cathedral "scum".
He made the remarks at Blackburn Magistrates Court while sentencing the yobs for scrawling obscene graffiti on prayer books and damaging a priceless John The Baptist cross — causing £3,000 of damage.
But now the father of one of the boys, who along with his son cannot be named for legal reasons, has backed the magistrate's choice of words. He said: "I totally agree with what Mr Molloy said and I've not got a problem with him whatsoever. "I back him 100 per cent. As far as I am concerned Mr Molloy should get his job back...
Mr Molloy, a managing director at an engineering firm, told the teens, from Darwen, Lancs, while sentencing them: "Normal people would consider you absolute scum." But he was immediately reprimanded by court clerk Christine Dean for his "inappropriate language".
Grandad-of-one Mr Molloy, also from Darwen — chairman of the bench for 14 years and a magistrate for 18 — has received widespread support from local politicians and residents.
More than 2,000 people have joined a Facebook campaign in support of the JP, while others have begun a group saying the clerk who reported Mr Molloy should be sacked instead.
A decision by a climate-change group to fly leading activists 12,000 miles to a conference threatens to tear the movement apart. The leadership of Climate Camp – which is opposed to flying and airport expansion – have been accused of hypocrisy after they sent two members on a £1,200 round-trip to Bolivia.
The leaders argued it was necessary to attend the ‘transnational protest’ – even though the flights generated eight tons of carbon dioxide greenhouse gases.
Now a furious backlash against the trip threatens to split the group, which in the past has blockaded Heathrow airport and clashed with police at demonstrations against coal-fired power stations. A memo circulated to Climate Camp members claimed the group had been taken over by a ‘clique’ who were manipulating its work. The note claimed ‘the same small group controls all aspects’ of the movement and that a ‘stagnant culture’ ensured the ‘same people always filled the same roles’.
One activist wrote on the group’s Facebook page: ‘If you believe flying halfway around the world is a necessary mission for Climate Camp, I feel you are sadly deluded.’ She added: ‘It is an absolute disgrace that any Climate Camper would even think about going by air.’ [swim?]
The activist later submitted a formal complaint to the group. She said: ‘There was no due process in permitting two Climate Campers to travel to Bolivia by plane. 'There was little discussion on the mode of transport to be used and no consensus to permit it.’
The complaint provoked a furious backlash from Ben Hart, one of the activists who flew to Bolivia. In a series of postings on Facebook under the pseudonym Gringo Ben, he lashed out at opponents of the trip. He wrote: ‘Get over it, if you wanna play this liberal self-denial game...I’ve been vegan for 17 years of my life and gone many years without a car. ‘If I died tomorrow and didn’t take my return flight or any others in the future, the planet would still be being ruined.’
He added: ‘You seem to think Climate Camp is, or should be, purist, but the Camp is not dogmatic but actually quite pragmatic when it comes to the compromises necessary to engage in campaigning. ‘It’s bang out of order to point a finger at us in this way and question our role in the Camp. It was a Camp decision, good or bad.’
Climate Camp describes itself as a grassroots movement and is supposedly controlled by its membership at regular meetings.
But the group of angry members claim they are ‘disillusioned with the process’ and that ‘it is alienating new attendees and undermining the motivation and commitment to the movement’.
They said in their memo: ‘The hierarchical culture that is forming is dishonest and is in contradiction of our non-hierarchical principles and aspirations.’
Herald Sun - CIVIL rights of young inmates have overtaken common sense in juvenile justice as staff are subjected to constant assault, a former staff member claims. They cannot even raise their voice in retaliation, former unit manager Colin Richardson says. In recent weeks, a pregnant officer at the Melbourne Youth Justice Centre was threatened with death by an inmate and another officer lost two front teeth in an assault. "Nobody gets charged. And if you yell at an inmate you get stood down," Mr Richardson said.
Metal detectors and strip searches were banned, so drugs and weapons were common inside the centre. He said of about 140 officers at the centre, he believed up to 70 per cent had made injury or stress-related WorkSafe Claims. "They can't even isolate inmates if they misbehave - it's all about rewarding good behaviour with things like takeaways and outings," Mr Richardson said. "And this is the breeding ground for inmates to go onto bigger and worse things." He said youth officers gave the inmates too much trust, when many were locked up for serious crimes. Hat tip Andrew Bolt.
Read an article here about the cover-up of ethnic crime by police and their political masters in Victoria. The question we have to ask ourselves before we start ranting and raving at the pc-scum who enable and encourage such destructive behavior is, who put them in charge. From the top down in Australia, it's the left of politics that's running the show, it's labor and I'm sorry to say this, they didn't mount a military coup and take over or something, they were voted in by us. And what's worse, this isn't some fad or temporary pot-induced high, we've been voting for these worthless bastards over and over.
We'd better figure out our ass from our elbow soon folks, otherwise we'll be lying in hospital with missing teeth and a leaking lung, only to watch a news report on the evening news about some obscure altercation and how the ethnics are doing so very well, multi-culti melting pot, kumbaya, move along.
And we should ask ourselves, why are we constantly relying on our politicians to keep us safe when they just can't or won't.
Daily Mail - Gavin Gordon, 31, a drug addict who has a string of convictions for violence dating back more than ten years, was part of a gang that raped a 26-year-old woman in her home in Clapham, south London, while her boyfriend screamed as he was tortured in the next room. The woman was leaving her flat shortly after midnight on October 26, 2008, when several men approached her and demanded money, police said. They covered her head and forced her back inside her flat, where they made her text her boyfriend and ask him to come over.
Kevin McCracken says in the article excerpted below that population growth in Africa is a bad thing and that population shrinking in the West can be managed. The first part seems rather racist and I certainly make no judgement on the matter. Africa's problems are for Africa only, as far as I can see. McCracken certainly makes no effort to show otherwise.
McCracken justifies his second assertion with the extraordinarily unscholarly comment that "There is research around that suggests" it to be so. One would certainly hope for some clearer indication of where the research concerned is to be found.
Nonetheless, I don't doubt that population shrinkage in the developed countries can be managed. Japan is already doing a good job with a large elderly population and trivial levels of immigration.
What McCracken simply does not answer is that the developed countries produce most of the innovations that improve people's lives and that it is only a tiny minority of even those populations that do the innovating. And shrinking such populations must surely shrink the numbers of those precious innovators. In some inscrutible way, McCracken seems to think that population growth in Africa answers that argument.
But the point and purpose of McCracken's very unscholarly and illogical article becomes clear if one realises that he is just another Greenie people-hater. He is in fact a former dean of Environmental and Life Sciences at Australia's Macquarie University.
Cardwell is in Far-North Queensland, where I come from, and I can understand well what is reported below. The old Australian "She'll be right, mate" gospel rules up there, implying a general disrespect for rules, regulations and precautions. Sadly, however, things are sometimes NOT right and the case below would seem to be an instance of that. I am pretty sure that in Cardwell the general opion would be that it was just bad luck but the learned judge has found otherwise so he may be right. As a man of the Far North, however, my respect for learned judges is not high. It is easy to be wise after the event about precautions that SHOULD have been taken
A Cafe operator that failed to properly guard against cooking oil spillage was ordered to pay $463,158 to a waitress who slipped on the kitchen floor, yesterday.
In the Supreme Court, Justice Peter Lyons found Mollking Holdings Pty Ltd, which ran a cafe and service station at Cardwell in north Queensland, had caused by its negligence injury to employee Cherrie Ann Jones.
Last month in Cairns, Justice Lyons ordered Mollking pay $470,628 in damages but he reopened the case to make an adjustment of the damages amount in Brisbane, yesterday.
He reduced the figure by $7469 to reflect compensation already paid to Jones.
The court heard Jones, 34, was carrying plates on a tray away from the washing up area into the cooking area when her feet went from under her. She fell heavily landing on her buttocks. Jones suffered a fracture of the sacrum (vertabrae near the pelvis) and chronic soft tissue damage.
Mollking defended the case on the basis of contributory negligence in that it alleged Jones was walking too fast when carrying the tray. However, Justice Lyons rejected the contributory negligence claim.
Justice Lyons found the arrangements in the kitchen area were likely that oil would spill on the floor and it should have been known to those running the cafe. He said that increased the risk and a practical arrangement could have been made to avoid the problem.
Justice Lyons said it followed Jones's injuries were caused by Mollking's negligence.
News.com.au - TENS of thousands of Greeks demonstrated in Athens and other cities today in the second general strike this month against a debt-dictated pension reform and government spending cuts. About 17,000 people demonstrated in the capital and about 5000 more marched in second city Thessaloniki, according to police estimates, calling on the Socialist government to drop pay cuts and a controversial pension reform.
..."These measures take us 150 years back," read a banner borne by protesters. "We want the government to take back these measures which freeze our pay rises and force us to stay longer in the workforce," said Maria Grigoropoulou, a cosmetics store employee. "We will continue our struggle and we will not back down," she said.
..."We are here to send a strong message to the government, the Brussels directorate, the IMF and all those pencil pushers who are targeting the social, labour, pension and economic rights of employees," Stathis Anestis, a leading member of the General Confederation of Workers (GSEE), said in a speech to protesters.
I'm starting to wonder if all the taxpayers of Europe and elsewhere ought abandon Greece. Think about this, they're ones on the brink of falling into the sewer and they're still carrying on about wages and retirement age. It seems these assholes think that money grows on trees, perhaps they need to be taught a hard lesson.
Today, Obama Democrats have now mastered the treacherous art of the pre-emptive global apology. Foggy Bottom is crammed with so many "human rights" zealots embarrassed by the country they serve that the State Department mission statement should be replaced with a condolence card.
Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Michael Posner is probably not the first Obama State Department official to badmouth America in front of foreign delegations. He was just dumb enough to get caught.
Last week, the former head agitator at the transnationalist outfit Human Rights First trashed our country's human rights record to Chinese government officials.
Posner is an unrepentant open-borders radical who has long fought immigration enforcement and vociferously opposed post-Sept. 11 counterterrorism measures to detain enemy combatants at Guantanamo Bay. He was active in supporting the establishment of the International Criminal Court, an American sovereignty-undermining tribunal that would trump U.S. judicial authority over war crimes and "crimes of humanity."
And New Yorkers may recall that he joined with Human Rights First board member Tom Goldstein, far-left billionaire George Soros and other American self-loathers in the failed effort to turn the Sept. 11 Ground Zero Memorial into a national guilt complex to showcase how George W. Bush-era counterterrorism policies were curtailing civil liberties.
(...is that obama with his hand over his heart? I wonder which anthem was playing...?)
Ya gotta give the punk credit for one thing: filipè calderon has him some cojones de cobre amarillo.The Thief-in-Chief of the People's Drug-ocracy de Mexico - was in D.C. for a "let's mess with America summit" with Pharaoh Sock Puppet, and (while standing on the White House lawn!) took the opportunity to denounce the Arizona anti-illegal alien law, crying that his peons might "face discrimination"!!!Not to be out-done, the Apologist-in-Chief obama also whined, "I think the Arizona law has the potential of being applied in a discriminatory fashion."
Just in the interest of some desperately-needed context, here's a partial list of the Mexican immigration laws - which, presumably, Señor Jefe de los Banditos would have to consider as being "NON-discriminatory":1. There will be no special bilingual programs in the schools.* * * * * * * *2. All ballots will be in this nation's language.* * * * * * * *3. All government business will be conducted in our language.* * * * * * * *4. Non-residents will NOT have the right to vote no matter how long they are here.* * * * * * * *5. Non-citizens will NEVER be able to hold political office.* * * * * * * *6. Foreigners will not be a burden to the taxpayers. No welfare, no food stamps, no health care, or other government assistance programs. Any burden will be deported.* * * * * * * *7. Foreigners can invest in this country, but it must be an amount at least equal to 40,000 times the daily minimum wage.* * * * * * * *8. If foreigners come here and buy land... options will be restricted. Certain parcels including waterfront property are reserved for citizens naturally born into this country.* * * * * * * *9. Foreigners may have no protests; no demonstrations, no waving of a foreign flag, no political organizing, no bad-mouthing our president or his policies. These will lead to deportation.* * * * * * * *10. If you do come to this country illegally, you will be actively hunted and, when caught, sent to jail until your deportation can be arranged. All assets will be taken from you.* * * * * * * * *....oh, and just ever-so-coincidentally, did you know that Mexico currently holds over $47 BILLION in T-bills of our debt?
Now that would lead any THINKING individual to ask, "Just what - precisely - should we presume to be your motivation to join with a foreign national to piss on America, Mr. President?"
Interesting that only one of them appears to be of Northern European/British appearance, despite people of that ethnicity being the overwhelming majority of the Australian population.
Equally interesting that Victoria police refused to issue the pictures. It took a court order to get the pictures released. Victoria police are deeply committed to hiding from the public the huge problem of ethnic crime. I'm glad I don't live in Melbourne. A lot of Queensland police are thugs but they are not compulsorily dishonest and deceptive
THE Police Association has slammed the inadequacies of the state's justice system as the faces of six 'desperate' teens who escaped from a juvenile justice centre last were finally revealed.
The teens, aged between 15 and 17, fled the Parkville Juvenile Justice Centre about 10pm last night and are believed to have already committed an armed robbery on a Coles supermarket and stolen a car.
heraldsun.com.au can now reveal the faces and names of the escapees, after a court order was issued granting permission for their use.
Police Association secretary Sen-Sgt Greg Davies said the escape showed the inadequacies of the justice system.
"Incidents like this show how police are often stuck on a merry-go-round where they pick up people committing crimes, drop them at the exit and by the time the merry go round comes again the offenders are standing waiting to get back on the ride,’’ Sen-Sgt Davies said.
"It highlights that people with a propensity for violence or who commit serious offences, regardless of age, should be dealt with by the full force of the law and not be put in a position where they can walk away....
The six youths were serving sentences for various offences, including some for assault and armed robbery and were said to be wearing blue tracksuits when they escaped.
5 out of 6 have now been recaptured and the original article and pictures have been taken down. For some strange reason, however, I took the precaution of saving the picture to disk -- and have reposted it from a new location above.
Bill Kininmonth (Kininmonth is a meteorologist and was the head of Australia’s National Climate Centre from 1986 to 1998) points out just some of the history that Warmists ignore. Note that Hannibal's transit of the Alps with elephants during the Roman warm period is one of the best known events in ancient history. It is regarded as impossible today
The graph below shows temperatures reconstructed from Greenland ice cores and published in the peer reviewed literature. The data confirm pre-IPCC understanding of the climate history of the Earth: Earth warmed from the last glacial maximum about 15,000 years ago when great ice sheets covered North America and northern Europe and sea level was about 130 m lower than today. By 9,000 years ago Earth had warmed to the Holocene maximum when temperatures were warmer than today; the Holocene maximum lasted until about 4,000 years ago and there has been irregular cooling since.
Times Online - Nick Clegg today defended a decision under the Human Rights Act to allow two Pakistani terror suspects to walk free in the UK despite an assessment that they pose a serious threat to the British public. In his first major set-piece speech to launch the Liberal-Conservative programme of political reform, Mr Clegg said, “The law is very clear that it is wrong to deport people where there is risk that they will be seriously mistreated, tortured or even killed.”
Nick clegg is the leader of the mad-left party the Conservatives in Britain have climbed into bed with to govern the country as a sort of half-assed coalition. Some warned the Conservatives against this, but I guess we all know where that went. So now this nutjob stands there with a straight face and says that jihadist scum should be allowed to roam the streets of the UK under surveillance [sure] because deporting them could get them beaten and killed.
Honestly, whose side are you on nick, perhaps someone should tell this idiot that he's now leading the country, that he's responsible for keeping the nation safe and that's his first priority. He's no longer a liberal halfwit who gets to support muslim jihadists safe in the knowledge that no one else has to bear the consequences of his stupidity.
But the accusatory tone towards skeptics is there too, of course. The article is by Kerry Emanuel, director of the Program in Atmospheres, Oceans, and Climate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. So this would seem to be the best science that Warmism can do. Yet all he succeeds in doing is to show how shaky the whole edifice is.
His claim that temperatures have been rising for a long time is correct but it is not what the Warmists normally say. They trace it back only a few decades.
And he completely ignores or denies denies such well-established facts as the Roman and Medieval warm periods, both of which were clearly warmer than today. See HERE for temperature graphs from all over the world which display such periods.
He is actually quite good at setting out the many uncertainties underlying the model-based forecasts but still in the end holds the models up as "evidence", which they are not. Guesses are not evidence. And one of the crucial guesses involved -- cloud feedback -- is on all the evidence so far the reverse of the truth.
No wonder he adds the footnote: Clarification: An earlier version of this op-ed bore the headline "Climate changes are proven fact," which did not reflect the view of the author.
Quite pathetic. Dick Lindzen thinks so too. In old-fashioned terms, Prof. Emanuel has sold his soul to the Devil. Going along with the current scientific orthodoxy no doubt has many rewards for him.
Centre/Left leader: "Tell us the laws that you want scrapped". The liberals (centre/Left) and Conservatives (centre/Right) seem to be agreed on reducing the authoritarianism put in place by the previous far-Left Labour government. The fact that the Liberals are making the running with Conservative support should ensure easy passage of the new measures. The end of the politically correct madhouse that has been Britain in recent years may be in sight
The most radical redistribution of power from the state to the people for 200 years is to be made by the new coalition Government, Nick Clegg is to claim. The public will be asked what laws they want ripped up, in far-reaching reforms designed to put back “faith in politics”, the Deputy Prime Minister will say.
The reordering of power will sweep away Labour legislation and new criminal offences deemed to have eroded personal freedom.
News.com.au - SIR Bob Geldof has made an impassioned, off-the-cuff speech in Brisbane this morning, labelling Australians treatment of Aborigines as "economically stupid" and "absurd". The Live Aid humanitarian said Australia has “exiled” indigenous Australians from the nation. "They were forced to be exiled from themselves and that must stop," he said.
Sorry to burst your angry, whiny bubble bob, but no one has exiled them from Australia, they are free to come and go as they please, they are free to work, start businesses, learn etc. Nothing and no one is stopping them from doing any of this, apart from in your pot-induced(?) fantasy world.
If anything it's the leftist crowd who have encouraged them to remain out in the bush living off welfare and sponging their lives away.
"You need to pull them back into themselves because you’ve acknowledged them as being.
What the heck does even mean.
"The spiritual core of yourselves will only be filled when this is done."
Fox News - Arizona’s illegal immigrant population is costing the state’s taxpayers even more than once thought -- a whopping $2.7 billion, according to researchers at the public interest group that helped write the state's new immigration law. Researchers at FAIR – The Federation for American Immigration Reform -- released data exclusively to FoxNews.com that show a steady cost climb in multiple areas, including incarceration, education and health, in the last five years. FAIR’s cost estimates – compiled for a comprehensive national immigration report it plans to release next month – include several new cost areas, including welfare and the justice system, that weren’t in previous reports.
Well there you have it liberals, illegal immigration is costing the state of Arizona $2.7 billion, now I don't speak for the state of Arizona but I think I have a way for their hated immigration law to be repealed, overturned, tossed out etc. Yes, I know it's only liberal fascists who hate the law, but bear with me while I explain. The way I see it, liberals should immediately start an illegal immigrant fund, entirely voluntary, non-governmental and funded by liberals who hate Arizona's immigration law, fret over it during the day and can't sleep at night because of it.
I also feel this fund should be open to liberals and leftists all across the planet, after all they're smearing the taxpayers of Arizona for refusing to fund the illegals. So this way liberals and leftists the world over can put their money where their mouths are raising money for Mexicans and also prove that they're not racists and bigots.
Warmists were equally certain that the big frog die-off of a few years ago was due to global warming. They now admit that it was a fungus that caused the problem. Who knows what the real explanation will be this time? We old guys do have pesky memories, don't we? -- JR
When it comes to the hazards of global warming, it may turn out that lizards in burrows are the canaries in the coal mine.
In a study to be published Friday in the journal Science, an international team of biologists reports that in more than one-tenth of the places in Mexico where lizards flourished in 1975, the reptiles now cannot be found. The researchers predict that by 2080, about 40 percent of local lizard populations worldwide will have died off and 20 percent of lizard species will be extinct.
The reason for the huge die-off appears to be rising temperatures. But it isn't heat that is killing the lizards directly.
Instead, global warming appears to be lengthening the period of the day when lizards must seek shelter or risk fatal overheating. In the breeding season, that sheltering period is now so long that females of many species are unable to eat enough food to produce eggs and offspring.
Springs that start earlier and are warmer than they once were have been noted in many regions of the world in the past three decades. The new study suggests that the phenomenon may be far more important for the survival of some animals than peak summer temperatures, said Barry Sinervo, an evolutionary biologist at the University of California at Santa Cruz who headed the 26-person research team...
"As everyone knows, the First Amendment guarantees the fundamental right of freedom of speech from infringement at the hands of U.S. officials. But ever since 9/11, there has been an important limitation placed on such freedom. While Americans are still free to condemn U.S. aggression abroad, the U.S. Empire does not permit Americans to exhort foreign citizens to resist U.S. foreign aggression with violence. If U.S. officials suspect that an American citizen is exhorting foreigners to resist U.S. aggression abroad, they wield the power to do one of three things to that citizen:
1. Treat him as a criminal defendant by indicting and prosecuting him in U.S. District Court for supporting terrorism. If they can establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant encouraged foreigners to resist U.S. aggression with violence, they can secure a criminal conviction that will result in a mandatory life sentence in a federal penitentiary.
The above is written by a libertarian who opposes U.S. wars abroad, as the majority of libertarians do and as American conservatives traditionally did. So the language is a bit inflammatory. But he does point out an important truth: That SOME limits on free speech have always been accepted. You are not free to libel people for instance.
And all countries that I know of do not allow support for the enemy in time of war. And America is clearly at war with fundamentalist Muslims, even if Eric Holder refuses to say so. As with Pearl Harbor, America did not seek the war but the 9/11 attacks clearly were a declaration of war and the continuing hostility is clearly limited only by Muslim stupidity and limited ability to wage hostilities.
And America is in fact fighting on behalf of the developed world generally. Many Britons, Australians and Spaniards have also been killed by Jihadi bombs. Those who propose to let the Jihadis run riot simply lack cojones or live in their own delusory version of reality, as most Leftists and some libertarians do.
News.com.au - CHILDREN as young as three have been questioned about kissing and flirting in a project by a Melbourne university researcher. Monash University's Dr Mindy Blaise, who spent five days at an unnamed childcare centre, wants sexuality to be an official subject at kinders and preschool centres. It would include discussions about homosexuality. Dr Blaise said it was important that kids felt "healthy sexuality was not dirty or wrong".
Oh yeah folks, it's crucial, vital to their survival even, for little toddlers to know about sex and more importantly bum-sex. Never mind Lego and learning to read and write, they must know about sex when they're 3 years old! I wonder which idiot parents allowed this questionable character near their children, perhaps ones with loose ideas about children and sex I suppose.
I should add too, this seems to be a new front on the push to get children into sexuality, usually it's in the form of sex education, teaching them all about sex so they know how to do it properly, in the hope that they then won't. Now it seems, there's a sudden yearning, a thirst for knowledge if you will on the part of these types, for childrens views on sex. I'm sure it must keep them up at night, tossing and turning, what do the toddlers think about gay sex!
So Tiny Tim was the father of the global warming movement? Yeah, that fits. Make sure you at least make it to the chorus where he starts screaming "The Icecaps are meltin Oh-oh-oh-oh-OOOOOOOh!"
But you've got to decide who's crazier? Tiny Tim is the obvious kind of bonkers that you see on street corners and cross the street to avoid whereas Al Gore is the more dangerous kind of looney that isn't immediately apparent and you don't know he's flipped until he's sitting in your living room eating your Chinese food and lecturing you that your freezer's running too high.
So compare Gore's performance with Tiny Tim's and tell me who you think is crazier.
Now, you tell me how Tiny Tim's performance is any more embarassing or less looney than this:
Two walk into the cage. Only one walks out. You decide. Who is crazier?
About
This blog is written solely by John Ray, who has a Ph.D. degree in psychology and 200+ papers published in the academic journals of the social sciences. It does occasionally comment on issues in psychology but is mainly aimed at giving a conservative psychologist's view on a broad range of topics. There are very few conservative psychologists. The blog originated in Australia and many (but not most) posts discuss Australian matters. Australians have an unusually good awareness of events outside their own country. Australian newspapers feature news from Britain and the USA not as an afterthought but as a major part of their coverage. So Australians do tend to have a truly Western heart, which is the reason behind the old name for this blog. So events in Australia, Britain and the USA all feature frequently here, plus occasional coverage of other places, particularly Israel.
A primer in American politics for non-Americans:
SCOTUS is the Supreme Court of the United States, the highest court in the land
The "GOP" stands for "Grand Old Party" and refers to the Republican party. The GOP is at present center/Right, while the Democrats have been undergoing a steady drift Leftwards and now have policies similar to mainstream European Leftist parties.
The ideological identity of both parties has however been very fluid -- almost reversing itself over time. In the mid 19th century, the GOP was the party of big government and concern for minorities while the Democrats advertised themselves as "The party of the white man" -- an orientation that lasted into the mid 20th century in the South. The Democrats are still obsessed with race but have now flipped into support for discrimination AGAINST whites.
Was Pope Urban VIII the first Warmist? Below we see him refusing to look through Galileo's telescope. People tend to refuse to consider evidence— if what they might discover contradicts what they believe.
Some brief observations about Leftism
As a good academic, I first define my terms: A Leftist is a person who is so dissatisfied with the way things naturally are that he/she is prepared to use force to make people behave in ways that they otherwise would not.
Leftists think that utopia can be coerced into existence -- so no dishonesty or brutality is beyond them in pursuit of that "noble" goal
Leftism is fundamentally authoritarian. Whether by revolution or by legislation, Leftists aim to change what people can and must do. When in 2008 Obama said that he wanted to "fundamentally transform" America, he was not talking about America's geography or topography but rather about American people. He wanted them to stop doing things that they wanted to do and make them do things that they did not want to do. Can you get a better definition of authoritarianism than that?
And note that an American President is elected to administer the law, not make it. That seems to have escaped Mr Obama
That Leftism is intrinsically authoritarian is not a new insight. It was well understood by none other than Friedrich Engels (Yes. THAT Engels). His excellent short essay On authority was written as a reproof to the dreamy Anarchist Left of his day. It concludes: "A revolution is certainly the most authoritarian thing there is; it is the act whereby one part of the population imposes its will upon the other part by means of rifles, bayonets and cannon — authoritarian means"
Evan Sayet: The Left sides "...invariably with evil over good, wrong over right, and the behaviors that lead to failure over those that lead to success." (t=5:35+ on video)
Some useful definitions:
If a conservative doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one. If a liberal doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed. If a conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn't eat meat. If a liberal is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone. If a conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation. A liberal wonders who is going to take care of him. If a conservative doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels. Liberals demand that those they don't like be shut down. If a conservative is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church. A liberal non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced. (Unless it's a foreign religion, of course!) If a conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it. A liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his.
Death taxes: You would expect a conscientious person, of whatever degree of intelligence, to reflect on the strange contradiction involved in denying people the right to unearned wealth, while supporting programs that give people unearned wealth.
America is no longer the land of the free. It is now the land of the regulated -- though it is not alone in that, of course
Envy is a strong and widespread human emotion so there has alway been widespread support for policies of economic "levelling". Both the USA and the modern-day State of Israel were founded by communists but reality taught both societies that respect for the individual gave much better outcomes than levelling ideas. Sadly, there are many people in both societies in whom hatred for others is so strong that they are incapable of respect for the individual. The destructiveness of what they support causes them to call themselves many names in different times and places but they are the backbone of the political Left
The large number of rich Leftists suggests that, for them, envy is secondary. They are directly driven by hatred and scorn for many of the other people that they see about them. Hatred of others can be rooted in many things, not only in envy. But the haters come together as the Left.
Leftists hate the world around them and want to change it: the people in it most particularly. Conservatives just want to be left alone to make their own decisions and follow their own values.
The failure of the Soviet experiment has definitely made the American Left more vicious and hate-filled than they were. The plain failure of what passed for ideas among them has enraged rather than humbled them.
Ronald Reagan famously observed that the status quo is Latin for “the mess we’re in.” So much for the vacant Leftist claim that conservatives are simply defenders of the status quo. They think that conservatives are as lacking in principles as they are.
The shallow thinkers of the Left sometimes claim that conservatives want to impose their own will on others in the matter of abortion. To make that claim is however to confuse religion with politics. Conservatives are in fact divided about their response to abortion. The REAL opposition to abortion is religious rather than political. And the church which has historically tended to support the LEFT -- the Roman Catholic church -- is the most fervent in the anti-abortion cause. Conservatives are indeed the one side of politics to have moral qualms on the issue but they tend to seek a middle road in dealing with it. Taking the issue to the point of legal prohibitions is a religious doctrine rather than a conservative one -- and the religion concerned may or may not be characteristically conservative. More on that here
The Leftist hunger for change to the society that they hate leads to a hunger for control over other people. And they will do and say anything to get that control: "Power at any price". Leftist politicians are mostly self-aggrandizing crooks who gain power by deceiving the uninformed with snake-oil promises -- power which they invariably use to destroy. Destruction is all that they are good at. Destruction is what haters do.
Leftists are consistent only in their hate. They don't have principles. How can they when "there is no such thing as right and wrong"? All they have is postures, pretend-principles that can be changed as easily as one changes one's shirt
A Leftist assumption: Making money doesn't entitle you to it, but wanting money does.
"Politicians never accuse you of 'greed' for wanting other people's money -- only for wanting to keep your own money." --columnist Joe Sobran (1946-2010)
I often wonder why Leftists refer to conservatives as "wingnuts". A wingnut is a very useful device that adds versatility wherever it is used. Clearly, Leftists are not even good at abuse. Once they have accused their opponents of racism and Nazism, their cupboard is bare. Similarly, Leftists seem to think it is a devastating critique to refer to "Worldnet Daily" as "Worldnut Daily". The poverty of their argumentation is truly pitiful
The Leftist assertion that there is no such thing as right and wrong has a distinguished history. It was Pontius Pilate who said "What is truth?" (John 18:38). From a Christian viewpoint, the assertion is undoubtedly the Devil's gospel
"If one rejects laissez faire on account of man's fallibility and moral weakness, one must for the same reason also reject every kind of government action." - Ludwig von Mises
Because of their need to be different from the mainstream, Leftists are very good at pretending that sow's ears are silk purses
Among people who should know better, Leftism is a character defect. Leftists HATE success in others -- which is why notably successful societies such as the USA and Israel are hated and failures such as the Palestinians can do no wrong.
A Leftist's beliefs are all designed to pander to his ego. So when you have an argument with a Leftist, you are not really discussing the facts. You are threatening his self esteem. Which is why the normal Leftist response to challenge is mere abuse.
Because of the fragility of a Leftist's ego, anything that threatens it is intolerable and provokes rage. So most Leftist blogs can be summarized in one sentence: "How DARE anybody question what I believe!". Rage and abuse substitute for an appeal to facts and reason.
Their threatened egos sometimes drive Leftists into quite desperate flights from reality. For instance, they often call Israel an "Apartheid state" -- when it is in fact the Arab states that practice Apartheid -- witness the severe restrictions on Christians in Saudi Arabia. There are no such restrictions in Israel.
Because their beliefs serve their ego rather than reality, Leftists just KNOW what is good for us. Conservatives need evidence.
“Absolute certainty is the privilege of uneducated men and fanatics.” -- C.J. Keyser
"Almost all professors of the arts and sciences are egregiously conceited, and derive their happiness from their conceit" -- Erasmus
THE FALSIFICATION OF HISTORY HAS DONE MORE TO IMPEDE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT THAN ANY ONE THING KNOWN TO MANKIND -- ROUSSEAU
"Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him" (Proverbs 26: 12). I think that sums up Leftists pretty well.
Eminent British astrophysicist Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington is often quoted as saying: "Not only is the universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine." It was probably in fact said by his contemporary, J.B.S. Haldane. But regardless of authorship, it could well be a conservative credo not only about the cosmos but also about human beings and human society. Mankind is too complex to be summed up by simple rules and even complex rules are only approximations with many exceptions.
Politics is the only thing Leftists know about. They know nothing of economics, history or business. Their only expertise is in promoting feelings of grievance
Socialism makes the individual the slave of the state – capitalism frees them.
MESSAGE to Leftists: Even if you killed all conservatives tomorrow, you would just end up in another Soviet Union. Conservatives are all that stand between you and that dismal fate.
Many readers here will have noticed that what I say about Leftists sometimes sounds reminiscent of what Leftists say about conservatives. There is an excellent reason for that. Leftists are great "projectors" (people who see their own faults in others). So a good first step in finding out what is true of Leftists is to look at what they say about conservatives! They even accuse conservatives of projection (of course).
The research shows clearly that one's Left/Right stance is strongly genetically inherited but nobody knows just what specifically is inherited. What is inherited that makes people Leftist or Rightist? There is any amount of evidence that personality traits are strongly genetically inherited so my proposal is that hard-core Leftists are people who tend to let their emotions (including hatred and envy) run away with them and who are much more in need of seeing themselves as better than others -- two attributes that are probably related to one another. Such Leftists may be an evolutionary leftover from a more primitive past.
Leftists seem to believe that if someone like Al Gore says it, it must be right. They obviously have a strong need for an authority figure. The fact that the two most authoritarian regimes of the 20th century (Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia) were socialist is thus no surprise. Leftists often accuse conservatives of being "authoritarian" but that is just part of their usual "projective" strategy -- seeing in others what is really true of themselves.
"Why should the German be interested in the liberation of the Jew, if the Jew is not interested in the liberation of the German?... We recognize in Judaism, therefore, a general anti-social element of the present time... In the final analysis, the emancipation of the Jews is the emancipation of mankind from Judaism.... Indeed, in North America, the practical domination of Judaism over the Christian world has achieved as its unambiguous and normal expression that the preaching of the Gospel itself and the Christian ministry have become articles of trade... Money is the jealous god of Israel, in face of which no other god may exist". Who said that? Hitler? No. It was Karl Marx. See also here and here and here. For roughly two centuries now, antisemitism has, throughout the Western world, been principally associated with Leftism (including the socialist Hitler) -- as it is to this day. See here.
Leftists call their hatred of Israel "Anti-Zionism" but Zionists are only a small minority in Israel
Some of the Leftist hatred of Israel is motivated by old-fashioned antisemitism (beliefs in Jewish "control" etc.) but most of it is just the regular Leftist hatred of success in others. And because the societies they inhabit do not give them the vast amount of recognition that their large but weak egos need, some of the most virulent haters of Israel and America live in those countries. So the hatred is the product of pathologically high self-esteem.
"With their infernal racial set-asides, racial quotas, and race norming, liberals share many of the Klan's premises. The Klan sees the world in terms of race and ethnicity. So do liberals! Indeed, liberals and white supremacists are the only people left in America who are neurotically obsessed with race. Conservatives champion a color-blind society" -- Ann Coulter
Who said this in 1968? "I am not, and never have been, a man of the right. My position was on the Left and is now in the centre of politics". It was Sir Oswald Mosley, founder and leader of the British Union of Fascists
The term "Fascism" is mostly used by the Left as a brainless term of abuse. But when they do make a serious attempt to define it, they produce very complex and elaborate definitions -- e.g. here and here. In fact, Fascism is simply extreme socialism plus nationalism. But great gyrations are needed to avoid mentioning the first part of that recipe, of course.
Politicians are in general only a little above average in intelligence so the idea that they can make better decisions for us that we can make ourselves is laughable
A quote from the late Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931–2005: "You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."
A lesson in Australian: When an Australian calls someone a "big-noter", he is saying that the person is a chronic and rather pathetic seeker of admiration -- as in someone who often pulls out "big notes" (e.g. $100.00 bills) to pay for things, thus endeavouring to create the impression that he is rich. The term describes the mentality rather than the actual behavior with money and it aptly describes many Leftists. When they purport to show "compassion" by advocating things that cost themselves nothing (e.g. advocating more taxes on "the rich" to help "the poor"), an Australian might say that the Leftist is "big-noting himself". There is an example of the usage here. The term conveys contempt. There is a wise description of Australians generally here
Heritage is what survives death: Very rare and hence very valuable
Two lines below of a famous hymn that would be incomprehensible to Leftists today ("honor"? "right"? "freedom?" Freedom to agree with them is the only freedom they believe in)
First to fight for right and freedom,
And to keep our honor clean
It is of course the hymn of the USMC -- still today the relentless warriors that they always were.
If any of the short observations above about Leftism seem wrong, note that they do not stand alone. The evidence for them is set out at great length in a MONOGRAPH on Leftism.
You can email me (John Ray) here (Hotmail address). In emailing me, you can address me as "John", "Jon", "Dr. Ray" or "JR" and that will be fine -- but my preference is for "JR"
There are also two blogspot blogs which record what I think are my main recent articles here and here. Similar content can be more conveniently accessed via my subject-indexed list of short articles here or here (I rarely write long articles these days)
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2 Answers from Attorneys
The landlord must first serve you with a three-day notice to pay or quit. If, within those three days, you do not pay what you owe, the landlord could then file an unlawful detainer lawsuit. If you don't answer the lawsuit within five days of it being served, then the landlord would first have to obtain a default judgment against you -- which might take a couple of weeks. The landlord then could have the sheriff evict you, probably within a couple of weeks after that. If you answer the unlawful detainer lawsuit, it's likely that your eviction could be delayed for several weeks.
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It has been typical under PRC law for bribe takers to be punished more severely than bribe givers. The policy was to punish extortion and incentivize cooperation with government investigations.But as recent investigations into the sales practices of big pharmaceutical companies have shown, this policy may be changing.
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General English
ESL AM (9 AM-12PM): Grammar with integrated skills
In our morning classes, students learn fundamental grammar points and integrated skills necessary to communicate in English. Our ESL classes include 7 levels. ESL Levels 1 to 6 focus on general English grammar with integrated skills. In Level 7, students study more specific subjects such as University Preparation Program, Power Talk Master, English Fluency Training, TOEFL & IELTS preparation and Business English Speaking.
ESL (level 1-6) PM (1PM-2:30PM): Electives
Students can choose elective courses in the afternoon-appropriate for their level and interests. These courses allow students to build and practice effective communication.
Vocabulary & Reading
Conversation
Current Event through Media
English in Action
Business Career English Speaking
English Fluency Training
click the picture to see larger view
Some programs may not be offered without a notice if the programs do not have a minimum number of students.
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How Rob Hopkins Gave Up on Giving Up On Flying
"In November 2006, I sat at the back of the Barn Cinema, Dartington, and watched ‘An Inconvenient Truth‘. It had such an impact on me that by the time it ended, I had decided that I couldn’t just leave the cinema without marking the event by making some kind of change in my life. I decided that evening not to fly again, and I haven’t flown since. "
Unlike me, who once swore never to fly again, and then fell in love with an American woman (now my wife) on my supposedly last trip ever, Hopkins is less concerned with romantic love, and more concerned with doing the right thing. Having recently watched Chasing Ice, he's convinced we need to start being more strategic in distinguishing between our personal carbon footprints and interventions to the collective trajectory we are on. Here's his reasoning:
The fact is that at a time in history when we desperately need to cut emissions sharply, we all have a responsibility to re-evaluate behaviour we undertake that normalises, for those around us, ways of acting that generate high levels of emissions. As Sandberg puts it, “while it may not typically be wrong of me to drive or fly, then, it may be wrong of us to do so and we must therefore seek ways of coordinating our environmental efforts more effectively”. I will still not fly for holidays or family reasons, to conferences, for pretty much any reasons. However I have decided, through discussions with those I work with, that passing 400 ppm, the extent of the climate crisis, means that it is time to get back on a plane, in cases where the benefits can be seen as outweighing the impacts.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, I am 100% convinced that Rob is making the right decision. To be honest, while I applaud his abstinence from flying for personal reasons, I'd even support him if he confessed that he'd decided to fly to visit a family member in Canada, or take a beach vacation in Hawaii.
As I argued recently in my piece on environmental "hypocrisy" being both inevitable and irrelevant, I've come to believe that environmentalists talk too much about personal footprints, beating each other up over our supposed transgressions against the ideal of a low carbon lifestyle in a world that encourages the opposite.
While we must indeed find ways to "walk our talk" as best we can, the primary relevance of choices like biking, growing our own food or eschewing flying are in their capacity as levers for broader cultural or political change. As such, they are best thought of as voluntary positive actions, not mandatory "tests" for being good enough to join the movement.
By focusing too strongly on the ethics of each personal lifestyle decision, I fear we lose many a would-be environmentalist who would support policy-level action to transition to a low carbon culture which in itself would do more to discourage fossil fuel use and overconsumption than any individual lifestyle decision ever will.
Should the vegan who flies to her yearly yoga retreat be at odds with the meat eater who never sets foot on a plane? Should the car-driving commuter who grows all his own food consider himself superior to the telecommuter with a thing for fast food? Or should they acknowledge their status as flawed, contradictory and complex beings (aka humans) and then organize to change the rules of the playing field so that doing the right thing becomes the default, not the heroic exception?
We need to build the broadest social movement in history. You don't do that by pointing fingers at those who would join you.
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Publications
Information for 17023IIED
Room to move: ‘ecological space’ and emissions equity
Tackling climate change will involve a monumental balancing act. How can we effectively curb emissions while ensuring that poor countries are not restricted in their efforts to develop sustainably? The concept of ‘ecological space’ offers a viable solution. By measuring and comparing countries’ greenhouse gas emissions, we can pinpoint their share of the total remaining emissions the planet can sustain without serious disruption to climate. The relatively low emissions of poor countries — and the per capita levels for the poorest are just 2 per cent of those in the US — allow them the ecological space for non-restrictive economic development. Overall, the concept is a workable guide to achieving emissions equity while collectively moving towards a low-carbon future.
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Super Meat Boy
• Page 2
Indie Game: The Movie, a feature documentary about “video games, their creators and the craft,” will make its world premiere as an official selection in World Documentary Competition at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.
Team Meat’s going big for Super Meat Boy’s one year anniversary, announcing a special Steam bundle involving Bit Trip Beat, Bit Trip Runner, World of Goo, Braid, Gish, Aquaria, VVVVVV, Machinarium and even Half-Life 2. The bundle, which will also contain the deluxe soundtrack to SMB and OSTs to Braid, Bit Trip Beat, Bit Trip […]
Having said that Team Meat was “taken advantage of” by Microsoft in the run-up to the launch of Super Meat Boy, developer Edmund McMillen has confirmed that, after a spate of hugging and kissing between the two parties, the ultra-hard platformer is about to be re-pimped on XBLA.
The day has gotten a bit brighter for UK fans of Super Meat Boy, because it has been announced that the game is getting to special editions at retail. Head on below the break for all the squeal-worthy details.
In an interview with gamrFeed, Team Meat duo Edmund McMillen and Tommy Refenes have confirmed they won’t moderate fan-produced Super Meat Boy produce when they release its level editor. Expect carnage.
Team Meat’s Edmund McMillen has written in Game Developer Magazine that the studio felt “taken advantage of” by Microsoft during development of Super Meat Boy, because the firm put pressure on the team to finish the game in time for the XBL Game Feast promotion.
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So, I have to say the cover is just lickable. Spell check says that lickable isn’t a word. Clearly they have no imagination when it comes to the written word.
Stephanie Adkins, a fellow writer from Romance Diva’s, has a new book out. Read her excerpt, and if you like what you see, buy the book. She’s a great writer and a warm individual. If you like this genre (erotic romance), you’ll love her work.
Resisting Kane is now available from Phaze Books!
Past inequities are hard to forget…and harder still to forgive. After fifteen years, high school classmates Madison Carey and Terence Kane are forced to work together to stop a madman whose sole purpose is to seek revenge…with her life as the prize.
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Monday, December 17, 2012
I had an interesting conversation with two students last Friday. They were telling me how this other class was and how students in there had it made. A friend had told them all about it. And they bought it like an early morning shopper on black Friday.
Over the weekend I thought a lot about our conversation. They might be amazed to know that I know a little bit about the class that was making them jealous. And if the truth was known, buying what they are buying tells me they are shopping at the dollar store.
They are great students and their class is amazing. Students are engaged and working at an extremely high level. The class in energized and fun. It is one of the most outstanding classes that I have ever seen. So the grass is most definitely not greener on the other side of the fence.
What about you, Reading Workshop students? Is your glass half full or half empty? Hopefully you make the most of every day, taking what you have and making it into the best life possible. And when someone starts bragging, they are probably just trying to convince themselves that their grass is greener. Don't buy it.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
A lot of Reading Workshop students have been reading The Maze Runner written by James Dashner. The movie is supposed to be out in 2013. Here is a preview of what you can anticipate. If you haven't started the series yet you better give it a try.
Here is the blurb just to give you an idea about the book if you haven't seen it.
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls. Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift. Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.
Monday, December 10, 2012
What do the three students in the picture have in common? All three were reluctant readers that have found success through the choice of an excellent series. Doing the weekly Read at Home assignment in Reading Workshop was a chore. They didn't take advantage of the opportunity to improve their grade. Then they started a good series of books.
Fictional series have a common setting, story, and/or characters. Some series have a specific order, usually based on chronological sequence. Others stand alone and can be read in any order sharing a similar genre, but sometimes not even sharing characters.
Connor blasted through The Spiderwick Chronicles. This is a fantasy series written by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi that features three kids, Jared, Simon, and Mallory Grace as they travel to another world filled with faeries and other mystical creatures. He read all of the first series and has moved on to the next series, Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles.
Taneshia starting reading Among the Hidden, the first book in the Shadow Children series written by Margaret Peterson Haddix. These books take place in the future and show the challenges faced by Luke, a third child in a society that only allows two per family.
Mackenzie has been reading the Vet Volunteers books written by Laurie Halse Anderson. This series is a little different than most because it features different characters in each book. There is a common theme though--all are trying to help animals in need.
What makes these three students so remarkable is their transition as a reader. They found a series they like and have actually stuck with books, finishing one after another. There is no fake reading going on here. They have become successful readers and students.
It seems like almost all readers have read a series or two that sticks with them forever. What is your favorite series?
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
So you get a first draft of a poem and it seems pretty good. Now what? Is it ready to publish? Everything is spelled right. It makes sense. So how do you revise? How do you make it better? What can you do with a basic poem like this, that has a good topic choice with a nice twist at the end and make it into an A+ poem?
One area that could be improved is word choice. The Reading Workshop Poetry Rubric says, Word choice is exact, colorful, and interesting. What words could be changed to improve this poem? Is there a synonym for sad that would be more interesting? Or mad? Or doesn't like?
We could also look at improving and adding sensory details like the rubric describes as, Uses sensory details to help the reader see, hear, feel, and/or think. What could be changed to help what the reader visualizes? Could the "one kid" be described in some way? What changes would help the reader see the fight?
The rubric also says, A natural rhythm and structure. Is there a way to put this into stanzas that would improve how it flows and sounds to the reader?
Regarding effort, reflects the effort to create a special piece of writing. What could be added to build this into a more meaningful poem?
Friday, November 30, 2012
Some of the best poems are often those that are inspired by another poem. The concept is to take the framework of a poem you like, and then revise it to make it fit you. Just remember to always give credit to the author by stating, "Inspired by . . ."
The Other Me
Written by Kristine O'Connell George
The other me knows what to wear,
fits in, doesn't stick out,
is one of them.
The other me remembers jokes,
doesn't get teased
by anyone.
The other me doesn't have big feet,
doesn't stumble,
doesn't drop her lunch tray.
So where is she,
this amazing
Other Me?
Reading Workshop students, please take this poem, or another of your favorites and write an "Inspired by" poem.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Today we will ask the experts. Students in Reading Workshop, what makes a good poem? Or, what makes a poem good? As you looked through poetry books the last two days, what did the best poems have in common?
When you looked through a book, what made you want to keep reading it? What made you want to put a book back and try another one? What made the difference between a book that grabbed your attention and gained your interest from a book that bored you?
Image from http://www.dailywaffle.co.uk/2012/09/my-five-favourite-pieces-of-poetry/poetry/
Friday, November 16, 2012
Cut out all those words. This is poetry so you don't need them. In fact, if the word doesn't do something to clarify meaning, or help make your point, just delete it.
Get rid of all those annoying little words and leave only the ones that matter. You really don't need all those "it's" and "is's." Nor do you need those are's and were's. Trim the fat and excess words. Make your poem meaningful and exciting.
The best thing about poetry is that the author makes the rules. You can choose whether or not to use capital letters, sentences, and punctuation. The only rule is write in the best way to make your poem meaningful and understandable. Just write so your reader relates to your message.
Author's note: There are divided thoughts about using apostrophes in certain circumstances to show plural. The general thinking is that it is allowable in a few instances if it helps considerably with making text more easily understood and more readable.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Last year students came up with all kinds of ideas about why they couldn't do poetry. In their minds they were thinking, Poetry is Not Me. And as they listed these ideas an amazing thing happened--they became poets.
This year, I wonder what we can do with these thoughts?????? Hhhhhmmm, maybe we can use them as poetry starters. After all, anyone could write a poem about one of these topics:
Poetry is unreasonableWe can't connectPoetry isn't the ice cream for my milkshakePoetry is the book with no wordsWhen I ring the door bell, poetry never answersPoetry is a charging bull (and I am a red cape)Poetry punches me in the mouthPoetry is the math that just doesn't add up
Or any one of the many ideas listed at Poetry is Not Me. Give it a try, Reading Workshop students and see what you can do.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Student blog post titles from Reading Workshop students have been a little on the lame side lately. What's a teacher to do but have a contest and offer extra credit to the winners? Hopefully titles in the future will grab the readers' attention.
Students were writing a blog post about their opinion of the main character in the book they are reading.
Monday, November 5, 2012
After using Wordpress to host student blogs for the last four years, Reading Workshop students will be switching to Edublogs. Wordpress has supplied a great service at no cost. It is easy for students to use and worked well. However, there seems to be an increasing amount of ads on blogs when the viewer is not logged in. As much as I can understand their need to support their service, I would prefer to have ad-free student blogs.
This may cause some inconvenience to those that have spots bookmarked and I apologize for that. The links on the sidebar under 2012 Student Blogs should be correct.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Well, we are really headed for Jupiter starting with the second grading period. Jupiter Grades is an online program (similar to Engrade, Progress Book, and others) that hosts students' grades and other information so that students, parents, and teachers can access them at any time from anywhere with Internet access.
This is a building-wide move being made to increase access for students and parents to grades and discipline reports. If you are a parent, you will soon be receiving information to enable you to view your child's grades.
If you have questions, concerns, or comments, please don't hesitate to contact the school office.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Green pants and an orange shirt today? Probably not. So if you take care to not dress tacky, be careful what you do to your blog.
What am I talking about? Well, most Reading Workshop students are working hard to create the best blog possible. Their writing is improving daily. Whatever we do, we don't want to waste that effort. However, just because you learned how to change the color of words and background, it doesn't mean you should.
Fonts and text colors are part of a theme which is designed to match and look good, without distracting the reader. When you change background colors or make the background flash, and change text colors be very careful because the next Reading Workshop award might be
Outstanding Student Blogger Award
To earn this award, students must post often with interesting content that engages the reader. Posts should be on a variety of topics that draw readers to your blog and keep them coming back. There should be links to relative web sites and pictures that help illustrate the writer's point. And as always, PUGS (Punctuation, Usage, Grammar, and Spelling) must be correct.
If you want to see some examples, these Reading Workshop students have already earned Outstanding Student Blogger Awards.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, could you spare a few minutes a week to help the students in Reading Workshop? All you need is Internet access and some type of devise to post comments (laptop, PC, IPad, smart phone, etc.).
Students have been working hard on their blogs. Their writing is getting better, both with content and mechanics. Although they are beginning to build readership, getting frequent comments motivates them like nothing else. And here is where you could help.
On the right sidebar, students' blogs are listed with links under 2012 Student Blogs. They are listed by classes 601-604. If you would comment on a few blogs, you could help make a difference to a young writer. Some students get quite a few comments, but some hardly ever get any. You could let these kids know they have an audience that cares about their blog by posting a short, positive comment on their blog.
This idea originated from Laura Crosby who has been taking some time to comment on The Reading Workshop student blogs for the last few weeks. The results have been very positive and students really have felt great reading her remarks about their posts.
Please take a few minutes and make a student's day. It doesn't matter if it's someone you know or not. Believe me, all students appreciate it when someone has something good to say about their writing.
If you have questions about how to get started, just send me an email at Mr. McGuire.
P.S. Any student that can get their parent/grandparent to start commenting on blogs will earn extra credit. :)
Monday, October 22, 2012
We are beginning to focus on poetry in Reading Workshop. The best poetry sparks some sort of emotion within the reader. A good poem should make us laugh or make us cry. It might surprise us or make us think. It might open our hearts and connect us with the writer.
As we work towards the craft of becoming writers, and with the hope of opening awareness of others, students have a special assignment. During the next five days, give to someone else. The task is ten random acts of kindness. This can be to a peer, a friend, a relative, or a total stranger. The point though is to focus on the interaction of the person involved.
On Friday, Reading Workshop students will pick one event, emotion, thought, or idea from the week and share it in a poem. I am sure with this year's students, there will be some amazing poetry.
Monday, October 15, 2012
How would you feel if you had seven students that wrote on the weekend? This wasn't an assignment, and they didn't get extra credit. This was just students taking pride in their work and writing on their blog. I can tell you this teacher is proud of the effort!
If you want to check out some good examples of students' blogs, here is a good place to start!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Want a fun activity in Reading Workshop where you do a lot of work and don't get any credit and you have to do it on your own time? If so, maybe you can do a book talk. The only reward is fame. This is a book talk on Drive-by written by Lynne Ewing done by former Reading Workshop student, Kennedy.
That book sounds like a book I read. But this one is a little different. I love books that makes me close to falling out of my chair because it has me on the edge on my seat. Don't you? I mean who doesn't?
It sounds like to me that the book is one from a series. Is there a series? It sounds pretty exciting and adventurous. How would you describe it?
I think you did a really good job on your post. When you get the time please comment back and answer my questions. I might want to read the series because it sounds like a good book.
I think your post is really cool. But you said manga [I think that is a cool book type name] are Japanese based comic books. I just want to know if they are comic books or regular books. How long are the books becuase comic books you can read about 6 in an hour or are they really long?
I think your blog is really good. You do a really good job on your blog.
I am reading The Hunger Games written by Suzanne Collins. I picked this book because all of my friends have read and said they loved the book. So I decided to give it a try.
Right when I started reading it I was attached. I couldn't believe how good it was. What really dragged me into it was the beginning because I liked when Effie Trinket was picking the names out of the bucket because Katniss's little sister Prim gets chosen to go to the Hunger Games. But Katniss didn't want her sister to get killed. So Katniss steps up and goes to the Hunger Games.
That's why I this book is one of the best books I have ever read. So don't fake read, just find a book that you really like!!
It is very important to work hard because if you work hard and take your time, you know that you tried your best, and you made a effort to get a good grade. Sometimes even when you try your hardest you will not get an A but that's okay because you gave it all you got.
I admit I don't always take my time to do something because I want to hurry up and rush through it. I've worked really hard on projects and work before too. I think it is so important to check over your work because it does make a difference to go over all the questions.
As the writer for The Reading Workshop blog, I appreciate it when someone takes the time to comment. Every student wants comments for their blog too. What makes it even better is when the comment is well thought out, well written, and meaningful. Thanks to all of the Reading Workshop students for making an effort to write excellent comments. Keep up the good work and maybe you can get a Fantastic Commenter badge on your blog!
All you have to do is bring in 25 cents or more to wear your hat all day long! All the money that student council raises is going toward a special girl in the sixth grade who has leukemia. We will donate the money toward whatever her family needs, to help her get better.
Just remember to bring in a hat and a quarter to help her. Your classes student council representative will collect the money in each class. Thank you for reading!
This is a great cause so please bring in money on Friday to help the Student Council help one of our students and her family.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Students in Reading Workshop are building their blogs, post by post. In addition, many are taking the time to comment on their peers' blogs. Here is some information about commenting to help with this.
Everyone that blogs wants comments. We want every single person that visits our blog to comment. In fact, almost any comment is better than none. So if you visit a blog, the most important rule for blog comments is to comment. Take a minute and let us know you were here and what you think.
You need to know though, that commenting is a competition. You are vying for the reader's attention. You are trying to make others agree with you. You want the reader to listen to you over other commenters, and you want to sound better than others. If you care enough to write, then you care enough to want to sound intelligent.
If you agree, say so. If you disagree, or have a different opinion, say so. But whatever you do, be assured, bloggers love comments. All comments are appreciated. However, nothing beats a comment from someone that is intelligent and makes a great point.
1. No personal abuse or name-calling, please. A positive tone wins over the reader, a negative tone drives readers away.
2. Your content is just as important as the bloggers. The first sentence MUST grab the reader. The first paragraph should give the reader an idea what the comment discusses. Keep on topic. Don't write a comment that has little or nothing to do with the subject of the article.
3. Opposing opinions are welcome, as long as they are respectful of the views of others. If you disagree with the opinions of the author, express it politely.
4. Mistakes, especially in grammar and spelling cause the reader to move on to the next comment. Readers assume if you can't write correctly you are not intelligent enough to be worth reading.
5. Avoid repeating yourself. If many people have already said something, please don’t say it again. Once you make a point, support it, but don't keep saying the same thing over, and over, and over.
6. Don’t make comments like “Great post.” If you read it, say why it was great. Add something to the conversation. Add your own view, or thoughts to the topic. Throwing out a statement without telling why it matters, or how it impacts others, or what significance it has to the reader is worthless.
If you are going to take the time to comment, take the time to do it right. Win the comment contest by writing a fabulous comment that makes readers think, or wonder, or smile, or cry, or agree, or disagree. Write a comment with meaning.
Bloggers love comments. All comments are appreciated. However, nothing beats a comment from someone that is intelligent and makes a great point.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Students weekly Read at Home assignment rewards extra effort. Students choose a book that they want to read from home, the library, or the book room. The only requirement is that they log the title, time read, and pages.
As a teacher, I reward the students that make the most effort. Although grades are not entirely tied to how hard a student works, poor grades are reflective of a lack of work ethic. If a student wants a better grade, just read a little more. I even give extra credit for students that read more than 180 minutes.
Although students have no direct assignments associated with Read at Home many of the activities and projects in class are based on the book they are reading. When students write about their book, it is easy to monitor comprehension and see if students are "getting it." The fact that students can pick their book to read helps because they can find a book that interests them.
The emphasis on reading is largely based on the research from Richard Allington. Allington cites four "background factors" associated with why students have difficulty with reading. According to the author:
1. the amount of reading that students do in and out of school was related to reading achievement;
2. children who spend more time on workbook activities versus reading text are more likely to have difficulty reading;
3. children who come from homes where reading is not modeled have difficulty reading; and,
4. students who have difficulty providing details and arguments to support interpretations of what they read have difficulty with reading.
According to the author, time on task is the best predictor for reading success in students. Put simply, more reading is equal to greater academic achievement.
The bottom line--if students read more, their grade improves and they become better students.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
The students in Reading Workshop just completed an interdisciplinary project for social studies and language arts. They had to research about a place they had visited, list five facts, and then write a story about their trip. In addition, for their blog, they had to write an introduction, find relevant links, and post pictures that supported their writing.
OK, so you are sitting here in Reading Workshop during SSR (Sustained Silent Reading). I look up from my book and I see you fidgeting in your chair. You are squirming like your seat is on fire. You turn the page without even reading the whole page. You look around the room, but you can't find anyone to join you in your boredom. Uh oh, are you like the Queen of Fake Reading?
If your book isn't drawing you in, you need to get a better book. There are 12,000 books with several thousand titles in the book room. Find one that you can be a part of and read. Don't read a book that isn't exciting.
The guy beside you is staring at his book so intensely you think he might stare a hole in the page. What is going on with him? Why is he looking at his book like that? He won't even look your way. He is pulling the book closer and closer to his face. He has a death grip on it.
Guess what? Some books are exciting and he found a great one. He found a book with action and adventure, that he understands. He has become a part of his book. He is living in it and with every twist and turn in the plot, he is drawn more and more into the story.
What book are you reading? How does the author draw you into the book? What makes the book you are reading exciting?
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Most everyone has heard the saying, hard work will pay off in the end. Yesterday, students took the Study Island Benchmark Test, and it was a perfect example. This test evaluates students reading on a variety of reading skills. Students that took their time, went back in the passages, and found answers scored well, and mostly passed. Students that rushed through their work had the lowest scores.
This one assignment is a message to all students about what they can expect this year in Reading Workshop. Those with a good work ethic, that do their best, will do well. Those that don't give their best and don't work hard are going to struggle. And it's not just here. No matter what students do with their life, hard work will pay off in the end.
The column on the left is minutes spent taking the test. The columns on the right shows students' total percent and score. A score of 400 is passing.
Compare those to students that took more time.
Taking more time does not guarantee a passing score, but it made a huge difference. There was no time limit on this assignment. So for students that didn't pass, I wonder why they didn't take more time.
Monday, September 24, 2012
I am so excited. We got in some books that we ordered two weeks ago. And the best part is one of the books is the newest from one of my favorite series.
I just got The Kill Order, the newest book in James Dashner's Maze Runner series. This is a little different than what you usually find because it is a prequel to the series. This book will give readers background on what led up to the series.
Recently I asked students to complete a survey about the importance of reading with a parent or grandparent. As I looked at some of the comments, I realized why so many students are doing so well in Reading Workshop. Thank you so much to the parents and grandparents that took the time to talk about reading with their child.
When asked, why do you believe reading is important, answers included:
Andrea D.--Reading is an important part of life. At first, we learn to read. Then, we read to learn. Reading is the key to all learning.
Laura C.--Reading takes you places you may never have the opportunity to visit. . . With reading, you control the graphics and scenery. You get to create your own version of the story in your mind.
Heather E.--Reading gives you "life long learning," meaning you can learn new things every day of your life.
Diana F.--there is a whole world of ideas and information there for us to discover. Sometimes reading can make you laugh, cry, and experience all kinds of emotions. Reading is awesome.
Susan P.--Reading is the foundation of learning.
Tonya W.--I believe reading is important because, for a very long time now, people have taken the time to think things through and deliverer their thoughts on paper.
Kim E.--It broadens the mind and helps educate in all areas of learning.
Beth M.--Reading is the basis for most aspects of daily living. From reading weather and news reports, to road signs and menus, reading is a necessity in society.
When asked, how has reading helped you be successful in your life, answers included:
Sandy E.--Being a fluent reader afforded me the opportunity to be my high school graduating class valedictorian. This led to scholarships and grants to help pay for my college education. Reading has allowed me to be a life-long learner and successful in my career.
Andrea D.--All successful writers will tell you that in order to write well, you need to read. At the age of 40, I went back to school to become a medical assistant. If I didn't know how to read, I wouldn't have been able to complete the assignments in order to graduate.
Laura C.--Without reading I would not have the job I have. I am an Engineer at Kenworth. My job requires me to be able to read...Not only has reading helped me get a college degree as well as a good job it also has helped me to relax. I love to read just for fun. A good book is like therapy.
Stephanie S.--Reading has helped me be successful for a lot of things. I couldn't own a business if I didn't know how to read.
Cheryl R.--Reading has helped me in my job because I have to read daily work instructions and be able to follow those instructions.
Teresa L.--Reading is a way for communication in my work and I continually learn by reading. Reading enhances my career as a nurse to educate myself and others. It enables me provide excellent care to my patients.
Lisa B.--It constantly gives me direction in life. On the flip side it has given me a portal of imaginations as entertainment.
Thanks to all the parents for their amazing responses. Check out all of the responses HERE.
Image from http://www.gameshowstogo.com/SurveySaysCollegeDownloads.html
Friday, September 14, 2012
It was during SSR and I started watching her read. This girl had chosen one of the best books in the book room. She was reading Awakening, book 1 in Robin Wasserman's Chasing Yesterday series. At first I thought she must really be enjoying it. She was buzzing through the pages.
Then I really started watching. She wasn't getting anything. All the action and adventure was lost to her. The fear and loneliness of main character might as well have not been there. She never gave a thought about the fact that she could be in the book.
The main character in this series is a young girl that faces an incredible challenge. The books are filled with scenes that bring the reader into the book. But this reader is reading too fast. Her brain isn't keeping up with the pages.
The reader isn't stopping to
THINK
WONDER
REVIEW
GUESS
PREDICT
THINK
PICTURE
COMPARE
DECIDE
THINK
ASK
WISH
GO BACK
QUESTION
RELATE
THINK
When you think about it, she's not really reading. But she sure can turn the pages fast. Is this post about you? Could it be?
Image from http://www.unfinishedman.com/why-you-shouldnt-read-a-book-just-to-finish-it/
Friday, September 7, 2012
As published writers, there is no excuse for mistakes. Sister Salad points out the reason most of us take writing correctly so seriously. Thisvideo,"Yo Comments Are Wack!" points out the disastrous commenting seen on the web and in a humorous way explains why writing well matters.
Students in Reading Workshop have begun blogging as part of their language arts class. The first assignment was to write about the main character in the book they are reading. Students all choose their own books based on their interests and ability.
Megan set the standard with her first post. You can follow her work throughout the year on her blog, Megan's Thoughts.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Each day a Study Island Student of the Day is chosen from each class in Reading Workshop. The winners receive an award certificate, a piece of candy,
AND THEY GET THE CHAIR FOR THE DAY!
All students want the chance to spend the day in luxury. And learning online is a great way to achieve this.
Students work daily in Reading Workshop with the online learning program from Study Island. This program is based on the Ohio State Standards. It has lessons that help teach each topic and remediates when students do not pass a topic. Students can do sessions anywhere they have internet access.
Students scores count towards their grade in Reading Workshop. It is important that students pay attention to their score as they are completing a 20 question session. If they are close to the next higher grade, doing a couple of extra questions correctly can really help their grade.
85 - 100 = A
75 - 84.9 = B
65 - 74.9 = C
55 - 64.9 = D
Congratulations to today's Study Island Students of the Day: Olivia, Sam, Holden, and Dylan.
Friday, August 31, 2012
A couple of days ago I wrote about Maddie helping Dylan. Even now, it still seems like a terrific event. Then yesterday, I got another surprise. As we worked to set up student blogs, Dylan paid it forward. Lizzy was struggling with the pace to set up her blog until Dylan took over.
Through every step and each direction, he set up his blog and then guided Lizzy to success. Now I am sure he had no thought of repaying a kindness someone showed him. He was just trying to help a classmate because he is a good guy that cares for others.
As we end the second week of the school year, I am so impressed by the kindness and caring of the Salt Creek students. I can't wait to see who will be the next to step up.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
He was walking down the hall to his next class. Papers were sticking out everywhere, books were stacked every which way, and his pencils stuck out like swords. He was a walking mess of school supplies just waiting on a wreck.
He bumped into a classmate and some of his stuff scattered to the floor. A girl noticed, not knowing I was watching. She left her circle of friends to help him. She picked up what he dropped, tucked it into his pile, and helped him on his way.
I am not really sure what makes an eleven year old girl act with such maturity and kindness, but it sure makes a teacher feel proud when one of his students acts like that. It also serves as a reminder of just how caring some kids treat their peers.
Too often we hear the other side of today's kids with all the media focus on bullying, but the fact is, kids are what makes a school great. And in my second week at a different school, a girl made me proud to be a part of Salt Creek Intermediate School.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
I was standing at the cash register at the Village Cafe as an old man with a cane slowly walked up to the front door. Just as he started in, a young woman started out. They saw each other at the same time and both quickly stopped. The young woman backed up, and motioned for him to come in.
Although it was a struggle for him, the old man's response was immediate. He eased backwards, held the door, and told the young woman to come through. His response was one built through a lifetime of good manners and showing respect.
To some, in today's world, his actions may be considered old fashioned. Some might even suggest he needs to get with the times--women are equal to men. To those of us with older parents and/or grandparents, we might think he needs to be a little willing to accept help.
But to this old man, his response was the only one possible. He did what was right. And he did it because he always treats people with respect. In just a few seconds, his actions showed the kind of person he is. He didn't think about it. He acted the way he always does.
What about you Salt Creek students? Do you do what is right? In your new school, with new classmates, do you treat others with respect? Do you think of others first? Or are you thinking just of yourself?
As the new school year starts, please take a minute and think about yourself. What kind of person do you want to be? Is that how people see you? Why or why not?
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
After 16 years at Laurelville, I am in a new school. I am excited about this opportunity as Logan Elm Local School District opens a new school (although still in an old building), Salt Creek Intermediate School. The realignment of the district should help students' needs be better served by putting all fifth and sixth grade students in one location.
I am fortunate to be teamed with an excellent group of teachers, Colleen Webb, Susanne Hardin, andLorrie Huysman. We will have about 100 students in the 4 classes. Students will rotate through the classes with one of hour of instruction for each of the subjects, social studies, math, science, and language arts.
Reading Workshop will still operate the same with lots of technology integrated into students' daily learning. Students will still be writing on their blogs, and use Study Island, the online learning program. The books from the Laurelville book room have been moved and students will have many choices with a lot of great books.
Admittedly there is a bit of sadness as the end of my time comes at Laurelville. The students, parents, and staff have made it a great place to be. But with change there is always the chance for growth and I am anxious to dive into the new school year and all of the fun and adventure in the upcoming year.
MAP
The Reading Workshop Book Forum
Visit the forum to join in on the discussion about great books.
Disclaimer
This blog reflects the thoughts and opinions of the author and is not, in any way, representative of any school or district. The purpose of this blog is to share information for educational purposes. Comments are the sole responsibility of their writers. The views expressed by commenters and those who link to this website do not necessarily reflect the views of this website.
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We are trapped in our own scheming in the name of Islam. Blasphemy Law is biting the state and the government can do nothing. An illiterate dirt-poor Asiya Bibi is to die for all of us devotees of the faith. The world is begging us to do something. The Pope has appealed only to get an unworthy repartee from our bearded firebrands. The government is now hamstrung.
The President won’t pardon her because he can’t challenge the clout of the clergy at its strongest at the present moment; he has just signed on the appointment of a harsh cleric to the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII). A moderate CII former member Javed Ghamidi is on the run from Islamic terrorists as he criticises the bad law that hands down death for blasphemy without the normal criteria of justice, such as intent and level of consciousness.
Poisoning of national language: You can still write sanely in English but not in Urdu, so poisoned is the national tongue even as experts opine that true learning is only possible in one’s own language. Iftikhar Murshid writing in The News (28 Nov 2010) says: ‘Blasphemy laws have existed in British India since 1860. In 1927, Article 295 was added to the Penal Code under which “deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religious belief” became a culpable offence.
‘The law was non-discriminatory and conviction under its provisions depended exclusively on conclusive evidence, as a consequence of which there were only ten blasphemy cases in the 58 years between 1927 and 1985. Since that year the number of blasphemy cases has soared to more than 4,000. In 1982, Gen Ziaul Haq introduced Section 295-B in the Penal Code of Pakistan, under which “defiling the Holy Quran” became punishable by life imprisonment. In 1986, Section 295-C was added, mandating capital punishment for “use of derogatory remarks in respect of the Holy Prophet”. Even the law minister at the time did not support the bill when it was introduced in the National Assembly “on the ground that the Quran did not prescribe a penalty for this offence”.
Liberals on the run: The enactment of Ziaul Haq’s blasphemy laws unleashed a reign of terror in which the impoverished Christian community suffered the most. The violence will continue till these draconian laws are repealed. This is unlikely, however, because the present law minister, Babar Awan, was quoted by the print media on Nov 26 as saying that ‘no one can change the blasphemy laws’. Thus, so-called liberal politicians have been just as responsible as semi-educated clerics for the distortion of the laws of Islam in pursuit of their respective political agendas’.
Huma Yusuf researching a book in Washington thinks Pakistan was ‘on the brink’ as it faced the endgame in Afghanistan. The extremism within was damaging Pakistan’s chances of implementing a credible strategy. Writing in Dawn (28 Nov 2010) she said: ‘The government has made little headway in its efforts to change the climate of xenophobia and intolerance in Pakistani society. No doubt, the right noises have been made: Zardari’s government is the first to appoint a minister for minorities; it also established the Sufi Advisory Council and the Sindh Education Department is now launching an International University of Sufism at Bhit Shah. But all this signifies little in real terms’.
For Asiya no asylum either: The PPP government has backed off from any consideration of repealing the law; it will back down also on the question of pardon. What is more, it will find it difficult to send Asiya Bibi into asylum in the West. (Times are different from when Salamat Masih was exiled even though the judge who had favoured him at the High Court was later assassinated.) The other side is just too strong; and the opposition doesn’t care that it will have very little valid ground to stand if it comes to power after the PPP.
Everybody is in a frenzy of toppling and the only party that is winning is Al Qaeda. The PPP will go along with the aroused clergy and let the victims of blasphemy law down. Asiya Bibi will either have to die to save all of us from the wrath of the mullah or she will rot in jail indefinitely as she has already done for over a year. Let us have a taste of what has appeared in the Urdu press where the battle in favour of the evil law is being fought.
Lawyers and clergy join hands: Leader of JUIF Dr Atiqur Rehman told Express (23 Nov 2010) that the entire world had laws punishing blasphemy, but he did not say whether the entire world gave death as the minimum punishment for blasphemy. Christian Minorities Minister Shehbaz Bhatti said that Blasphemy Law was being misused to persecute non-Muslims. Cleric Afzal Qadri said Blasphemy Law was abused the same way as the Murder Law but no one protested against the latter law. Wukla persons protest against Asiya Bibi: Reported in Jinnah (23 Nov 2010) the lawyers of Nankana Sahib and Sangla Hill came out to protest against the granting of pardon to Asiya Bibi and said that such a pardon would be contempt of court. They said the court should take notice of efforts to smuggle Asiya Bibi abroad.
Shujaat against Asiya’s pardon: Reported in Jang (24 Nov 2010) Chaudhry Shujaat of PMLQ – always the first to bend the knee to tumescent clergy – said that pardon given to the Blasphemy Law victim Asiya Bibi would be wrong and would entail violent reaction. JUI wants Asiya hanged? Reported in Jinnah (24 Nov 2010) coalition partner of PPP the JUIF said that Asiya Bibi should be allowed to face whatever punishment the courts hand down to her and that there should be no pardon. It supported death sentence for blasphemy and asked the government to pay more attention to drone attacks. It said it will physically resist any pardon.
Rana Sanaullah in the breach as always: Daily Jinnah (24 Nov 2010) reported that religious parties in Sheikhupura in Punjab came out in strength supporting the death sentence of Asiya Bibi blocking all roads and causing traffic jams and saying that they will not allow pardon to her and will react to sending her out of the country for asylum. Rana Sanaullah for Asiya death: Law minister of Punjab Rana Sanaullah was quoted by Jinnah (24 Nov 2010) as saying that he was in agreement with the punishment meted out to Asiya Bibi under Penal Code Section 295C and that Governor Punjab Salmaan Taseer was acting like a spoiled child (bigra batcha) by supporting her and trying to win a pardon for her. He said by doing dalassa (compassion) to Asiya he was causing a Muslim-Christian conflict (fasad).
Cities rise against Asiya’s asylum: Daily Jinnah (24 Nov 2010) reported that a number of cities staged protests against the alleged shifting of Asiya from Sheikhupura jail to Islamabad before sending her away to the US to avoid her being hanged under orders from a sessions judge. The processions were arranged by power religious organisations such as Tehreek Hurmat Rasul, Sunni action and Sunni Ittehad Council. Friday was named as the grand protest day against Asiya’s asylum.
Famous columnist Hamid Mir wrote to say that Afiya had confessed to blasphemy and now had to face the music. But some years ago he was less quiescent, which is a measure of how extremist Pakistan had become. He had written in Jang (26 June 2006) that the PPP’s imprisoned leader Yusuf Raza Gilani had stated in his book that when in 1990 Nawaz Sharif became prime minister and wanted to change the Blasphemy Law but Ms Bhutto in the opposition did not help him in parliament. Still later Ms Bhutto returned to power in 1993 and wanted to change the Blasphemy Law but this time Nawaz Sharif did not help her.
That kind of a game is still on.
Pakistan bride, Osama bin Laden bridegroom: Pakistan will not stop having death wishes. Usually nations on their way down have a single death wish. Pakistan has many. It wants the Qadianis killed and wants to use blasphemy to hang them but is netting others instead. It is like a fisherman who will kill other fish to get at the one he wants. Christians as a community are threatened after we in our stupidity have broadened the net of blasphemy by including all prophets. Since the Bible has stories of Prophets that Muslims consider insulting – Noah, David and Solomon get a raw deal – the entire Christian community led by the bishops might have to be hanged collectively. Pakistan may the next Golgotha.
So be it, because most of us will die anyway after Al Qaeda takes over. Pakistan is a bride in her conjugal chamber waiting to be ravished by Osama bin Laden. We got Pakistan from Jinnah and are now ready to hand it over to the minions of bin Laden. What gives me just a shred of satisfaction as I ready myself to die as a secular person is the fact that all Barelvis who are now baying for the blood of a poor Christian woman will be disembowelled by the ‘superior’ Muslim followers of Al Qaeda and made to hang in the various squares of Pakistan. We have had the foretaste of it in Swat and elsewhere in the Tribal Areas.
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Also, TREOS, Lydia(EFFING JUST GOT REC'D THAT SHIT), Sullivan, Before Today(PTV is NOT the same), Verse, Have Heart(I stand by it, bring the flame), and that one band Spencer from UO used to be in; cbf to find the name.
Nevermind, I'm an absolute failure of a human being. In my sleepless daze, I must have confused you with....fr33convict. Horrible mistake, I take full responsibility. Poop in my mouth to your heart(and bowel's) content.
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Climber falls 30 feet in Acadia
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, Maine — A Montana woman who works at the Jordan Pond House restaurant suffered several injuries Sunday evening when she fell while free-climbing along Ocean Drive, according to a park ranger.
The 23-year-old woman, who is from Missoula, Mont., was climbing without the use of ropes around 5:15 p.m. Sunday when she fell about 30 feet, Ranger Ed Pontbriand said Tuesday. She was climbing on rocks along the shore on Monument Cove, which is between Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs, he said.
The woman, whom Pontbriand did not identify, fell onto cobblestones. She appeared to break her ankle but suffered other injuries that Pontbriand described as “multi-system trauma.” Park personnel, members of Mount Desert Island Search and Rescue, and Acadia Climbing Guides responded to evacuate the woman from the bottom of the cliff, the ranger said.
The woman was immobilized in a full-body vacuum splint and hoisted in a litter to the top. From there, she was carried to a nearby LifeFlight helicopter that had found a stable rocky outcropping to land on, and then flown to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.
Pontbriand said Sunday’s incident was the second in the past two weeks in which someone has fallen while free-climbing in Monument Cove.
The prior incident, on May 31, involved a 19-year-old Bar Harbor woman who fell a shorter distance and hurt her ankle. The Bar Harbor woman was using a “crash pad,” which free climbers often place on the ground beneath them to cushion their landing if they do fall; she missed it slightly when she landed, he said. Normally, free climbing is done when the distance to the ground is not more than a few feet, he said.
Pontbriand said he is not sure whether the Montana climber was using a crash pad when she fell. He said climbing is a very technical skill, and that it can be “a little risky” for those who do not have a lot of experience.
“It’s a growing fad,” Pontbriand said of free-climbing. “A lot of people are starting to do it.”
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5.20.2016
Under The Sea (Octopus) Baby Shower!
We had a shower for little baby Greyson last weekend and his mama is obsessed with the octopus theme right now! The girls did a great job with all the details right down to the octopus confetti on the tables.
The cake was two different flavors and sea creatures made from fondant. Can you see Greyson's name written in the crumb "sand"?
Many guests brought gifts wrapped in custom wrapping paper with little octopus cartoons and the mom or baby's name! You can design something similar for your next shower here
The name banner was just created on the computer and printed - they laminated the sheets, punched holes and threaded a ribbon through each sheet. Each end was hung with Command Strips so it was temporary - I always forget about those things!
A beachy scented candle was wrapped in netting and embellished with a silver octopus charm. Baby Greyson's photo is on top.
A balloon artist created these amazing octopus balloons in blue and green - they looked SO COOL floating over the room! Want to learn how to create them yourself? Check out this YouTube video!
An octopus diaper cake was a great centerpiece for the gift table. I loved this! Here is how to make one: 19 Stunning Diaper Cakes
This shadowbox had a picture drawn by the mama's God-daughter that was just a placeholder for lots of little scrapbook items mom can place inside and display.
Crazy decorated stork is a new tradition mama and her friend found at a yard sale this year. He over looked the game table: "Guess the baby food" and "Message Diapers". Friend wrote funny sayings on the diapers to cheer up mom and dad during late night diaper changes ("Looks like avocado!" "I still stink less than dad!")
My nephew was actually born premature at 28 weeks on April 1st, and is still in the NICU. The bright side was that the proud mama got to enjoy the Bellinis, Mimosa's and Bloody Mary's with her guests!
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About Me
I'm a mom to three boys (ages 8-12), who's life revolves around laundry, football practice, blogging and art. Much of my daily interaction with said boys involves snacking, burping, discussions about "balls" or "peters", farting, or You Tube.
I have a small business and a group of friends (both real and bloggy) who provide me with the necessary estrogen to survive my testosterone-filled days. Got any estrogen to spare? Come on in!
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Option 1 - High Performance Driving. Day of Event Registration: $300 per
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straight-aways.
Click HERE to learn more about our Taste of the Track program.
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This is the single-news section of the
marathonrally.com news "Offroad & Motorsports".
To see all news please use the link under the article or navigate
with the left main-navigation.
Australasian Safari Video: Team Hall with Hummer in Australia (2).
Hinweis: If you see a white field only, please actualize your Flash-Player. Every shown video is protected by different copyrights. It´s strictly forbidden to copy this video or broadcast on other websites.
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Author James Hannon finds out that his Bronx/Ducky Boys World and his Costuming World are starting to blend together in very strange & coincidental ways. This looks like a job for SuperGirl – who was instrumental in uncovering this string of coincidences. Sound interesting? Read on……
Well, so far every big project I’ve worked on has had at least one huge coincidence that made me realize I might be onto something really cool.
For my 2004 documentary, Out of Our Dens: The Richard & the Young Lions Story, while looking for Detroit names who remembered the band RYL, I came across legendary NYC radio DJ Pat St John – who unbeknownst to me was a legendary Detroit radio DJ before coming to NY and not only did he remember the band, he LOVED them. buy cheap cialis europe. And while thats cool, thats not the coincidence part. The coincidence part is that when I spoke to him and invited him out to the bands rehearsal studio to see them play, we found out that Read more
During the course of two weekends in October 2011, I got to met THREE of my childhood heroes, and have a lot of other cool things happen. This is in addition to the weekend earlier where it was Superhero Nirvana down in Flemington, NJ – October is a great month to be a costumer!
This was originally going to be one blog entry, but there were too many pictures to split out between the two events, so I figured I’d make two so it would be easier for my readers to digest.
During the 2nd weekend of October, 2011, a small convention down in Cherry Hill, NJ happened. It was called the Garden State Comic Con and it was run by a company named ZoloWorld. Its not the biggest con I’ve been to, and it certainly is going thru some growing pains, but you know what? I had a great experience there, so I’ll cut them slack on the problems faced…
For a small con,they had some big con names appearing – Barbara Eden from I Dream of Jeannie, Hayden Panettiere – the cheerleader from Heroes, Davy Jones of the Monkees, Jonathan Frakes and Marina Sirtis from Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Rusty Goffe and Bonnie Piesse from the Star Wars franchise.
One particular attendee – Jackson Bostwick, most people probably wouldn’t recognize, but he was the reason I drove an hour and a half to Cherry Hill to see. Mr Bostwick played the original Captain Marvel from the 1973 live action Saturday morning show “SHAZAM!” which was my favorite show from when I was 6 years old. I dare say that this show may have been the early inspiration for the costuming bug I developed years later. I remember yelling “SHAZAM!” and tying a towel around my neck and pretending to be Captain Marvel (or as I call him Shazam).
A year or so ago, I wrote a blog entry called “Laying out the Damn Pennysaver” and I talked about how someone could get a book published while working a day job and trying to have a social life… Read the blog entry if you get a chance, but the short version is that if you write one hour a day at lunch, you will eventually have something complete. It may not be fast, but it will be consistent and the Tortoise and the Hare shows that consistency will eventually win out as the fast get tired.
Anyhoo, I was thinking about the Pennysaver article recently because I just started a two-week vacation and I was planning to do 8-hour shifts of writing to get ahead in my writing of the new book… And yesterday, I ran into one of the big problems I had before my “one hour a day” method… It is really easy to get overwhelmed with everything you want to do at once… You have all these hours ahead of you that you “think” you’ll be 8 times as productive as you are during that one hour…It doesnt work that way…More time equals more time to procrastinate and do other stuff (Facebook anybody?) I’ll be honest this blog entry itself is just a way to avoid doing… But since this is writing, I’ll allow it… And if it helps anyone, then its worth it…
My new plan to fight procrastination is to fight it with…. procrastination???? Meaning have to have multiple projects going on (that are important to where you want to go with your life – and I’m not talking about watching TV or framing a Shazam! photo – which I did this morning)
Having multiple projects means that if you don’t want to do something on Project 1, you can procrastinate and do something on Project (2 or Project 3, 4,5 or 6). That way your productivity increases overall, and you still have the feeling that you avoided doing something you didn’t really want to do at the time. Then when you have to do the next step on the 2nd project, you can Read more
Today is June 17th, 2011 – which is the 7 year anniversary of the passing of Howard “Richard” Tepp – The lead singer of Richard and the Young Lions (also known as RYL). I wasn’t thinking about that milestone intentionally today, but it kinda jumped out at me accidentally, so it seems like the universe really wanted me to make a note out of it. and what better way than a blog? :)
Other than today being the release of the new Green Lantern movie (just remember, my company name is LANTERN Media Productions), it wasn’t supposed to be an extra-ordinary day. I was just working from home, trying to decide which showing of the movie I will see.
Side Note: Jedi-J (his preferred name, don’t ask LOL) is one of my interview subjects for my new book about costumers, and we’ve become friends over the last few months. He does a killer Obi-Wan Kenobi (the Ewan McGregor one), and has a really interesting story that will come out partially in my new book, but really deserves his own book – If nobody else grabs him by the time I’m done with this book, I’m seriously going to consider writing it myself)
So, I was talking with Jedi-J about my RYL documentary and he asked how the band was doing nowadays, and I told him that Richard Tepp had died back in June 2004 – I forgot the date, but it was 4 days after I had completely finished my documentary on him and the band. And Jedi-J was really shocked that he had died, and started asking questions about the days leading up to his passing, and how he felt the documentary became a lot more poignant knowing that.
https://jameshannon.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/JamesHannonLogo.gif00jameshannonhttps://jameshannon.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/JamesHannonLogo.gifjameshannon2011-06-17 11:49:472011-11-05 23:06:14Richard and the Young Lions - 7 years later
First, you can buy a personalized copy of the book at: http://Lantern-Media.com/signedbooks It may even cost less than the online bookstores too since their prices fluctuate based on the market. Paperback costs $15, while the hardcover costs $20.
Most, if not all the online bookstores carry it:
Amazon.com carries the paperback, hardcover, and Kindle versions
Barnes and Noble Onlinealso carries the paperback, hardcover and Nook versions
Borders carries the paperback and hardcover versions
Authorhouse (my publisher) carries the paperback, hardcover, and e-book version
I am also finding that more and more physical Barnes and Noble bookstores are carrying buy ativan online no prescription versions of the book. The next time you go into one, please ask your local B&N to carry Lost Boys of the Bronx: The Oral History of the Ducky Boys Gang (ISBN: 9781452020549 for the paperback which is more likely to be carried)
Current Barnes and Nobles who have carried Lost Boys of the Bronx are:
call before going to check current availability
https://jameshannon.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/JamesHannonLogo.gif00jameshannonhttps://jameshannon.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/JamesHannonLogo.gifjameshannon2011-01-17 14:39:482011-01-17 14:39:48Where can you buy Lost Boys of the Bronx / Ducky Boys Story?
First, the bad…Last Sunday Night/Monday morning, my old Bronx Catholic Grammar school Our Lady of Refuge was broken into during a rash of burglaries against Catholic schools in the neighborhood. Rather than interpret it, let me just share the words directly from the pastor and neighborhood guardian and personal hero of mine – Monsignor (but to me, he will always be Father) John Jenik.
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Private citizens can sue to enforce California's food labeling laws, the state Supreme Court said Monday in a ruling that revives a consumer complaint about the chemically induced orange coloring of salmon raised on fish farms.
Consumer lawsuits filed in 2003 and 2004 accused supermarket chains of misleading customers by failing to disclose on labels that the fish, naturally grayish, had been fed chemicals to give their flesh the color of wild salmon. Lower courts combined the cases and dismissed them, saying federal law barred states from allowing private suits over food labeling, but the state's high court unanimously disagreed and reinstated the claims.
The ruling "vindicates consumers' right to know what's in their food," said attorney Kevin Golden of the Center for Food Safety in San Francisco, which filed arguments in support of the plaintiffs.
Rex Heinke, lawyer for the supermarkets, said the ruling undermines the goal of Congress for national uniformity in food labeling laws and enforcement. He said the chains may appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Farmed salmon take on the orange hue of their free-swimming kin after consuming the chemicals canthaxanthin and astaxanthin. Similar substances are also part of wild salmon's natural diet. The federal government does not consider them health hazards, and the plaintiffs are not claiming that consumers were harmed by eating farmed salmon.
But the suits contended that the stores induced some customers to pay higher prices for salmon and led others to buy fish they usually would have shunned because of the artificial coloring.
The suits were consolidated into a single case in Los Angeles and then dismissed by a trial judge and an appellate court. Those courts said that food labeling is regulated by federal law and that only the government, not private citizens, can sue for violations. Neither the federal government nor the state has acted in this case to enforce a federal law that requires disclosure of artificial food coloring.
But California's high court said Monday that a 1990 federal law - sponsored by Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Los Angeles - authorizes states to enact identical labeling requirements, which private citizens can enforce in court.
In this case, the court said, consumers are suing to require disclosure under a California labeling law and are not in conflict with the federal law.
After a similar suit was filed in Seattle in 2003, the nation's three largest supermarket chains, Safeway, Albertsons and Kroger, agreed to label their farm-raised salmon as artificially colored. Monday's ruling could lead to lower-court orders that would make such agreements legally binding in California.
Those three chains are defendants in the California case, along with Trader Joe's, Costco, Whole Foods, Bristol Farms and Ocean Beauty Seafoods.
Craig Spiegel, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said customers may also be entitled to damages for overpaying for farm-raised salmon and for buying fish because of misinformation.
Heinke, the supermarkets' lawyer, said the ruling was at odds with a federal law that was meant to leave enforcement in the hands of government regulators.
"We think Congress intended for the government to decide which (labeling standards) are worth enforcing and to ensure that the enforcement of statutes is uniform throughout the country," Heinke said. "You can't do that with private enforcement. ... You no longer have experts enforcing the law."
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House Unanimously Approves the Hire More Heroes Act
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced that bipartisan legislation to incentivize small businesses to hire veterans while at the same time providing them relief from the Affordable Care Act was unanimously approved by the House.
“I am humbled by the amount of support shown by the new Congress for my legislation to help businesses hire more of our nation’s veterans,” said Davis. “The Hire More Heroes Act is a great example of the type of bipartisan, jobs legislation that we will continue to advance on behalf of the American people. It is my hope that this legislation will receive swift action in the Senate and by the President so we can put an end to the gridlock in Washington and put our nation on solid footing for a bright future.”
“Those that have served to protect America deserve every opportunity to find good-paying jobs when they return home,” Blunt said. “I thank Congressman Davis and my colleagues in the House for their support in passing the Hire More Heroes Act, which I introduced in the Senate. I look forward to moving forward on this and other important bills to help create more jobs and opportunity for veterans and all Americans.”
"As we begin the 114th Congress, passage of this bipartisan Hire More Heroes Act, which focuses on empowering and employing our veterans, is the perfect tone to begin the year on. This legislation will help decrease the number of unemployed veterans, and support our small-business owners as they work hard to grow our economy," said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) who spoke in support of the bill. "I congratulate my friend, Rodney Davis, for his leadership on this legislation. I was honored to immediately offer my support and co-sponsor the bill, because of the important constituency that it serves - those who willingly serve and sacrifice for our nation."
“I was proud to learn that the Hire More Heroes Act was going to be one of the first priorities of the new Congress and that it passed the House today." said Lavite, Superintendent of the Madison County Veterans Assistance Commission. "This bill will provide small businesses relief from the employer mandate and an opportunity for veterans to more easily find and maintain long-term employment in their local communities. I am calling on Congress to pass and move this bill forward and am prayerful the President signs and executes this legislation. Veterans and Service Members work very hard while serving and all we are asking is they have the opportunity to bring this same work ethic back to small businesses upon discharge and return to communities across this great nation."
“Illinois small businesses appreciate Congressman Rodney Davis’s work to provide targeted relief for certain employers from Obamacare and provide greater hiring opportunities for veterans,” said Kim Maisch, NFIB IL State Director. “H.R. 22, the Hire More Heroes Act of 2015, would exempt military veterans with existing health insurance coverage from the problematic 50 full-time equivalent employee threshold from the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) employer mandate requirements. This mandate is already resulting in less opportunities and lower incomes for employees and a disincentive for growth for employers.”
Background: Davis introduced H.R. 22, the Hire More Heroes Act of 2015, along with more than a hundred of his colleagues earlier today. Davis first introduced the Hire More Heroes Act in November 2013, which passed the House twice last Congress. H.R. 3474 first passed the House by a vote of 406-1 on March 11, 2014 and again as part of a broad, bipartisan jobs package called the Jobs for America Act on September 18, 2014.
Additionally, Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) today introduced the senate version of the Hire More Heroes Act of 2015. Blunt was the lead sponsor of this bill in the Senate last Congress.
The Hire More Heroes Act incentivizes small businesses to hire veterans by exempting veterans who already receive health insurance through the Department of Veterans Affairs or the VA from being counted toward the number of employees required by the employer mandate under the Affordable Care Act.
Bradley A. Lavite, Superintendent of the Madison County Veteran's Assistance Commission, first shared the idea for the legislation with Davis at a Veterans Advisory Board meeting.
This legislation is supported by the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS), the only military service association representing the interests of every enlisted soldier and airmen in the Army and Air National Guard, and The Retired Enlisted Association, a Congressionally-charted veterans’ service organization and the largest association in the nation of enlisted retirees and veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces.
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Summary: We should strive to be more like GOD in every way and not in just the ways we find easier to accomplish.
Hebrews 10:19-25, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in the assurance that faith brings, because we have had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy. And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near.”
Several weeks ago, we, in Bible Study, were examining the early Church. While many of us think of the church as a single monolith, uniform in thought and deed, such was not the case. The primary expression of early Christian up to the year 70 AD was what historians call the Jerusalem Church.. This Jerusalem church was headed by James the Just or sometimes called James the Less. James was the brother of Jesus and the Jerusalem church saw itself as a radical wing of Judaism commonly referred to as a messianic community. One of the primary sources of information we have concerning the Jerusalem Church is of course the book of Acts, which speaks considerably of its activities. In addition to the book of Acts several other historians of that day provide for us supplemental information on this era of the early church. These include the Roman Historian, Tacitus, the Greek Historian Tseutonius and of course the ever popular Hebrew historian, Pliny Josephus.
Jerusalem politics in the days of the Jerusalem church was intense and volatile. The well-known militant group, the Sircari and their co-conspirators, the zealots, were ever pushing Jerusalem closer and to a physical confrontation with the powers of Rome.
The zealots and the Sircari wanted to rid Jerusalem of the presence of Rome, its soldiers and officials, and in 70 AD these groups led the citizens of Jerusalem in an uprising against the Roman authorities. This act is now known as the Jewish Revolt of 70 AD.
Rome’s response was swift and brutal. Thousands were massacred and the revolt came to a blood end in the outlying fort called Masada where the ring-leaders of the uprising were rounded up and executed. Caught up in this blood bath of 70 AD, were many who belonged to the early church and Tacitus and Josephus report that not only was James the Just killed the year before in 69 AD, but the temple in Jerusalem was leveled and what was known as the Jerusalem church was utterly destroyed leaving the lingering remnant to scatter to the far corners of the earth.
This destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD was the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy when he said to the women “weep not for me but for yourselves because a day is coming when there will be gnashing of teeth and no stone will rest upon another in the city of Jerusalem.” ith the decimation of the church in Jerusalem, the survival of Christianity now rested upon the activities of the outlying rural gentile churches that had not been affected by what had taken place in Jerusalem. These churches were strongly associated with their founder and operated across the landscape of Asia Minor in places like Corinth, Collossae, Phillipi and Thessalonika. These churches had been founded by the Apostle Paul, a missionary, and without them we would not have a religion called Christianity today.
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At Rackspace, we continue to work on our IPv6 roadmap, which includes everything from hardware and software upgrades, staff training, and customer interaction events. Everyone here at Rackspace is very excited about IPv6 and the...
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Indie Log: We Are What We Are
A compelling story cleverly told, We Are What We Are quenches horror buffs’ thirst for gore while serving up serious-minded filmmaking and solid acting.
Indeed. Among the generally top-notch moviemaking is a bit of awkwardness and a pacing problem — the movie does not feel like it is moving slowly per se, but neither does it stir itself along the way one could expect given the underlying plot, especially in the first half. We Are What We Are is no Martha Marcy May Marlene, but it’s still worthwhile. Available via Netflix and iTunes rental. And look for Kelly McGillis — she’s a long way off from Top Gun and Witness. 7/10
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The specified delivery times and prices are valid for all places of delivery in United States of America for orders and successful receipt of payment and/or purchase on account or cash on delivery no later than March 20, 2018. 6:00 PM. To ensure fast and successful payment, you can use the following payment methods Credit Card, Paypal .
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These Sunglasses are a guarantee for looking good for both men and women. Eyewear is in. Full rim is extremely popular, because you feel that you get more eyeglass for your money. It is not just about their resilience, but also about the visibility of material and design, which are of the highest quality. The rectangular shape of the frame exudes self-confidence and power. Especially for round shaped faces, the rectangle is a perfect counterpoint. Plastic is a very lightweight and flexible material. This ensures a long life and a high level of comfort. You can rely on the guaranteed UV400 protection, for all the sunglasses in our shop.
The model is in stock. If you order now with the express shipping option, we can even guarantee the time of delivery. In our online shop we have consistently low prices. You won't get A126 at such a low price, not even in the sale.
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Deutsch lernenLearn german pronunciation through slowly delivered radio news.
Read and listen, this one is set to
Peruvian theme.
6 month(s) ago
2859 view(s)
Learn German - Lesson 2Hello and welcome to German 1.
Lesson 2 will show you how German articles and pronouns follow the grammatical gender of nouns.
Enjoy the video.
http://www.deutsch-online-lerne...
Learn German - Lesson 1Hello and welcome to German 1.
This video will give you an introduction to the German personal prounouns and the present tense of the verb "sein".
We hope you enjoy it. Thank yo...
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Archive for May 2013
At last, the Excel 2013 app I’ve really been waiting for! Those data visualization apps from last week have generated a lot of interest, but this is even cooler for a data geek like me.
A few months ago I came across FlatMerge, a startup that allows you to upload data and then make it available as an OData feed; I was going to blog about it but my fellow OData fan Jamie Thomson beat me to it. However at that point it was only a website where you could upload data… today, FlatMerge released its own, free (for the time being) Excel 2013 app which allows you to upload data direct from Excel. So you can take data from an Excel table:
Save it to FlatMerge:
And then import it into Excel 2013, PowerPivot, Data Explorer or any tool that supports OData feeds. Here’s the URL for the table I just uploaded (which, if I’ve read the docs correctly, should be publicly available):
It’s still a version 1.0 and there are a few features it’s missing that I’d like to see (like the ability to update a data source, and to control who has access to that data), but I think it’s very cool. I’ve seen tools that allow you to share data from Excel before but this is the first that uses OData, and this means you have a much greater degree of flexibility about how you consume your data. Arguably you could do the same thing by saving your Excel file to Sharepoint 2013 Excel Services and using the OData feed from an Excel Services table, but that’s a much more expensive and less user-friendly option.
I can imagine a whole bunch of uses for this, for example in a budgeting application where multiple Excel users need to submit their figures, which then need to be consolidated in a single Excel spreadsheet, maybe using Data Explorer.
I don’t usually like to blog about topics that I think other people have blogged about already, but despite the fact that Mosha blogged about this several years ago (in fact more than eight years ago, blimey) this particular problem comes up so often with my customers and on the MSDN Forum that I thought I should write something about it myself. So apologies if you know this already…
Here’s the problem description. If you define a calculated measure in MDX, that calculation will take place after the real measure values have all aggregated. For example, consider a super-simple cube with a Year dimension, two real measures called A and B and a calculated measure called [A * B] that returned the value of A multiplied by B. In a PivotTable you’d see the following result:
Note how the Grand Total for the [A * B] calculated measure is 12*16=192, and not 12+12+12+12=48. This is expected behaviour for calculated measures, and indeed the way you want your calculations to behave most of the time.
However, there are some scenarios where you want to do the calculation first and then aggregate up the result of that calculation; in our previous example that means you’d get 48 for the Grand Total instead. Currency conversion and weighted averages are common examples of calculations where this needs to happen. How can you handle this in MDX?
Let’s look at a slightly more complex example than the one above. In the following cube, based on Adventure Works data, I created a Date dimension that looks like this:
…and a Product dimension that looks like this:
I also created two measures on a fact table called A and B:
Now, let’s say that once again you want to calculate the value of A*B at the Date and Product granularity, and aggregate the result up. Probably the easiest way of handling this would be to do the calculation in the fact table, or in the DSV, and then bringing the result in as a new real measure. However this may not be possible with some types of calculation, or if the granularity that you want to do the calculation is not the same as the granularity of the fact table.
One way of approaching this in MDX would be to create a calculated measure like this:
The big problem with this approach (apart from the fact that it may break when you do a multi-select in certain client tools – but you could work around that) is that it is usually very, very slow indeed. Depending on the calculation, it may be unusably slow. So you need a different approach.
This is where scoped assignments come in. If you make a scoped assignment to a real measure, as opposed to a calculated measure, then the value of the assignment will aggregate up outside of the original scope. So, in this case, since you want the calculation to take place at the Date and Product granularity, if you scope on a real measure at that granularity the result of the calculation will aggregate up automatically.
The first step here is to create a new real (ie not calculated) measure for the calculation. This can be done in the DSV by creating a named calculation on your fact table which returns the value NULL:
You then need to create a new real measure on your measure group from this new named calculation:
In this example, I’ve left the AggregateFunction property of the measure to be the default of Sum, but you could use a different setting if you wanted a different type of aggregation. The next step is to process the cube, and once you’ve done that you’ll see a new measure that only returns the value 0:
Next, you need to create the scoped assignment on the Calculations tab of the Cube Editor. If you remember in my post last week about scoped assignments, I recommended avoiding writing scopes using user hierarchies; using only attribute hierarchies the scope statement becomes:
One very important thing to notice: the sets I’ve used for scoping on the Dates and Products do not include the All Member: for example, [Date].[Date].[Date].MEMBERS. If you use a set that includes the All Member, such as [Date].[Date].MEMBERS, the calculation will not aggregate up correctly.
Here’s the result:
This is going to be much more efficient than the pure MDX calculated measure approach, though just how well the calculation performs will depend on the complexity of the calculation and the size of the area that you are scoping on.
To test the Treemap out, I used Data Explorer to get the overall size on disk of the contents of the folders I use to store my presentation materials; I won’t go into detail about how I did it, but Erik Svenson has a great post on how to do this here. I ended up with a the following treemap:
It’s worth pointing out one cool thing about these apps: they still work when your worksheet is deployed to Sharepoint and viewed in a browser with the Excel Web App, even in Office 365!
I’ve had a lot of requests for more MDX content on my blog, so here’s something I’ve been meaning to write up for a long time: a worked example of how to use scoped assignments to implement two different types year-to-date calculation on two different hierarchies in the same dimension. Knowledge of how to use scoped assignments is the sign of a true MDX master (you can watch a video of a session I gave on the basics of scoped assignments at SQLBits here if you’re unfamiliar with them) but that’s because they can be very difficult to write and there’s surprisingly little information out there on the internet about them. They are incredibly powerful, though, and often they provide the most elegant and best-performing way to solve a problem.
Let’s start by looking at the Date dimension in the Adventure Works DW sample database, and more specifically the attributes, user hierarchies and attribute relationships:
Notice how we have two user hierarchies for Calendar Years (which start on January 1st) and Fiscal Years (which start on July 1st), called Calendar and Fiscal. Now, let’s say that you have a requirement to to show year-to-date values for a measure for both the Calendar and Fiscal hierarchies. It would be very easy to implement this as two separate calculated measures but what if you needed to show both types of year-to-date in the same calculated measure, showing Fiscal year-to-dates when the Fiscal hierarchy was used in a query and Calendar year-to-dates when the Calendar hierarchy was used in a query?
This is possible using scoped assignments. The first thing to point out, though, is that this is only going to be possible if you change the structure of the dimension. Why? Well, take a look at the Date levels of both hierarchies: they are both built using the Date attribute. If you were running a query with your YTD calculation on columns and only the Date attribute hierarchy on rows, would you expect to see Calendar or Fiscal YTD values? Certainly you couldn’t see both in the same cell, and this is the problem: if you expect to see Calendar YTD values at the bottom of your Calendar hierarchy, and Fiscal YTD values at the bottom of your Fiscal hierarchy, you need two separate Date attributes to do this. If you overwrite the values in the same cells twice using a scoped assignment, then you will only see the result of the second assignment.
Therefore, what we need to do is to create two new attributes, Calendar Date and Fiscal Date, to serve as the lowest levels of the Calendar and Fiscal hierarchies instead of the Date attribute. Here’s what the new attribute relationships look like:
From the end-user’s point of view nothing seems to have changed (these new attributes can have their AttributeHierarchyVisible property set to False) but this now means we have two attributes, two different slices of the cube, whose values we can overwrite separately instead of just one.
Now for the MDX. A good rule to follow when writing scoped assignments is to always use attribute hierarchies and never use user hierarchies; this is because there are rules you have to obey about the shape of the subcube of data you are overwriting with your scoped assignment. When defining a scope using only attribute hierarchies, you can only use the following types of set:
Every single member on the attribute hierarchy
Just one member on the attribute hierarchy
Multiple members on the attribute hierarchy not including the All Member
I wrote up a detailed set of rules for defining scopes in MDX Solutions, if you’re interested; if you don’t follow these rules you’ll get the infamous “An arbitrary shape of the sets is not allowed in the current context” error (I know a joke about that, incidentally).
For this calculation, we need to make two scoped assignments on a single calculated measure called [YTD Sales]: one to show the Fiscal YTD calculation for the Fiscal Date, Fiscal Month Name, Fiscal Quarter, Fiscal Semester and Fiscal Year attributes; and one to show the Calendar YTD calculation for the Calendar Date, Calendar Month Name, Calendar Quarter, Calendar Semester and Calendar Year attributes. When scoping on ranges of attributes like this, there’s another easy rule to follow: scope on the set of every member, including the All Member, from the attribute hierarchy at the lowest granularity attribute, and the set of every member, not including the All Member, from the highest granularity attribute. These two sets also need to be in the same, rather than separate, SCOPE statements for reasons I explain here.
Now you can see the YTD Sales calculated measure returns Calendar YTD values for the Calendar hierarchy:
…and it returns Fiscal YTD values for the Fiscal hierarchy:
There’s one last trick I want to show. It can be very difficult to know that your scoped assignment is covering the subcube you want it to cover, so while debugging scoped assignments I find it helps to assign values to the BACK_COLOR cell property so I can see exactly where I’m scoping. Here’s the MDX above with extra assignments to set the cell background colour to orange for the Calendar YTD calculation and blue for the Fiscal YTD calculations:
It can also help you understand what’s going on in the scenarios where the scopes overlap, for example if you put the Calendar and Fiscal hierarchies on rows and columns in the same PivotTable: the Fiscal hierarchy takes precedence, because it’s defined second.
With my Technitrain hat on I’m sitting in on Marco’s Advanced DAX course in London today, and the question of comments in DAX came up – which reminded me that this is something I’ve been meaning to blog about. DAX as a language supports comments, but unfortunately it’s not possible to add comments inside a DAX measure or calculated column expression in either PowerPivot or SSAS Tabular right now (which is where they’re most needed – I hope this changes in the future). That said, there are some other things you can do to add textual explanations and descriptions to your DAX measure code.
Before we get onto the workarounds, a quick word about comments in DAX. These can only be used in DAX queries, and the types of comment supported are the same as in MDX: double-dashes and double-forward-slashes for single line comments, and forward-slash-asterisk to start a multi-line comment and asterisk-forward-slash to close a multi-line comment. Here’s an example:
--single line comment
//another single line comment
/*a multi-line
comment*/
evaluate table1
What can be done with measures though? After all, that’s where the most complex DAX is usually written.
First of all, you can add a description to a measure by right-clicking on it in the measure grid and selecting Description:
Unfortunately this description is not easily accessible to end users anywhere (it would be great if it appeared as a tooltip in a PivotTable, for example) but it can be seen in an Excel worksheet by running a DMV query. DMV queries can be run in Excel 2013 in the same way as DAX queries, using a query table as described here; the DMV query to use is:
select
measure_name as [Measure Name], [description], measure_is_visible
from $system.mdschema_measures
Unfortunately all hidden and implicit measures are returned, and even when the table is filtered so that only measure_is_visible=true there are still a lot of measures that probably shouldn’t be shown.
Similarly, descriptions can be added to any column (calculated or not) in your model, again by right-clicking on it and selecting Description.
This description can be displayed in the worksheet using the following DMV query:
select
hierarchy_name as [Column Name], [description] as [Description]
from $system.mdschema_hierarchies
where cube_name='model'
You can also write text direct to cells in the measure grid too. When I first saw a customer do this I was worried that it might not be supported, but I’ve been told that it is; so long as you don’t use the =: used for defining measures then you should be ok.
This is probably the best way to add comments to your code, if only because it’s the most visible to anyone looking at your PowerPivot/SSAS Tabular model. Of course, for it to be effective you’ll need to have a system for arranging your measures in the measure grid; in “SQL Server Analysis Services 2012: The BISM Tabular Model”, Marco, Alberto and I recommended that you arrange all your measures in the top-left hand corner of the measure grid and I think that’s still a good idea, but the use of text in cells to create headings for groups of measures as well as descriptions can help a lot too.
NOTE: This post was written before Data Explorer was renamed as Power Query. All of the content is still relevant to Power Query.
One of the first questions I get asked after showing someone PowerPivot for the first time is “Can I add new data to a PowerPivot table that already has data in it?”. Out of the box, of course, the answer is no: when you process a table in PowerPivot you have to reload all the data from your data source, you can’t just append new data (unless you’re using copy/paste to load data, which isn’t a good idea). However, there are a lot of self-service BI scenarios where the ability to do this would be extremely useful: for example, you might want to scrape stock quotes from a web page every day and then, in an Excel workbook, accumulate that data in a table so you can analyse historical stock prices with PowerPivot. I ran into a scenario very much like this last week and I thought that Data Explorer should be able to help here. It can, but it’s not obvious how to do it – hence this blog post!
Here’s a super-simple example of how to accumulate data in a table then. Let’s start with a csv file that contains the following data:
Product,Sales
Apples,1
Oranges,2
It’s straightforward to import this data into Excel using Data Explorer and the ‘From csv’ data source:
Here’s the code that Data Explorer generates:
let
Source = Csv.Document(File.Contents("C:\InputData.csv")),
FirstRowAsHeader = Table.PromoteHeaders(Source),
ChangedType = Table.TransformColumnTypes(FirstRowAsHeader,
{{"Product", type text}, {"Sales", type number}})
in
ChangedType
Now, let’s imagine that you want to keep the data from this file in Excel and every time you click Refresh in Data Explorer you add the data from the file onto the end of the existing data you’ve already captured. The first thing you’ll probably want to do in this scenario is add a new column to the data that gives the date and time that the data was loaded, and you can do that quite easily in Data Explorer using the DateTimeZone.UtcNow() function as follows:
Table.AddColumn(ChangedType, “Load Date”, each DateTimeZone.UtcNow())
Data Explorer has functionality to append the data from one query onto the end of another query, but the problem you have to solve now is that when you click Refresh you want the new data to be appended onto the end of the data that has already been collected. It’s a recursive scenario not unlike the one I grappled with here. The solution to this problem is to first of all load the data into the PowerPivot (ie what we should be calling the Excel Data Model now) by clicking on the Load To Data Model link in the Data Explorer query pane:
Then, on a new sheet, create an Excel query table that returns all the data from the PowerPivot table that you’ve just loaded data into. Kasper shows how to do this here; there’s no need for any special DAX, you just need to connect to the PowerPivot table in the Existing Connections dialog:
At this point you should have two tables on two sheets that contain the same data. The next step is to modify the original Data Explorer query so that it contains a new step that appends data from the table you’ve just created (ie the table getting the data from PowerPivot) onto the data from the csv file. This can be done with three new steps, first to get the data from the new Excel table:
Now as I said, this is just a super-simple example and in the real world you’d need extra functionality to do things like delete rows you’ve already loaded and so on; but that’s all doable I think. It’s also worth mentioning that I encountered some strange errors and behaviour when implementing this, partly due to Data Explorer still being in preview I guess, so if you want to recreate this query you’ll need to follow my instructions exactly.
Quick summary: DAX measures in SSAS Tabular that use the UseRelationship() function return an error when row security is applied to a table. I’m surprised this hasn’t been documented somewhere – I know Marco came across it some time ago, but I ran into it again recently so I thought I’d mention it.
Consider the following simple SSAS Tabular model, based on Adventure Works DW:
There’s an active relationship between DateKey and OrderDateKey, and an inactive relationship between DateKey and ShipDateKey. The following measure returns the sum of Sales Amount and activates the inactive relationship:
Public MDX and SSAS Training Courses
I'm running several SSAS, MDX and PowerPivot-related training courses through Technitrain in 2015. Check out the Technitrain course catalogue for full details, and to see other upcoming courses from the likes of Allan Hirt, Jamie Thomson, Andy Leonard, Thomas Kejser and others.
Need some help?
As well as being a blogger, I'm an independent consultant specialising in Analysis Services, MDX, PowerPivot and DAX. I work with customers from all round the world solving cube design problems, performance tuning Analysis Services queries and calculations, writing complex MDX and delivering training courses, and I am happy to work on short-term engagements. For more details see http://www.crossjoin.co.uk
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Security woes
It was my 4th day on the job as a security officer yesterday, and I still have not gotten my second set of uniform from the office! The manager actually promised to send it yesterday!
That's not all. The job sucks. It has nothing to do with the nature of the job, which is to guard the premises of a condominium complex. In fact, if things are done properly, it could be a great job! Unfortunately, the people I work with a jerks.
First, I arrived at work only to find my umbrella (the one I left at the guard house) missing! It wasn't the value of the umbrella but the fact that something could go missing in the guard house which pissed me off. I mean nobody but the guards are allowed entry into the guard house, and security guards are supposed to be in charge of Lost & Found items. So how one earth could my umbrella go 'missing' in the guard house? It really pissed me off because as as security officer, I consider the guard house to be a sanctuary and as secure as a police post. It really is disappointing when you can't trust the people you work with.
Anyway, I made a Lost & Found report myself and threatened to go to the cops. The supervisor thought I was making a fuss over nothing and told me so. Obviously he didn't share my belief that security guards are supposed to be honest and that if anything gets stolen in the guard house, it is a most serious breach of security indeed.
Later, the day got worse. We were supposed to have 3 guards on duty. However, one of them received a call from a girl at 9am and left for the day. He returned at 3pm and disappeared for a while. I later found out that he went off to meet a girl (another one?) at some time past 3pm. He never returned for the day. BUT my supervisor signed him in and out! AND I had to stay in the guard house and do the work! It just isn't fair! I mean, come on, I don't mind if people come back a little late from lunch but going off for 11 hours out of your 12 hour shift to meet girls AND still get paid for a full day's work is just RIDICULOUS!!! My supervisor not only allowed this yesterday but also for the day before yesterday when the other guard had to go meet another girl (his sister supposedly) for like 5-6 hours. Yesterday, my supervisor disappeared for hours for 'patrol', but he told me he was taking a nap somewhere in the car park.
Perhaps they're testing you as you are new to them, some employers and colleagues do little 'pranks' to new people and as time goes on they settle in to the team no problems. If it does continue then speak to a manager about it, it's unfair for you to work in an environment like this. How did work go today?
Yeah, I understand some places do that to newbies. However I think the things going on at that place are more malicious than the usual pranking.
For starters, the senior guards have been disappearing from work since 1st November. Actually they have been doing it far long as far as I can tell, but I remember 1st November because it was my birthday and that was the first time I needed one of them around but couldn't find him. At around 4-ish in the afternoon, a resident of the condominium complex needed the gym access card but I did not know where it was. Remembering that the senior guard was the last one to handle the card, I tried radioing for him. But he was nowhere to be found. The supervisor kept very quiet. It was only later at around 8pm when we were getting off work that the supervisor told me that the senior guard had some sort of 'sister emergency' so he had to leave at around 4pm. The senior guard did not even return to sign out. AND he was clocked as having worked a full day!
What happened on 2nd of November you guys already knew (see above), and on the 3rd of November, things got worse. I saw the supervisor with an umbrella that looked exactly like the one I lost! But he told everyone that his umbrella was an old gift (even though the color looked fresh) that has been in his family for years. Well, it could be true, I concede. I just find it suspicious that this new umbrella turned up right after I lost mine...
That day, the senior guard did not report for work until 10.30am, and we were supposed to be there at 8am. Yet, he was paid for a full day's work. And I had to lie to the office that all 3 of us were present for work at 8am. Because the supervisor was sitting right behind as I answered the phone... gods.... I feel so bad for lying!
Then on the 4th, the same shit (lateness and disappearing acts) went on... And I still haven't got my second set of uniform.
It's ashame you are having your ideals shattered like this but in my experience that's usually the way things work (or more precisely why things don't work). The supervisor flaunting the umberella in front of you is hopefully just a bit of a prank because you are new to the place. On the bright side it sounds like getting time off if ever you needed to shouldn't be a problem. Best of luck with the job and hope your situation there improves. I'd just give it a bit of time if I was you.:smile:
It was Day 11 on the job yesterday and things were still bad. The 2 other guards were still doing their disappearing acts. On the 9th of November, the senior guard (not the supervisor) went off at around 1.30pm and never came back. Not even to sign out at the end of the shift at 8pm.
I got rather confrontational yesterday (Day 11) when the manager came in and told us to screen each taxi coming into the premises thoroughly using the software he provided. We have never done that before. Of course we would take down the taxi's license plate number each time they enter our premises, but we do it by hand and key in the data later when the traffic is less heavy. Considering that the other 2 old farts are not trained in touch typing and that if we follow the exact procedure laid down by the software, it would cause long delays at the gate and the residents are not used to that! Because no one has ever attempted that before. I have no idea why the manager chose yesterday to lay down the law for us.
I won't go into the technical details here but will just say it sucked. Because I was scolded and given dark looks by both taxi drivers and residents of the condominium. Like I said, they never had to deal with the stupid delays. Because it used to be much faster when we just waved them through and took down the license plate numbers by hand (and key it in later). Security isn't necessary better with the software because the delays were caused by slow typing speed and not because we were spending more time screening the taxis.
I wanted to resign today after I cashed in my pay check, but decided to negotiate with the company by asking for a transfer. The agency manager (not the condominium manager who introduced the stupid screening system) agreed to transfer me to other sites, so I agreed to return to the condominium for another day of work tomorrow.
Wow. This job I actually stayed on longer than the other jobs I did recently. A good sign I would say. And I am closer to getting enough money for my Euro tour! Just a few more pay checks to go! Which is another reason why I decided against resigning right now.
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The Muco SR-4 "Easy" violin shoulder rest is part of the Otto Musica line of durable, easy to use, and affordable series of models. Perfect for students and/or rental instruments. Made of high-impact plastic with a foam surface and non-mark grips. Screw turn adjustments make it right for any player and any instrument.
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You are here
Will Robocars vastly increase battery life?
We know electric cars are getting better and likely to get popular even when driven by humans. Tesla, at its core, is a battery technology company as much as it's a car company, and it is sometimes joked that the $85,000 Telsa with a $40,000 battery is like buying a battery with a car wrapped around it. (It's also said that it's a computer with a car wrapped around it, but that's a better description of a robocar.) (Update: Since this article was written, the cost of the Tesla battery has dropped to closer to $20,000.)
Tesla did a lot of work on building cooling systems for standard cylinder Lithium-Ion cells and was able to make a high performance vehicle. The Model S also by default charges to only 80% of capacity because battery life is hurt by charging all the way to full. In fact, charging to 3.92 volts (about 60%) capacity is the sweet spot. Some of the other things that reduce battery life include:
Even ordinary warmth, where the vehicle is stored for long periods, particularly at high charge, is dangerous. The closer to freezing the better, and even above 25 degrees centigrade causes some loss.
The important, but little reported statistic for a battery is the total watt-hours you will be able to get out of it during its usable lifetime. This tells you the lifetime of the battery in miles, and the cost tells you the cost per mile. How important is this? If the Tesla $40,000 battery lasts you 150,000 miles and sells for $10,000 when done, the straight-line cost per mile is 20 cents/mile -- more than the cost of gasoline in most cars, and much more than the 3 cent/mile or less cost of electricity.
Humans will drive as humans want to drive, and it's hard to change that. They will accelerate for both fun and to get ahead of other cars. They will take mixes of short trips and long trips. They don't know how long their trips are and demand a flexible vehicle always ready for anything.
Electric robotaxis change that game. They will drive predictably, rarely ever demanding quick acceleration. A driver likes zippy fun, a passenger wants a gentle ride. They can go even further, and set their driving pattern based on the temperature of their batteries. Are we making the batteries too warm? Then "cool off," literally. This applies both to fast starts and also slowing down. Regenerative braking conserves energy and increases range, but doing it too hard heats the batteries. Start slowing down sooner -- especially if you have data on what traffic lights and traffic are doing and it can make a big difference.
Robotaxis can always use the sweet spot of the battery charge duty cycle.
You will rarely be sent a robotaxi that, in order to get you, needs to dig deep into its maximum range.
Often demand is predictable, so if need be, vehicles can be charged above 60% only when such demand is expected or is arising.
While robotaxis will prefer to charge at night when power is cheapest, they can charge any time to get back up to the optimal level
As I've noted before, battery swap doesn't work well for humans, but robots don't mind making an appointment or driving out of their way for a swap. This makes it easy to use batteries only in the sweet spot, and to charge them only at night on cheap power.
If battery swap is not an option, there are many options to supplement range during peak demand. Vehicles can go to depots to pick up trunk batteries, battery trailers, or even slot-in units with small motorcycle engines and liquid fuel tanks. If this is cheaper than the alternatives, it's an option.
When it gets hot, robotaxis can seek out the shade, or even places with cooling, to keep the batteries from being too warm.
Robotaxis don't mind the loss of range all that much
As a battery ages, its capacity drops. Humans hate that -- having bought a car with a 100 mile range they won't accept it can now only do 60. For a human, that means time to replace the battery. For a robotaxi, that just means you have a shorter range, and you don't get sent on long range trips. Or you may decide that while before, you only charged to 60% to get maximum battery life, now you charge more, knowing it will eat the remaining life, but getting the most out of the battery.
Of course, as the range drops, now you run into another problem. You're carrying around the extra weight of battery for half the range, and it's costing you energy to do that, especially in an ultralight car where the battery is the biggest component of the weight. (This also enters into the math of whether it makes sense to charge only to 60%.) Eventually the time comes that the battery is not practical. This is the time to sell it. Tesla and others are working to produce a home and grid storage market for used car batteries. In those applications, the weight doesn't matter, just the cost for the remaining lifetime watt-hours. You care about the capacity, but you pay a market price for it.
Eventually, even this is not practical and you scrap to recycle the materials.
Typical predictions for Lithium-Ion run from 500 to 1,000 cycles. Tesla's techniques seem to be beating that. With robotaxis, who knows just how many lifetime kwh we'll be able to get out of these batteries, or perhaps even other chemistries. Turns out that human drivers like a chemistry that keeps its life as long as possible then falls off a cliff. Slow decline is harder to sell -- but slow decline chemistries, like Lithium Iron Phosphate and others could make more sense for the robots that don't care.
Grid storage?
It's often suggested that electric cars could be used as grid storage. Problem is, with car batteries today, it costs around 15 cents to put a kwh into a battery and get it out. That means to be grid storage, you need to have the spot price on the grid be the price you bought at, plus 15 cents, plus a margin to make it worth this. Night power can get as low as 6 cents, so this does happen, but not as much as one might hope. The problem is that the grid's peak demand is around 4 to 7pm, which is also a peak time for driving. That's the last time most car owners will want to drain off their batteries to make a bit of money on the power. You will only do that if you know you won't be using the car. For a robotaxi fleet, that might be the case. Of course, selling power to the grid you will do it only at a rate that does not harm your battery or warm it up too much.
When the grid gets to a super peak, the price can really spike to attractive numbers. That's because building extra power plant capacity just for those rare days is expensive, and so almost any price is better. Here we could talk about cars as storage, when we know their batteries are not going to be used. That's even more true of batteries sitting in a battery swap facility.
Comments
Great post, and very insightful. I particularly enjoy how spot on you are on the difference in behaviour between the "human driver" and the "robot driver" and the resulting impact in technology and outcome resulting from difference in behaviour.
Just as massive containerships are owned and operated by a large entity (e.g. Maersk, Hapag Lloyd) and Burlington locomotives pull tank cars owned by petrochemical companies, I predict a bifurcation in personal transportation into large entities owning a fleet of what you describe as "Robotaxis" (used but not owned by private individuals, and paid on a per-trip basis) and individuals owning the "container"...what I call "transportation compartments". You as an individual would own a personal compartment, collapsible to a small footprint the same as a camping cup or an accordion bellows, and you would only sit in a seat customized for you, surrounded by all your personal "sound systems", etc. which would plug into power provided by the "carrier/powerplant/platform". As you well know, most automobiles sit stationary 97% of the time. It becomes uneconomical to own elaborate electronics, servos, motors, updated batteries, etc. when all you wish to do is get from home to work/fun. Whether you were in a messy compartment filled with potato chip crumbs, or a sparkling, sanitized, leather-encrusted bejeweled couch, would all be up to your personal choice, every time. All you would summon would be your hardware. And the footprint of your collapsed travel compartment (30 cm x 120cm) would be smaller than modern vehicle parking by 90x. You could own several compartments, including a "bucket" sportscar style, with the breeze in your face, if you wished! The power unit, once it picked you up, transported you, then dropped you off, would then be free to transport other objects/people, including cases of beer to stores, dry cleaning to homes, lumber to job sites (two-four units working cooperatively to carry outsized loads).
while I have written about the idea of having a small locker that can be stored in a depot and easily picked up and dropped off by cars that are about to give you a ride, even that would take some doing to get working, and you would not have this locker of stuff with you on any spur-of-the-moment trips, only planned ones, and worse, if you take a spur-of-the-moment trip one way, you can't easily have the locker for the return trip even if it's planned without shipping it -- which is doable but more work.
So I doubt we could scale it up. We are already carrying around all of our digital data and connectivity in a phone, so the car doesn't need anything in the way of electronics except basic peripherals -- sound system (if you don't just use headphones), screen, possibly keyboard/mouse though there are security issues with doing that.
And yes, it means you have to clean the car when done, or accept the cost of the car going off to a "car wash" where they clean it if you left it a mess. That cost would be not just the cleaning fee but some travel and downtime for the car. We might pay that -- we do it for rental cars which are cleaned after we use them.
So what's left is your "stuff." And that is better in a small locker than in a whole compartment.
The compartment is neat, but the time required to load and unload it at a suitable location, and the fact that you can't have it if you don't plan your trip well in advance with the compartment waiting near you are probably dealbreakers.
I don't understand how a "small locker in a depot" would be useful. I also don't understand where the idea of "load and unload it at a suitable location" fits...if you own it, as you do your present-day automobile, would you not treat it in the same manner? That is, clean your TC when you spill on it, or leave a water bottle inside, if it still has water to drink within it. Unlike a rental car, which you don't "own", bumper to bumper, if you own the TC, you clean it, you own it, you decide if you need windows or not, to look outside, you decide the interior (within limits)...all extremely individualized as your shoes. You don't "rent shoes" do you? Use them, then have them cleaned so someone else can use them?
As opposed to a "small locker at a depot", your own personal TC can return home, with your excess, without you!
The idea of the "stuff locker" (described in some of my original articles from the prior decade) is largely the same as the compartment you talk about, but it's just a small locker, not a whole compartment, so it's much more portable and easy to store. The main advantages of a compartment, as I see it, are that you get to choose the style of seating, and you don't have to worry about leaving it clean and undamaged. In addition, you don't have to get the stuff out that you want out, such as keyboard or mouse.
That's nice but it comes with a large cost -- the compartment is itself much larger and much more expensive than a box, and takes more time to remove or insert, and more space to store it. It also requires a car that is specially adapted for the compartment, which seriously reduces the number of cars that might be available to you where you could use it. That one is the actual deal-breaker, I fear -- cars will not be standardized nor should they be standardized, not for decades. We want a period with freedom of design and lots of innovation and competition. While it would be nice if the car that is picking you up has a slot meant for your locker, the locker can be put in almost any car.
If you're in a hurry, you will of course get neither your locker nor your compartment, you just want the first car that can come to you.
With modest advance notice, there is time for the car to go pickup your locker, but may not be time to pick up a compartment, particularly because only cars ready for the compartment can go get it. So fairly often you will be electing to travel without the compartment.
Once you start a trip without the compartment or locker, you don't have it until you get back to where you left it.
Before any of this happens, I think we'll switch to the style New Yorkers use, which is the backpack, but we'll increase the number of in-building lockers in which to store your backpack yourself.
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Saving energy is as easy as 1,2,3! There are various places in your home where you can spend money on that will not only save you energy, but money as well. One of the most common and easiest places is the light fixtures. From sconces, to lamps, to the lights above your dining room table, these lights can be replaced with more energy efficient lights easily. They cost a bit more, but in the long haul will save you money and help leave a smaller footprint on this planet.
So in this quick tutorial from ConEdison in New York, you'll find out some other tips on how to save energy and money by using certain light bulbs. Enjoy!
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Find ancestors in Civil War letters, War of 1812 letters, Revolutionary War letters. Search your ancestry and find your genealogy. Find your roots and hear your ancestors' words. Discover your origins in old letters as ancestors tell their stories and details of family history. Learn how to preserve old documents, family treasures and heirlooms.
LOCALITY
Death Finds a Way: A Janie Riley Mystery by Lorine McGinnis SchulzeJanie Riley is an avid genealogist with a habit of stumbling on to dead bodies. She and her husband head to Salt Lake City Utah to research Janie's elusive 4th great-grandmother. But her search into the past leads her to a dark secret. Can she solve the mysteries of the past and the present before disaster strikes? Available now on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
Coffin Plate Collection Private collection of over 400 coffin plates with names of ancestors plus birth and death dates
Olive Tree Newsletter
JOIN the FREE Olive Tree Genealogy Newsletter. Be the first to know of genealogy events and freebies. Find out when new genealogy databases are put online. Get tips for finding your elusive brick-wall ancestor.
Enter your surname for a list of genealogy books with fascinating facts and history about your family name
Private William Brooks Co E, 161st NYVI
"we have had A hard time for A while back it has bin very dustey most all the time ..." Private William Brooks, Alexandria LA, April 1864
In camp near the Red River
-April 5th., -1864.
William R. Brooks to Jane Brooks his wife and children.
His last letter in the collection. He again approves of her moving to Woodhull."
[This was written after William's regiment had marched from southern Louisiana into the Red River country. In early April they camped near Natchitoches and Grand Ecore in some of the finest country they saw in the south. The letter dated April 26 is actually the last one from him.]
in camp neer red river April ?, 64
Dear wife
I will write a little to you this morning to let you know how I get A long my health is not as good as it has bin I am some lame but I hope I will be well in A few days I hope this will find you well I cent you 35 dollars by Mr. Hathaway and my watch we got 4 months pay and we have got 3 months doe us now I hope we will get some more pay soon and then I will cend you some more if your moving I cannot tell what is best you must use your own judgment and do the best you can if you think best to go to woodhull I am willing we have had A hard time for A while back it has bin very dustey most all the time but the most we whent in A day was 20 miles and some times not more than 6 or 7 so we could stand it but we have to go on tomorrow I do not know when I can get A chance to mail A letter again - - - - - for we are going up the river and some times we cannot cend A letter 2 or 3 weeks so you must not worry if you do not hear from me in A long time but I will write every chance and you must I cannot write for my sholder is lame so I will close
write soon
good bye from Wm. R. Brooks to Jane Brooks
Wishing you had an ancestor photograph? Check out the 1800s photographs and antique photo albums on Lost Faces. There are over 3,500 photos in this growing genealogy collection
This letter was written from Alexandria, LA, after the Battles of Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hill, and Cane River Crossing. The figures William gives for casualties and prisoners are not supported by the Official Records or other sources. Soldiers wrote what they heard "on the grapevine," which was seldom accurate. His info about burning homes and farms is supported by other sources, but his letter is the only one I have seen implying that anyone from his regiment took part in it. This is the last letter from William in the collection.
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Contents
Pivot tables and charts
Instructions for pivot tables and charts
Feel free to play around; you can't break anything since whatever you change only affects your own viewing session. If you want to restart with the default settings, then just refresh the web browser page. If you want to save your customizations and reload them later, then see the instructions for Save and Open in the Supplementary functionality below.
Key functionality
Grid: Pivot table format
Charts: Various pivot chart formats
Fields:
Do not change the "Studies" dimension! It should remain selected in the "Drag Dimensions" box, and should be the only item in the "Drop & Arrange Values" box. The pivot tables and charts count individual studies (publications, whether journal articles, conference articles or theses); thus, you must leave this setting unchanged for the pivot tables and charts to work.
To view data fields, click and drag the fields you want to view from the "Drag Dimensions" box on the left into the appropriate box on the right:
Normally you will view data fields by row or by column.
You may also want to implement a 3D pivot table or chart by viewing data fields using report filters (the "Drop & Arrange Report Filter" box).
Supplementary functionality
Connect: Load any local or remote CSV file containing any data you like to manipulate it with this pivot tables and chart component.
Open: Open an XML file with customized dataset settings previously saved using the Save button.
Save: Save an XML file with your customizations of the dataset for reloading later using the Open button.
Format: Modify the appearance of the data displayed.
Options: Set options for viewing grand totals and subtotals.
Styles: Change the colour theme of the pivot component.
Export: Print or export the data in various formats.
Zoom: Change the text size.
Full screen: Display table or chart in full screen mode (ESC to cancel).
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s best in ten of the eleven Olympic Sailing Events, with Olympic Qualification up for grabs in the Europe Class." playid="" -->
21 April 2004 13:51pm
By ISAF News Editor
Preview
Siren SUNDBY (NOR)
Semaine Olympique Française - Olympic Qualification Regatta
Hyères
Starting at the end of this week, Semaine Olympique Française in Hyères is attracting the world's best in ten of the eleven Olympic Sailing Events, with Olympic Qualification up for grabs in the Europe Class.
The Star Class, whose final qualification regatta is their World Championship in Gaeta, Italy, takes place at the same time and as a result the class will not be present in Hyeres.
Over 600 boats, 1000 competitors, 260 volunteers and 15 International Judges are in final preparations for what promises to be an exciting, hard fought regatta. No harder will this be than perhaps in the Europe fleet where, as the class will not hold its World Championship until July in Italy, the final nation qualification slots for Athens 2004 will be contested in France.
Currently qualified nations to be represented in Athens are as follows:
2002
2003
Australia
Belgium
China
Belarus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Great Britain
Ireland
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Russia
Poland
Slovenia
Spain
USA
9
11
There are currently 92 sailors from 35 different nations registered in the Europe Class. The largest class at the event, for obvious reasons, will see 15 nations battling for the remaining five places available for the Olympic Games in the class, but the event means different things to different teams.
The top ranked as yet unqualified nation is Italy, who sit on the ISAF World Sailing Rankings at 28 with Larissa NEVIEROV (ITA). Whilst, Larissa is one of eight Italian sailors on the Europe World Rankings, she is clearly Italy's top hope, and will be gunning for qualification. The next nation behind Italy is Sweden, with Emma JOENSSON world ranked at 30, a sailor who found herself consistently mixing amongst the world's top 20 just over a year ago. Behind these two, sit the remaining countries who are seeking qualification in Hyeres; Portugal, Canada, Croatia, Switzerland, Japan, Lithuania, Austria, Argentina, Brazil, Turkey, Ukraine, Hungary and Monaco.
Siren SUNDBY (NOR), popular winner of the 2003 World Championship in Cadiz, and ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year 2003, will be hoping to continue her strong form over the last couple of years. In 2004 she has already won the Princess Sofia Trophy in Palma de Mallorca and coupled with her win in Hyères last year, will be hoping to stamp her supremacy on the fleet leading up the Athens. She currently leads the ISAF World Sailing Rankings.
All of last year's podium finishers at the World Championship in Cadiz are present in France, Sari MULTALA (FIN), who finished second at the 2003 Worlds will be hoping to take the Hyeres title off Siren, and Meg GAILLARD (USA), third in Cadiz, is in the final stages of her campaign leading to Athens. Having won the US Sailing Olympic Trials in February in truly dominant form, she is continuing to test her skills against the rest of the World.
Serena AMATO (ARG), Olympic Bronze medallist in Sydney in 2000, had a disappointing result in Cadiz, and will be hoping to qualify Argentina for an entry to the 2004 Olympic Games by finishing as one of the top five, currently unqualified nations. However, her aims will be much higher than purely qualifying in this final run up to Athens.
There are a number of other past World Champions here in Hyères. As well as Sari MULTALA (FIN), who won the Worlds in Portugal in 2001, Sarah BLANCK (AUS), 2002 World Champion, has made the trip from Australia.
Carolyn BROUWER (NED) despite being a double World Champion (1996 and 1998) has never represented the Netherlands at the Olympic Games. This year looks set to be her best chance yet for Olympic nomination and she comes to Hyères ranked fourth in the world. The situation in Holland is complicated with the results of last year's World Championship in Cadiz and this years Olympic Qualification Regatta counting towards nomination points. Carolijn obtained personal nomination at Cadiz 2003 and now has to stay ahead of Merel WITTEVEEN in total points from Cadiz 2003 and Hyères 2004. If she does, she also has to maintain a level of performance in 2004 by showing a pre-defined top result at certain nominated events like Hyères, SPA or Kiel. The pressure really is on!
Canada's sailors, represented by no fewer than seven boats, are leading up to their Team nomination regatta, which will be the SPA regatta, and all seven sailors will be battling hard to ensure the nation qualifies an entry to the Games leading up to the all important nomination regatta next month. China is also highly represented, with seven nations, and its sailors also chase Olympic Qualification.
As well as the Europe class Olympic Qualification, ISAF will bring you all the latest news from the nine other events at Semaine Olympique Française, as the drama unfolds.
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Orlando Magic Dub Dwight Howard “Foul on You”
Move over Superman, a new nickname is catching on for Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard.
You can call him "Foul on You."
"That’s my new nickname. They’ve been killing me all day calling me ‘Foul on You,’ " Howard said of his teammates after shootaround Monday before their playoff game against Charlotte. "So I’ve accepted my new role."
The teasing stems from the four-time All-Star being called for 16 fouls in the first three games against the Bobcats, who have used three centers to frustrate him.
Howard fouled out with 3:32 left in Game 3 on Saturday, but the Magic still rallied to win to take a 3-0 series lead despite Howard playing just over 82 of a possible 144 minutes.
"My teammates say when we wrestle I shouldn’t use 100 percent of my strength. They said I should use 50 or 40 percent," said Howard, smiling. "So that’s been the main focus today, using 40 percent of my strength to hold guys off."
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All of the World’s Money and Markets in One Visualization
Wow. Take 5 minutes to scroll through this infographic today. The TL;DR here is “there’s way more derivatives than actual money in the world today”.
The derivatives genie is now well out of the bottle, and these instruments will almost certainly multiply in variety and number until some event makes their toxicity clear. Central banks and governments have so far found no effective way to control, or even monitor, the risks posed by these contracts. In my view, derivatives are financial weapons of mass destruction, carrying dangers that, while now latent, are potentially lethal.
—Warren Buffett
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BAIKAL Giant X10(7 algorithm support) support thread
Baikal Giant X10, comes with low consume and multi-algorithm features as what baikal miner always owns. Total seven algorithm supported, now have released 5 of them, which are X11/ Quark/ Qubit/ Myriad-Groestl/ Skein, rest two will be updated soon.
1) Specification:
2) Appearance:All you need is One Lan Cable and a ATX power with Six 6-pin PCI-E connectors(12V). plug these cabe in, your installation is done!
I'm not sure what's going on with Baikal. I was part of pre order in September and sent monies for miners in that batch. They first delayed the orders until ship date from late October to mid November. Now they informed me my order won't be delivered until late December when the 2nd batch is due for delivery. I hope I'm wrong, but this is unacceptable for first buyers and customers expecting their orders. If I'm wrong and get my miners as expected I'll update this post, but for now, it's hard to be anything but leery..
I'm not sure what's going on with Baikal. I was part of pre order in September and sent monies for miners in that batch. They first delayed the orders until ship date from late October to mid November. Now they informed me my order won't be delivered until late December when the 2nd batch is due for delivery. I hope I'm wrong, but this is unacceptable for first buyers and customers expecting their orders. If I'm wrong and get my miners as expected I'll update this post, but for now, it's hard to be anything but leery..
Click to expand...
Maybe they put your order at the second batch. Whatever is the case their customer service sucks BIG TIME!
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Still have to do all my mares and geldings as well as all horse profiles and my Tanner Marsh horse as well, also busy working on my pose packs, I'm testing a few in game tonight and if they seem alright I'll be putting them up for download later on as well as my Cleveland Bay template.
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4 Breath Practices for the Yogi in You
Yoga is great for your physical health, and fitness goals draw many of us to the mat. Some come to class because the elongating poses complement other activities like running, and some are motivated by the family member who can miraculously touch her toes, or the coworker who’s traded her sweaters for halter dresses since discovering Ashtanga. Yoga is a good workout. But if you’re in it for the “yoga butt,” you might be tempted to tune out all the other stuff, like when your teacher starts going on about the breath.
I’d like to make a case for the importance of breath awareness, and the breath practices that can help you make the most of your yoga classes.
Prana and Pranayama
If you’ve been taking classes for a while, you’ve heard of pranayama. Pranayama can be translated as the expansion or controlling of prana, the life force. In layman’s terms, pranayama refers to a breathing technique or exercise, practiced either in conjunction with asana (the physical postures you do in class) or on its own. The breath is both the manifestation of prana, and also its primary source and mover in the body.
As the name implies, prana is a concept inextricable from pranayama, but even if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of chakras and chanting, there are physiological and Western science-approved reasons to pay attention to your breath.
Breathing consciously balances the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, decreases resting heart rate, and reduces stress, all of which affect your physical fitness. In many cases, having a strong pranayama practice and calm control over the breath are the keys to getting into those seemingly unreachable poses people post on Instagram. Check out thepranayama practices below, and see if your body and breath feel better over time.
And, if you’re open to the possibility, you just might start to notice shifts in your mood, mindsets, and relationships too. You’ll be chanting before you know it.
General Guidelines for Pranayama
Keep yourself warm during practice.
Don’t practice on a full stomach.
Unless you’re practicing during a class, a seated or kneeling position is best. Keep the body relaxed.
Become familiar with your habitual breathing patterns before you start experimenting with new ways of breathing. Be aware of where your breath naturally goes on the inhalation: Do you tend to breathe into your belly, chest, or clavicle area? Are your breaths continuous or jerky? How many counts are your inhalations? Exhalations? Are they even, or is one shorter than the other? Do you tend to hold your breath after the inhalation or exhalation?
If you have a history of heart-related illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure, stay away from breath practices involving quick or forceful breaths.
Make sure both nasal passages are open. Nostril dominance changes about every ninety minutes. If you find one nostril blocked, lie down on the side opposite that nostril. If you’re on your left side, place your right hand under your left armpit; reverse on right side. Breathe until your clogged nostril starts to open.
Pranayama Practices
Diaphragmatic breathing
Also known as belly breathing, this breath relaxes the nervous system. Ideally, it’s the breath you use in your everyday life, but many of us have to practice it.
Sit in a comfortable, upright position, or lie on your belly with your forearms stacked under your forehead (crocodile pose).
Throughout, keep your chest relatively still.
Inhaling slowly and deeply, direct the breath into the belly. The navel will move away from the body on the inhalation and back toward the spine on the exhalation.
Initially, you may need to gently use your abdominal muscles to move the breath into the belly. When this breath becomes natural, the belly will be relaxed.
Kaki
A cooling and calming breath, kaki is a great practice to reduce anxiety, hypertension, fever, and insomnia.
Form a beak shape with your mouth, as if you’re wrapping your lips around a straw.
Slowly suck air in through your lips.
Close the mouth and hold the breath in gently.
Slowly exhale through the nostrils.
Hold the breath out gently.
Repeat for 5 rounds.
Ujjayi
A breath that’s both balancing and stimulating, this is the one you’ll hear about most in a vinyasa class. It’s great for class because it steadies the mind and regulates blood pressure.
Take a normal breath in.
Gently contract the back of the throat, like you’re going to fog up a mirror, but keep the mouth closed. (If you’re having trouble finding this position, try whispering with your mouth closed—that’s the throat constricting.)
Breathe out through the nose—keep the throat constricted so you sound a little like Darth Vader.
The sound should be audible to you, but not unnecessarily loud (this could strain your throat).
Keep the throat constricted as you inhale (this will also be audible, still like Darth Vader).
There are many forms of ujjayi—ask your regular teacher for specifications, such as whether to direct the breath into the chest or the belly.
Bhramari
This energizing breath is named for a type of bee in India, and its soothing humming sound is great for calming the mind and the nervous system.
Inhale through the nose.
With your mouth closed, hum as you exhale slowly and smoothly.
Traditionally, this pranayama is done with the hands over the ears or the index fingers in the ears.
Initially, it’s easiest to hum only on the exhalation. Eventually, you may find that you can hum on the inhalation as well.
Kapalabhati
Sometimes classified as a cleansing kriya or technique rather than a pranayama, kapalabhati can be translated as “shining skull.” It’s one of the most energizing and heating breath practices, and can help warm your body up before class. It’s also helpful for strengthening the diaphragm and abdominal muscles, clearing the sinuses, and aiding in digestion. If you have cardiovascular issues or are prone to anxiety, skip this one, or practice it slowly and gently.
Sit in a relaxed position with the spine tall.
Inhale through the nose into the chest. Keep the chest in this position throughout the practice.
Exhale and draw the diaphragm up and back as you push the air out rapidly (think belly button to spine).
Let the belly relax as you inhale naturally, then expel the air out again, pulling the belly in.
Throughout, focus on the exhalation, and let the inhalation happen naturally.
Start with only a few—you can quickly get out of breath or lightheaded. Work up to 27 rounds (the traditional number of rounds are 27, 54, and 108).
Articles published by Basmati.com are no substitute for medical advice. Please consult your health care provider before beginning any new regimen. For more information, please visit our disclaimer page here.
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Lawyers have the right training in law and have experience in handling specific types of cases, and thus, by working with an attorney, you are sure to get informed advice regarding your situation. With the help of attorneys, you will have the opportunity to avoid wrongful convictions if it is a court case or do things legally if you hire a lawyer – Wallmans.com.au for legal advice when doing business, handling family issues, etc. But when should you hire a lawyer? Well, this is a common question, and this article will look at a few instances when a lawyer comes in handy.
Auto Accidents and Other Personal Injuries
If you are involved in an auto accident which is common, you need to seek the services of an attorney. In this case, you should look for an auto accident and personal injury lawyer. Such a lawyer has experience when it comes to matters of this nature and so will offer you the best representation and legal advice. Working with a lawyer makes everything easy from compensation to the settlement of the injured individuals. Working with the best attorney is the surest way to get the right compensation for medical expenses, loss of property, etc.
Divorce and Child Custody Issues
Divorce is prevalent in our society, and although no one would want to go through this emotional process, sometimes it happens, and when it does, you are better off with a family lawyer. A family attorney understands your rights and will protect your interest when it comes to divorce negotiations. If the case gets to the corridors of justice, your attorney will represent you to ensure that you do not go through the emotional torture and embarrassment and you fight with your spouse in court. Among the many issues that a family Lawyer – Wallmans.com.au will help you solve includes child custody and support, sharing of properties, etc. The process will involve less drama if you let the lawyer take the lead.
Discrimination at Workplace
Discrimination at workplaces is prevalent today. There are many reasons why you may feel discriminated in your workplace. For instance, people discriminate based on disability, race, ethnicity, financial capabilities, diseases etc. If you think that you are being discriminated, then it is wise to look for an employment lawyer. There are those lawyers that deal with discrimination cases and will help you get justice either in-house or in the corridors of justice. Discrimination is illegal and is punishable by law. Do not accept the humiliation and instead, look for a qualified lawyer and get justice.
Regardless of your reason to get a lawyer, when hiring one, always ensure that you’re working with the best. You can always contact Lawyer – Wallmans.com.au for professional services. The lawyers here have the right training and experience in different legal fields which assures you of getting the right attorney. Be it that you are looking for a criminal lawyer, family law attorney, employment attorney, etc., you will find them here. Contact them today and have the right lawyer assigned to your case.
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Great Lakes USA in 2018
There are some great things happening in The Great Lakes USA region in 2018, from the Super Bowl in Minnesota to the opening of the world’s largest loop roller coaster and the 115th anniversary of Harley Davidson:
The president of the American Club, Herbert V. Kohler Jr., is a true visionary, having turned the tiny village of Kohler into an elegant destination, with the American Club placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Kohler own The Old Course Hotel and golf course in St. Andrews and the Whistling Straits golf course in Sheboygan County has been selected to host the 2020 RyderCup.www.americanclubresort.com/golf
Ohio
After the recent $15 million renovation of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the world famous induction ceremony returns home on April 14, 2018. The attraction will honour the occasion with free admission to the Rock Hall and lots of rock-themed events and activities throughout the city. 2018 nominees include Kate Bush, Nina Simone, Depeche Mode, Dire Straits, The Eurythmics and The Moody Blues. www.rockhall.com
Cedar Point continues its reign as the roller coaster capital of the world, set to debut in 2018 a wood-steel hybrid coaster that will be the tallest of its kind. Called Steel Vengeance, the ride will take adrenaline enthusiasts on a 90-degree vertical drop from 205 feet high, with other unique features like a “Twisted Snake Dive” — essentially a half-barrel roll where riders are extended upside down briefly — and boasting a record-breaking 27.2 seconds of total airtime for riders. www.cedarpoint.com/explore/steel-vengeance
Scottish based brewery, Brewdog, will open the world’s first crowdfunded craft beer hotel attached to a brand new BrewDog sour beer facility in Columbus. The DogHouse will feature amenities like in-room taps, beer spa treatments and craft-beer-themed meals. www.brewdog.com/usa/lowdown/blog/announcing-doghouse-columbus
Illinois
In Spring 2018, Six Flags amusement park in Gurnee will open the world’s largest loop coaster at 100 feet tall! In Spring 2018, Six Flags amusement park in Gurnee will open the world’s largest loop coaster at 100 feet tall! The coaster will give riders record hang-time and 360 degree revolutions, whilst the 32 face-off style seats will allow them to see their fellow riders reactions! www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/attractions/newfor2018
As the birthplace of modern blues, The Chicago Blues Experience, opening in 2019, will celebrate the pioneering artists as well as the generations of musicians who have been influenced by the blues and continue to carry on its traditions. Situated near Millenium Park, it will consist of three levels totalling 50,000-square-feet to be filled with not only history-driven interactive displays, tributes to local legends and Chicago blues memorabilia, but also a performance lounge and restaurant. Chicago Blues Experience.
Minnesota
Major event – Super Bowl LLI on February 04, 2018 with a theme of the “Bold North” with Justin Timberlake performing at half time. There are weekly events leading up to the big event and several other area events will be held leading up to the Super Bowl celebrating winter in Minnesota under the name “Bold North Festival”. These will include the US Pond Hockey Championships, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the Minneapolis Loppett cross country ski race and many special concerts and events around the Minneapolis St Paul area. https://www.mnsuperbowl.com/about
Paisley Park will host Celebration 2018 April 19-22, 2018 celebrating the anniversary of Prince’s death for a second year; special concerts and interviews with performers that were part of Prince’s life will feature at Paisley Park and area venues like the Dakota Jazz Club and First Avenue will hold concerts and events during that time; tickets to Celebration 2018 can be purchased at https://officialpaisleypark.com/pages/celebration-2018 , tickets for the other venues will be available at those venues.
A new waterpark hotel opens next to the Mall of America in November 2017, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the US. An Intercontinental hotel (4 star plus) will open at MSP International Airport in July 2018 and will also offer MOA packages. mallofamerica.com
Michigan
On 26 April 2018, WOW Air will start flying from London to Detroit www.wowair.com
Shinola, the American luxury lifestyle brand, will open its first hotel in Detroit in Autumn 2018 at the corner of Woodward Avenue and Grand River. Detroit’s Wurlitzer Building is midway through a $23 million renovation that will transform the 14-storey, 1926 structure into a 106 room, upscale boutique hotel called The Siren. Starwood Hotels are transforming the Metropolitan Building into an upscale, mixed-use development called the Element Detroit at the MetropolitanBuilding. This adaptive re-use project will include the restoration of the hotel’s exterior and a top-to-bottom renovation of the interior, whilst preserving elements of the original ornate lobby and mezzanine. www.visitdetroit.com
One of Michigan’s most popular tourist attractions, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is undergoing a $115 million expansion project. The new areas will increase educational offerings, expand horticulture exhibitions, provide more galleries for sculpture exhibitions and art storage facilities, The project also will add room for guests to move about safely and easily, host more events, and create additional space that is LEED-certified and architecturally significant. It will also add parking capacity and improve vehicle flow on the 158-acre campus and is scheduled to be completed in 2021. www.meijergardens.org
Indiana
May 2018 will mark the 102nd running of the Indy 500, the world’s largest single day sporting event. Over 300,000 people from around the world attend the annual event with Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso competing in 2017. indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/buy-tickets
50th Anniversary of The Three Rivers Festival in Fort Wayne, a family-friendly nine day festival that runs July 13-21 and attracts over half a million visitors each year. http://threeriversfestival.org/
A Sports Legends Experience at The Indianapolis Children’s Museum will open in spring 2018. The entire space will be 7.5 acres—7 acres will be outdoors and ½ an acre indoors. The experience will offer exhibits that encourage physical activity in everyday life and inspire families to become healthier together. Children and adults will be able to immerse themselves in a variety of sports environments from golf to football! Showcasing Indiana’s wealth of amateur and professional athletes and teams, the initiative will offer a collection of fun, hands-on, indoor and outdoor sports-related experiences designed for all ages
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Translucent 32 oz Narrow Mouth Water Bottle
Product Information
The narrow mouth makes for an easy-breezy drinking experience. The closure and bottle create a Leakproof system with no o-rings that can fall out. Bottle is dishwasher safe, just make sure the cap does not hit the heating element because if it does it will melt. All Everyday bottles are made with Eastman Tritan and are super durable and resistant to tastes and odors.
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infoTECH Feature
Everbridge Acquires Hypersun Engineering Services Company
Everbridge, a provider of interactive communication and mass notification solutions, has completed the acquisition of Hypersun Group Ltd., a specialized Internet and software engineering services firm.
Thanks to the acquisition of Hypersun Group Ltd., Everbridge will now be able to substantially increase its technical resources and overall ability to deliver new solutions to the mass communications space.
Hypersun Group also provides Everbridge with an important presence in the Asia Pac, one of the fastest growing economic regions of the world, allowing the company to better support its multi-national client base with on-the-ground local resources.
“The acquisition of Hypersun Group Ltd. strengthens Everbridge’s competitive advantage by enriching our overall offering to clients around the world,” said Jaime Ellertson, chief executive officer, Everbridge, in a statement. “Ultimately, this acquisition provides Everbridge with a deeper bench of engineering expertise which allows us to innovate at faster pace and add additional resources for global client support - in the most cost-effective manner,” said Ellertson.
As part of the acquisition, software development veteran and founder of Hypersun Group, Yuan Cheng , will join Everbridge’s executive team as senior vice president of engineering.
Earlier in November, Everbridge announced that University of Colorado Health deployed the Everbridge solutions suite for emergency communication and staffing operations. When looking to replace their legacy communications system, University of Colorado Health evaluated Everbridge because the company had been named a leader by Gartner (News - Alert), Inc. in their 2012 Magic Quadrant for U.S. Emergency / Mass Notification Services (EMNS).
The Everbridge solutions suite enables University of Colorado Health to deploy a closed loop communications strategy around critical activities, ensuring that messages reach key individuals through capabilities such as multiple contact paths, call escalation and receipt of confirmation.
Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO Miami 2013, Jan 29- Feb. 1 in Miami, Florida. Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.
Meet Your Big Data Storage Needs: CoraidAs businesses collect more and more data, they will require storage capabilities that are easily and secure, accessible, and quickly scalable for pure storage as well as data analytics.
Managing Your Data and Apps in Multi-Cloud Environments: Right ScaleBusinesses have reached beyond education and are starting to make signifcant cloud computing deployments, which means they need an awareness of public and private resources, which to deploy in what instances, and how to manage and maintain applications across both domains.
Enabling Cross-border Data Center Connectivity: InterxionOne of the challenges for multinational enterprises is establishing connectivity between infrastructure located on different continents. The Transatlantic Data Center Alliance helps overcome many of these challenges, including regulatory and compliance needs.
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Howard Arkley 1951–1999
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Born Melbourne, Australia 1951, died Melbourne 1999
Howard Arkley’s paintings of suburbia are among the most striking images of urban Australia. Using an airbrush Arkley created individual scenes of homes and their interiors utilising psychedelic colours and outlining suggestive of graffiti.
Arkley’s early artistic output while an arts student at Prahran College of Advanced Education (1969–72) and Melbourne State College (1973) included geometric abstracts and surrealist inspired paintings and drawings. His recognisable style and subject matter emerged out of his participation in 5AR: Artists and Architects 86, Melbourne University (1986). Although Arkley failed to produced a collaborative work with the architect Howard Raggatt for this exhibition, the exercise sparked his interest in suburban exteriors.
Since 1975 Arkley has been included in many important exhibitions including: Australian Perspecta 1985, Art Gallery of New South Wales; Meaning and Excellence, Edinburgh Festival of the Arts and travelling, London (1984); and The Australians, CDS Gallery, New York (1984). In 1991 the University of Melbourne held a major retrospective of his work. Arkley also represented Australia at the 1999 Venice Biennale, Italy with The Home Show.
Arkley’s work is held in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia, most state and university galleries, and the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra.
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Daily Archives: January 1, 2019
How Do Major Donors Think About Philanthropy?
To a large extent, they think about it the same way as anyone else. They just have more money.
It’s good to remember that major donors are, first and foremost, just people.
And like all human beings, they are on a continual quest for meaning. It’s the existential search to be all that one can be. To feel self-actualized.
And you can help them!
In fact, this is your job. This is part and parcel of your organization’s mission.
You (as executive management, development staff or board member) are a facilitator of philanthropy. Your organization exists, in part, to facilitate your donor’s quest for meaning and teach the joy of giving. To do this effectively, you must be attuned to your donors. And, since the wealthy have the ability to make a larger impact when it comes to furthering your mission, you especially must be attuned to these folks.
In the past I’ve looked at five major donor philanthropic triggers. You need to know about these things, because if you can key into any of them you’ll have a strong basis for pursuing a major gift from the prospect whom you’re approaching:
They feel economically secure.
They are in a reflective phase of life.
They’ve demonstrated a desire to build a closer connection with your cause and community.
They are looking for meaning and a sense of purpose.
They are seeking to identify themselves as the person they want to see reflected in the mirror.
Today I’d like to review six more things you should be on the lookout for; then I’ll suggest four strategies to help you enter into your prospective donors’ worlds so you can make a win/win match – one that will help your major donors simultaneously help your cause and themselves.
Coincidentally, I found a back issue of Lifestyles Magazine from 2008 (yes, I’m a bit of a hoarder) and was struck by some of what the publication had to say—a veritable peek inside the minds of major donors. There’s a clue right in the way Lifestyles (now out of publication) describes their mission (highlights are mine):
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Reverend Wright Says Obama “Threw Me Under The Bus”
NEW YORK – The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama‘s controversial former pastor, said in a letter obtained by The Associated Press that he is “toxic” to the Obama administration and that the president “threw me under the bus.”
In his strongest language to date about the administration’s 2-year-old rift with the Chicago pastor, Wright told a group raising money for African relief that his pleas to release frozen funds for use in earthquake-ravaged Haiti would likely be ignored.
“No one in the Obama administration will respond to me, listen to me, talk to me or read anything that I write to them. I am ‘toxic’ in terms of the Obama administration,” Wright wrote the president of Africa 6000 International earlier this year.
“I am ‘radioactive,’ Sir. When Obama threw me under the bus, he threw me under the bus literally!” he wrote. “Any advice that I offer is going to be taken as something to be avoided. Please understand that!”
The White House didn’t respond to requests for comment Monday about Wright’s remarks. Several phone messages left by the AP for Wright at the Trinity United Church of Christ, where he is listed as a pastor emeritus, were not returned. Wright’s spokeswoman, his daughter Jeri Wright, did not immediately comment on the substance of the letter.
Then-Sen. Obama cut ties with Wright when his more incendiary remarks became an Internet sensation in the spring of 2008. At a National Press Club appearance in April 2008, he claimed the U.S. government could plant AIDS in the black community, praised Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and suggested Obama was putting his pastor at arm’s length for political purposes while privately agreeing with him.
Obama denounced Wright as “divisive and destructive” and later cut ties to the pastor altogether and left Wright’s church.
The letter was sent Feb. 18 to Joseph Prischak, the president of Africa 6000 International in Erie, Pa. Wright subsequently agreed to write a letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on the group’s behalf to try to get access to millions of dollars.
Wright’s original letter ranting against Obama’s treatment of him surfaced in an appeal filed by federal inmate Arthur Morrison, boxing great Muhammad Ali’s one-time manager, who was convicted of making phone threats.
Charles Lofton, Wright’s executive assistant, told The Associated Press that he faxed a copy of the letter to Morrison’s attorney as requested. A copy of the faxed letter signed by Wright showed that it was sent from the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago on March 31 to the fax number for Goodwin’s law office in Tulsa, Okla.
Prischak, of Africa 6000 International, is a business partner of Morrison, who has been imprisoned for nearly 18 years after he was convicted of making phone threats between 1989 to 1992 to hospitals where an ex-girlfriend worked.
Prischak told Wright in a Feb. 11 letter that he was seeking the clergyman’s help in reaching out to the U.S. Treasury Department. He said that Uday Hussein, the son of Saddam Hussein, had entrusted 87 million British pounds in 1990 to Morrison and Ali to buy pharmaceuticals, milk and food for the children of Iraq.
Prischak said the money was never spent because Morrison was imprisoned. He sought Wright’s help in lobbying U.S. authorities to permit 25 million British pounds in interest from the money held in an overseas account to be allowed to be sent to faith-based groups for the children of Haiti.
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Be sure to include your name, daytime phone number, address, name and phone number of legal next-of-kin, method of payment, and the name of the funeral home/crematory to contact for verification of death.
Jeff Kahler: Lab’s troubles might begin in his hips
Alan writes in about his 3-year old Labrador retriever named Scout who has been having trouble jumping up into his seat in Alan’s truck and, at times, trouble getting up after lying down for a while. Alan has heard about big dogs having problems with their hips and wants to know if Scout might have such a problem.
Certainly pain associated with the hip joints can cause the symptoms Scout is displaying. The hip joints are a ball and socket type of joint with the head of the upper rear leg bone, the femur, being rounded like a ball fitting into a concave round joint surface in the hip bone called the ileum. The entire joint is surrounded by a capsule. The articular surfaces, the areas within the joint where bone surfaces would come together, are lined by special, very smooth tissue called cartilage. There is a somewhat thick clear fluid within the joint that serves as a lubricant helping the joint to flex and extend smoothly and prevent cartilage and bone damage as the surfaces work against each other. This fluid is loosely analogous to the oil inside a car engine, there to prevent the metal surfaces from grinding against each other in motion.
Large breed dogs do tend to have more problems associated with their hip joints. One of the more common diseases we recognize in these patients is hip dysplasia. There are a lot of misconceptions about this disease so I’d like to explain it a bit. The term itself, hip dysplasia, does not represent hip pain or lameness in the hips. It ostensibly means that the ball of the femur does not fit properly into the socket of the ileum. This inappropriate fit, over time, leads to wear in the joint that causes arthritis leading to secondary joint disease. I’d also like to explain these terms.
Arthritis means inflammation of a joint, in this case referring to the hip joint. This inflammation is painful and is, early on in the progression of hip dyslasia, the cause of the symptoms. These include difficulty getting up and sometimes lying down, difficulty jumping up and eventually difficulty walking. As the arthritis persists, the bone within the joint begins to respond. In the case of bone, it basically has to respond to any insult. It will either produce more bone or take away bone. In the case of chronic arthritis from hip dysplasia it usually produces more bone. This bone production is often little spikes of bone in and around the joint and is extremely painful as you might imagine. It is this process that is termed secondary joint disease. In summary, the whole process starts as hip dyspalsia leading to arthritis that, over time, leads to secondary joint disease.
Hip dysplasia is generally considered to be a congenital disease. This means there is a genetic component to the process of hip development that leads to dysplasia. It is a much more common problem with large breed dogs as mentioned earlier, with certain large breeds being more prone to the problem. German shepherds are most often considered to show the highest breed incidence for hip dysplasia but, again, it can occur in any dog.
Arthritis in the hip joints can develop without dysplasia. This normally occurs in older companions – especially those that have been highly active throughout their lives. Again larger dogs are more prone, owing to a larger amount of weight on the hip joints during exercise. Correspondingly, obesity can greatly increase the incidence of arthritis, not only in the hip joints, but also in every joint in a companion’s body.
Having focused on the hips as the likely source of Scout’s problems, I will tell you there are other possible causes, including arthritis in his spinal column, that may be producing his symptoms. Have him seen by your veterinarian to determine his exact problem. Usually with a thorough evaluation and with the use of radiology, we can determine a definitive diagnosis. There are multiple treatment options depending on that diagnosis. Those will be discussed in upcoming articles.
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PLO threatens to cut ties with Washington
PLO leader Saeb Erekat says the organization would cut off contacts with the U.S. if its mission in Washington is closed.
Elad Benari, 19/11/17 05:52
Saeb Erekat
Flash 90
Saeb Erekat, the Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), said on Saturday that the PLO would cut off all its contacts with the United States if the Trump administration follows through with a threat to shut down the PLO mission in Washington, DC.
“The State Department notified us in an official letter that they cannot certify the continued opening of the PLO office in Washington, DC, due to the fact that we are pursuing the ICC,” Erekat told Israeli public broadcaster Kan.
“We responded to them in an official letter that in case they officially close the office of the PLO in Washington, DC, we will put on hold all communications with this American administration,” he added.
“This is very unfortunate and unacceptable. This is the pressure being exerted on this administration from the Netanyahu government. At a time when we’re trying to cooperate to achieve the ultimate deal, they take such steps which will undermine this process,” charged Erekat.
His comments followed a report in the Associated Press which said that the Trump administration had put the PLO on notice that it will shutter their office in Washington unless they entered serious peace talks with Israel.
According to AP, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has determined that the Palestinians ran afoul of a provision in a U.S. law that says the PLO mission must close if the Palestinians try to get the International Criminal Court to prosecute Israelis for crimes against Palestinians.
A State Department official said that in September, PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas crossed that line by calling on the ICC to investigate and prosecute Israelis.
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesman for Abbas, said on Saturday night the surprise stems from the fact that the meetings between Abbas and Trump were characterized by a full understanding of the steps necessary to create an atmosphere that would allow the resumption of the peace process.
He said that the American threat represented an unprecedented step in the history of U.S.-Palestinian relations and could have dangerous implications for the peace process and the relations between the United States and Arab countries.
Reports of the threat to shut down the PLO mission in Washington came several days after the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously approved the Taylor Force Act.
The bill, named for U.S. army veteran Taylor Force, who was murdered in a terrorist stabbing attack in Tel Aviv in March, 2016, would cut funding to the PA unless it stopped its payments to terrorists and their families.
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Monday, June 6, 2011
A 26-year old was charged with raping of a 10-year old girl
Buth Reaksmey Kongkea
KANDAL provincial court charged a 26-year-old man with the rape of a 10-year-old schoolgirl in Ang Snuol district on Friday. Chea Yorn, deputy chief of the provincial Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Office, said yesterday that university student Roeun Sok Heng, 26, was arrested at his home in Chhak Chhoeu Neang commune’s Trapaing Chuob village on Thursday following a complaint by the victim’s family. “He was officially charged with raping of a juvenile girl inside of his house,” he said, adding that the girl had been accosted while she was gathering plants for cooking near a pond behind her home on Thursday morning. “She wanted to pick lotuses in the pond for cooking but she could not enter into the water to collect them because the water was too deep. So she has asked the suspect who was staying there for help, but the suspect said that he would only help to pick the lotus for her if she agreed to have sex with him,” he said, adding that the girl agreed and the suspect retrieved three flowers for her before bringing her to his home. “He was arrested after he had successfully raped the victim and the victim told her parents about the rape,” Chea Yorn said, adding that the suspect was being detained in Kandal provincial prison ahead of his trial. In a separate case, a 17-year-old high school student was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of raping a 16-year-old girl in Phnom Penh. Keo Sonthouth, chief of the Phnom Penh Thmey commune police, said that Ya Sou Yung, 17, a grade 10 student at Samdech Hun Sen High School, was arrested over the rape of a grade 8 student from the same high school in Sen Sok’s Phnom Penh Thmey commune. “He was arrested while he was staying with his girlfriend in a guesthouse in Teuk Thla commune, Sen Sok district. He was accused of raping the victim who is also his girlfriend,” he said, adding that the victim’s family had filed a complaint to police. Keo Sonthouth also said that the suspect was now being detained at the Phnom Penh Thmey commune police station for questioning before he is sent to Phnom Penh Municipal Court for his charges today.
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In reviewing articles concerning the health effects of marijuana use, consider the following:
A study by the National Academy of Science stated "recent reports show that fewer adolescents believe that regular cannabis use is harmful to health. … Persistent cannabis use was associated with neuropsychological decline broadly across domains of functioning. … Further, cessation of cannabis use did not fully restore neuropsychological functioning among adolescent-onset cannabis users."
In an article by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it stated that "some people think that marijuana is not truly 'addictive' or that people can't become 'hooked' on the drug, but research shows that about 1 in 10 marijuana users will be addicted. For people who begin before the age of 18, the number rises to 1 in 6."
In a USA Today story entitled "Marijuana poses more risks than many realize," it stated that "marijuana increases the risk of psychosis, in which people lose touch with reality and many experience delusions, hallucinations and paranoia. … Marijuana is also associated with chronic psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, in people who are genetically susceptible".
A New England Journal of Medicine article expressing the concerns of the use of marijuana during adolescence states: "The negative effect of marijuana use on the functional connectivity of the brain is particularly prominent if use starts in adolescence or young adulthood, which may help to explain the finding of an association between frequent use of marijuana from adolescence into adulthood and significant declines in IQ."
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The same article goes on to state "people who are more susceptible to drug-taking behavior are simply more likely to start with marijuana because of its accessibility and that their subsequent social interactions with other drug users would increase probability that they would try other drugs."
A Government of Canada publication on the Health effects of Cannabis stated a "pregnant woman or new mother's use of cannabis can affect her fetus or newborn child. … Heavy cannabis use during pregnancy can lead to lower birth weight of the baby. It has also been associated with longer-term developmental effects in children and adolescents, such as:
The USA Today article referenced above says it best as to the impact of legalization: a number of women using marijuana for morning sickness or other uses while pregnant tell their doctor that "it's legal, so there's nothing wrong with it."
JFK's nephew and former congressman, Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., says "that lobbyists pushing for the legalization of medical marijuana are trying to sell the public on a 'Trojan horse' — making the drug seem more normalized and acceptable in society, though it still has dangerous impacts on minors."
"The public health doesn't stand a chance in this fight, because we're up against money that is going to continue to grow as this industry spreads … "
While some of the same articles support controlled medical use, it's all about money, campaign contributions and let the public health be damned.
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"Arvind Kejriwal met Jung and asked him to hold fresh elections since the single largest party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, in the assembly has not shown willingness to form the government," a party source told IANS.
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Jim Cornette Shoots on Lucha Underground (Part 1)
Classic Corny action where Jimmy buries the first series of Lucha Underground.
Keep it with Jim Cornette’s Talking Sense for the very best shoot interview clips, old and new, from the Experience and Drive-Thru. All clips are used with permission from Jim Cornette and Brian Last.
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Putting the science back in Wasteland 2‘s science fiction
Academic consultants are making the post-apocalyptic world more "realistic."
In the modern game industry, the term "realism" gets thrown around in a lot. A critic might praise the realistic physics in a game where faster-than-light spaceships carry players to fight building-sized bug-aliens, for instance. Or a developer might talk up the accuracy and realism of the weapon selection in a military shooter where a character can get shot in the face five times and be just fine 10 seconds later. There are obviously some limits to exactly how much realism we want in our escapist fantasy.
Still, it might be nice if the fantastical worlds we play in were at least plausible, if not exactly "realistic." That's where Thwacke Consulting comes in. The recently formed firm has set up a wide-ranging team of academic experts in fields ranging from geology and biology to nanotechnlogy and particle physics. Their goal: to provide scientific reference material to help flesh out even the most implausible fictional game worlds, a goal they'll try to realize for the first time with the post-apocalyptic nuclear hellscape of InXile Entertainment's Wasteland 2 Kickstarter project.
After a year and a half of mulling over the idea, Thwacke's Sebastian Alvarado officially set up shop in April. He was pushed by a frustration with games that tend to use science and technology as a kind of unexplained magic to make things work in a fictional world. Take the "genetic memories" that power the time-spanning animus in the Assassin's Creed games. Alvarado, an expert in evolutionary genetics himself, says there's actually something to the concept of passing down learning through genes. Still, "DNA is such an easy cop-out these days," he told Ars. "It's an easy way to explain all that, and they just expect the player to say, 'Well he said DNA so now I have to buy the story.' It's like a magic gateway."
Games' explanation of futuristic technology often isn't any better. "If you just said, 'Oh, nanomachines did it,' and stop there, we'd like to say, 'Oh, nanomachines did it, because of this, this, and this, and did you know that last year's discovery showed that they've replicated 30 percent of the idea in the video game?' Something like that really resonates with the player and makes it really cool and makes them more immersed in it."
Thwacke put out feelers for its concept by publishingarticles examining the scientific background of games like Assassin's Creed and Mass Effect in the specialist press. He was encouraged by the strong response. The team then started approaching game makers, offering to provide similar background to inform games as they were being made. InXile was the first one to take them up on the deal, and it's been a good match, according to founder Brian Fargo.
"Each one of the writers on Wasteland 2 has benefited from their work in either being inspired or finding some real world facts to help them put their ideas into a stronger basis," Fargo told Ars. "Colin McComb garnered quite a bit of information on poisons, explosives, and water issues to help shape his map for example. ... I gravitated towards the idea of working with them when I read about the kinds of creatures that would thrive in nuclear fallout or about dust storms and the use of ethical dilemmas in situations and how the brain looks at risk and reward."
"...everyone knows radiation makes things super-large"
Enlarge/ Could we actually build a giant robotic scorpion with chain guns? I bet Thwacke knows the answer...
To help shape Wasteland 2's radiation-soaked, er, wasteland, the team at Thwacke reviewed research on everything from Hiroshima to the nuclear tests on Bikini Atoll to determine how survivors and the environment would be affected. For example, Alvarado points out that nuclear blasts often create trinitite, a shiny green glass formed when sand gets super-heated incredibly quickly. Thwacke passes that background on to InXile and lets them decide how or whether to use it in the game.
One of the best examples of how Wasteland 2 will be intertwining real world science and imaginative fantasy probably comes through in enemy design. Alvarado recalls that the InXile team needed some believable enemies for a waterlogged area that had been ruined by a natural disaster. "We wanted to explore what kind of animals would survive in water and out of water, what animals do we know that live in a tidal zone and that could survive, things like that," he said.
The scientists found the humble hermit crab was a likely candidate for post-nuclear survival, thanks to its ability to absorb radiation in its shell and then discard it during a molting cycle. That's the academically valid, scientific part. But since this is still a video game, they wanted to make sure it was a little "off the wall" as Alvarado put it.
"We used radiation as a very simple gaming mechanism to argue that it makes animals super large, because everyone knows radiation makes things super-large... we'll just take that one as a granted," he said, laughing. "So let's let these hermit crabs get [so big] they can't find housing in their conventional shell and they'll actually seek housing in a bus or a telephone booth or something like that."
"So the whole idea is that they'll hide in parts of the environment and they'd actually have this stealth ability, in the fact that they wouldn't actually be seen by the player," Alvarado continued. "It kind of works with a bit of biology, it works a bit with what Wasteland is after ... it fits into this world that Wasteland has with bizarre and fun off-the-wall type humor and everything."
Feeding the obsession
A lot of the information Thwacke provides for the game won't have such a direct impact on game design, but will end up as background that goes into a Mass Effect-style codex to help describe the backstory and lore of the world, Alvarado said. Many players will ignore this kind of superfluous information, but Alvarado expects many obsessive players will eat it up.
"I've seen tons and tons of arguments online, people arguing about how one alien in Mass Effect can defeat another alien in Mass Effect just based on evolutionary biology. Looking at the science in these fictional universes, people have arguments over them, which really thrills me, because it's people really thinking about this kind of science."
Enlarge/ You may not care how accurate the rate of plant growth on those abandoned buildings is, but it's nice to know that somebody does.
"There's this type of immersion that a lot of these developers are trying to achieve now. It goes past just designing a game, it goes into really developing a narrative," he continued. "It's one thing to play a game and get addicted to shooting things on-screen. It's another thing to really be drawn into a story to something you believe to be close to reality. We really want to build as much real life as we can in the game while still maintaining the vision of the game and creating that immersion and building upon that."
While Fargo says most players probably wouldn't mind if Wasteland 2 had no connection to modern science, he thinks having some grounding in reality can only be a good thing. "I find that being inspired by nature and science is always helpful when fleshing out a world," he said. "Nobody really cared how the forests of Avatar were inspired by Cameron's exploration of the ocean yet it gave it a wonderful look. Much of our work with Thwacke helped inspire some big ideas that we might not have come across otherwise. Sometimes the truth really is stranger than fiction."
It's important that a focus on realism doesn't impinge on making a fun and imaginative games, though. Fargo says players definitely shouldn't worry on that score. "We would never let the realism trump the fun factor of the gameplay as our goal is to make a game a not a simulator or learning game," he said. "We are focused on the experience over the realism and the two can work hand in hand. The sensibilities of our Wasteland world are well documented in the vision document that we posted so the input of Thwacke does not affect the world feel in a negative way."
Alvarado agrees wholeheartedly. "I know some people are saying, 'Oh, I don't want Wasteland 2 to be scientifically accurate or realistic, because that would ruin such an off the wall game,' we're not doing that at all. ... We know that the game would be pretty boring if it had to be 100 percent realistic. We're trying to add some science facts on to their fiction just to give it a bit more grounding in reality. If you happen to identify with some of the actual science, you enjoy it that much more. If you don't, that's fine, you're still going to enjoy the game."
But for those that do care, Alvarado is excited his efforts might help expand players' curiosity. "We're doing our bit for science literacy," he said. "If we can make a really cool idea into a game that educates people, we know we're doing our job well. At the end of the day, people really are interested in learning, it's a behavior we all know we have."
Promoted Comments
My personal pet peeve is bad physics in scenes involving flight and space flight. Sometimes I feel like I'll scream if I see another "helicopter chops up stuff with its rotors and flies away" scene like I did in one of the recent James Bond movies.
In this scene, a helicopter tilts forward at a 45º angle while still hovering, then moves forward like a weedwacker, chopping up everything in its path. That scene was wrong on so many levels... and yet it was a big part of the chase scene. (As we all know, every James Bond movie has to have Bond get captured, followed by a highly improbably chase scene. This one featured the weed-eating helicopter and a motorcycle, if I recall correctly.)
On the other hand, I don't want too much science in my science fiction. I don't want to know that Superman can't actually fly or that spaceships can't actually fly faster than the speed of light... SF would be awefully boring if we had to stick to entirely mundane elements.
However, the more plausible most of the story is, the easier it is to accept the few things that are completely over the top.
My personal pet peeve is bad physics in scenes involving flight and space flight. Sometimes I feel like I'll scream if I see another "helicopter chops up stuff with its rotors and flies away" scene like I did in one of the recent James Bond movies.
In this scene, a helicopter tilts forward at a 45º angle while still hovering, then moves forward like a weedwacker, chopping up everything in its path. That scene was wrong on so many levels... and yet it was a big part of the chase scene. (As we all know, every James Bond movie has to have Bond get captured, followed by a highly improbably chase scene. This one featured the weed-eating helicopter and a motorcycle, if I recall correctly.)
On the other hand, I don't want too much science in my science fiction. I don't want to know that Superman can't actually fly or that spaceships can't actually fly faster than the speed of light... SF would be awefully boring if we had to stick to entirely mundane elements.
However, the more plausible most of the story is, the easier it is to accept the few things that are completely over the top.
I fear that the farther you go down the path of realism, the harder it gets to suspend disbelief in the necessary conceits that make the story fun and interesting. From a designer standpoint, I worry that too much understanding may constrain their ability to come up with really interesting and fanciful stuff. For example, it's probably harder to design fantasy aircraft once you go past knowing more or less what planes look like and assembling the components aesthetically to the level of having a true sense of aerodynamics and designing too closely to what's plausible.
It's probably better that this is left to a 3rd party as a gatekeeper of the information.
You know what other game put a lot of work into making sure it had good science? Master of Orion 3.
So the logical fallacy of correlation proves causation shows that Wasteland 2 making sure it has good science will also mean they make a buggy and incomplete game?
Not to speak for him, but I think the point of that post was that good science isn't sufficient condition for making a good game.(The plethora of good games that don't incorporate good science prove that it isn't even a necessary condition).
I dont really like the word realism here, I think plausibility is better.
Everyone has had those moments in movies where you tilt your head and say, "Theres no way that could have happened." Its a jarring experience and removes you from the world and the narrative. Removing these moments can only be good in my book.
As someone who wanted to smash their face into the keyboard multiple times upon playing Mass Effect 2, I'm certainly glad this service exists!
Alright, not that Mass Effect 2's wonderfully braindead story could have been saved by this service, but it might have helped. And if it can help other games, well then that's just neat as well. It would be fun to read plausible technical specs for a Mr. Handy in Fallout 4 and have them be plausible. I think it might add to the silliness of it all at least.
Not that most people are going to understand that any of this, if it gets implemented, is accurate. But as someone who could identify that at least parts of it are, I wouldn't mind seeing it. I also think there's a definitive tac to being inspired by things you don't know. So much of fictional worlds blend into each other just because the writers are taking inspiration from the same pool, which is watching Aliens and reading The Lord of the Rings and Ringworld and what have you. But real life offers a lot more very cool things to find, and should be able to help bring out new ideas.
I dont really like the word realism here, I think plausibility is better.
Everyone has had those moments in movies where you tilt your head and say, "Theres no way that could have happened." Its a jarring experience and removes you from the world and the narrative. Removing these moments can only be good in my book.
My most recent such experience was watching the Avengers, (mild and vague spoilers) :
The money scene where the Hulk punches something 1000 times his mass. I don't care how strong he is, he should have gone flying backwards at a high velocity!
So, I understand what you are saying, but is it really necessary to adhere to real-world scientific plausability to remove those moments? There could have been a comic-book physics explanation for that scene above, like, maybe the Hulk is really dense, or something.
Or does it just have to be plausible in the framework of the fictional universe?
My personal pet peeve is bad physics in scenes involving flight and space flight. Sometimes I feel like I'll scream if I see another "helicopter chops up stuff with its rotors and flies away" scene like I did in one of the recent James Bond movies.
In this scene, a helicopter tilts forward at a 45º angle while still hovering, then moves forward like a weedwacker, chopping up everything in its path. That scene was wrong on so many levels... and yet it was a big part of the chase scene. (As we all know, every James Bond movie has to have Bond get captured, followed by a highly improbably chase scene. This one featured the weed-eating helicopter and a motorcycle, if I recall correctly.).
I saw some of this movie myself the other day and agree completely. Bad science comes across as shockingly sloppy or incredibly arrogant, I'm not sure which. Either way it is like a slap in the face, and ruins any immersion the game or movie has built up by that point. On the other hand even if the science is not real, if it has a logical and plausible sounding explanation it will draw me into the story.
I love the idea that they're taking inspiration from the real world without locking themselves into being a realistic post-apocalypse simulator. Learning about what real life in a post-apocalyptic world might be like could be an amazing source of interesting ideas. While a grimly realistic survival game could be interesting, it wouldn't be Wasteland 2. A quirky, humorous adaptation of that gritty realistic survival game would be more what I would expect from Wasteland 2.
I shrugs when everyone says this, I disagree completely a 100% scientifically accurate game is not fun, no body has actually tried hard enough---there are fun things in real life!
There is what I call an uncanny valley of realism. Super hero movies are fine to many because it is over the top. Drama movies are fine because they are firmly rooted in reality. It is those half-ass approach to realism that is the problem.You have Alien movies where their ability to kill is over the top, fine, scientifically firm cryogenics crew pods and space ship design, great; but you get alien biological growth rate that defy conservation of mass in many scenes, boo.
I dont really like the word realism here, I think plausibility is better.
Everyone has had those moments in movies where you tilt your head and say, "Theres no way that could have happened." Its a jarring experience and removes you from the world and the narrative. Removing these moments can only be good in my book.
My most recent such experience was watching the Avengers, (mild and vague spoilers) :
The money scene where the Hulk punches something 1000 times his mass. I don't care how strong he is, he should have gone flying backwards at a high velocity!
So, I understand what you are saying, but is it really necessary to adhere to real-world scientific plausability to remove those moments? There could have been a comic-book physics explanation for that scene above, like, maybe the Hulk is really dense, or something.
Or does it just have to be plausible in the framework of the fictional universe?
I think plausible in the realm of the fictional universe is a good way of putting it. Firefly did a really good job on this. Plausible enough to make it credible and engaging, while being outlandish enough that it wasnt trying to take its fiction too seriously.
You know what other game put a lot of work into making sure it had good science? Master of Orion 3.
So the logical fallacy of correlation proves causation shows that Wasteland 2 making sure it has good science will also mean they make a buggy and incomplete game?
Not to speak for him, but I think the point of that post was that good science isn't sufficient condition for making a good game.(The plethora of good games that don't incorporate good science prove that it isn't even a necessary condition).
I was just being funny. "You know who else liked _______ "
But yeah, what you said; it's a question of time and resources. If the money these contractors are getting wouldn't put another aspect of the game ahead in a significant manner, then awesome. But you know this issue will come up if anything else in the product ends up falling short. Ideally, this causes such contractors to work their asses off trying to be useful and prove their worth.
Master of Orion 3 spent a lot of time creating a universe where aliens weren't humans in foam costumes and rubber ears. The problem was the knowledge gained from exploring that wasn't used to serve what the marketplace actually wanted.
I'm an avid fan of hard sci-fi and I love to limit my suspension of disbelief. As a result, I don't understand why having a completely realistic (or providing only one or two fantastic ideas) storyline is such a bad thing.Obviously fantasy as a genre doesn't fit into that ideology but the aftermath of a nuclear war doesn't have to bend reality to be entertaining.
Could we actually build a giant robotic scorpion with chain guns? I bet Thwacke knows the answer...
Yes, we could, but the guns in the illustration aren't chain guns (R). They're rotary guns -- often called Gatling guns -- which are externally powered like chain guns, but don't use a chain mechanism in the feeder/delinker.
Games' explanation of futuristic technology often isn't any better. "If you just said, 'Oh, nanomachines did it,' and stop there, we'd like to say, 'Oh, nanomachines did it, because of this, this, and this, and did you know that last year's discovery showed that they've replicated 30 percent of the idea in the video game?' Something like that really resonates with the player and makes it really cool and makes them more immersed in it."
You know what I don't want in my games? A 10 minute dissertation on how nanotech is used to handwave something. Just tell me what the handwave is; I'll buy into it based on how much I like your game. If your game is shit, I won't care about the handwave because your game is shit. And if your game is good, I won't care about the handwave because your game is good.
It's like all of the tedious parts of Mass Effect, where they do things like try to explain how Quarrians catch alien diseases, which then became not really catching alien diseases but getting an allergic reaction, but that doesn't make sense because you don't take antibiotics to deal with allergic reactions, and on and on until I wanted to shoot Tali'Zorah nar Rayya vas Normandy in the fucking face.
I don't want more of that nonsense in my videogames, thank you.
Quote:
Could we actually build a giant robotic scorpion with chain guns? I bet Thwacke knows the answer...
Who cares?! Either the Giant Robotic Scorpion is awesome, or it's not. I don't need a dissertation on why it might be possible or not. I want it to provide interesting gameplay and look cool.
Quote:
"I've seen tons and tons of arguments online, people arguing about how one alien in Mass Effect can defeat another alien in Mass Effect just based on evolutionary biology. Looking at the science in these fictional universes, people have arguments over them, which really thrills me, because it's people really thinking about this kind of science."
Right. Who cares about the plot, characters, themes, or gameplay of Mass Effect when we could instead sit around and argue about which species is more evolutionarily sound.
These people are actually being paid to fanwank. I honestly can't believe it.
I loved Sid Meyer's Alpha Centauri. I didn't love it because of its "realism"; I loved it because it had really good gameplay.
mickliddy wrote:
I'm an avid fan of hard sci-fi and I love to limit my suspension of disbelief. As a result, I don't understand why having a completely realistic (or providing only one or two fantastic ideas) storyline is such a bad thing.Obviously fantasy as a genre doesn't fit into that ideology but the aftermath of a nuclear war doesn't have to bend reality to be entertaining.
It's not about being a "bad thing". My problem is the over-emphasis on it. It's not a good thing either; it's a side issue that's completely irrelevant to the quality of the story/gameplay presented.
My other problem is that the people who tend to do this in their work love being know-it-alls and will take every conceivable opportunity to shove this knowledge down your throat. Usually shutting down narrative pacing and momentum while doing so.
(3) Explosive based weapons (Ammo uses gunpowder) work everywhere (see 1) or even under water or in a vacuum.
I hate to be an ass, but firearms will work in a vacuum or inert atmosphere as the cartridges contain an oxidant. Otherwise they would not work at all, as oxygen will not travel into a gun barrel fast enough to sustain the reaction of the propellant.
The impression I get is that the science here is being used for inspiration rather than as a fact check, I don't see how that should be objectionable. If you have two options that are otherwise equally good, and one is based on our understanding of science and the natural world, and the other isn't, why not go with it? It may even make things easier in the long run because you're not reinventing the wheel, you can use real world details appearances and behaviours rather than having to make things up from scratch.
For example, Alvarado points out that nuclear blasts often create trinitite, a shiny green glass formed when sand gets super-heated incredibly quickly. Thwacke passes that background on to InXile and lets them decide how or whether to use it in the game.
Consistency is certainly a big part of creating a good foundation for a game world, but the real win from doing "realism research" is that our imaginations are generally paltry compared by the bizarre wonder of reality.
I see games, stories, movies all the time where ever component is a rehash of a rehash of a rehash of Star Wars, written by as one excellent critic remarked of Thomas Kinkade, "..as if [they were] painted by someone who hadn't been outside in a long time."
The impression I get is that the science here is being used for inspiration rather than as a fact check, I don't see how that should be objectionable. If you have two options that are otherwise equally good, and one is based on our understanding of science and the natural world, and the other isn't, why not go with it?
If both are "equally good," then it's purely an artistic choice. But they're not equal.
In general, I have rarely seen a work that bills itself on being "realistic" that didn't hold forth, usually at great length, about how realistic it was being. 2001: A Space Odyssey, a great audio/visual presentation, basically sacrificed narrative momentum and pacing in order to just show cool realism.
And that's fine, if you like that. But if you want to get down to the actual story being told, or the gameplay being played, it's not helping.
The impression I get is that the science here is being used for inspiration rather than as a fact check, I don't see how that should be objectionable. If you have two options that are otherwise equally good, and one is based on our understanding of science and the natural world, and the other isn't, why not go with it? It may even make things easier in the long run because you're not reinventing the wheel, you can use real world details appearances and behaviours rather than having to make things up from scratch.
Exactly -- 1) science says hermit crabs have a high tolerance for radiation, so let's use them as a plausible monster2) we'll make them giant-size because that's more fun, and people like the (fake science) idea that radiation = giant monsters. Gamera's full of turtle meat!
(3) Explosive based weapons (Ammo uses gunpowder) work everywhere (see 1) or even under water or in a vacuum.
True most of the time. Cartridges are usually sealed and those work underwater and in vacuum. Explosives like nitrocellulose contain their own oxidizer. The range is very short under water, though. There have been a number of guns adapted to work better underwater by using larger, slower projectiles or rocket-powered projectiles.
No matter what planet you land on you will(3) Explosive based weapons (Ammo uses gunpowder) work everywhere (see 1) or even under water or in a vacuum.
Our ballistics weapons will work fine in a vacuum. The powder contains oxidants that will work fine in low-oxygen or hazardous environments. Underwater they'll still work fine (provided that the case hasn't been ruptured and the powder is wet) but the weapon will likely explode from the rapid expulsion of water from the weapon, ripping the receiver apart.
Could we actually build a giant robotic scorpion with chain guns? I bet Thwacke knows the answer...
Yes, we could, but the guns in the illustration aren't chain guns (R). They're rotary guns -- often called Gatling guns -- which are externally powered like chain guns, but don't use a chain mechanism in the feeder/delinker.
You know, I'd just checked up on this to make sure I was right and... Beaten. Gatling gun / minigun.
(9) You are never given the option to slap that one idiot NPC they always put into a game.
Baldur's Gate: You can kill the annoying NPC intentionally put into the game to annoy you. In fact, you can kill almost everyone and everything.
MrG3 wrote:
(10) Your bullets will miraculously go around all friendly targets.
BG again, you can fireball/lightning bolt/whatever the bejesus out of your own dudes, and neutrals. Neutrals with turn hostile. Be careful.Weirdly, you can't do this in some setting of Neverwinter Nights.
"Nobody really cared how the forests of Avatar were inspired by Cameron's exploration of the ocean yet it gave it a wonderful look."
I actually found it distracting because many animals/plants were not "inspired" so much as exact copies of things that live underwater, shown as terrestrial organisms. He should have been a little more loose with his inspiration in my opinion.
But this is kind of like doctors criticizing TV medicine. There's a point where you know too much and it's much harder to satisfy you....
I dont really like the word realism here, I think plausibility is better.
Everyone has had those moments in movies where you tilt your head and say, "Theres no way that could have happened." Its a jarring experience and removes you from the world and the narrative. Removing these moments can only be good in my book.
My most recent such experience was watching the Avengers, (mild and vague spoilers) :
The money scene where the Hulk punches something 1000 times his mass. I don't care how strong he is, he should have gone flying backwards at a high velocity!
So, I understand what you are saying, but is it really necessary to adhere to real-world scientific plausability to remove those moments? There could have been a comic-book physics explanation for that scene above, like, maybe the Hulk is really dense, or something.
Or does it just have to be plausible in the framework of the fictional universe?
I had no problems with that scene. But when they explain how it was gamma radiation that turned him in to the hulk...I would much rather that they do not explain than pull that kind of crap. If it's magic just say magic and be done with it. If you want to do some kind of sciency explanation then hire someone who can at least check it for glaring mistakes.
There are many realistic-looking games out there that try to immerse players in some apocalyptic context. There are few hilarious ones. I showed up for finals my first year in college having neither slept nor read for 3 days, not because Wasteland was scientifically accurate or even plausible in the slightest, and certainly not for the graphics, but because it was giggle-inducing fun when I was at my most stressed. And Wasteland is still my favorite game, ever. That's the legacy that's at risk.
(BTW, my first exam was an essay for a philosophy class. In my delirium I kept trying to hit the nonexistent escape key on my desk so the exam paper would go away. I have no idea what I actually wrote - was too scared to collect my test after - but I got a B.)
It does not automatically help having science folks on a game or movie. First of all, the writers typically ask the science person AFTER they have decided what should happen so the job for the science bogs down to coming up with slightly more reasonable technobabble.
Then, which is far worse I think, the science person can be inappropriate for the job. A movie or game would be better off with an engineer than the typical star name phycisist that tend to get the job. A case in point is Dr Brian Cox (famous physics TV guy) that was the science consultant for the movie Sunshine.
[SPOILER ALERT] I can live with having gravity indoors despite no spin-habitats etc, as long as they don't mention it. I can live with stopover at Mercury despite having no remass to burn. I can live with the handpicked elite crew which job is to save mankind not having decided who is in charge. I can even live with the totally jarring third segment supernatural slasher antagonist. What totally ruined that movie for me was the fire in the green house. You have a green house to create oxygen for the crew and when a fire starts there they decide to quench it by flushing huge amounts of liquid oxygen at it!
Yup, they totally burn all plants to ash and simultaneously get rid of all their stored oxygen thus creating the too-many-crew-members-for-the-remaining-oxygen-we-must-pick-who-dies plotline. This is supposed to be a handpicked crew of Earths smartest and most able spacers and scientists. Dr Brian Cox let that slide and concentrated instead on a weird and physically clever reasons why the sun had gone weak, that never showed in the movie.
Concentrate on the small stuff that every child knows (and don't get me started on the Prometheus trainwreck).
(3) Explosive based weapons (Ammo uses gunpowder) work everywhere (see 1) or even under water or in a vacuum.
Actually, explosives don't need air. More precisely, they don't need an oxidizing agent, because in explosive substance, the oxidizing and the reactant are both provided on the same molecule.
So yeah, explosives work in vacuum and under water.
Diluting an explosive (by mixing it with water for example) can indeed prevent the explosive reaction, but a tightly sealed bullet will stay usable.Note that due to the incompressibility of the water in the cannon or in general in the path of the exhaust gas of a gun, the gun itself might malfunction/explode under water.
All cool, except for the part where the cost of making a game skyrockets, while the actual fun to be had has been static for years now, and most games fail in that department more than they should.
Game manufacturers seem to be setting the bar higher and higher, but not so much in the fun department. I'm all for advancing the technology, but don't cry when your 50 million dollar video game is a bomb nobody wants to play.
It also sucks for the little guy, because the resources needed to compete on all levels with a giant corporation is impossible to attain.
Graphics and sound are immersion tools, but when you immerse me in a turd I get disappointed.
It's an interesting idea, I just wish they'd arrived in time to fix the Mass Effect 3 ending, because I'm pretty sure machine DNA doesn't make any sense, and if you can safely control something with a signal, why can't you destroy it the same way?
Kyle Orland / Kyle is the Senior Gaming Editor at Ars Technica, specializing in video game hardware and software. He has journalism and computer science degrees from University of Maryland. He is based in the Washington, DC area.
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Year Zero
The fragile soul behind NIN scrutinizes a greater existence beyond his own torture with a concept disc that runs like CliffsNotes for 1984 -- ones that have been sealed with rage and stomped through Trent Reznor-patented machinery. In Reznor's mad scientist treatment, sci-fi gets kinky with modern reality and a dystopia ripens in 2022 (Year Zero). An intriguing cacophony of tension-building minimalism, crunching metal hooks, grimy factory beats and paroxysmal distortions, the album is an astute echo of terror, chaos and urgency. Dance, conspire theories and freak your friends out with it.
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What's Wrong With Standardized Tests?
Not really. On standardized exams, all test takers answer the same questions under the same conditions, usually in multiple-choice format. Such tests reward quick answers to superficial questions. They do not measure the ability to think deeply or creatively in any field. Their use encourages a narrowed curriculum, outdated methods of instruction, and harmful practices such as grade retention and tracking.
Are standardized tests objective?
The only objective part of most standardized tests is scoring, when done by an accurately programmed machine. Deciding what items to include on the test, how questions are worded, which answers are scored as "correct,” how the test is administered, and the uses of exam results are all made by subjective human beings.
Are test scores "reliable"?
A test is completely reliable if you would get exactly the same results the second time you administered it. All tests have "measurement error." This means an individual's score may vary significantly from day to day due to testing conditions or the test-taker's mental or emotional state. Scores of young children and scores on sub-sections of tests are particularly unreliable.
Do test scores reflect significant differences among people?
Not necessarily. The goal of most tests is to sort and rank. To do that, test makers make small differences appear large. Questions most people get right or wrong are removed because they don’t help with ranking. Because of measurement error, two people with very different scores on one exam administration might get similar scores on a retest, or vice versa. On the SAT, for example, two students' scores must differ by at least 144 points (out of 1,600) before the test’s sponsors are willing to say the students' measured abilities really differ.
Don't test-makers remove bias from tests?
Most test-makers review items for obvious biases, such as offensive words. But many forms of bias are not superficial. Test-makers also use statistical bias-reduction techniques. However, these cannot detect underlying bias in the test's form or content. As a result, biased cultural assumptions built into the test as a whole often are not removed by test-makers.
Do tests reflect current knowledge about how students learn?
Not at all. While our understanding of the brain and how people learn and think has progressed enormously, standardized tests have remained the same. Test makers still assume that knowledge can be broken into separate bits and that people learn by absorbing these individual parts. Today, cognitive and developmental psychologists understand that knowledge is not separable bits and that people (including children) learn by connecting what they already know with what they are trying to learn. If they cannot actively make meaning out of what they are doing, they do not learn or remember.
Do multiple-choice or short-answer tests measure important student achievement?
These kinds of tests are very poor yardsticks of student learning. They are weak measures of the ability to comprehend complex material, write, apply math, understand scientific methods or reasoning, or grasp social science concepts. Nor do they adequately measure thinking skills or assess what people can do on real-world tasks.
Are test scores helpful to teachers?
Classroom surveys show most teachers do not find scores from standardized tests scores very useful. The tests do not help a teacher understand what to do next in working with a student because they do not indicate how the student learns or thinks. Nor do they measure much of what students should learn. Good evaluation provides useful information to teachers.How has “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB) affected the use of standardized tests in the U.S.?NCLB has led to a huge increase in testing. It requires state testing of every student in grades 3-8 and once in high school, more than twice previous federal mandates. NCLB also led to an explosion of other standardized exams, including “benchmark” tests often administered 3-10 times per year. U.S. students are now the most tested on Earth.
What is high-stakes testing?
High-stakes tests are used to make important decisions such as student promotion or graduation, granting teacher tenure, or sanctioning schools for poor performance. Twenty-six states now have graduation tests; some states and districts have tests for grade promotion. NCLB attaches sanctions to test results. Even though NCLB has failed to improve schools, policy makers continue to expand high-stakes test uses such as “value-added” teacher evaluation.
What happens when tests become high stakes?
High-stakes testing often results in a narrow focus on teaching just the tested material (test preparation). Other content in that subject as well as untested subjects such as social studies, art and music are cut back or eliminated. High-stakes testing also produces score inflation: scores go up, but students have not learned more. Their scores are lower even on a different standardized test. This undermines the meaning of test results as well as education.
What are other consequences of high-stakes testing?
Attaching high stakes to test results increases cheating and other efforts to boost scores without improving educational quality. This can be done by arranging for low-scoring students to be absent on test day or pushing them out of school, often into the prison pipeline.
Are there better ways to evaluate student achievement or ability?
Yes. Good teacher observation, documentation of student work, and performance-based assessment, all of which involve the direct evaluation of real learning tasks, provide useful material for teachers, parents, and the public. Many nations that do the best in international comparisons, like Finland, use these techniques instead of large-scale standardized testing.
►Other FairTest fact sheets and reports provide details and research evidence to support the points in this fact sheet.
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Contents
There is only one requirement for editing an article: that you are logged in. You must log in using the same account you use on the TeamLiquid.net website, if you don’t already have one you can register for an account here. Then you can edit any article on the wiki by using the “Edit” buttons. At the top of the page, this button lets you edit the whole page. At the top of a section or subsection, it lets you edit that part of the page only, this can be found at the right of any header.
The edit page consist of an editing textbox containing the current wikicode of the page or the section you want to edit. You can now change that code to add, remove, fix, improve something on the page. Once you made the change, you can use the "Show preview" button to see how the result will look like, before you actually commit the change into the wiki. If at some point you become lost in your modifications, you can use the button Show change, that will display what you have done so far. Once you are done and satisfied with the result, you can click on “Save changes” to commit your work into the wiki.
To help you with formatting, some work has already been done by contributors who created templates. A template, in the wiki context, is a preformatted way to output information which is sometimes changed based on further input. By using template, you don’t have to care about formatting the data yourself, and it makes it easy to have a consistent way of layouting information across the wiki. Templates look like this in the wiki code:
Templates may seem hard to use at first glance, but you can learn quickly by looking at other pages that use templates, and compare the wiki code that contains a template and what it shows on the page to get an idea of what are expected in the template parameters. Templates usually have a documentation page, that can be found on the wiki by going to the template page. This documentation describes what the template does, which parameters it needs or accepts, and how it looks once rendered on the page. A link to all templates used on a page is listed if you click on the preview button below the editing field, which ease the access to the documentation of the templates you are using.
A good example of a template you will often encounter is the Infobox template, which comes in three flavour: player, team, league. All it does is displaying informations in a box located at the top right of the page. It is usually present on each player, tournament, and team page, and accept multiple parameters, for example “name”, or “image”, that expect a specific value. Most of the time, it expect some text or a number that will be displayed as is, like “name”. Sometimes though, the parameter expects something specific, like “image” which expect the name of a file that has been uploaded on the wiki. That means you have to do a bit of research to understand what kind of value a specific parameter expects.
The concept behind a wiki is that anyone can edit and/or create pages on it. Sources are what makes it reliable and trustworthy. So be sure to actually provide a link that readers can consult if they want to check that the information is actually true. Though not everything can be sourced, the basic requirement is that you provide, for anything that can have one, a link to a trustworthy source, like the studio that develops the game, a very well established news website, the teams’ websites, etc. Just like in real life, when you say something, people are more likely to believe you if you have a good source to back your statement.
When in doubt: do as the wikis do, it is better to have consistent pages across the wiki.
Search for templates: there is no point in reinventing the wheel, and that complicated task you are struggling to do may have a corresponding template already there and way easier to use
Ask for help: Liquipedia has its IRC channel and its Discord Server, which is always active (though more likely at EU hours), and there are people here that will gladly answer all your questions. And there is always the feedback thread on TeamLiquid.net
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The Modern Memoir: Popular Confession and How it Sells 'A Million Little Pieces'
In recent years the memoir has come to the forefront of American literature as a popular form for both writers and readers. The best seller list is often clogged with memoirs, or, at least, books that claim to be memoirs. Despite the nagging question of how true any autobiographical information really is, readers nevertheless devour books like James Frey's A Million Little Pieces, which sold millions of copies after being endorsed by television icon Oprah Winfrey.
The fear of being lied to does not stop Americans from craving confessionals. In an attempt to understand why reading and writing memoir has become so popular, this essay analyzes historical and critical evidence of the effects of reading and writing memoir in modern America while also contextualizing that evidence using the example of James Frey’s A Million Little Pieces. This piece identifies the use of memoir in American society as a cultural platform that directs and demands powerful emotions through the act of confession.
In this context, the reasons that Frey would manipulate key aspects of his memoir are straightforward: in order to make the story more dramatic and compelling, to get his story published, and to sell many copies. In The Limits of Biography: Trauma and Testimony, Leigh Gilmore looks at the emerging popularity of memoir and its relation to trauma culture. Gilmore notes that “the literary market has proved a shaping force. Although it is unclear whether the market has led or followed, market demand currently encourages marketing practices such as subtitling an author’s first book “a memoir” when in previous years it might have been classified as fiction” (Gilmore, 2001). Gilmore points out that the market demand for memoir has forced the mislabeling of fiction as memoir in order to sell.
The market demand for memoir has forced the mislabeling of fiction as memoir in order to sell.
In order to sell more copies, publishers and authors label books as 'memoir' even when that classification may be, at best, a stretch. Driven by this market shift in the popularity of memoir, Frey manipulated the key factors that make memoir a potent and popular form.
Memoir, personal by nature, becomes a shared experience between the reader and the author. Memoir moves the personal from private to universal. In his book, The Wisdom of Memoir: Reading and Writing Life's Sacred Texts, Peter Gilmour writes
“Memoir echoes larger worlds. Every memoir reflects not only the individual but also the social, not only the personal but also the communal, not only the local but also the universal” (Gilmour, 1997).
Gilmour notes that despite being personal to the author, memoir transcends the personal. He says that the tiny instance of life in memoir “echoes” the entirety of life. An echo is not the original but a manifestation of the original.
It is this quality of echoing, the reproduction of the larger life in the memoir, that makes memoir so transcendent. Gilmour parallels the disparate individual and social and then reconciles them with the echo of life in memoir. Memoir connects people for Gilmour: it has a larger significance to humanity. It may be about a specific person but nevertheless applies to all humanity. Essentially, this transcendent quality makes memoir a highly relatable form of literature.
The relationship of reader, writer, and text is an intricate web. The results of this web are an intimate window. In his book, English Autobiography: Its Emergence, Materials, and Form, Wayne Shumaker remarks on the universal implications of autobiography in general, which can relate to memoir as well. Shumaker writes
“It remains probable that of all kinds of historical literature autobiography, at its best, may come nearest to the reality it tries to represent. The complicated tangle of causes and events which the historian of a nation must try to unravel may inspire brilliant speculative interpretations and yield, in part, to statistical studies and piercing insights, but the complete story of even a day in history radiates outward to infinity” (Shumaker, 1954).
Shumaker shows the incredible web of writer, reader and text in autobiography. The historian interpreting causes and events on a broad scale may come up with something clever about a subject, but for Shumaker it is the story of a day in history that has global significance. It is again the echo that becomes important.
The story of a day can relate to all humanity, “outward to infinity” and provide a deeper insight that the statistical analysis of the historian. It encapsulates all humanity, reader and writer and “radiates outward” to apply to things greater than one single day or one single person. Once again, there is a certain outward movement that makes memoir important. It is this outward movement that makes memoir so popular as a window into humanity.
This window opens the individual to the world. In his article, “Autobiography as Political Theory,” P. M. Kitromilides explores the benefit of autobiography in politics. Kitromilides says that “[the] process of self-discovery presupposes a standard of criticism outside the self, which ipso facto makes autobiographical writing relevant as a vantage point through which to pass judgment - through self-criticism - on the human condition” (Kitromilides, 2012). Kitromilides, in reference to the value of autobiography in interpreting politics, says that autobiography is a lens that can be used to look at all of humanity.Continued on Next Page »
Suggested Reading from InquiriesJournal
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In the autobiography, time and history, at first glance, seem paramount. After all, autobiography is the account of the things that have happened in a person’s life, selected and made ready for public consumption, usually written in the first person. However, the understanding of autobiographical narratives can vary from story... MORE»
David Eggers’ What is the What is a memoir about the life of Valentino Achak Deng and his personal experience with warfare, famine, and disease in his home country of Sudan and the neighboring countries he travels through as a refugee. Eggers provides Deng’s account of the displacement of over 20,000 children... MORE»
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How to fix
Complexity
Complexity
Complex classes like elodie.geolocation often do a lot of different things. To break such a class down, we need to identify a cohesive
component within that class. A common approach to find such a component is to look for fields/methods that
share the same prefixes, or suffixes.
Once you have determined the fields that belong together, you can apply the Extract Class
refactoring. If the component makes sense as a sub-class, Extract Subclass is
also a candidate, and is often faster.
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$29.99 (P)
Paperback
Looking for an examination copy?
If you are interested in the title for your course we can consider offering an examination copy. To register your interest please contact [email protected] providing details of the course you are teaching.
The economic rise of Europe over the past millennium represents a major human breakthrough. To explain this phenomenon, this book highlights a counterintuitive yet central feature of Europe's historical landscape: warfare. Historical warfare inflicted numerous costs on rural populations. Security was a traditional function of the city. To mitigate the high costs of conflict in the countryside, rural populations migrated to urban centers. Over time, the city's historical role as a safe harbor translated into local economic development through several channels, including urban political freedoms and human capital accumulation. To make this argument, the book performs a wide-ranging analysis of a novel quantitative database that spans more than one thousand years, from the fall of the Carolingian Empire to today. The book's study of urban Europe's historical path from warfare to wealth provides a new way to think about the process of long-run economic and political development.
Provides a rich new historical perspective and integrates scholarship from demography, economics, economic history, political science, and sociology in innovative ways
Produces predictions about optimal migration decisions that corroborate the historical evidence and help guide the statistical analyses
Expands our understanding of the different ways in which historical warfare can influence long-run economic development patterns
Awards
Winner, 2018 William Riker Best Book Award, Political Economy Section, American Political Science Association
Reviews & endorsements
‘This bold and fascinating book argues that the prosperity of the modern West grew out of the constant warfare of medieval Europe. Conflict strengthened states and drew people to the safety of cities. Europe's remarkable combination of political competition and urbanization then spurred innovation and economic success. This remarkable book combines rich new data sources and creative ideas.'
Edward Glaeser, Fred and Eleanor Glimp Professor of Economics, Harvard University, Massachusetts
‘Ever since Tilly's seminal work, scholars have studied the impact of war and state formation from the top down. In this intriguing and important work, Dincecco and Onorato approach state formation from the bottom up. War makes cities, they argue, and cities make the state. Read this book.'
Robert H. Bates, Eaton Professor of the Science of Government, Harvard University, Massachusetts
‘If warfare impoverishes combatant populations, then why are the richest parts of Europe those with the most conflict-ridden pasts? This question is central to understanding European development and Dincecco and Onorato provide the most comprehensive and compelling assault on it to date.'
Gary W. Cox, William Bennett Munro Professor of Political Science, Stanford University, California
‘In this ambitious and far-reaching book, Dincecco and Onorato argue that the west owes warfare for its rise to global power. This is a counter-intuitive claim, given the devastation that war wreaked upon European lands for centuries on end, but Dincecco and Onorato marshal meticulous case-study and quantitative evidence for the proposition that war moved populations into urban centers where they could be safer from predation. Once urbanized, city-dwellers were poised to demand property rights and invest in technology and human capital with long-term effects for their economies. Armed with novel data and deeply conversant with alternative arguments, this book is required reading for anyone curious about the determinants of long-standing prosperity.'
Frances Rosenbluth, Damon Wells Professor of Political Science, Yale University, Connecticut
‘In this provocative book Dincecco and Onorato make a strong case for revising our conventional views of early urban growth in Europe. The continent's unhappy tradition of conflict may well have been a stimulant for development.'
David Stasavage, Julius Silver Professor, New York University
Resources for
From Warfare to Wealth
Mark Dincecco, Massimiliano Gaetano Onorato
General Resources
Here you will find free-of-charge online materials to accompany this book. The range of materials we provide across our academic and higher education titles are an integral part of the book package whether you are a student, instructor, researcher or professional.
*This title has one or more locked files and access is given only to instructors adopting the textbook for their class. We need to enforce this strictly so that solutions are not made available to students. To gain access to locked resources you either need first to sign in or register for an account.
These resources are provided free of charge by Cambridge University Press with permission of the author of the corresponding work, but are subject to copyright.
You are permitted to view, print and download these resources for your own personal use only, provided any copyright lines on the resources are not removed or altered in any way. Any other use, including but not limited to distribution of the resources in modified form, or via electronic or other media, is strictly prohibited unless you have permission from the author of the corresponding work and provided you give appropriate acknowledgement of the source.
Authors
Mark Dincecco, University of Michigan, Ann ArborMark Dincecco is Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Michigan. He is the author of Political Transformations and Public Finances: Europe, 1650–1913 (Cambridge, 2011). In 2016–17, he was the Edward Teller National Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, California.
Massimiliano Gaetano Onorato, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, MilanoMassimiliano Gaetano Onorato is a faculty member in the Department of Economics and Finance at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano. He is the author of several peer-reviewed journal articles. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, Milan. In 2010–11, he was a Post-doctoral Research Associate at the Leitner Program in International and Comparative Political Economy at Yale University, Connecticut.
Awards
Winner, 2018 William Riker Best Book Award, Political Economy Section, American Political Science Association
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These sample scans are from the original record. You will get scans of the full pages or articles where the surname you searched for has been found.
Your web browser may prevent the sample windows from opening; in this case please change your browser settings to allow pop-up windows from this site.
Masters of Apprentices registered at Stroud and Gloucester
(1717-1719)Apprenticeship indentures and clerks' articles were subject to a 6d or 12d per pound stamp duty: the registers of the payments usually give the master's trade, address, and occupation, and the apprentice's father's name and address, as well as details of the date and length of the apprenticeship. There are central registers for collections of the stamp duty in London, as well as returns from collectors in the provinces. These collectors generally received duty just from their own county, but sometimes from further afield. Because of the delay before some collectors made their returns, this register includes indentures and articles from as early as 1716. (The sample entry shown on this scan is taken from a Norfolk return)
ELSWORTHY. Cost: £8.00.
Sample scan, click to enlarge
Apprentices registered in Devon
(1795)Apprenticeship indentures and clerks' articles were subject to a 6d or 12d per pound stamp duty: the registers of the payments usually give the master's trade, address, and occupation, and the apprentice's name, as well as details of the date and length of the apprenticeship. There are central registers for collections of the stamp duty in London, as well as returns from collectors in the provinces. These collectors generally received duty just from their own county, but sometimes from further afield. The indentures themselves can date from a year or two earlier than this return. (The sample entry shown on this scan is taken from a Bristol return. Each entry has two scans, the other being the facing page with the details of the indenture, length of service, and payment of duty.) IR 1/67
ELSWORTHY. Cost: £8.00.
Sample scan, click to enlarge
Sailors on board H. M. S. Minotaur
(1796-1798)His Majesty's ship the Minotaur took part in the destruction of the French fleet in Aboukir Bay at the mouth of the Nile ('the Battle of the Nile') on the evening of the 1st and morning of the 2nd August 1798. This is the muster book for 1 August to 30 September 1798: being a continuation book in a series covering wages and victualling from September 1796, it also includes the names of some men who had died, deserted or been discharged from the ship from then to August 1798. Of the ship's complement of 640, this index covers the sailors, volunteers, and boys, as well as the supernumeraries and a group of pilots: but not the marines, or the French prisoners taken after the battle. Usually each man's entry gives his birthplace, and also his age on entering the ship.
ELSWORTHY. Cost: £8.00.
Sample scan, click to enlarge
Sailors on board H. M. S. Minotaur
(1796-1798)His Majesty's ship the Minotaur took part in the destruction of the French fleet in Aboukir Bay at the mouth of the Nile ('the Battle of the Nile') on the evening of the 1st and morning of the 2nd August 1798. This is the muster book for 1 June to 31 July 1798: being a continuation book in a series covering wages and victualling from September 1796, it also includes the names of some men who had died, deserted or been discharged from the ship from then to June 1798. Of the ship's complement of 640, this index covers the sailors, volunteers, and boys, as well as the supernumeraries; the retinue of sir John Orde, Rear-Admiral of the White; and a group of pilots: but not the marines, or the French prisoners taken after the battle. Usually each man's entry gives his birthplace, and also his age on entering the ship.
ELSWORTHY. Cost: £8.00.
Sample scan, click to enlarge
Apprentices registered in Devon
(1799)Apprenticeship indentures and clerks' articles were subject to a 6d or 12d per pound stamp duty: the registers of the payments usually give the master's trade, address, and occupation, and the apprentice's name, as well as details of the date and length of the apprenticeship. There are central registers for collections of the stamp duty in London, as well as returns from collectors in the provinces. These collectors generally received duty just from their own county, but sometimes from further afield. The indentures themselves can date from a year or two earlier than this return. (The sample entry shown on this scan is taken from a Bristol return. Each entry has two scans, the other being the facing page with the details of the indenture, length of service, and payment of duty.) IR 1/69
ELSWORTHY. Cost: £8.00.
Sample scan, click to enlarge
Inhabitants of Yarmouth, in Norfolk
(1805)Holden's Triennial Directory of 1805 to 1807 included a provincial section, listing professional people and traders in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. (The sample scan here is from the listing for Bath)
ELSWORTHY. Cost: £6.00.
Sample scan, click to enlarge
Masters of Merchantmen
(1822)The Society for the Registry of Shipping was instituted in 1760, and published an annual register and supplement. The annual register consisted of an alphabetical list of ships surveyed for insurance in Britain and Ireland, together with an alphabetical supplement. The society maintained a Registry Office at which alterations and additions were notified, and members delivering their registers when called for had them updated and returned on the following or the ensuing day. Each ship was given a number within each letter of the alphabet: ships' names were not unique, so within each name a ship was identified by the name of the captain or master at the time of the last survey. Then abbreviations indicate the type of vessel (Bg, brig; Bk, barque; Cr, cutter; Dr, dogger; G, galliott; H, hoy; K, ketch; S, ship; Sk, smack; Sp, sloop; Sr, schooner; St, schoot; Sw, snow), and whether sheathed (s) and/or doubled (d) with copper (C) and iron bolts (I B) or over boards (W & C), patent felt (P F), copper fastened (c f), copper bolted (c b), or copper repaired (C rp) sometimes with a date, such as (18)18. The third column, reserved for masters' names, is not particularly wide; with short surnames, an initial will be given; but longer surnames omit the initials, and even longer surnames are abbreviated. It will be borne in mind that these are the names of the masters not (necessarily) in 1822, but at the time of the last survey. Often new masters had been appointed by the time of re-survey, and their names are added in slightly smaller type under the original master's names in the third column. In the fourth column is the tonnage: where there is a blank under the number this indicates that the ship had two decks; more often the letters S D (B) for single deck (with beams); D W for deep waist; S D W single deck with deep waist; B D W single deck with beams and deep waist. Underneath the entry may run references to recent repairs: Cl. clincher built; Drp. damages repaired; grp. good repair; len. lengthened; lrp. large repair; N. (new) B. bottom, D. deck, Kl. keel, Sds. sides or UW. upper-works; rb. rebuilt; rsd. raised; Srprs. some repairs; or trp. thorough repair. In italics, the timber of the ship is described - B. B., black birch; C., cedar; H., hazel; Hk., hackmetack; J., juniper; L. O., live oak; M., mahogany; P., pine; P. P., pitch pine; S., spruce; W. H., witch hazel; W. O., white oak. The fifth column gives the place that the ship was built. For foreign ships this may be as vague as 'Dutch' or 'French'; but nothing in this record specifically indicates the nationality of ship, master or owners, except that an A. under the owner's name indicates that the vessel was American property. The sixth column gives the year of the ship's age; a few were still sailing after 30 or 40 years. The seventh column gives the owner's name, abbreviated in the same way as the master's name. Where the master was the owner, the word Capt. will appear. With vessels owned abroad, the name in this column is sometimes that of the port of origin, not the surname of the owner. Where there has been a change of owner by the time of re-survey, the new name is put underneath in smaller type. The printer sought to avoid confusion by aligning names of ports to the left and surnames to the right, but that leaves longer names doubtful. The eighth column gives the feet of the draught of water when loaded. The ninth column shows the destined voyage for which the survey took place, with the port of survey abbreviated (Be., Belfast; Br., Bristol; Co., Cork; Cs, Cowes; Da., Dartmouth; Du., Dublin; Eh, Exmouth; Ex., Exeter; Fa., Falmouth; Gr., Greenock; Hl, Hull; Hn, Harrington; La., Lancaster; Lh, Leith; Li., Liverpool; Lo., London; Ly., Lynn; Mt., Maryport; Po., Poole; Ph, Portsmouth; Pl., Plymouth; Sc., Star-Cross; Tn., Teignmouth; Tp., Topsham; Wa., Waterford; Wn, Whitehaven; Wo., Workington; Ya., Yarmouth), and the letter C where the vessel was a constant trader between the two ports. The tenth column gives the classification of the vessel (A, first; E, second) and its stores (1, first; 2, second) and the year of survey, e. g. 09 for 1809, or, if surveyed during 1821, the month, e. g. 3 for March. Where the vessel has been re-surveyed, the classification letter and number will be repeated or revised in the final column. The sample scan is from the main list. This is the index to masters in the main list and the supplement.
ELSWORTHY. Cost: £6.00.
Sample scan, click to enlarge
Voters in the Parish of St Anne, Soho
(1837)A poll was taken 26 July 1837 for the election of two members to represent the City of Westminster in Parliament. The candidates were Lieut.-Col. de Lacey Evans, John Temple Leader, and Gen. the Right Hon. sir George Murray, K. G. C. This poll book lists the electors with full name (surname first) and address (in italics), dashes indicating for whom they cast their votes. The names are listed alphabetically by first letter of surname, arranged in the eight parishes of Westminster, plus the extra-parochial Precincts of the Savoy.
ELSWORTHY. Cost: £6.00.
Sample scan, click to enlarge
Central Criminal Court Jury Lists
(1839-1840)Six juries were empanelled to hear the cases brought at the Central Criminal Court on the Queen's Commission of the Peace, Oyer and Terminer, and Gaol Delivery for the City of London, and Gaol Delivery for the county of Middlesex and those parts of the counties of Essex, Kent and Surrey within its jurisdiction. These are the men selected for the six sessions beginning 25 November 1839, and continuing through to Spring of 1840.
ELSWORTHY. Cost: £6.00.
Sample scan, click to enlarge
Insolvents
(1840)Insolvency notices for England and Wales: insolvency often caused people to restart their lives elsewhere, so these are an important source for lost links
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Varies from plan to plan. In 2016, your annual deductible cannot be more than $360. Average national premium is $34.10.
Premiums and deductibles do not apply and copayments will be lower if you are enrolled in Extra Help – a federal program designed to help low-income individuals cover the cost of their prescription drugs.
High out-of-pocket costs during the coverage gap until you reach a catastrophic limit.
You may be charged an additional, permanent fee if you decline the Medicare Part D benefit when it is first offered to you and then later decide to purchase a Medicare Part D plan.
Original Medicare does not cover everything. In addition to retirement options through employers, individuals eligible for Medicare have the choice of purchasing a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy that would help cover some of the gaps in Original Medicare's coverage.
Depending on where you live, there are ten standard Medigap plans, A-N.* Plan A is generally the cheapest (offering the least amount of additional benefits) and Plan L the most expensive (offering more benefits). However, coverage and premiums vary among plans depending on the company you buy it from.
*As of June 1, 2010, Medicare introduced two new plans, M and N. Plans E, H, I and J will no longer be offered, but Medicare consumers who already have these plans will be able to keep them.
For optimal viewing of PHAssociation.org, please use a standards-compliant browser such as Google Chrome or Firefox.
The information provided on the PHA website is provided for general information only. It is not intended as legal, medical or other professional advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with qualified professionals who are familiar with your individual needs. PHA does not endorse or recommend any commercial products or services.
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Fresh out of the farm, Annie Walker must adapt to the challenging life of a CIA operative under the guidance of her handler, Auggie. But soon she ... More
Fresh out of the farm, Annie Walker must adapt to the challenging life of a CIA operative under the guidance of her handler, Auggie. But soon she realizes her recruit might have to do with her last boyfriend rather than her talent. Less
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Ets gre essay pool
GRE Analytical Writing ISSUE Essay Topic 1" Important truths begin as outrageous, or at least uncomfortable, attacks upon the accepted wisdom of the time. " May 29, 2012 I was browsing ETS's pool of topics for their Issue and Argument Prompts.
They say that, " This page contains the Issue topics for the Analytical Writing section of the GRE revised General Test. When you take the test, you will be presented with one Issue topic from this pool. " SparkNotes online free test prep. The interesting thing about the GRE essay topics is that theyre already published on the Internet. ETS has published the complete pool of 328 GRE essay topics which will ever appear on the Analytical Writing section of the test.
While these collections of prompts provide unparalleled Analytical Writing practice, some test takers may find the sheer number of possible essay topics to be a bit overwhelming. ETS has published the complete pool of 328 GRE essay topics which will ever appear on the Analytical Writing section of the test.
While these collections of prompts provide unparalleled Analytical Writing practice, some test takers may find the sheer number of possible essay topics to be a bit overwhelming. Customize your GRE prep for This page contains the Issue topics for the Analytical Writing section of the GRE General Test.
When you take the test, you will be presented with one Issue topic from this pool. When you take the test, you will be presented with GRE Issue Sample Essay 58. Solution to GRE Issue Analysis essays from Increase your GRE Essay Scale score using these free online GRE Issue Essays GRE. On the other hand, if you attempt to read the literature of a new language you are bound to find yourself in a pool.
Mar 01, 2017 Hello, Yes, both the argument and essay topics come from the essay or argument pool as specified in the ETS site. (AWA section) Any aspirant can take a few sample essay topics and argument topics. They then can practice Cracking the GRE: Analytical Writing You will be presented with one topic from each pool when you take the test.
ETS has provided an invaluable preparation tool in the form of scored sample essays in the Analytical Writing Introduction. Going over the scored sample essays will provide insight into what GRE readers expect to see in a high Feb 07, 2016 All the Possible GRE Essay Topics ( Samples) 4 Comments I discovered the weekend before my GRE that ETS selects topics for the Analytical Writing section from a pool of prompts that are displayed on their website.
Ets gre essay pool to all ets gre essays. All GRE argument essay topics solved. Doing Well on GRE Essays These strategies, tips, samples, and examples are taken directly from Princeton Reviews Cracking the New GRE, 2012 Edition. Size matters: the numberone common element in successful GRE essays is length. GRE Analytical Writing ISSUE Essay Topic 4 It is always an individual who is the impetus Ets gre essay pool innovation; the details may be worked out by a team, but true innovation results from the enterprise and unique perception of an individual.
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