title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: In 1965, Eddie McAteer of the University for Derry Committee expressed the hope that the rare common cause between local unionists and nationalists would force the Stormont government to reverse its decision not to base the New University of Ulster there: "The Government might be able to slap down the men of Derry. They might even be able to slap down the men of Londonderry. But they cannot slap down the united men of Derry and Londonderry".


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: The Local Government (Boundaries) Act (Northern Ireland) 1971 and the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 abolished the councils of the counties and county boroughs, and the lower-level county [urban and rural] districts. These were replaced by 26 new districts based around towns and cities. The geographical areas of the county and city no longer correspond to local government areas, but retain a legal existence as lieutenancy areas for ceremonial purposes. One of the 26 new districts comprised the areas previously in the county borough of Londonderry and the adjacent county district of the same name. This new district was initially also named "Londonderry", and, being based on a city, its council was named "Londonderry City Council". Nationalists accounted for the majority of the population, and nationalist political parties were elected to a majority of the council seats. In 1974 Fergus McAteer of the Nationalist Party first raised the question of the name at the city council. In 1978, now in the Irish Independence Party (IIP), McAteer tabled a motion "that this council wishes that the official name of the city be restored to the original and more common name of Derry". It was passed with Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) support, on the understanding that no immediate action would be taken. When McAteer raised the issue for a fourth time in 1983, the council passed a resolution to officially change the name of the district from "Londonderry" to "Derry", consequently changing the name of the council from "Londonderry City Council" to "Derry City Council". Andy Pollak said that the vote symbolised the SDLP's shift from co-operation with the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) in the 1970s to confrontation after the 1981 republican hunger strike, and that the SDLP was worried about Sinn Féin taking seats in the 1985 local elections. Pursuant to its resolution, the council applied under section 51 of the 1972 act to the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment, which was under direct rule from the Northern Ireland Office in London, with Chris Patten as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in charge of the department. On 24 January 1984, Patten decided to accede to the name change, which was effected by a statutory order commencing on 7 May 1984.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: Unionists criticised the decision. The UUP and DUP boycotted city council meetings until the 1989 local elections, their councillors merely signing the roll once every three months to avoid forfeiting their seats. The DUP considered advocating a separate council for the unionist Waterside area. The Northern Ireland Assembly, which nationalist parties boycotted, discussed the matter at its plenary sessions. Patten gave evidence to the Assembly's Environment Committee, where Gregory Campbell hurled an Irish tricolour at him from the gallery; the committee's report favoured retaining the name "Londonderry", with dissent from the Alliance Party (APNI). Martin Smyth said, "We are told that the two communities have to live together. We had a classic illustration of a name that brought the two communities together – Londonderry. 'London' indicates the British tradition and 'Derry' the Irish tradition. But the Government decided to do away with 'London' in the name of the Council." William Ross said, "Derry has never been used as the name of the city or of the island of Londonderry except as a shortened version of a longer name. The name was Derry Columbkille for centuries. It was Londonderry for centuries. Before that it was Derry Calgach [...] Those who sought the change sought it for no good reason. Their aim was to open a door. [...] It is beyond me how the name Derry city council will be separated from the concept of Londonderry city in the public mind. Everyone in Northern Ireland knows that the Republican elements in Londonderry city will ignore the name as they have always done. They now have a lever to put up Derry city right across the board. [...] People in Northern Ireland see it as an anti-British move by the most extreme Republican movements in Londonderry and the rest of Northern Ireland."


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: At the time of the 1984 name change, members of the majority SDLP group on the city council declared that it was not seeking to change the name of the city as it had no intention of "petitioning an English queen to change the name of our Irish city". The party preferred to leave the renaming of the city "for another day". The IIP obtained legal advice that the change of the district's name also affected the city and no petition was necessary.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: The same process used by Derry City Council in 1984 was used less contentiously in 1999, when Dungannon district became Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough, reflecting that it extended to parts of County Tyrone distant from Dungannon town.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: In April 2006 Derry City Council applied to the High Court of Northern Ireland to obtain a ruling that the true name of the city was indeed Derry, or alternatively an order that the British Government must change the name. It applied to the Information Commissioner's Office to require the Northern Ireland Office to make public the legal advice it had received at the time of the 1984 name change. The case opened in Belfast High Court on 6 December 2006 before Mr Justice Weatherup. The council's case was that the 1662 charter naming the city "Londonderry" was subject to subsequent local government legislation, and that the renaming of the city council in 1984 amended the charter by altering the name.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: A ruling was handed down in 2007 that the city officially remained "Londonderry", according to the Royal Charter of 10 April 1662:


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: During the High Court case, it was clarified that the correct procedure to rename the city was via a petition to the Privy Council. On 27 November 2007, the council passed a motion by Gerry MacLochlainn to make such a petition. It was argued that this would provide a single clear identity to reduce confusion and facilitate marketing the city for tourism and investment. Three alternative proposals were rejected: to make no change to the name; to change to "Derry/Londonderry"; or to change the name of the city to "Derry" but retain the name of "Londonderry" for the historic core within the city walls.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: An equality impact assessment (EQIA) was instigated to advise how the resolution could best be implemented. An opinion poll of district residents was commissioned in 2009, which reported that 75% of Catholics and 77% of nationalists found the proposed change acceptable, compared to 6% of Protestants and 8% of unionists. It found 76% of Protestants and 79% of unionists preferred the name "Londonderry" while 94% of Catholics and nationalists preferred "Derry". Overall, 26% found the proposal "very acceptable", 27% "acceptable", 6% "unacceptable", and 8% "totally unacceptable", while 32% had "no strong views".


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: The EQIA held two consultative forums, and solicited comments from the public at large. It received 12,136, of which 3,108 were broadly in favour of the proposal, and 9,028 opposed. Over 7,500 submissions collected by opponents of the change were submitted on the deadline of 11 September 2009. Most submissions did not elaborate on reasons for support or opposition; 14 specific responses in favour and 513 against did so. Many responses came from outside the city council district area.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: The Northern Ireland Community Relations Council's submission to the EQIA said "the refusal to resort to majority-minority mechanisms to resolve cultural disputes is critical if we are to find a way forward in Northern Ireland." It suggested "the city might petition to be known as the 'City of Derry known equally as Londonderry and Doire' and commit to the use of the terms Derry-Londonderry-Doire on all official signage and public imagery" It encouraged alternative suggestions.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland's submission stated, "In the light of the serious adverse impacts on people of different religion/political belief within the Council area, and possibly for the region as a whole, the Equality Commission strongly advise Derry City Council not to proceed with the policy as it is currently proposed since a range of possible options has not been adequately considered and a significant amount of good relations work remains to be done before any official name change is considered." Alternative courses it offered were joint use of "Derry" and "Londonderry"; petitioning the Privy Council for multiple official names; changing the spelling of the name to "LondonDerry"; and renaming the city to "DoireLondonDerry".


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: The Town Clerk submitted the EQIA report to the council in time for its meeting on 8 March 2010, at which Sinn Féin councillors brought a motion to proceed with the petition. This was voted down by SDLP and unionist councillors. The SDLP then tabled motions to establish a steering group on the issue and to convene the political party heads; both motions were also rejected. In the aftermath of the meeting, Gregory Campbell, the DUP MP for East Londonderry, said the issue was 'dead', citing the result of the EQIA as the basis of his opinion.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: Plans to alter the number and area of districts in Northern Ireland began in 2005. In 2008, Environment Minister Arlene Foster proposed replacing the 26 district councils with 11 larger area councils, with the areas of Derry City Council and Strabane District Council to be merged. In 2009, Mark Orr, a Queen's Counsel and Assistant Commissioner proposing names and boundaries for the scheme, recommended the name "Derry City and Strabane Regional Council" for the merged body, even though unionist representatives had favoured a name which used "Londonderry" or avoided either word. Political deadlock delayed the reorganisation until 1 April 2015, when the new Derry and Strabane District Council took office. The district name was officially changed from "Derry and Strabane" to "Derry City and Strabane" on 24 February 2016.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: On 23 July 2015, the new council voted in favour of a motion to change the official name of the city to Derry and to write to Mark H. Durkan, Northern Ireland Minister of the Environment, to ask how the change could be effected. Unionist councillors called the decision "sectarian" and "disgusting", and in August submitted an official challenge to the request. Rival change.org petitions for and against the proposal were started. In October and November in the House of Lords, minister Lord Dunlop gave two answers on the matter to unionist Lord Laird, who claimed any name change would require cross-community consensus under the Good Friday Agreement. The first stated "The Government, on occasion receives requests to change names of towns and cities. At this time the Government does not intend to change the name of the City of Londonderry." The second said it would "only do so with consensus". Unionists interpreted this as a definitive rejection.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: In 1994, the city council voted, again on nationalist–unionist lines, to rename "Londonderry Eglinton Airport" to "City of Derry Airport", coinciding with the opening of a new terminal building.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: Some commentators have suggested that "Derry" is less justifiable as a name for the county than for the city, since the county has never officially been called "Derry". William Houston of Londonderry Unionist Association said in 1995:


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: A visible sign of the dispute to the visitor is in the road signs; those pointing to the city from the Republic refer to it as Derry (and in Irish, "Doire"), whilst signs in Northern Ireland use "Londonderry". It is not uncommon to see vandalised road signs—the "London" part of the name spray painted over on "Londonderry" road signs by nationalists, or occasionally "London" added to "Derry" signs by unionists. Some sign-posts are even occasionally vandalised in such a way that "London" is replaced with the word "Free" (see Free Derry).


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: In 2001, the Londonderry Provident Building Society, founded in 1876, changed its name to City of Derry Building Society, in part due to ongoing vandalism of its branch signs. Mark Durkan alleged that there was no press release after a meeting in the city of the 1998–2002 Northern Ireland Executive because David Trimble insisted any release must use only "Londonderry".


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: In 2003, Lord Laird asked in the House of Lords why a recent press release by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland had listed grants for "Derry City" rather than "Londonderry City"; he was told the heading should have been "Derry City Council area".


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: In 2005, a judge in the Republic complained when a defendant's address was written as "Londonderry", stating "It's just Derry with a capital D." Arlene Foster said she would complain to the Irish Minister for Justice.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: In 2007, a Canadian tourist in Belfast asking for a Translink bus ticket to "Derry" was confused when told that Derry "didn't exist". The incident was reported in the media and the bus company apologised and disciplined the employee responsible.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: In the Republic's state Leaving Certificate examination in geography in 2009, a map of Ireland's counties included the label "Londonderry" rather than "Derry". The State Examinations Commission explained the map was sourced from the European Society for Geography. Cecilia Keaveney criticised the incident in the Seanad, saying "If we must have 'Londonderry', we should also have 'Derry'. ... it is offensive and insensitive to the majority of people to use 'Londonderry' at the total exclusion of 'Derry'." Brian Ó Domhnaill and Trevor Ó Clochartaigh objected in 2017 when maps in a report by the republic's Constituency Commission named the county "Londonderry".


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: In a 2012 debate in Dáil Éireann, minister Alan Shatter referred to "two pipe bombs set off in Londonderry on the 19th of January 2012". His use of "Londonderry" rather than "Derry" attracted comment on social media. He later told the BBC "I would use either the term Derry or Londonderry interchangeably ... It's a place that I want to see live in peace and I don't have hang-ups about which name you attach to it."


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald described April 2018 meetings with unionists in the city as "an engagement with young people with interests across Derry, or Londonderry". She responded to republican criticism of her use of "Londonderry" by saying "I used the term to reflect the fact that we had a dialogue – a really good one – with people who see things differently to us."


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: A suggested compromise dual naming of "Derry/Londonderry" (read "Derry stroke Londonderry") has given rise to the jocular nickname "Stroke City". Gerry Anderson, a local radio presenter who espoused this term, became known briefly as "Gerry/Londongerry". The city was made UK City of Culture for 2013; the organising committee's official logo read "Derry~Londonderry" (spoken as "Derry Londonderry"), Radio 1's Big Weekend, an annual BBC festival held in the city in 2013, adopted this name in print and for its presenters. The City of Culture was name sponsor of the boat "Derry~Londonderry" in the 2011–12 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, and Derry and Strabane Council sponsored "Derry~Londonderry~Doire" in the 2013–14 and 2015–16 races. Northern Ireland Secretary, Theresa Villiers, used "Derry-Londonderry" in a 2012 speech in the city.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: Another attempt to mitigate the controversy is via such abbreviations a "L'derry" or "L-Derry". (On the other hand, the abbreviation "Londond'y" is seen as unionist.) Another suggested compromise is to call the city "Derry" and the county "Londonderry"; this is common among historians of early modern Ireland.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: NI Railways use "Derry/Londonderry" on the destination boards and automated announcements of any trains bound for the city, and use the truncated version of "L/Derry" on all railway tickets to Waterside station. Additionally, the timetables for the Belfast–Derry railway line are printed with both "Derry Line" and "Londonderry Line" covers. The electronic online timetables use "Londonderry" in the route name and "Derry" on the timetable detail lines. The online PDF version uses "Derry~Londonderry Line" on the cover and "Londonderry" on the timetable detail lines.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: The tourism agencies for the city, Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland have a mixed attitude. The city's tourism office calls itself "Visit Derry". However, all the tourism agencies used the dual name "Derry-Londonderry" for the city, while the traditional county itself is referred as "Londonderry", whereas they try and use the term "North West" for the area in general.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: Among airlines that fly or have flown to City of Derry airport, the attitude is mixed. Low-cost carriers Irish-owned Ryanair and British-owned easyJet uses "Derry" and regional airline Loganair uses "City of Derry".  However, the flag carrier British Airways who codeshares with Loganair, uses "Londonderry" in their search results.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: Common practice in the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Derry City Council, and in communication throughout business and other organisations within Northern Ireland, when responding to a letter from a correspondent from the city or county, is to reply using the same nomenclature as the initial communication. Therefore, a letter addressed to Derry will be replied to an address in Derry, while a letter addressed from Londonderry will be returned to an address in Londonderry. When the UK directory enquiries service was demonopolised in 2003, Oftel guidelines specifically required addresses using either name to be accessible.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: The Police Ombudsman uses "Londonderry/Derry" or "Derry/Londonderry" on first use, and follows the correspondent's usage thereafter. It also says "The 'City of Derry' is an actual title and can be used in full."


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: People born in the city applying for British passports may use either name for the "place of birth" field. In April 2009, the Irish government announced a similar policy for Irish passports, where previously "Derry" had been required.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: Businesses, sports clubs and other organisations in the area will frequently avoid using Derry or Londonderry in their names. This is partly so that they can avoid alienating potential customers or users from either side of the community.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: Many name themselves after the River Foyle, which flows through the city. The BBC's regional radio station for the area is BBC Radio Foyle. The Westminster constituency of Foyle (and coterminous Northern Ireland Assembly constituency of the same name) encompassing the city and environs was so named partly to avoid the naming controversy and also because until 1997 it contained parts of County Tyrone. The constituency was created in 1979, when the previous "Londonderry" constituency was split in two; the other part, "East Londonderry", is strongly unionist. The APNI suggested Foyle as a name for the district council area during the 1984 renaming controversy.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: Other entities based in the area call themselves "North-West". This may refer to the northwest of Northern Ireland or the northwest of Ulster including County Donegal in the Republic. Ulster University encouraged this use in its 2010–2015 style guide. A 1985 SDLP discussion paper suggested "North West" would be a "good compromise" rename for the county court and petty sessional divisions then named Londonderry. They had not been renamed by the time of their abolitions in 2013 and 2016 respectively, when new "administrative court divisions" were all given directional names.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: The nickname "Maiden City" is sometimes utilised; for example, the Ulsterbus service from Belfast to Derry is called "The Maiden City Flyer". This alludes to the city's having resisted capture in the siege of 1689. However, since the siege is an event celebrated by unionism, the nickname is itself politically charged. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has used "the Walled City" and "Legenderry" [also "LegenDerry"] in marketing the area and naming visitor events and attractions.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: The Derry Theatre Trust consulted the public for the name of the theatre it opened at East Wall in 2001. "Derry Civic Theatre" and "Londonderry Civic Theatre" were rejected in favour of "Millennium Forum".


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: The Divine Comedy song "Sunrise" begins "I was born in Londonderry / I was born in Derry City too" and later asks "Who cares what name you call a town? / Who'll care when you're six feet beneath the ground?"


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: Irish comedian Neil Delamere once remarked on the RTÉ television show "The Panel" that the RTÉ pronunciation guide is effectively the same as its BBC counterpart, except the word "Londonderry", in which the first six letters are silent.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: When performing in the city, fellow comedian Dara Ó Briain, has opened with the joke, "Hello my name is Dara or, if you prefer, you can call me Londondara."


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: Different mnemonic acronyms are used to remember the names of the six counties of Northern Ireland: "FAT LAD" for Londonderry, "FAT DAD" for Derry.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: Among places and other entities named after the city or county, some have "Derry" (such as Derry City F.C.) while others have "Londonderry" (such as the Marquess of Londonderry). These names are often not subject to the same politically charged alternation as the names of city and county. The BBC apologised to Derry GAA in 2018 after a sports results broadcast called the county team "Londonderry".


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: The Apprentice Boys of Derry is thus named despite being a Protestant, unionist organisation; the event it commemorates is generally called the "Siege of Derry". The city's Church of Ireland diocese is Derry and Raphoe; like the Roman Catholic Diocese of Derry, it traces its origin to 1154.


title: Derry/Londonderry name dispute

text: The New Hampshire town of Derry seceded in 1827 from its western neighbour, Londonderry, incorporated in 1722 for Scotch-Irish immigrants. The town boundary followed the 1740 church split between east and west parishes, which supported opposite sides in the Old Side–New Side Controversy.


title: Komban

text: Komban is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by M. Muthaiah and produced by Studio Green. The film stars Karthi and Lakshmi Menon, while Rajkiran, Super Subbarayan, Thambi Ramaiah, Karunas, and Kovai Sarala play supporting roles. G. V. Prakash Kumar composed the film's music. The film released on 2 April 2015 to positive reviews.


title: Komban

text: Kombiah Pandian aka Komban is a good-hearted but short-tempered man living in a village with his mother Kottaiamma in Ramanathapuram. Komban cannot tolerate injustice in any form and repels against it immediately without fearing about its after effects. He falls in love with Pazhani, the only daughter of Muthiah. Kottaiamma approaches Muthiah with a wedding proposal between their children. Muthiah agrees for the wedding seeing Komban's kind heart. However, he has a fear that Komban's short temper would make him land in problems. Komban and Pazhani then get married.


title: Komban

text: Gundan Ramasamy is a corrupt politician who goes to any extent for power and money. Komban locks horns with Ramasamy, and trouble erupts between them. Muthiah is even more worried, knowing that this would put Komban's life at risk. One day, Ramasamy kidnaps Pazhani with the plans of bringing Komban to his place, but Muthiah sees this and goes for rescue. In the meantime, a fight ensues, and Muthiah hits at Ramasamy and his men. Now, Ramasamy is even more angered and wants to avenge both Komban and Muthiah.


title: Komban

text: A temple festival comes during which Muthiah is worshipped as the godman. Ramasamy and his men decide to use the festival to kill Komban and Muthiah. However, Komban retaliates and kills Ramasamy. He also saves Muthiah.


title: Komban

text: Studio Green announced that their next production would start from June 2014 with M. Muthaiah of "Kutti Puli" (2013) fame taking charge of the direction and that the film would feature Karthi in a rural based role for the second time following his debut film "Paruthiveeran" (2007). Yuvan Shankar Raja was initially reported to be composing the film's score and soundtrack, but he was replaced with G. V. Prakash Kumar in July 2014. Velraj handled the film's cinematography. Praveen K. L. was selected to be the film's editor. Sri Divya was first reported to be the female lead, but the role went to Lakshmi Menon, who also was the maker's first choice, while Rajkiran was selected to play a pivotal role. Stunt choreographer Super Subbarayan was cast for an antagonistic role. Malayalam actor and former footballer I. M. Vijayan was chosen to portray another villain in the film. Comedian Karunas and character artist Thambi Ramaiah were added to the cast as well.


title: Komban

text: The team announced that the film would be a start-to-finish affair and the film's shoots would be wrapped up in 70 days' time. Principal photography took place on 18 June 2014. Karthi's father, actor Sivakumar attended the event. Karthi was reported to have grown a handlebar moustache and beard for his character. He also put on weight for the role. Most of the scenes were also shot at Mudukulathur. 50% of the film was completed by early October 2014.


title: Komban

text: G. V. Prakash Kumar composed the soundtrack album and background score for the film, the third time he collaborated with Karthi, after "Aayirathil Oruvan" (2010) and "Saguni" (2012). Shreya Ghoshal recorded a song in the film. The lyrics were written by Ra. Thanikodi and Mahalingam.


title: Komban

text: The satellite rights of the film were sold to Sun TV. The Hindi dubbed version titled "Daringbaaz 2" was released in 2017.


title: Komban

text: M. Suganth of "The Times of India" gave 2.5 stars out of 5 and wrote, "The problem, though, is not the similarity of the characters or predictability of the plot, but the lack of real excitement in most of the scenes…The film hums along, moving from one scene to the next, without really making much of an impact in the viewer". Gautaman Bhaskaran of "The Hindustan Times" rated 3 out of 5 and wrote, "Komban is an endless roll of flashing knives and gritting teeth…Komban is hardly worth the time or money". Baradwaj Rangan of "The Hindu" wrote, "Komban: So dull...that's the real controversy". Filmibeat rated the film 3 stars out of 5, writing, "Packed with all the elements required for a successful commercial entertainer, Komban delivers the goods." Indiaglitz rated the film 3.25 stars out of 5, calling it "a raging bull".


title: Komban

text: The movie was heavily criticized by K. Krishnasamy the leader of the dalit party Puthiya Tamilagam and many dalit political leaders for its glorification of caste and was accused of fomenting intercaste violence in the state of Tamilnadu.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: The Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, later popularly known as APO Hiking Society, or simply APO, was a Filipino musical group and one of the pillars of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) composed of Danny Javier†, Jim Paredes, and Boboy Garrovillo. The group had its fledgling beginnings in 1969 at the Ateneo de Manila high school, with 15 members: John Paul Micayabas, Lito de Joya, Sonny Santiago, Gus Cosio, Renato Garcia, Chito Kintanar, Kenny Barton, Bruce Brown, Butch Dans, Kinjo Sawada, Ric Segreto Macaraeg, Goff Macaraeg, Doden Besa, Jim Paredes, Boboy Garrovillo, and the 16th member Danny Javier who joined in college. The group's name was created from the acronym AMHS representing their school with a witty twist having an irreverent reference to the Philippine revolutionary intellectual and hero, Apolinario Mabini, and later shortened to "Apo", an Ilocano term for a wise man or a Tagalog term of grandchildren, and later re-branded to "APO" (all caps). Contrary to popular belief, the "Apo" name was not a reference to the Philippines's highest peak, the potentially-active stratovolcano Mount Apo.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: As the students advanced into college, their lead vocalist Danny Javier joined the group. After graduation, the majority of its members left to pursue individual careers, with only three members remaining, made up of Jim Paredes, Boboy Garovillo and Danny Javier.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: In the span of their professional career, APO emerged as a principal adherent of the musical movement termed Original Pilipino Music (OPM), a milieu in which their original musical contributions and cultural influence became essential. APO became involved in record production, talent management and organizing artists under the "Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit" (O.P.M., ). The group expanded its activities into establishing and furthering the careers of new OPM artists in the Philippines.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: To date, the group has released 27 albums in four decades of its career. Two hugely successful tribute albums were produced in 2006 and 2007 by its management group, featuring numerous young bands reinterpreting APO's expansive repertoire.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: The group frequently utilized their brand name, "APO", as a clever component for Tagalog puns in titles for television shows, live programs and marketing materials, for example, as in "nA PO," which transliterates as ""already"" (polite/formal usage), and also as "apó" (meaning, "grandchild"). The puns have been minimally extended into English, as in (APOcalyptic).


title: APO Hiking Society

text: APO Hiking Society lead singer Danny Javier died of complications due to a prolonged illness at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute on October 31, 2022, at the age of 75, as confirmed by his daughter Justine.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: The name "Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society" was meant to be deliberately ironic since the historical figure, Apolinario Mabini, famously lost the use of his legs to polio.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: The APO Hiking Society first gained recognition in 1973 when they gave a farewell concert at the Meralco Theater in Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines. Just out of college, the group was the talk of the Ateneo de Manila University and adjoining campuses for their music and humor.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: It was only when two of its four members were about to retire from the field of amateur music, however, that APO Hiking Society, then known as the Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, finally had a citywide audience. One of them was scheduled to leave for Turkey as an exchange student. The other had a position waiting for him in his father's advertising firm.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: The trip to Turkey did not materialize and APO, now a tentative trio, pushed on steadily towards fame and fortune.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: In late 1978, APO Hiking Society nearly disbanded after Jim Paredes stormed out of a songwriting session. While asking Danny Javier for a 3 syllable word to fill in a line, he was provided the word "katapusan"; a four syllable word. The error went unnoticed until post-recording, where an irate Paredes noticed that the word had indeed one extra syllable more than what he had originally intended.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: Looking back, APO members Danny Javier and Boboy Garrovillo do not regret never having been regular wage earners. Their farewell concert, which had SRO audiences for two stormy nights, not unexpectedly became a hit record the following year.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: In the three decades since that "farewell" concert, APO has made 22 record albums; hosted several television shows, including their own noontime Sunday show "Sa Linggo nAPO Sila" and noontime show from Monday to Saturday "'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila"; and launched hugely successful major solo concerts and countless provincial, dinner, and corporate shows. They have performed in over 50 cities in the United States, Canada, Singapore, Indonesia, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Japan to bring Original Pilipino Music to Filipinos.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: In 1978, APO won 2nd Place winner in the Metro Manila Popular Song Festival (now MetroPop Song Festival from 1996 to 2003) for their runner-up song "Ewan". The song was composed by Louie Ocampo.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: In October 1987, during their annual US tour, APO became the first Filipino pop artists with Marco Sison to perform at the Main Hall of New York's prestigious Carnegie Hall. They also performed at the equally prestigious Massey Hall in Toronto, Canada's music capital. Both concerts and the other shows held during that particular concert tour were sold out. APO were also the first Filipino artists to perform in a public concert in Saudi Arabia. In 1987, they were one of the first Filipino artists to be recorded on compact disc. And in 1994, they were awarded the first Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino by Awit Awards - the Filipino equivalent of the Grammy. They have also been conferred the Tanglaw Ng Lahi Award, the highest accolade given by Jesuits in the field of culture and arts.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: APO also earned international recognition for "Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo" was recorded by 15 Filipino artists in April 1986. A few months later, the English version "A New and Better Way" was launched in Australia. In February 1987, the first anniversary of the Philippines' People Power revolution, the song was released in London, England. The song's lyrics are embedded on Our Lady of Edsa Shrine's wall, the center of the revolution.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: In 1998, APO and the now-defunct band Eraserheads teamed up for their first "San Miguel Beer" TV commercial, "Homeboys." The concept of reviving and modernizing their originals by rock/alternative bands in the 1990s paved the way to two tribute albums by various bands entitled "Kami nAPO Muna" in 2006 and "Kami nAPO Muna Ulit" in 2007.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: In 1999, APO was also a finalist at MetroPop Song Festival for their song finalist "Dito Sa Kanto". The song was composed by Noel Cabangon, then Cabangon covered his version in 1999, then re-recorded a duet with Parokya Ni Edgar vocalist Chito Miranda in 2013 again.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: In 2007, Jacee with the group was awarded as "MYX Magna Award 2007" in the MYX Music Awards 2007, achieving the best OPM pop music and his music and recording achievements in OPM history.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: In 2009, APO was inducted to the Philippines Eastwood City Walk of Fame, contributing their singing, hosting, and acting skills.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: Just a few years after their hiatus, the tribute album "Kami nAPO Muna" was released in honor of the group. The Filipino musical artists who did their own unique renditions of APO songs includes: Imago, Orange and Lemons, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Sandwich, Sugarfree, Itchyworms, Sponge Cola, Boldstar, Sound, Drip, Rocksteddy, Top Suzara, Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Shamrock, and The Dawn. Their second volume, "Kami nAPO muna Ulit" has also included their new members in the compilation album are True Faith, Silent Sanctuary, Concrete Sam, Up Dharma Down, Chilitees, The Bloomfields, Scrambled Eggs, The Spaceflower Show, and Hilera.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: Acoustic balladeer Noel Cabangon also had a new tribute album to the Pinoy pop musical group, "Throwback: Ang Songbook Ng APO". Released in 2014 through Universal Records, it features his cover versions of popular various APO songs.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: On September 20, 2008, APO Hiking Society had a reunion concert called "Apo of the Philippines" which was held at the Araneta Coliseum to celebrate their 39th Anniversary. They sang all of the APO favorites and all songs from their past releases.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: On February 7, 2009, APO performed in the Open Air FTI Complex in Taguig. The free concert was sponsored in cooperation with Taguig City Hall. One month later, the Eraserheads had their Final Set Concert.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: On November 17, 2009, APO Hiking Society marked their 40th anniversary with a big concert at the SM North EDSA Skydome. It was called "APO Kayang-Kaya Pa". This was originally scheduled on September 26 but was rescheduled due to the Typhoon "Ondoy" ("Ketsana").


title: APO Hiking Society

text: Last December 16, 2009, APO Hiking Society announced that they are already retiring as a group due to the "diminishing creative process." They performed a series of shows that started on February 14, 2010, and ended in May, just in time for the elections. They also reunited for the last time to perform in the Inauguration of President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III last June 30, 2010.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: After APO retired from singing with the departure of the lead singer Danny Javier, its members remained active in show business and are still performing:


title: APO Hiking Society

text: Jim Paredes is still active in singing and is also a photography hobbyist. He is also a political activist.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: Danny Javier created the Pidro: Ang Saplot Ng Bayan T-shirt line that would be chosen as the official shirt of the Philippine Centennial celebrations in 1998. He starred in "Bangis" on TV5 in 2010 and appeared in Season 3 of "ASOP: A Song Of Praise Music Festival" in 2014 as a guest judge. Javier later retired from both singing and acting. He died on October 31, 2022, due to his lingering illness.


title: APO Hiking Society

text: In 2012, a movie musical based on APO songs was released. Titled "", it was released on August 29. The film was inspired by "Mamma Mia", a musical that was based on and used ABBA songs, which later became a movie.


title: Sumithra (actress)

text: Sumithra (born 18 September 1953) is an Indian actress. She has appeared in Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu language films. She acted as the lead heroine in films between 1974 and 1986. She later started being known for her roles as a mother since the 1990s.


title: Sumithra (actress)

text: Sumithra was born on 18 September 1953 to Raghavan Nair and Janaki at Thrissur, Kerala. She has three brothers, her father was working in an oil refining company. When she was doing her schooling, she learnt dance from Murugappan Master, who was the guide to actress K. R. Vijaya at that time. Sumithra is a good classical dancer.


title: Sumithra (actress)

text: Sumithra started her career at 19 years of age in the film "Nrithasala" (1972); director A. B. Raj is the first to have noticed Sumithra's talent.


title: Sumithra (actress)

text: Sumithra made her debut in "Nirmalayam". She has acted in over 200 films in Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu languages. In Tamil, "Avalum Penn Thaane" (1974) was her first movie. Later in 1975, she made her debut Kannada movie "Mugiyada Kathe", which had the popular song "Kangalu Vandane Helide". She has acted with leading heroes such as Vishnuvardhan, Rajesh in Kannada, Sivaji Ganesan, Jaishankar, Sivakumar, Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan in Tamil. She's performed supporting roles in hundreds of Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu movies.


title: Sumithra (actress)

text: She was married to notable Kannada film director D. Rajendra Babu in 1980 and has two daughters Umashankari (born in 1982) and Nakshatra (born in 1990)


title: Sumithra (actress)

text: Her elder daughter Umashankari made her entry into movies through the Kannada movie "Uppi Dada M.B.B.S." and"Chikkamma" in the lead role, which is telecast on Udaya TV. Her second daughter Nakshatra debuted as lead actress in Tamil movie "Doo"


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: Remy Kenneth Bonjasky (born January 10, 1976) is a Surinamese-Dutch former kickboxer. He is a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix heavyweight champion, winning the title in 2003, 2004, and 2008. Bonjasky has been known for his flying kicks, knee attacks and strong defense, hence the nickname "The Flying Gentleman".


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: Bonjasky was born in Paramaribo, Suriname and moved to the Netherlands when he was 5 years old. Bonjasky was involved in football during his teens, but quit after breaking his leg. At the age of 18, when a friend brought him to the Mejiro Kickboxing Gym to "see who is the best", Bonjasky decided to stay and train and eventually fell in love with kickboxing. After graduating from university, Bonjasky worked as a banker at ABN Amro for a time.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: Bonjasky had his first fight at the age of 19 against Valentijn Overeem. Bonjasky won by TKO. From this moment on he quit his job as a network operator and focused on training full-time. Despite losing his first K-1 fight by split decision he made his second fight against an established K-1 fighter, Ray Sefo, winning by TKO.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: On December 6, 2003 at the "K-1 World Grand Prix 2003" quarter-finals in Tokyo, Japan, Bonjasky was matched up against Australian fighter Peter "The Chief" Graham. Remy won the fight by a TKO in the first round. In semi-finals Cyril Abidi fell victim of The Flying Gentleman's flying knee attacks, and after defeating Musashi in the tournament finals by unanimous decision Bonjasky was crowned the K-1 World champion.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: In 2004 he accumulated wins over Tsuyoshi Nakasako, Francois Botha, Aziz Khattou and ex-sumo champion Chad "Akebono" Rowan. If it hadn't been for his one loss in 2004 against Francisco Filho he would have beaten Semmy Schilt's record of the longest winning streak in K-1 history.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: On December 4, 2004 at the "K-1 World Grand Prix 2004", with three decision wins over Ernesto Hoost, Francois Botha and Musashi, Bonjasky successfully defended his K-1 WGP title.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: He presented himself on November 19, 2005 for the "K-1 World Grand Prix 2005" finals in Tokyo, to keep his title for a third consecutive year, but was stopped by Semmy Schilt's knee strikes in the tournament's semi-finals.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: In 2006, after his divorce and change of trainers, he came back to the "K-1 World Grand Prix 2006" finals. In his quarter-final match, he got a rematch against former foe Stefan Leko, who'd beaten him in 2002, and it turned into a grudge match. When Bonjasky was champion, Leko was taking a hiatus away from K-1, and his career rise had thus stalled. Prior to his rematch with Remy, he pledged that the 2006 Grand Prix would be his year to finally become the undisputed champion, at the expense of Bonjasky whom he'd beaten before. Bonjasky stated that Leko was 'limited'. In the fight, Bonjasky got hit in the groin twice in the first round and the fight was postponed for 30 minutes. When the bout resumed, Bonjasky still managed to win the fight by a unanimous decision, after scoring a knockdown in the final minute of the fight. However, because of a persisting injury to the groin, he was not able to continue the tournament and was replaced by Peter Aerts.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: In 2007 Bonjasky's mother died. Because Remy was badly hurt by this he pulled out of scheduled fights with Badr Hari and Peter Aerts. His only fight before the Final 16 was against Glaube Feitosa in Hawaii. Remy won by decision and remained open for the Final 16 event.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: On September 29, 2007 Bonjasky was booked in a rubber match with Stefan Leko at the "K-1 World GP 2007 in Seoul Final 16" event. The pair went in with bad blood, as Remy claimed that simply hearing the name of Leko 'made his blood boil' after their second fight, and he claimed that the groin shots he delivered were deliberate. He further lit the fuse by claiming Leko was a limited fighter, who 'only had a couple of punches and a spinning back kick, nothing else'. Leko for his part said he would be glad to prove once and for all that he was the superior fighter, which he claimed was clear from their first fight, and that Remy was 'an actor', and had been 'lucky' the second fight, and had 'the heart of a chicken'.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: Bonjasky won the grudge fight by TKO when the ref stopped it in the first round after landing his trademark flying knee strike. Leko beat the count, but the referee waved off the bout. Some have criticised the stoppage as K-1 protecting the by-then bigger name superstar, as Remy had been their World Grand Prix champion, and that K-1 wanted him through to the later stages. Others said that Leko did not display that he still had his faculties. Regardless, the fight marked the end (as of 2011) of the feud between the two, and the win qualified Bonjasky for the "K-1 World Grand Prix 2007 Finals" which were held on December 8, 2007 at the Yokohama Arena in Japan.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: At the K-1 World Grand Prix 2007 Finals, Remy Bonjasky faced fellow Dutch fighter Badr Hari. He won the fight by decision. In the semi-finals he faced Dutch legend Peter Aerts, losing to Aerts in a unanimous decision.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: Bonjasky started off 2008 by knocking out Melvin Manhoef in Amsterdam, Bazigit Atajev in Tapei and majority decision over Paul Slowinski in the K-1 16 to qualify for his 6th Grand Prix appearance.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: In the quarter finals he defeated Jerome Lebanner by TKO, Gokhan Saki by KO in the semi-finals, sending him to the K-1 World Grand Prix Finals for the third time against Badr Hari. After a slow start he knocked Hari down with a left hook and then went on defensive for the rest of the round. Remy was hit after the bell at the end of the round by an angry Hari. In the second round Hari took Remy to ground, then punched him twice and then gave an unsportsmanlike foot stomp to Remy when he was down. Remy seemed unable to get up and was inspected by the ringside doctors. Meanwhile, Hari screamed at Remy, telling him to get up and quarrelled with his trainer, Ivan Hippolyte. After 5 minutes the doctors announced Remy had double vision and could not continue. Hari was therefore disqualified and Bonjasky was declared the K-1 World Grand Prix 2008 Champion. Remy was disappointed by the outcome, evident from his unhappy expression after the decision was announced.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: Bonjasky stated in a post-fight interview that he still had double vision and a headache the next morning. Hari however claimed that "Remy was acting", and that, "his corner was screaming at him to stay down".


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: After he won his 3rd GP title, he faced Alistair Overeem. Overeem was aggressive in the 1st and dominant in the 2nd round, knocking Bonjasky down in the end of the 2nd round with a right cross, but referee Nobuaki Kakuda did not count it. In the 3rd round Remy knocked Alistair down with a flying knee and right punch combo to secure a unanimous decision win. All three judges scored the bout 30-28. It was later confirmed that Remy had badly twisted his left knee 2 days before the fight (reason for his inactivity). Remy went on medical recovery after the fight and did not fight again for months.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: Remy returned to training to train for the "K-1 World Grand Prix 2009 Final 16". At the event he defeated Melvin Manhoef, for the third time, by unanimous decision.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: At the "K-1 World Grand Prix 2009 Final" Remy was won his third consecutive unanimous decision against Errol Zimmerman. In the Semi Finals he met his nemesis Semmy Schilt. In the first round Remy landed a left hook to knock Semmy down. Semmy however landed a low kick to Remy's left leg that was damaged in his earlier fight with Zimmerman, Remy was therefore knocked out of the tournament, losing to Semmy for the third time.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: Bonjasky was absent from the "K-1 World Grand Prix 2010 in Yokohama" tournament, and did not fight at all in 2010, and has pondered retirement after having eye surgery in August of the year. He opened his own kickboxing / muaythai gym, Bonjasky Academy, in the city of Almere in that year.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: After three years out of the ring due to an eye injury, Bonjasky faced Anderson "Braddock" Silva at "" on October 6, 2012 in Brussels, Belgium. After a close three rounds, the bout was called a draw and went into an extension round. Silva faded and allowed Bonjasky to get the better of him, coming out as the majority decision winner.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: He competed in the sixteen-man 2012 Glory Heavyweight Grand Slam at "" in Saitama, Japan on December 31, 2012. At the opening stage, he defeated Filip Verlinden by unanimous decision, taking rounds one and three. He was then eliminated in the quarter-finals, however, when he looked lackluster against newcomer Jamal Ben Saddik and, due to the "best of three" format in the tournament, lost on points after two rounds.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: He faced Tyrone Spong at "" in London, England on March 23, 2013. Bonjasky lost in the second round via KO from a right hook.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: He lost to Anderson Silva by unanimous decision in a rematch at "" in Tokyo, Japan on December 21, 2013.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: He defeated Mirko Cro Cop by majority decision in a rematch at "" in Zagreb, Croatia on March 8, 2014. The fight would be his last as he announced his retirement at a pre-fight press conference in the days leading up to the bout.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: In July 2017, he announced another comeback via Instagram, stating that he signed a contract with Glory kickboxing. Later that year it was announced that he would face Melvin Manhoef for the fourth time. The fight was not promoted by Glory but instead World Fighting League, a promotion founded by Melvin Manhoef, promoted the fight. The bout took place in Almere, Netherlands on October 29, 2017. Bonjasky lost the bout by decision. After the bout he announced his retirement.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: Aside from the sport, Bonjasky has worked as a banker, network administrator, and model. One of his latest modeling acts is to be the face for the men's line of Dutch lingerie brand "Sapph". He has worked for the brand since 2010 along with former swimmer Inge de Bruijn, the face for the women's line of the brand.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: In early 2011 Bonjasky appeared on Season 4 of the "Sterren Dansen op het IJs" show, the Dutch version of "Skating with Celebrities" ("Dancing on Ice"), performing a figure skating routine with his "Sapph" fellow Inge de Bruijn. It has been expected since then that he will become a TV presenter.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: Near the end of July 2007 in Amsterdam, he helped Dutch police in the arrest of two British criminals. The two men had shot darts at passers-by with a rifle while they were on the move in a van. Bonjasky was their last victim, and after having been hit by the dart he pursued the van in a cab and proceeded to call the police who managed to arrest the criminals. Following the arrest, Bonjasky received a medal from the Amsterdam Police Department for this courageous and honorable act.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: In 2009 he was awarded the medal of honor by the city of Almere, becoming an honorary citizen of the city, after being chosen by the city's politician Arno Visser, for his accomplishments in the sport.


title: Remy Bonjasky

text: Remy Bonjasky's own gym, a kickboxing gym named "Bonjasky Academy", officially opened on September 6, 2010 in Almere. The opening ceremony was attended by two TV presenters and four athletes, Quinty Trustfull, Humberto Tan, Kew Jaliens, Peter Aerts, Jerome Le Banner, and Ernesto Hoost.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: The T91 () is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, assault rifle produced by the 205th Armory of National Defense in Republic of China (aka Taiwan). It is based on the proven T86 assault rifle, incorporating features from the M16 and AR-18 with more modern features. The T91 is lighter and shorter than the T65 it replaces, and has a 3-position telescoping stock to allow adjustment based on individual requirements.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: The T91 was a further development of the T86, which had been intended to replace the T65 series in Taiwanese military service. Experience on the previous design and feedback from various users were incorporated into the T91. Development was completed in 2002, and full volume production commenced in 2003.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: The T91 was designed with the capabilities of the People's Liberation Army in mind, and is superior to the Type 81 assault rifle. It also has advantages over the QBZ-95, China's current standard issue assault rifle.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: There are rumors that arms dealers had secretly inquired about the possibility of sales to certain militant groups in Southeast Asia, but were reportedly rejected by the Republic of China Ministry of National Defense (MND). The MND neither confirmed nor denied such rumors.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: The T91 is a gas-operated short-stroke, air-cooled, rotating bolt, magazine- or drum-fed, select-fire, modularized military rifle compatible with various tactical accessories. Similar to the T86, the T91 is shorter than the T65K2 assault rifle, giving the operator higher mobility and ease of aiming in a confined space.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: The T91 has a 4-position selector switch: S – safe, 1 – semi-automatic, 3 – three-round burst, and A – automatic. Like the T65K2, the T91 utilises an M16A2-style front post and rear peephole sight. The rear sight, mounted on the detachable handle, is adjustable for windage and elevation. Operation of the charging handle, magazine release, and bolt release are also the same as the M16. One notable difference is that the T91 does not have a forward assist, and the brass deflector is not as pronounced.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: The action of the T91 is based on the T65 series. However, parts are not interchangeable because the bolt lug on the T91 is shorter by . The T91 also inherits the modularized gas piston system from the T86, allowing easy removal for maintenance without the risk of losing small parts.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: The telescoping stock on the T91 was designed based on the experience of military and police personnel with the M4 Carbine. The resulting product has improved recoil transfer and handling qualities. A rubber recoil pad is also added for comfort. The handguards are triangular in shape.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: The T91 has a barrel with flash suppressor. Rate of rifling twist is . Due to the use of a shorter barrel, the T91 has 20% more recoil than the T65K2. Average group size at also increased by . The chamber and bore are chrome-lined and can fire all standard 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition. Standard-issue 30-round detachable box magazines for the T91 feature indicator holes for the top 2-15 rounds as well as two protrusions on each side to avoid over-insertion. However, standard STANAG magazines may also be used.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: The T91 has a MIL-STD-1913 picatinny rail on the top of the receiver, handguard, and the front-sight block. The standard-issue detachable handle can be removed to accommodate a variety of optical sights and scopes. It can also be equipped with the T85 40mm grenade launcher to serve in a squad-level fire support role.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: The Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology developed a T91 indoor shooting simulator for infantry marksmanship training. This equipment is capable of simulating various weather conditions, shooting distances, and wind states.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: The T91K3 features polygonal rifling which increases barrel life and improves accuracy. The 205th Arsenal and the National Defense University are jointly developing a nickel-boron finish for the bolt carriers, which would allow the weapon to fire about 10,500 rounds without any lubrication whatsoever.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: In 2003, the Taiwanese Army ordered 101,162 T91 combat rifles as force-wide replacements of all service rifles, with a delivery schedule from 2004 to 2008. The total budget amount was NT$1,803 million (US$54.6 million), placing the unit price at about NT$17,800 (US$539). As of April 2006, nine Taiwanese Army armoured, mechanized infantry, and infantry brigades have fully converted to the T91.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: In 2005, the Taiwanese Military Police ordered 12,069 T91 combat rifles to equip garrison units in the Taipei capital region. Delivery would span over the next three years.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: Export sales of the T91 to Jordan and Kuwait have been officially confirmed. The Jordanian Defense Forces reportedly conducted comparison tests between several service rifles in a desert environment. The T91 was found to have reliability comparable to the AK-47, scoring better than the M16, thereby making it very dependable for desert conditions.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: Indonesia procured as many as 10,000 T91 combat rifles from Taiwan to equip police and border patrol units.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: The UAE acquired T91 rifles after Sheikh Hamid bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a visit to Taiwan, and soon quantities of T91 were supplied to the UAE.


title: T91 assault rifle

text: T91 uppers have also been exported to the United States through Wolf Performance Ammunition. When it was first released, Wolf was reported to have sold more than a thousand uppers in one day.


title: Cedar City, Utah

text: Cedar City is the largest city in Iron County, Utah, United States. It is located south of Salt Lake City, and north of Las Vegas on Interstate 15. It is the home of Southern Utah University, the Utah Shakespeare Festival, the Utah Summer Games, the Simon Fest Theatre Co., and other events. As of the 2010 census the city had a population of 28,857, up from 20,257 in 2000. As of 2019, the estimated population was 34,764.


title: Cedar City, Utah

text: The presence of prehistoric people in the Cedar City area is revealed by rock art found in Parowan Gap to the north and Fremont sites dated to A.D. 1000 and 1300. Ancestors of the present-day Southern Paiute people met the Domínguez–Escalante expedition in this area in 1776. Fifty years later, in 1826, mountain man and fur trader Jedediah Smith traveled through the area, exploring a route from Utah to California.


title: Cedar City, Utah

text: Cedar City was originally settled in late 1851 by Mormon pioneers originating from Parowan, Utah, who were sent to build an iron works. The site, known as "Fort Cedar" or "Cedar City," was equidistant from vast iron deposits west and coal resources east up Cedar Canyon, but was named after the abundant local trees (which are actually junipers instead of cedar). Two companies of men led by Henry Lunt reached the fort site in a blizzard on November 11, 1851, making that date the official founding. In 1855, a new site, closer to the iron works and out of the flood plain of Coal Creek, was established at the suggestion of Brigham Young. A furnace operated from September 1852 for three years, producing about 25 tons of pig iron, using iron ore deposits located in the Iron Mountain District.


title: Cedar City, Utah

text: The iron works closed in 1858, though mining continued in the area until the 1980s. The completion of a railroad connection to Cedar City in 1923 established the area as a tourism gateway to nearby Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Cedar Breaks National Monument. Cedar City continues to be a center of tourism, commercial development, education, and the arts in southwestern Utah.


title: Cedar City, Utah

text: Cedar City is located in the southeast Great Basin and is approximately north of the northeastern edge of the Mojave Desert. Its elevation of gives it a somewhat cooler climate compared to the nearby St. George region, though it retains cultural ties to the city —for example, they share a daily newspaper.


title: Cedar City, Utah

text: According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land. In some of the older neighborhoods in the city, an irrigation system is utilized by many residents for their lawns and gardens, as "water is diverted from a natural stream (Coal Creek) into a series of canals and ditches for residential flood irrigation."


title: Cedar City, Utah

text: The city is located on the western edge of the Markagunt Plateau, in a high desert valley, Cedar Valley, with no ocean drainage. The climate is the typical semi-arid climate ("BSk") of the Mountain West, though snowfall can be quite heavy, reaching a historical maximum of in January 1949. Interstate 15 connects the city with St. George (50 miles) and Las Vegas (170 miles) to the southwest, and to Interstate 70 (75 miles) and Salt Lake City (250 miles) to the north. State roads connect Cedar City with Panaca, Nevada, near US 93 (80 miles); and to Kanab, via US-89 (80 miles). Similar to St. George, the city enjoys an excellent location on the West's regional transportation network. Los Angeles is southwest and San Diego is southwest on Interstate 15, Phoenix is south via Interstate 15 and US-93, and Denver is northeast via Interstates 15 and 70.


title: Cedar City, Utah

text: A branch line of the Union Pacific Railroad serves customers on the city's western outskirts. The branch connects to the railway's main line at Lund.


title: Cedar City, Utah

text: As of the census of 2000, there were 20,527 people, 6,486 households, and 4,682 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,021.8 people per square mile (394.5/km). There were 7,109 housing units at an average density of 353.9 per square mile (136.6/km). The racial makeup of the city was 92.06% White, 2.53% African American, 1.11% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.33% Pacific Islander, 1.65% from other races, and 1.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.14% of the population.


title: Cedar City, Utah

text: There were 6,486 households, out of which 39.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.8% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.8% were non-families. 16.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.07 and the average family size was 3.37.


title: Cedar City, Utah

text: In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.2% under the age of 18, 27.4% from 18 to 24, 22.6% from 25 to 44, 14.0% from 45 to 64, and 7.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 23 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 males..


title: Cedar City, Utah

text: The median income for a household in the city was $32,403, and the median income for a family was $37,509. Males had a median income of $31,192 versus $19,601 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,057. About 14.5% of the families and 22.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.2% of those under the age of 18 and 4.2% of those 65 and older.


title: Cedar City, Utah

text: The economy is mostly centered on a small manufacturing hub, tourism, Southern Utah University, and home construction. The largest employers in Cedar City (2019 data) are listed below.


title: Laudato si'

text: Laudato si' ("Praise Be to You") is the second encyclical of Pope Francis. The encyclical has the subtitle "on care for our common home". In it, the pope critiques consumerism and irresponsible development, laments environmental degradation and global warming, and calls all people of the world to take "swift and unified global action."


title: Laudato si'

text: The encyclical, dated 24 May 2015, was officially published at noon on 18 June 2015, accompanied by a news conference. The Vatican released the document in Italian, German, English, Spanish, French, Polish, Portuguese and Arabic, alongside the original Latin.


title: Laudato si'

text: The encyclical is the second published by Pope Francis, after "Lumen fidei" ("The Light of Faith"), which was released in 2013. Since "Lumen fidei" was largely the work of Francis's predecessor Benedict XVI, "Laudato si" is generally viewed as the first encyclical that is entirely the work of Francis.


title: Laudato si'

text: The title of the social encyclical is a Central Italian phrase from Francis of Assisi's 13th-century "Canticle of the Sun" (also called the Canticle of the Creatures), a poem and prayer in which God is praised for the creation of the different creatures and aspects of the Earth.


title: Laudato si'

text: The tone of the Pope's phrasing has been described as "cautious and undogmatic, and he specifically calls for discussion and dialogue." For example, he states in the encyclical (#188):


title: Laudato si'

text: There are certain environmental issues where it is not easy to achieve a broad consensus. Here I would state once more that the Church does not presume to settle scientific questions or to replace politics. But I am concerned to encourage an honest and open debate so that particular interests or ideologies will not prejudice the common good.


title: Laudato si'

text: He adds that "Although the post-industrial period may well be remembered as one of the most irresponsible in history, nonetheless there is reason to hope that humanity at the dawn of the twenty-first century will be remembered for having generously shouldered its grave responsibilities." Francis does state that concern for the natural world is no longer "'optional' but is an integral part of the Church teaching on social justice."


title: Laudato si'

text: Francis reportedly has said that the encyclical was not really an environmental document at all. The warming of the planet is a symptom of a greater problem: the developed world's indifference to the destruction of the planet as they pursue short-term economic gains. This has resulted in a "throwaway culture" in which unwanted items and unwanted people, such as the unborn, the elderly, and the poor, are discarded as waste. This subtext makes the document "more profoundly subversive" than it appears on the surface.


title: Laudato si'

text: The real problem, according to Francis, lies in the fact that humans no longer see God as the Creator. Thus we see "other living beings as mere objects subjected to arbitrary human domination" and do not realize that "the ultimate purpose of other creatures is not found in us." Francis says that instead of viewing humanity as having "dominion" over the earth, we must see that everything is interconnected and that all of creation is a "kind of universal family". Nature cannot be seen as something apart from humanity, or merely the place where we live. He says that our social and environmental crises are thus one complex crisis that must be solved holistically.


title: Laudato si'

text: The Catholic Church, even after the Second Vatican Council, had put some distance between itself and the modern environmentalist movement. This was due primarily to concerns about Malthusian-derived concepts about population control and how that related to Catholic moral teachings on aspects such as artificial contraception and abortion, as emphasised in Pope Paul VI's encyclical "Humanae Vitae". Martin Palmer, an Anglican who was previously the Secretary General of the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (an NGO created by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1995 to change the views of religions on environmentalism and global warming) claims that Francis' encyclical "really helped, but now unfortunately, people in the Vatican still fear they will be attacked or compromised over this."


title: Laudato si'

text: Francis "pulls no punches" when lamenting pollution, climate change, a lack of clean water, loss of biodiversity, and an overall decline in human life and a breakdown of society. "Never have we so hurt and mistreated our common home as we have in the last two hundred years," he states.


title: Laudato si'

text: He "describe[s] a relentless exploitation and destruction of the environment, for which he blamed apathy, the reckless pursuit of profits, excessive faith in technology and political shortsightedness." "Laudato si"' "unambiguously accepts the scientific consensus that changes in the climate are largely man-made" and states that "climate change is a global problem with grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political and for the distribution of goods. It represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day" and warns of "unprecedented destruction of ecosystems, with serious consequence for all of us" if prompt climate change mitigation efforts are not undertaken.


title: Laudato si'

text: The encyclical highlights the role of fossil fuels in causing climate change. "We know that technology based on the use of highly polluting fossil fuels – especially coal, but also oil and, to a lesser degree, gas – needs to be progressively replaced without delay," Francis says. "Until greater progress is made in developing widely accessible sources of renewable energy, it is legitimate to choose the less harmful alternative or to find short-term solutions." The encyclical's comments on climate change are consistent with the scientific consensus on climate change.


title: Laudato si'

text: The encyclical states that developed nations are morally obligated to assist developing nations in combating the climate-change crisis. Poor nations, the pontiff says, are ill-prepared to adapt to the effects of climate change and will bear the brunt of its effects. Linking the issues of poverty, which has been a major issue in his papacy, and the environment, he insists that the world must "hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor."


title: Laudato si'

text: He does not believe, according to R. R. Reno, that "for all our flaws, Western societies are more democratic, more egalitarian, and more inclusive than any in history." Citing the New Zealand Bishops Conference "Statement on Environmental Issues", Francis asks "what the commandment 'Thou shall not kill' means when 'twenty percent of the world's population consumes resources at a rate that robs the poor nations and future generations of what they need to survive.'"


title: Laudato si'

text: "Science and religion, with their distinctive approaches to understanding reality, can enter into an intense dialogue fruitful for both," according to the pontiff. Religions, including Christianity, can make "rich contributions ... towards an integral ecology and the full development of humanity," However, "the scientific and experimental method" itself can be part of the problem when it decouples creation from the Creator.


title: Laudato si'

text: The editor of "First Things" R. R. Reno critiques the encyclical, writing "Laudato si"' makes "many fierce denunciations of the current global order." This global order "destroys the environment, oppresses the multitudes, and makes us blind to the beauty of creation." According to Reno, the critiques of the scientific and technocratic present contained in the encyclical make this "perhaps the most anti-modern encyclical since the Syllabus of Errors, Pius IX's haughty 1864 dismissal of the conceits of the modern era." He adds that the encyclical's tone lacks elements commonly found in the works of John Paul II and Benedict XVI that, in the tradition of "Gaudium et spes", would have affirmed the modern world while correcting its errors.


title: Laudato si'

text: Modern technology, the "dominant technological paradigm", is seen as a key contributor to the environmental crisis and human suffering. While the technocratic paradigm (i.e. the simulation) is switched on, Pope Francis points out, technology is viewed as "principal key to the meaning of existence" and asks the world to "resist" its "assault". "The technological paradigm has become so dominant that it would be difficult to do without its resources and even more difficult to utilize them without being dominated by their internal logic. It has become countercultural to choose a lifestyle whose goals are even partly independent of technology… Technology tends to absorb everything into its ironclad logic, and those who are surrounded with technology 'know full well that it moves forward in the final analysis neither for profit nor for the well-being of the human race.'"


title: Laudato si'

text: Technology is not value-neutral and technological developments are directed by the profit motive, according to Pope Francis. This is a form of institutionalized greed, generally with little regard for environmental and social consequences. "The economy accepts every advance in technology with a view to profit, without concern for its potentially negative impact on human beings". The encyclical warns against "blind confidence in technical solutions," particularly in view of the fact that "the specialization which belongs to technology makes it difficult to see the large picture," which "can actually become a form of ignorance." As a result, many technological solutions are nothing more than short-term techno-fixes attempting to remove symptoms rather than addressing the underlying environmental, social, economic, and even moral and spiritual problems: "Technology, which, linked to business interests, is presented as the only way of solving these problems, in fact, proves incapable of seeing the mysterious network of relations between things and so sometimes solves one problem only to create others."


title: Laudato si'

text: Given these significant shortcomings of technology, "scientific and technological progress cannot be equated with the progress of humanity and history," and we are deluded by the myth of progress to believe that "ecological problems will solve themselves simply with the application of new technology and without need for ethical consideration or deep change." A profound redefinition of progress and "liberation from the dominant technocratic paradigm" are needed, i.e., "we have the freedom needed to limit and direct technology; we can put it at the service of another type of progress, one which is healthier, more human, more social, more integral." More fundamentally, according to the pontiff, we need to recognize that "technology severed from ethics will not easily be able to limit its own power," and that "the most extraordinary scientific advances, the most amazing technical abilities, the most astonishing economic growth, unless they are accompanied by authentic social and moral progress, will definitively turn against man." Pope Francis adds that the environmental crisis can ultimately only be solved if our immense technological developments are accompanied by a "development in human responsibility, values, and conscience."


title: Laudato si'

text: According to a "New York Times" summary, the encyclical is "sweeping" in scope and is wide-ranging (80 pages / 45,000 words), including mentions of such topics as urban planning, agricultural economics, and biodiversity.


title: Laudato si'

text: The encyclical also gives voice to the Pope's opposition to abortion, embryonic stem cell research and population control – saying that respect for creation and human dignity go hand in hand. "Since everything is interrelated," Francis says, "concern for the protection of nature is also incompatible with the justification of abortion." According to the Pope, we can't in fact "genuinely teach the importance of concern for other vulnerable beings, however troublesome or inconvenient they may be, if we fail to protect a human embryo, even when its presence is uncomfortable and creates difficulties."


title: Laudato si'

text: "Laudato si"' opposes gender theory and supports "valuing one's own body in its femininity or masculinity." In acknowledging differences, the Pope states "we can joyfully accept the specific gifts of another man or woman, the work of God the Creator, and find mutual enrichment."


title: Laudato si'

text: The encyclical has 172 footnoted citations, many to Francis's immediate predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI. The encyclical also "draws prominently from" Bartholomew I of Constantinople, the patriarch of the Eastern Orthodox Church of Constantinople and an ally of the pope. It is highly unusual to quote an Orthodox bishop in a papal document. More than 10 per cent of the footnotes, 21, cite documents from 16 bishops' conferences around the world, mostly from the global south. This is the first encyclical to cite bishops' conferences. This was an effort, experts believe, to build alliances on a controversial topic. The encyclical also cites Thomas Aquinas, the 9th-century Sufi mystic Ali al-Khawas, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, and Romano Guardini.


title: Laudato si'

text: Speculation about an "environmental encyclical" to be issued by Pope Francis first began in November 2013. On 24 January 2014, the Vatican confirmed that drafting had begun. Federico Lombardi, the Holy See Press Office director, said that the document was in its very early stages, that no publication date had been set, and that the encyclical would be about ecology (and specifically the "ecology of man").


title: Laudato si'

text: Cardinal Peter Turkson, the president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, and his team wrote the first draft of the encyclical. The draft was later reviewed by several theologians as well and sent (about three weeks before the encyclical's release) to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the second section of the Secretariat of State, and the theologian of the Papal Household. Edits were made based on their responses.


title: Laudato si'

text: In drafting the encyclical, the Vatican consulted with leading scientific experts for months. One of the experts consulted was Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, the founder and head of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and chair of the German Advisory Council on Global Change.


title: Laudato si'

text: On 28 April 2015, in advance of the encyclical's release, the Vatican hosted a one-day conference on climate change, featuring Turkson, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (who delivered the keynote address), Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa and American economist Jeffrey Sachs.


title: Laudato si'

text: The title and subtitle of the encyclical were first reported on in a Twitter message by Spanish-language journalist Mercedes De La Torre on 30 May 2015. The Vatican confirmed that the title would be "Laudato si' " on 10 June. While some initial reports said the encyclical would be called "Laudato Sii", this was incorrect; the pope chose to use the original Umbrian form and spelling of the poem, with a single "i".


title: Laudato si'

text: On 4 June, the Vatican press office announced that the encyclical – which was "already attracting global attention for its expected discourses on Catholic theology on ecology, current environmental destruction, and climate change" – would be released on 18 June.


title: Laudato si'

text: Four days before the encyclical's release, the Italian magazine "L'Espresso" posted a leaked draft of the document online. The leaked document "almost exactly matched" the final document. The leak angered Vatican officials who called it a "heinous act" and revoked the press credentials of the longtime "L'Espresso" Vatican correspondent Sandro Magister. "The New York Times" and the Italian newspaper "La Stampa" both noted suggestions that the leak came from conservatives inside the Vatican who wished to embarrass the pope and hinder the rollout of the encyclical.


title: Laudato si'

text: The encyclical letter was officially released at an event in the New Synod Hall of the Vatican City. Speaking at the press conference were Turkson, Schellnhuber, and John Zizioulas (the metropolitan of Pergamon, representing the Orthodox Church). On the day of the encyclical's official release, Pope Francis issued two messages about it on his official Twitter account, @Pontifex. It has been suggested that the encyclical's release was timed to influence three summits being held at the United Nations on financial aid, sustainable development and climate change later in 2015.


title: Laudato si'

text: After the encyclical was released, the Vatican's website was briefly inaccessible as many people tried to read it. It has been described as "one of the shrewdest documents issued by the Vatican during the past century" and "has revealed Francis as a wily and sophisticated politician of the first order." It contains, according to Paul Vallely, "a raft of defenses against critics who dismiss it as the work of some kind of left-wing maverick."


title: Laudato si'

text: The Laudato Si' Movement, a global network of over 900 Catholic organizations and over 10,000 trained grassroots leaders known as Laudato Si' Animators, has played a key role in supporting the Church to receive and implement the encyclical. In close partnership with the Vatican Dicastery for Integral Human Development, Laudato Si' Movement has convened various global initiatives to raise awareness and spark action, such as the annual Laudato Si' Week celebration, the Season of Creation ecumenical celebration, and the film "The Letter".


title: Laudato si'

text: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, led by its president Joseph Edward Kurtz, the archbishop of Louisville, described the encyclical as "our marching orders for advocacy" and planned briefings on the encyclical with both chambers of Congress and with the White House. Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston said that the "constant linkage throughout the encyclical of the dual need to respect and protect "Our Common Home" and the need to respect and protect the dignity and lives of the poor may be regarded as the distinctive characteristic of this powerful message of Pope Francis."


title: Laudato si'

text: Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Archbishop of Manila, wrote that "In "Laudato si"' Pope Francis reminds us to replace consumption with a sense of sacrifice, greed with generosity and wastefulness with a spirit of sharing. We must "give, and not simply give up." We are called to free ourselves from all that is heavy and negative and wasteful and to enter into dialogue with our global family."


title: Laudato si'

text: The three bishops of Northern and Central California, Stephen Blaire, Armando Xavier Ochoa, and Jaime Soto, issued a joint statement that highlighted how climate change disproportionately affects the poor. "The Catholic perspective is that human and natural ecology go hand in hand," the trio said. "We are called to solidarity with the poor as well as stewardship of the Earth. Our deep regard for the dignity of every person commands us to cultivate a climate of life where each of God's children thrive and join with creation in praising our Creator. This is the 'integral ecology' of which Pope Francis speaks."


title: Laudato si'

text: Bishop Richard Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, which has the first major presidential primary contest in the United States, called on candidates to show courage and leadership on the issue, saying "With presidential candidates already visiting us regularly, I encourage Catholics across our state, and all people of goodwill, to talk to them and ask not if, but how, they plan to work toward solutions to climate change."


title: Laudato si'

text: German Archbishop of Hamburg Stefan Heße praised the encyclical, calling it "valuable momentum for a worldwide ecological reorientation." He commented further, saying:He makes it clear that urgent issues of the future for the whole world and for all human beings have to be solved. Without a radical change of mentality, it will not do. Thus he underlines that the problems that concern all can be solved only by all.Vaticanologist John L. Allen Jr., said in an analysis, ""Laudato si"' seems destined to go down as a major turning point, the moment when environmentalism claimed pride of place on a par with the dignity of human life and economic justice as a cornerstone of Catholic social teaching. It also immediately makes the Catholic Church arguably the leading moral voice in the press to combat global warming and the consequences of climate change."


title: Laudato si'

text: Samuel Gregg, director of research at the libertarian Acton Institute, has criticised "the sheer overreach that plagues" "Laudato si"'. RealClearReligion editor Nicholas Hahn has said that "Good Catholics can disagree on how to combat climate change and shouldn't worry about being sent to the confessional if they drive a SUV."


title: Laudato si'

text: This criticism comes even though Francis took "care to locate his text firmly in the substantial body of teaching set out by previous popes," especially John Paul II and Benedict XVI.


title: Laudato si'

text: In July 2015, Cardinal George Pell criticised Pope Francis's encyclical "Laudato si"' for associating the church with the need to address climate, stating:


title: Laudato si'

text: Three days before the encyclical was released, the 14th Dalai Lama issued a Twitter message stating: "Since climate change and the global economy now affect us all, we have to develop a sense of the oneness of humanity."


title: Laudato si'

text: Two days before the encyclical was released, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, head of the Anglican Communion, issued a "green declaration" (also signed by the Methodist Conference as well as representatives of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and the British Muslim, Sikh and Jewish communities) urging a transition to a low-carbon economy and fasting and prayer for success at the December 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.


title: Laudato si'

text: The same day, the Lausanne Movement of global evangelical Christians said it was anticipating the encyclical and was grateful for it. The encyclical was also welcomed by the World Council of Churches and the Christian Reformed Church in North America.


title: Laudato si'

text: The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, welcomed the encyclical in a statement on the day it was released. Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary-general and current chair of the Africa Progress Panel, also issued a statement in support of the encyclical, stating "As Pope Francis reaffirms, climate change is an all-encompassing threat. … I applaud the Pope for his strong moral and ethical leadership. We need more of such inspired leadership. Will we see it at the climate summit in Paris?"


title: Laudato si'

text: Christiana Figueres, the executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, said: "Pope Francis is personally committed to this issue like no other pope before him. I do think the encyclical is going to have a major impact. It will speak to the moral imperative of addressing climate change in a timely fashion in order to protect the most vulnerable."


title: Laudato si'

text: Science historian Naomi Oreskes observes that "Laudato si"' "insists we embrace the moral dimensions of problems that have heretofore been viewed primarily as scientific, technological, and economic."


title: Laudato si'

text: The encyclical gave a boost to the fossil fuel divestment movement. Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, the founding director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and chair of the German Advisory Council on Global Change, who advised the Vatican on the drafting of the encyclical, said that "the science of "Laudato si' " is watertight" and gave the pontiff an "A" for command of the subject.


title: Laudato si'

text: An editorial in "Nature" praised the encyclical for its statements about sustainability and global poverty and the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources: "The papal calls to end poverty and share the world's ecological space in a fair way are objectives that mirror the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, to be released in September. The Pope's letter adds an important facet to the discussion: it is not merely conceivable to secure a sound future for human civilization without relying on coal, oil and gas – it is a prerequisite." However, it criticised Francis for ignoring important issues like family planning and birth control. "Alas, he remained silent on issues of contraception. With a world population heading towards a possible 10 billion, the importance of family planning is clear. The Vatican has been brave on climate change. If it is serious about the fate of the planet and the welfare of its inhabitants, then it must be braver still on the issue of contraception."


title: Laudato si'

text: A review by nine climate scientists under the Climate Feedback project concluded the encyclical "rather accurately depicts the current reality of climate change" and "fairly represents the present concerns raised by the scientific community."


title: Laudato si'

text: Nicholas Stern, chair of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment and author of an influential report on climate change, stated that "The publication of the Pope's encyclical is of enormous significance. He has shown great wisdom and leadership. Pope Francis is surely absolutely right that climate change raises vital moral and ethical issues... Moral leadership on climate change from the Pope is particularly important because of the failure of many heads of state and government around the world to show political leadership."


title: Laudato si'

text: Leading ecological economist and steady-state theorist Herman Daly praised the Pope's encyclical on the grounds that it "... unifies the main divisions of Christianity on at least the fundamental recognition that we have a shamefully neglected duty to care for the Earth out of which we evolved, and to share the Earth's life support more equitably with each other, with the future, and with other creatures." Daly even believes that the Pope "skates fairly close to the idea of steady-state economics," although the important issues of population stabilization, responsible family planning and contraception were "conspicuously near-absent" in the encyclical.


title: Laudato si'

text: Stephen F. Schneck, the director of Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies at The Catholic University of America, has said that "Something's going to come out of this and it's definitely going to have an impact on public policy in the US." However, Kathy Saile, the former long time director of the US bishops' office for domestic social justice, does not believe that "it will spark a climate change bill, but someday when negotiations are happening on a bill or a treaty, these kinds of moral teachings could have an influence." Nonetheless, she added, "Pope Francis's tone, his honesty, how he talks about mercy and care for the poor, and his genuine desire to be a bridge," could influence political culture in Washington. "If he could change the tone of the debate, that would be an amazing gift."


title: Laudato si'

text: Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski, chairman of the US bishops' committee on domestic peace and justice, wrote a letter to Congress letting them know that "The U.S. bishops stand united with the Holy Father in his call to protect creation." He also asked them to "resist any effort to impair the development of a national carbon standard and instead to support our nation's ability to address this urgent global challenge confronting the human family." Schneck opined that "This is different than the normal letters that the USCCB sends over all the time on a variety of issues. It really transcends the fault lines of both US politics and politics around the world."


title: Laudato si'

text: Cornell anthropologists Annelise Riles and Vincent Ialenti told NPR.org: "We find "Laudato Si"' important because it defies the United States' political imagination at every turn. In some moments, the pope reads like an archconservative, in other moments an archliberal. Sometimes he defers to scientists, other times he quotes scripture and, still other times, he criticizes the very foundations of economics. Mixing together ideas many see as incompatible, he forces us to think."


title: Laudato si'

text: "The New York Times" reported that the encyclical put pressure on Catholics seeking the Republican Party nomination for president of the United States in 2016, including Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, and Rick Santorum, who "have questioned or denied the established science of human-caused climate change, and have harshly criticized policies designed to tax or regulate the burning of fossil fuels." Jeb Bush said: "I hope I'm not going to get castigated for saying this by my priest back home, but I don't get economic policy from my bishops or my cardinal or my pope."


title: Laudato si'

text: Neoconservative circles in the United States have criticised the encyclical right from its publication in Rome, sometimes in very harsh terms. Writing in the "Weekly Standard", Irwin M. Stelzer has argued that:


title: Laudato si'

text: Pope Francis is unambiguously opposed to the American system of "savage capitalism". He has famously quoted a fourth century Doctor of the Church, St. Basil of Caesarea, who called money "the devil's dung", has railed against the "anonymous influences of mammon" and a "new colonialism" that includes "free trade treaties... [and] imposition of austerity," and stated a preference for "cooperatives". Throw in Francis' views that we are witnessing "a disturbing warming of the climatic system... due to the great concentration of greenhouse gasses," and that "there is an urgent need of a true world political authority," and you have positions that it will take more than a spoonful of the Pontiff's charm to make go down the throats of many Americans.


title: Laudato si'

text: A lobbyist of Arch Coal sent an email to Republican lawmakers stating the pope "does not appear to address the tragedy of global energy poverty." The lobbyist argued the church should promote fossil fuels instead if he really cared about the poor. The email suggested "talking points" to the legislators for defending the coal industry and rejecting the arguments of the pope. The lobbyist wrote: "Billions of people around the globe are living without electrification and suffering through untold poverty and disease as a result." In contrast to these arguments the encyclical argues that fossil fuels in general and coal in particular threaten the poor: Fossil fuels are a threat to prosperity for the poor. They would suffer even more in particular from sea level rise, droughts, warming and extreme weather caused by burning fossil fuels.


title: Laudato si'

text: In June 2019, in a meeting at the Vatican which climatologist Hans Joachim Schellnhuber described as one of the most significant of his 30-year career, Francis "convinced big oil CEOs to alter their message on climate change." These included CEOs of ExxonMobil, BP, Royal Dutch Shell, and Chevron who pledged to avert what Francis called "a climate emergency" that risks "perpetrating a brutal act of injustice towards the poor and future generations." Francis "stressed the need for a radical energy transition to save our common home." They pledged to "advance the energy transition [...] while minimizing the costs to vulnerable communities."


title: Laudato si'

text: The LGBT-interest magazine "The Advocate" noted that the encyclical contains passages which reinforce the church's position against the transsexuality movement, calling for "the acceptance of our bodies as God's gift."


title: Laudato si'

text: Pankaj Mishra wrote that the encyclical was "Arguably the most important piece of intellectual criticism in our time."


title: Laudato si'

text: In 2019, the journal "Biological Conservation" published research by Malcolm McCallum showing evidence of widespread, sustained growth in interest in the environment in many countries around the world. These results were most prominent in countries with large Catholic populations, especially those with biodiversity hotspots present.


title: Laudato si'

text: The 2022 documentary film , presented by YouTube Originals, tells the story of the Laudato Si' encyclical.


title: Laudato si'

text: The film was produced by Oscar-winning Off The Fence Productions and directed by Nicolas Brown, in partnership with the Laudato Si' Movement.


title: Laudato si'

text: Following its global premiere in Vatican City on 4 October 2022, the film was an instant success amassing over 7 million views in its first two weeks, with the support of celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Arnold Schwarzenegger.